Latest News

6/6/2026

Millions of unmarried couples to get stronger rights in England and Wales - Scotland Is already Different

Overdue reforms to protect women and meet the needs of modern relationships as the government continues to prioritise tackling VAWG and working people.   Survivors of domestic abuse will get better financial protections when bravely leaving a relationship, regardless of whether they’re married.  

6/6/2026

Sales of Thermal Underwear Are Up As People Anticipate Even Higher Energy Costs Next Winter

there is quite a lot of evidence that many UK households have been changing their spending habits to prepare for high winter energy costs, although it is often more accurately described as "coping strategies" than formal preparation.   Around 11 million UK households planned to buy warming gadgets or clothing to reduce heating costs.  

6/6/2026

 
Thousands of seafarers across the Channel set for better pay and protections under new government proposals

The new laws will extend and strengthen seafarer protections beyond UK territorial waters.   Thousands of seafarers working across the Channel to benefit from proper rest periods, fair pay, and stronger protections as the government goes further to make seafarers’ lives fairer, safer and better.  

6/6/2026

 
Energy-saving upgrades drive expansion at Orkney Crab

Ten new jobs have been created following efficiency improvements and increased production at Orkney Crab Ltd in Stromness.   Ten new jobs have been created following efficiency improvements and increased production at Orkney Crab Ltd in Stromness.  

6/6/2026

 
Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse

Raised standards for recruiting foreign students come amid continued visa abuse.  Student asylum claims already down 30% as government action delivers results.  

6/6/2026

 
New proposals to cut bills with community batteries

Families and businesses could benefit from cheaper energy through the use of community batteries.   Families could save on bills by storing cheaper renewable able electricity and using it when demand is highest.  

6/6/2026

 
UK-led Operation Interflex enters new phase of specialist training for Ukraine

June 2026 will mark four years of Operation Interflex, a UK-led multinational training programme that has trained more than 63,000 Ukrainian personnel as infantry soldiers, leaders and instructors.   The fifth year of the successful and highly valued programme will herald a new phase of specialist training designed to build long-term capability.  

Today : Local Authority

New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes

The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.   As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever.  

Today

Share of innovative UK businesses falls by 19 percentage points in a decade

The share of UK businesses classed as innovation-active fell to 34% in 2022-24, deepening concerns about a long-term decline in business innovation and the country's future competitiveness.  This figure compares to 53% just a decade earlier, a drop of 19 percentage points.  

Today

Scotland’s Tax System: Three Voices, One Message - Why Complexity Hurts the Highlands

When three very different institutions — the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), and the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) — all turn their attention to Scotland’s tax system wha is he result.  The result is not a chorus in harmony but a layered critique.  

Today

A Warning That Oil Buffer Stocks Now Being Used Faster Than Replacement

The U.S.  Energy Information Administration is warning that oil buffer stocks are running down faster than expected.  

Today

United States Latest Ukraine Support From Proposal to Delivery: How the Ukraine Support Act Becomes Real Support

The Ukraine Support Act, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks, is designed to provide $8 billion in military financing loans, extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2027, and impose new sanctions on Russia.   On paper, it looks like a decisive package.  

Today

The Dreaded VAT Question: Shrink or Grow? A Highland Perspective

Few issues divide small business owners more than the VAT threshold.  In theory, it is a simple line: once your turnover passes £90,000 in a rolling twelve‑month period, you must register for VAT.  

Today

Scotland On The Increasing Credit Card Slippery Slope

The evidence suggests that credit card debt in Scotland is increasing, although Scotland-specific figures are not collected as comprehensively as UK-wide figures.   If interest rates rise as some analysts are predicting the situation for people with credit card debt will get much worse.  

Today

 
Trump is raising your mortgage cost. So, why can’t Britain offer fixed-rate mortgages for life? - Richard Murphy

Most British mortgage holders live with uncertainty.  They always face the risk of higher repayment costs through no fault of their own.  

Today

Britain's Businesses Under Pressure: Costs Rise as Confidence Wavers

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Business Insights survey paints a picture of an economy that is still struggling to find firm footing.  While many businesses continue to trade successfully, rising costs, economic uncertainty and pressure on consumer spending remain major concerns across the UK.  

Today

Shops Footfall Hit By Record Sunshine In UK But Scotland Went Slightly Up In Places

Total UK footfall decreased by 2.6% in May (YoY), up from -10.7% in April.   High Street footfall decreased by 1.5% in May (YoY), up from -9.2% in April.  

Today

 
Coloradans are getting squeezed by credit cards while trying to navigate high costs

Colorado’s breath-taking landscapes are increasingly overshadowed by breath-taking bills.  Despite a high-growth economy, many households face a concerning paradox.  

Today

Britain’s Economy Sends Mixed Signals: Growth Continues, but Warning Lights Are Flashing

The latest real-time indicators from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal an economy that is still moving forward, but not without growing strains beneath the surface.   The value of the ONS real-time indicators lies in their ability to provide an early glimpse of economic activity before the publication of traditional economic statistics.  

Yesterday : Other Public Services

Wylfa Decommissioning But With Good Propects For Future Nuclear Dvelopments

Wylfa, located on Anglesey, North Wales, is a historic nuclear site that operated from 1971 to 2015, featuring the UK's largest and last Magnox reactors.   Known for its significant contribution to UK energy, it is currently undergoing decommissioning while being designated as a premier location for new, small modular reactor (SMR) technology.