The Scottish Government has undertaken a consultation on family law reforms, which includes proposals to modernise the procedures for divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships. A central focus of this consultation is whether to extend the simplified court procedures currently available for some divorce cases so that they can also be used when there are children under the age of 16, provided that the parents have agreed the arrangements for the children's welfare.
2025 was a pivotal year for UK defence policy, marked by historic spending increases, industrial growth initiatives, and renewed focus on military readiness. The government set out one of its largest sustained boosts in defence expenditure since the end of the Cold War, aiming to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with longer-term ambitions of reaching 3% in the next Parliament.
Across the UK, insulation and home-energy upgrades have been promoted for many years as a solution to fuel poverty, heat loss, and rising energy bills. Yet despite long-running programmes, national targets, and public investment, the UK continues to trail behind many European nations in practical insulation outcomes.
Businesses to receive boost to investment as a new first-year allowance takes effect today (Thursday 1 January 2026), as the government continues its drive to make Britain the best place to do business. Businesses to benefit from new 40% first-year allowance that supports investment and growth - effective from today, 1 January 2026.
We wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR for 2026. .
Caithness has been in the news for a variety of reasons over the past year, reflecting its unique blend of industry, culture, and community life. The region's nuclear heritage remains a cornerstone of its economy, and recent visits by the monarchy have highlighted the ongoing importance of the Dounreay site.
For decades, expense padding, exaggerated mileage claims, and creative interpretations of company policy have quietly drained money from both public and private organisations. Some see it as opportunistic; others justify it as compensation for low pay or workplace frustrations.
In modern workplaces, employee absence is more than a simple inconvenience -it can disrupt operations, inflate costs, and strain teams. For decades, managers have relied on spreadsheets, HR reports, and intuition to understand sickness patterns, often reacting after the fact.
In 2026, the Highland region of Scotland finds itself at a unique economic crossroads. While it faces "once-in-a-generation" opportunities in renewable energy and green technology, it is simultaneously battling structural crises in housing, demographics, and public funding.
On winter mornings in Harbin, where the air outside could freeze your eyelashes, I would wake up on a bed of warm earth. Harbin, where I grew up, is in northeast China.
Discounted train tickets from almost all operators in Britain will be available to buy between 6 January to 12 January 2026. the Great British Rail Sale is back, with huge discounts on over 3 million tickets - making train travel more affordable for everyone.
Data centres have become a cornerstone of the modern digital economy. They power everything from cloud storage and AI applications to streaming services and online commerce.
Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a Scottish project developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), has secured investment from Great British Energy, National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank, each with the option to invest up to GBP 50 million (approximately EUR 58 million). Scotland's transition toward clean energy and long-term economic growth has taken an important step with the recent public investment in the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm.
More than 500 new ambulances will be deployed in England to cut response times for patients in every region. Every region of England has received new emergency vehicles, in biggest upgrade of ambulance fleet in recent years Backed by £75 million, new vehicles already helping to cut response times for patients Many ambulances converted in UK, boosting economic growth and supporting British jobs Patients and staff across the country are benefiting from a new fleet of over 500 ambulances, as the government strengthens frontline emergency services this winter amid a flu epidemic.
The initial work of the Highland Poverty and Equality Commission focussing on impacts of poverty has recently been welcomed by Members of The Highland Council. An interim report introduced by Commission Co-Chairs Jim McCormick and Maggie Cunningham was noted by Councillors at a meeting of The Highland Council earlier this month.
As we move through 2025, the UK labour market is showing signs of both resilience and strain. After years of unusually tight conditions in the wake of the pandemic, recent data suggests the jobs market is easing, with important implications for workers, employers and policymakers alike.
Trade tensions and tariffs remain a critical factor shaping global economic performance. While the precise policies for 2026 are not fully set, the potential effects of US-imposed tariffs on goods and sectors can be anticipated based on current trade patterns and economic dependencies.
Online adverts are sometimes so personal that they feel eerie. Even as a researcher in this area, I'm slightly startled when I get a message asking if my son still needs school shirts a few hours after browsing for clothes for my children.
As we enter 2026, major world economies face a mix of familiar and emerging financial challenges — from slowing growth and labour market shifts to structural imbalances and the pressures of global trade dynamics. While each region has distinct circumstances, there are common themes around productivity, inflation, demographic shifts and technological transformation that cut across national borders.
Energy production costs can be measured as the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), which reflects the total lifetime cost per unit of electricity generated (per MWh). For new projects commissioning around 2025, the rough ranking with approximate costs is: Onshore Wind - cheapest, around £38/MWh Large-scale Solar – about £41/MWh.
