Scotland is recording its highest breastfeeding rates since records began, providing encouraging news for the health of a new generation of babies. New figures from Public Health Scotland, published on 10 November 2026, show that seven in ten babies are now breastfed for at least some time after birth.
Following an increase in detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild and captive birds, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland has declared Scotland-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds. From 12 noon on Tuesday 10 November, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from avian flu.
The UK will be more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic following a new £90 million investment in new drones, sensors and AI systems for the Royal Navy. First phase of the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion programme will deliver new drones, sensors and AI systems to protect undersea cables and energy networks.
Oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since August, despite fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure and continuing instability across the Middle East. Brent crude briefly dropped below $90 a barrel on Tuesday, November 10, leaving many observers wondering why the market appears so relaxed when the security of one of the world's most important oil-producing regions remains under threat.
The Government is encouraging households across Britain to prepare for emergencies by keeping at least three days' supplies of essential food, drinking water and other necessities at home. It is sensible advice, but it raises some interesting questions about how well prepared households already are.
A change to credit scoring could help millions of British renters build a better financial record. But there are questions about fairness, privacy and what happens when someone falls behind with their rent.
Dame Antonia Romeo, the UK's Cabinet Secretary, has delivered a speech setting out plans to fundamentally change the way government operates. Her message is that traditional government structures, departmental boundaries and bureaucratic procedures are no longer suitable for the challenges facing the country.
Britain's transition towards electric cars is gathering momentum, but it is also exposing some uncomfortable questions about the future of the motor industry. The country's dependence on overseas manufacturers and whether the infrastructure needed to support millions of electric vehicles is being developed quickly enough.
The announcement that the Lidl supermarket in Giffnock, Glasgow, has been put up for sale for offers over £6.82 million raises an interesting question about who actually owns Britain's supermarkets. The property is being marketed by commercial property agents Knight Frank.
Perhaps one of the most interesting examples is easyJet, the airline founded in Britain in 1995 which grew from a small low-cost operator into one of Europe's best-known airlines. In August 2026, American investment group Apollo Global Management agreed a recommended £5.7 billion cash acquisition of easyJet.
New legislation gives independent trade unions the right to request access to workplaces from 30 October 2026, even where employers do not recognise them. Businesses employing 21 or more workers will need to understand the new rules.
Thousands of jobs will be supported as two major offshore wind projects mark progress towards delivering clean homegrown energy for millions of homes, ahead of the Prime Minister’s travel to the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye. Prime Minister welcomes green light for two major new UK offshore wind projects ahead of attendance at COP31.
For many people trying to buy their first home, saving a substantial deposit has become one of the biggest obstacles to getting onto the property ladder. House prices have risen considerably faster than many wages, rents consume a large proportion of household income, and putting aside enough money for a deposit can take years.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences to the American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford.
After more than 15 years of delays, uncertainty and political controversy, a major offshore oil development in the Falkland Islands is moving towards the construction and drilling stage. The Sea Lion oilfield, located in the North Falkland Basin, could see development drilling begin in early 2027, with first oil targeted for the first quarter of 2028.
Some of you may have noticed we have tackled the debt topic more than once recently. For a period where the cost of living is rising faster than for the past few years debt can easily build up and the time to tackle or think about it is NOW.
The Scottish Government has once again confirmed its commitment to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035. Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has been speaking about the programme and the importance of improving safety on one of Scotland's most important and frequently criticised trunk roads.
Special schools, pressure on individual school budgets, delayed savings and growing costs of additional support raise questions about how sustainable Highland Council's education finances really are. At first glance, Highland Council's latest Education and Learning budget monitoring report might not appear particularly alarming.
Alex Clegg and Nye Cominetti highlight five key points to look out for in Alan Milburn’s Review into Young People and Work next week. After months of speculation, Alan Milburn’s Review into Young People and Work looks set to be published next week.
Highland Council is facing continuing financial pressures, with difficult decisions about services, staffing, facilities and future investment. Yet one organisation delivering a substantial range of council services appears to have found a way of expanding its reach while reducing its reliance on council funding.