A programme on BBC Radio 4 today caught out ears and for anyone who eats honey regularly or even now and then it is well worth a listen - now on BBC Sounds. The programme was made as part of the series the Food Programme - The Honey Trap.
Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), the world's leading nuclear transport specialist, and nuclear technology company Westinghouse have signed a new strategic agreement to work together on the development of Pegasus - NTS's revolutionary transport package designed to safely move the next generation of nuclear fuel. The signing took place at the British Embassy, in Washington DC, as part of a prestigious event celebrating the UK and US commitment to advancing nuclear energy generation.
Warm Home Discount has been extended so millions of families will receive the £150 energy bill discount for the rest of the decade. Eligible households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter until 2030/2031.
A police-led taskforce will continue its work to tackle shoplifting and violence against staff after securing funding in the draft budget for 2026-27. The Retail Crime Taskforce was launched in April last year following £3 million investment from the Scottish Government to combat a rise in retail crime.
The number of babies being born in Scotland has fallen to a record low. Last year, fewer than 46,000 births were registered - and, increasingly, women are waiting till their thirties to have a child.
The Scottish Parliament has passed the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delivering for both nature and people with ambition at its heart and showing respect for nature, for the land and the people who steward and care for it. For the first time statutory targets will be in place to enhance nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland.
A new report highlights the success of Scottish companies which attended the world expo in Japan, generating orders for sectors including offshore wind, gaming, health technology and consumer products. Business delegations to Scotland Day showcase events at Expo 2025 Osaka have reported £23 million in sales through immediate export orders as well as forecast sales over the next three years.
Those who lose someone over the winter months are encouraged to apply for support to help with funeral costs. Funeral Support Payment is delivered by Social Security Scotland and is available to people living in Scotland who receive certain benefits.
Scottish entrepreneurs and businesses will gain direct access to investment opportunities and partnerships in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a new agreement to be signed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes in Dubai today. The deal creates opportunities for Scottish business to connect with UAE investors by attending trade events including UAE's Flagship Investopia event in March.
Independent review launched to fix substandard military accommodation for around 80,000 single and unaccompanied service personnel. Around 80,000 military personnel living in single and unaccompanied accommodation in the UK and overseas will see their living conditions transformed through a new independent review into single living accommodation provision.
When Highland Council transferred responsibility for leisure, culture and community learning services to High Life Highland (HLH), the move was often presented as a way to protect valued local services from the worst of council budget cuts. By placing libraries, leisure centres, swimming pools and cultural provision into a charitable trust, the council could take advantage of tax reliefs, external funding opportunities and more flexible operating arrangements.
Regional economic disparities have long been a defining feature of the UK economy. Differences in productivity, income, employment opportunities and public investment between regions are among the widest in any advanced economy.
When budgets tighten in Highland Council, cuts tend not to fall evenly. Some services are much more exposed than others because of how local government funding rules work and because of Highland's geography.
Highland Council faces a set of financial pressures that are both familiar across Scottish local government and uniquely intensified by its geography, population size, and historic investment choices. While headline debates often focus on council tax rises or total debt levels, the real impact of financial tightening is felt in how different services are protected, redesigned, or reduced over time.
Highland Council's high debt connects to local services and council tax, in practical, day-to-day terms. Council debt doesn't pay for services directly — but it affects them.
Scotland will host a new AI Growth Zone in Lanarkshire, supporting more than 3,400 jobs and helping drive economic growth as part of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy. Scotland to host new AI Growth Zone - a key pillar of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy - creating 3,400 high value jobs and boosting wages across the region over the coming years.
At Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), The Highland Council reported a strong performance across several key housing indicators, including a reduction in households in temporary accommodation, improved repairs times, and the lowest level of rent arrears in three years. New figures show that the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation has fallen to 421, the lowest level recorded since The Scottish Government introduced this measure in April 2016.
New board of experts to drive forward the government's plan for a prosperous and sustainable future in the North Sea. New board of experts to drive forward the government's North Sea Future Plan for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Innovation remains central to the UK's nuclear mission. Sellafield Ltd now uses four‑legged robots to accelerate decommissioning, improving safety and reducing human exposure to hazards.
Oil prices are rising in response to President Trump's announcement of a "massive armada" heading toward Iran. Brent crude is up nearly 3% and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has climbed over 2.8%, driven by fears of supply disruption in the Middle East.