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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donald Trump has once again placed tariffs at the heart of American economic policy, and while the headlines may focus on Washington, Beijing and Brussels, the consequences could be felt in factories, distilleries and ports across Scotland. The latest proposals from the Trump administration would impose new tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom.
Patients in England set to benefit from the first sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 20 years. First sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 2 decades Targeted at areas where patients have struggled to access NHS dental care University of East Anglia (UEA) and University of Portsmouth to each receive 25 new dental training places Patients in so-called ‘dental deserts’ will benefit from the first sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 20 years, with 50 extra dentists to be trained in the regions that need them most from 2027 onwards.
Highland Council’s Education Committee has (3 June 2026) agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso. The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has (3 June 2026) delivered a speech at the Scientific Superpower Conference. Thank you And thank you to the Supercluster Board especially for everything that has gone into today and over the last year and a half. It’s great to be able to be here to speak to you this afternoon.
UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer, cites GCHQ intelligence assessments on heavy Russian losses, criticises and condemns Moscow’s refusal to engage in serious negotiations, and highlights ever increasing and unacceptable civilian casualties as a result of Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. Mr Chair, only a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that safeguards its sovereignty, will deter further Russian aggression.
UK–Ghana Growth Partnership (2026–2028) aims to boost jobs, trade, infrastructure and skills through major investments and private sector–led growth initiatives. The UK and Ghana have signed a new Growth Partnership aimed at delivering tangible benefits for people and businesses in Ghana, including more jobs, stronger infrastructure and better access to skills and education.
The Universal United Kingdom Resort, one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector, will employ thousands and entertain millions of people. Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest over £5bn in the entertainment resort complex during the expected 5 years of construction, as well as an additional £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation.
With the PetroJarl Rosebank having left its dry dock in Norway last Saturday and arrived on location west of Shetland, an important major new peer-reviewed study underlines the importance of the area for extending the life of the UK's oil and gas sector. It is economically, environmentally, and strategically beneficial for the UK to prioritise domestic oil and gas production rather than increasing reliance on imports, according to new findings from researchers at the University of Aberdeen.
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.
The Government is backing The King’s Trust’s new youth opportunity initiative with £10 million of funding, launched (3 June 2026). The nationwide initiative will fully launch in 2027, providing young people with access to more trusted adults, training, skills and work experience opportunities.
An annual conference for the Games sector and a pilot matching film and TV producers with business angels are among new initiatives that will be supported as part of record Scottish Government investment in innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship this year. A total of 44 projects will share £1.75 million through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund to help entrepreneurs and businesses emerge and grow.
Scale of the challenge should not be underestimated and requires speedy action, says Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham. Cheating in exams using latest high-tech smart devices poses a growing threat that must be tackled quickly and not underestimated, Ofqual’s chief has warned in a new podcast.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrives in India on her first official visit to the country. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to review delivery under Vision 2035.
The US House passed a war powers resolution 215-208 on 3 June 2026 but it appears unlikely to go further as President Trump can veto it. As the price of petrol/Gas is almost $5 a gallon how long can h hold out before paying attention to the voters problems in that context.
Labour says it wants to build new towns. But if Rachel Reeves funds them through PFI-style private finance, those towns could be financially crippled from the start.