Dolly Parton's estate highlights the challenges that can arise after a founder dies. For family businesses in Scotland, a clear will and a succession plan could make the difference between continuity and costly uncertainty.
Easing sanctions may bring more fuel to market, but rising tensions in the Middle East and attacks on energy infrastructure are driving prices higher. Britain’s households and businesses could pay the price.
Pressure is mounting on Beijing to strengthen the yuan as Chinese exports surge, industrial competitors struggle and governments question whether the global trading system is operating on a level playing field. China's growing trade surplus is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for the rest of the world.
Wind farms, battery storage, offshore wind and major electricity infrastructure are transforming the energy landscape in the far north. Here is a guide to the projects already under construction, those with consent and the proposals still going through planning.
Scottish pensioners will receive a separate winter heating payment this year, while the UK Government continues its own scheme elsewhere in Britain. Income rules, payment dates and additional support all matter as household energy costs remain a concern.
The week brought a significant change for public transport in Caithness, with local bus operations moving into public ownership while the loss of a direct link to Inverness raises fresh questions about rural connectivity. Caithness faces an important week for public transport, with two developments highlighting the opportunities and difficulties of providing essential services in the far north.
Tesla's latest announcement has revived the dream of taking to the air in a personal vehicle, but technical challenges, safety rules and cost mean flying cars are unlikely to become commonplace overnight. For generations, the flying car has been a familiar feature of science fiction.
Prolonged fuel costs threaten to push up food prices, transport charges and household bills, with rural communities in Scotland particularly exposed. Households across Britain could face another squeeze on their finances in 2027 if oil, diesel and heating oil prices remain high for as long as some analysts expect.
Cap to be expanded across the north east of Scotland from April 2027. Bus passengers across North East Scotland will benefit from more affordable public transport from April 2027 when the £2 Bus Fare Cap is expanded to the region.
The Scottish Government has announced additional investment to help more refugee doctors living in Scotland return to practise medicine, supporting NHS Scotland's workforce. The £190,023 nearly doubles investment in the Bridges Programmes' Refugee Doctors Programme this year.
Community projects and services working to tackle poverty and inequality in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities across Scotland will share in more than £30 million over the next three years, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The new Scotland Together Fund will support grassroots organisations to address pressing issues facing communities affected by poverty, disadvantage, and racism from 2027/28.
First Minister announces series of interventions to tackle violence against women and girls. A new Respect Fund for Scotland will see school pupils supported to reject misogyny and promote respect as part of a package of Scottish Government action to tackle violence against women and girls.
A new digital platform for recording, transcribing and translating spoken Gaelic has been awarded £600,000 through the CivTech innovation programme. AITEAL – which means “ray of light” – will help in developing advanced technologies, including AI, for Gaelic speakers.
Fund to Leave scheme investment doubled to £4 million. An initiative supporting women and children to escape abusive relationships will see its funding doubled from £2 million to £4 million for the current year.
Britain's banks are facing the prospect of higher taxes as Chancellor John Healey prepares his Budget for 28 October, with the government under pressure to raise revenue while protecting economic growth. Reports suggest the Chancellor is considering restoring the bank profits surcharge from its current rate of 3% to 8%.
International oil prices have climbed sharply, with Brent crude approaching $110 a barrel, despite President Donald Trump announcing a relaxation of restrictions on Russian oil and gas. The decision could help increase fuel supplies, but renewed fears over disruption in the Middle East are currently dominating the market.
For years, annuities were regarded by many pension savers as an unattractive way to turn their retirement savings into income. Low interest rates meant relatively modest payouts, while pension freedoms gave people greater choice over how to use their money.
Artificial intelligence is attracting billions of pounds in investment, transforming expectations for business and raising hopes of a new wave of productivity. But as spending on computer chips, data centres and AI services continues to grow, investors are asking an increasingly important question: will the profits eventually justify the enormous cost? The question became more pressing this week as technology shares came under renewed pressure on international stock markets.
The closure of familiar online retailers and the continuing difficulties facing businesses across the UK are reminders that trading successfully has become an increasingly demanding task. For smaller companies, the combination of operating costs, competitive pressure and the need to maintain a steady flow of cash can leave little room for mistakes.
The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community. Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.