If you watch the BBC you will be familiar with the current campaign so we chase the question they ask a little further. Why Are We Funding This? When governments, councils, universities, museums, arts organisations and public broadcasters face criticism, their first instinct is often to provide answers.
The economy looks worrying, consumers remain cautious and inflation is still causing concern yet stock markets continue to climb. Is this confidence justified, or are investors looking at a very different world from everyone else? There is something increasingly strange about the economic picture.
Britain's housing crisis is no longer a matter of debate. House prices remain out of reach for many first-time buyers, rents continue to rise, and employers in many parts of the country struggle to attract workers because of housing shortages.
On 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax became mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000. Their first quarterly update was due by 7 August 2026.
Intention to invest £100 million through British Business Bank’s Investor Pathways Capital Initiative to boost growth in every postcode. As many as 10 new venture capital funds to be launched across the UK expanding access to venture capital beyond London.
A busy week for Caithness, with a tragic incident at Dunnet Head, major council decisions, a Wick/East Caithness by-election and continuing debate over vital local services. Some of these have been reported in more detail on our pages over the past few days.
Forget Mars. If you really want to understand what it means to be stranded far from essential services, try living in Caithness and being told your appointment is in Inverness.
When even AI bosses are worried about the impact of the technology, is it any wonder the public are scared?. Analysing their major survey of British public opinion, Bobby Duffy and Elena Simperl argue that, while the risks should not be downplayed, if we want to realise the benefits of AI it is important that the public are not already set against it.
The constant stream of bad economic news may be influencing how people feel about spending — even when the underlying picture is not quite as gloomy as the headlines suggest. Every month brings another inflation announcement.
What, when, where and how we eat can signify many things. Eating healthily might impress your colleagues but doing so on a video call is unprofessional.
The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.
When most people think about the global economy, they picture stock markets, oil prices or inflation. Few would imagine that the value of the Japanese yen could become one of the biggest concerns for the United States.
Highlands and Islands fear global cost-cutting could have a very local impact. The world's biggest drinks companies may operate on a global scale, but when they start cutting costs the consequences can be felt very locally.
The famous British bicycle brand is facing administration revealing the hidden problems behind the cycling boom. For generations, the name Raleigh was almost synonymous with bicycles in Britain.
The UK government continues to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine as Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband unleashes his first major Russia sanctions package. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband steps up UK action against Russia, with new sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s military machine, oil and gas revenues and ageing shadow fleet.
For years, the UK’s student‑loan system has quietly shifted in a direction few taxpayers realise: a growing share of government‑backed loans now goes to foreign nationals living in the UK, while British students studying abroad almost never qualify for equivalent support from other countries. This imbalance is not accidental as it is the result of legal obligations, migration policy, and the financial pressures facing UK universities.
The hidden economy, unfair competition and organised crime links behind the Government's enforcement drive The Government's renewed crackdown on illegal working has placed the spotlight on an issue that sits at the crossroads of immigration, employment law, business competition and organised crime. But how big is the problem? How many businesses are involved? And does illegal working simply mean someone does not have permission to work, or can it be part of something much more serious? What is illegal working? Illegal working occurs when someone works in the UK without the legal right to do so.
The dollar remains king but the foundations of the global financial system may be starting to shift. For more than 80 years, the US dollar has been the world's dominant currency.
New Scottish Government report reveals a significant gap with the rest of Britain but also exposes how difficult the 2030 target will be. Scotland has a child poverty problem.
Scotland is bucking Britain's retail gloom, with Edinburgh leading the recovery. But the real test is whether millions of extra visitors will translate into lasting business growth.