The redevelopment of Brodick Hall in Arran - the setting for the autumn meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands taking place today (Monday 3rd November) - is one of 23 community-led projects to benefit from dedicated islands funding in 2025-26. The projects, spanning 22 islands across Argyll and Bute, Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Ayrshire, Orkney, and Shetland, include four islands - Luing, Lismore, Scalpay and Ulva - which will benefit for the first time.
Angus Campbell, newly appointed chair of HIE, reflects on the recent board visit and engagement event with businesses and communities across the Inner Moray Firth (IMF) area. As I prepare to formally step into the role of chair of HIE on 1 November, I've already been inspired by the energy and ambition shown during the two days of board visits across Easter Ross, Inverness and Nairn.
The Highland Council are calling on all businesses to take part in a wide-scale survey about housing shortage and its impact on the Highland economy. The survey is a part of the Highland Housing Challenge Action Plan agreed by the Council in 2024, to tackle the impact of housing shortage on Highland communities, as well as meeting future demand for housing as a result of opportunities to grow the Highland economy.
The tenth annual #MedSafetyWeek brings together more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries to encourage people to report suspected side effects from medicines and device incidents. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to help keep medicines, medical devices, vaccines and blood products safe by reporting any side effects, device incidents and suspected fake medical products, as part of #MedSafetyWeek (3-9 November).
Business Minister to meet industry leaders in the United States. Scotland's capabilities in satellite manufacturing and space technology will be promoted to American investors this week.
More than five years into the homeworking revolution, a narrative seems to have emerged - of employees being hauled back to the office against their will. This contrasts with what COVID taught us: that people can work flexibly, benefit from not commuting, and even work for employers based far from their home - expanding the labour pool for employers.
More support for services to help people struggling with energy bill debt. Services that support people struggling with debt on their energy bills have been expanded after receiving almost £1 million of additional funding.
Scottish patients placed at the heart of a multi-million pound study of weight-loss medicines. Scottish patients placed at the heart of a multi-million pound study of weight-loss medicines.
The MOD is announcing its new Defence Housing Strategy, with £9bn to improve over 40,000 military homes. New government strategy to deliver ‘generational renewal' to fix UK military housing and get Britain building, backed by £9bn investment.
Global stock markets are at record highs. Everyone knows it's a bubble, but no one wants to leave the dance.
Fraser of Allender Institute article looks at the budget on 31 October 2025. The article notes that while the UK Government has pledged not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of income tax, recent signals suggest an increase in income tax may no longer be ruled out.
From Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in United States raids outside Home Depot to UK Border Force checks on gig-economy riders, immigration enforcement is moving from borders to the heart of daily commerce and both companies and customers are feeling the shockwaves. In 2025, immigration enforcement stopped being invisible In the U.S.
Have you switched energy suppliers in the last few years. Many people have left unclaimed balances in the old electricity or gas supplier accounts.
Red meat prices in the UK have surged in 2025 due to reduced domestic production, higher feed and energy costs, and strong global demand. Beef prices alone have risen by up to 39% year-on-year, putting pressure on retailers, restaurants, and consumers.
UK insurance premiums especially for car insurance—have risen sharply in 2025 due to inflation, higher repair costs, and increased claims. Home insurance has remained relatively stable but is under pressure from weather-related damage.
The £100,000 tax trap refers to a steep effective income tax rate up to 60% that hits UK earners between £100,000 and £125,140 due to the gradual loss of the personal allowance. Many mitigate this by using pension contributions, charitable donations, and salary sacrifice schemes.
Fish prices in the UK have surged recently due to cod shortages caused by sanctions on Russian fishing firms and reduced quotas in the Barents Sea. This has forced restaurants and chip shops to raise prices, cut portions, or risk going out of business.
Experts widely expect Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget to include tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at plugging a fiscal gap of up to £50 billion. Asset-rich households and property owners are likely to be targeted.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has gone from a buzzword to a global race—and the UAE and Saudi Arabia are sprinting ahead. These two Gulf nations are investing billions into AI projects, hoping to transform their economies and become global tech leaders.
A new Scottish Government programme is expected to prevent up to 4,000 people from developing type 2 diabetes. The £4.8 million investment will offer education and virtual, app-based, individual consultations with nutritionists, dietitians and health coaches via the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) initiative to fast track proven healthcare innovations.
