Britain's offshore energy industry continues to make a substantial contribution to the economy, supporting around 245,000 jobs and generating £36.7 billion in economic value each year, according to the 2026 Economic Report from Offshore Energies UK. But the report also delivers a warning.
More than 200 Brits are currently detained overseas in cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand alone, after being recruited with promises of free holidays, easy money and ‘low risk’ opportunities. Drug smuggling arrests involving British nationals abroad more than quadrupled between 2023 and 2025.
UK and US set to sign agreements at the Global Fusion Summit to combine expertise in AI, computing and fusion and to cooperate on regulating fusion energy. UK and US to sign a new agreement on fusion and AI to accelerate commercial fusion energy rollout and thousands of jobs in both countries.
Licensed premises across England and Wales will now have the option to accept digital proof of age when selling alcohol. Licensed premises such as pubs, music venues, shops and restaurants will have a secure, additional method to verify customers are over 18 under new rules for alcohol sales .
The Scottish and Welsh Governments have agreed to improve how they work together on areas of shared interest to strengthen democracy and deliver better outcomes for people in Scotland and Wales. The Cardiff Agreement, which was signed by First Ministers John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth, covers areas of common interest including: tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families.
Bond yields have hit their highest levels in years. The US 10-year is near 5%, UK 30-year gilts are at their highest since 1998, and oil is back above $100.
The important question is whether the Houthi attacks are creating a temporary market scare or the beginnings of a new inflation problem that could force the Bank of England to raise interest rates. There are three things in play right now.
There is a growing concern that children and adults are reading fewer books than previous generations. It is an issue worth taking seriously, particularly as Scotland is now reviewing its Curriculum for Excellence and looking at what children need to know and be able to do in the years ahead.
Maternity services have been a continuing source of concern in parts of Scotland, particularly in rural and island communities where women can already face long journeys to reach specialist care. The latest exchange in the Scottish Parliament suggests that the arguments are still far from being settled.
The rising oil price is beginning to show up where motorists notice it most: at the petrol pump. Average petrol prices across Scotland are now around 175p a litre in Highland, compared with a Scottish average of about 170p.
Britain could be heading into another difficult period for household finances. Oil prices have risen sharply as the Middle East conflict disrupts energy supplies and shipping.
The latest escalation in the Middle East is beginning to look less like a temporary oil-price spike and more like a threat to the wider global economy. The Houthis in Yemen have expanded their attacks while gaining control of territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast and reaching the strategically important island of Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
A Caithness mum whose work brings music, movement and families together has been recognised as one of the area's young business success stories. Jade Sinclair, founder of Zumbini with Jade, has won the George Bruce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2026 North Highland Chamber of Commerce awards.
For generations, people in Scotland have tended to think of water as something that simply comes out of the tap. It is certainly not free.
Some BBC radio listeners using Amazon Alexa may have noticed a change. Asking Alexa to "play Radio Scotland" may now result in a message saying that the station is no longer available.
Heating Oil or Electric? The Difficult Choice Facing Rural Scottish Households This Winter For many rural Scottish households, the question this winter will not simply be how much heating will cost. It will be which form of heating gives them the best chance of keeping warm without breaking the household budget.
The Government's latest attempt to get Britain's economy moving faces a difficult test. The Prime Minister is bringing together business leaders through the Growth Panel to discuss how investment, productivity and economic growth can be increased.
For years, British politics has often appeared to be written with cities in mind. Transport policy, housing policy, economic development and even access to public services can look very different when the nearest town is several miles away, buses are infrequent and there may be no alternative to the car.
Any candidatein the East Cithness bi-elections is invited to send in up to 1000 words in a statement giving their background and why they wish to represent people in he ward at Highland council. An outline of what they hope to do and which things they would support.
China has stepped up its gold buying again, with the People's Bank of China adding 20.2 tonnes to its reserves in August. At current prices, that single month's purchase is worth roughly £2 billion.