A children's social worker who had a double life running a large-scale drug and weapons enterprise had her sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General. Chloe Scott (27) from Lewisham, London, had her sentence increased by three years and three months after the Solicitor General referred her case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
The Highland Council is taking a significant step forward in addressing the region's housing needs and unlocking development potential by progressing plans to establish three to four Masterplan Consent Areas (MCAs) across Highland. MCAs are a legal planning tool that enable advance consent for large development sites, significantly reducing the time it takes to deliver housing and infrastructure.
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has today (Thursday 13 November 2025) approved a comprehensive report outlining the condition of its road bridge stock, the inspection regime, and the works required to maintain vital road structures across the region. The report highlights the scale of the Council's responsibility for bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and associated structures on the public road network, and sets out plans for future investment under the Roads and Infrastructure Capital Programme.
Every day we're told that Britain can’t afford the poor and that there isn’t enough money for care, housing or wages. But the truth is the opposite - it’s the poor who can’t afford the rich.
Plans to support the training of specialist electricians, engineers and technicians who will be key to the expansion of Scotland's offshore wind sector have been published today. Developed in partnership with industry and public sector partners, the Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan sets out 12 initial actions to support the pipeline of skilled workers needed by the sector.
At last week's meeting of the Communities and Place Committee, progress updates were provided on Highland Council’s ongoing work to increase participation and engagement with communities across the Highlands. Members also considered a draft Participation and Engagement Strategy and agreed the Annual Participation Request Report for the Scottish Government.
Work to promote Scotland internationally has been integral to record export sales, inward investment and tourism growth, according to a new report launched today by Angus Robertson. Scotland's International Strategy annual report highlights the benefits the Scottish Government's international presence has delivered for people, businesses and institutions across Scotland, through the promotion of sustainable growth, equality, and international cooperation.
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (Thursday 13 November 2025) noted the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal Annual Report for 2024/25. The Inverness & Highland City-Region Deal, a ten-year partnership between The Highland Council, UK Government, Scottish Government, and key partners, continues to deliver transformative investment across the region.
An annual update on the work of Highland Council's Registration Service was given at last week’s meeting of the Communities and Place Committee, with plans in place to modernise and further promote the service throughout the Highlands. Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said: "Highland Council’s Registration Service provides a vital statutory role to record life events for our communities.
China's trade surplus in 2025 is at record-breaking levels—projected to exceed $1.2 trillion—driven by strong exports and weak imports. This imbalance is reshaping global trade dynamics and intensifying geopolitical tensions.
The Scottish Government is investing £14 million to support jobs and reduce emissions in marine sectors. A total of 60 projects focusing on innovation and sustainable development will receive grants ranging from £1,500 to £1.7 million from the Marine Fund Scotland.
The Scottish Government is on track to issue its first bonds in 2026/27, First Minister John Swinney has announced after international ratings agencies set a credit rating matching the UK and better than other major industrial nations. The issuance will be the first in a £1.5 billion bond programme over the life of the next parliament, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election, in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions.
This Easy Read document is about fiscal sustainability and taxes. Fiscal sustainability means making sure we have enough money to pay for the services we need in the future.
It is time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will say today. In a speech to council leaders, the Secretary of State for Scotland will make clear that there is no route to a decent and prosperous Scotland without strong and effective councils.
Scottish Government is preparing to enter the mysterious world of the bond market. So a simple explanation of what they are.
Scottish Government investment of up to £73 million will go into co-hosting the UEFA European Championships in 2028. Glasgow's Hampden Park will be one of nine football grounds in eight cities to host matches as part of the largest sporting event jointly staged by the UK and Ireland with around three million tickets expected to go on sale.
The Scottish Government has been confirmed as high investment grade, matching the UK and better than Spain, Italy and Japan, by two global credit rating agencies. The Scottish Government's first credit ratings have been assigned as part of a roadmap towards delivery of a bonds programme to support infrastructure investment.
Health Secretary Neil Gray has updated parliament on winter preparations for the NHS, urging people to take up the flu vaccine and confirming up to £20 million to bolster social care capacity. The £20 million investment will be targeted at initiatives by health boards to increase social care capacity and provide extra support at the front door of A&Es, which will reduce admissions and relieve pressure on acute services.
Lower earnings and employment growth in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK is reducing the impact of devolved taxes on the country's budget. Holyrood's budget has been boosted by over £4 billion since the introduction of devolved taxes in 2015/16.
The United Kingdom stands alone in Europe — and across NATO — as the only country that still recruits 16-year-olds into its armed forces. It's a policy steeped in history and wrapped in the language of opportunity, yet shadowed by growing evidence of mental-health harm and social inequality.
