HIE is looking for projects that will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the economy. Businesses and research organisations operating in the Highlands and Islands marine economy are being asked for ambitious project ideas to help secure £20m for the region.
On December 22, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a new class of U.S. Navy warships dubbed the "Trump-class," as part of what he calls the "Golden Fleet" initiative.
Every December, many shoppers plan to buy fewer things and choose more sustainable options. Yet as the month goes on, spending rises and fast fashion becomes hard to resist.
Familiar bars of chocolate have been getting more expensive, and often smaller. Is this really just because cocoa has become more expensive, as is often claimed in the media? In the UK, a Cadbury Dairy Milk "family" bar has shrunk from 200g to 180g since 2021.
Bus Users UK have awarded their 2025 Catch the Bus Month Local Authority Engagement Award to The Highland Council. The Council was one of 376 official Partners signed up to this year's Catch the Bus Month, promoting the huge benefits of bus travel and encouraging more people to get on board.
Over the past decade—and especially since 2021—electricity prices for households in both the United Kingdom and the United States have risen significantly. While the two countries share common global pressures, including fuel price volatility and rising electricity demand, differences in market structure, regulation, and energy policy have produced distinct outcomes for bill payers.
The UK has secured bilateral fisheries agreements with Norway and the Faroe Islands for 2026, worth approximately £8 million in historic UK landing prices. The UK has secured bilateral fisheries agreements with Norway and the Faroe Islands for 2026, worth approximately £8 million in historic UK landing prices.
The dollar has weakened significantly in 2025. The Dollar Index (DXY) is down roughly 9-10% year-to-date, one of the largest declines in recent years.
The UK economy ends 2025 in a subdued state. Momentum slowed over the year, with official monthly data showing a 0.1% contraction in October and services output falling, reinforcing expectations of near‑term monetary easing to support activity.
Bingo clubs across Britain are celebrating the scrapping of bingo duty as UK tax minister Dan Tomlinson and the Bingo Association's Paul Swindon joined players in London. Bingo clubs across Britain celebrate budget move to scrap tax on one of the nation's iconic games.
Almost 40,000 former mineworkers across the UK receive first pension increase. Almost 40,000 former mineworkers across the UK receive first pension increase, with an average uplift of £100 a week and one-off £5,500 lump sum.
ScotRail has marked another record day for passenger journeys, with more than 350,000 trips made by customers on Saturday, 20 December 2025. A total of 353,846 journeys were recorded, surpassing the previous record of 345,216 journeys set on Friday, 12 December and all previous daily totals since April 2022, and reflecting the growing demand for rail travel during the Christmas period.
The oil market in 2025 has been anything but predictable. While crude oil prices are not near the historic highs seen in previous decades, the market has experienced notable volatility due to a combination of supply dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and changing global demand patterns.
Offshore wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable electricity globally. However, policies governing its development vary sharply across countries, with profound implications for energy security, investment, and household electricity bills.
Small plug-in socket electric heaters can save money—but only in very specific situations. They're cost-effective when used to heat a single room for short periods instead of turning on central heating for the whole house.
The Chancellor has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare forecast for 3 March 2026. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast for publication on 3 March 2026.
The TRA has published its final decision in the reconsideration of the recommendation to impose a new anti-dumping measure on imports of excavators from China. The Trade Remedies Authority has today (22 December 2025) published its final decision in the reconsideration of the recommendation to impose a new anti-dumping measure on imports of excavators from China.
More people facing debt, house repossession or custody battles will benefit from free legal support thanks to a multi-million pound grant for the sector, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today (Tuesday 23 December 2025). Nearly £20 million for legal support over the next three years.
UK launches anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into imported boom lifts to defend British manufacturers. UK launches anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into imported boom lifts to defend British manufacturers.
As the cold weather sets in and coughs and colds become more common, the MHRA is reminding people that small, everyday choices can make a big difference to winter wellbeing. From choosing the right cough and cold remedies to using vitamin supplements safely, making informed decisions can help you feel better while avoiding unnecessary risks.