News Archive

24/3/2026

Drivers' Hours: A Traffic Commissioner's Perspective on Safety, Compliance, and Responsibility

In commercial road transport, few regulations are as vital to public safety and operational integrity as the rules governing drivers' hours.   As Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, our statutory role is to ensure that operators and drivers uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professionalism.  

24/3/2026

Profits, Politics, and Suspicion: Inside the Market "Yo-Yo" of Oil and Stocks

In moments of geopolitical tension, financial markets often behave less like steady systems and more like highly sensitive instruments, reacting instantly to even the slightest change in tone or expectation.   The recent volatility surrounding U.S.  

24/3/2026

New Tax on Aggregates Set To Commence In Scotland

A new devolved tax with the circular economy at its heart is set to be introduced The Scottish Aggregates Tax will align with the Scottish Government's wider ambitions to support the circular economy and drive towards net zero by promoting circular construction practices, encouraging the use of recycled materials and supporting innovation in alternative materials.   A formal handover of powers between the Scottish and UK Governments has been agreed, and the Scottish Aggregates Tax will replace the UK Aggregates Levy from 1 April 2026 in Scotland.  

24/3/2026

Future Support For Women's Scottish Open

A three year a funding package has been announced for the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open, securing the tournament’s future and supporting its continued growth.   The Scottish Government’s £4.5 million commitment will enhance the tournament’s visibility, fan experience and global reach, cementing its status in the women’s professional golf calendar.  

23/3/2026 : Local Authority

Heating Oil Help Announcements Expected this Week - Where To Get Help Now

Both the Scottish and UK Governments are set to launch new heating oil support schemes on 1 April 2026.  Detailed eligibility rules and application routes for these specific funds are expected to be published in the coming days.  

23/3/2026

Seven new towns proposed for England to kickstart housebuilding push

Seven locations proposed as new towns with each location delivering at least 10,000 homes with several delivering up to 40,000.   The locations of seven new towns have been named for consideration as part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.  

23/3/2026

The Quiet Unravelling of Public Services in the Highlands

In recent years, anyone paying close attention to Highland Council papers will have noticed a subtle but telling change.  A decade ago, the council would publish clear, unambiguous tables showing exactly how many posts were being cut, which departments were affected, and what the implications were for services.  

23/3/2026

 
The Year-End Tax Tricks HMRC Wants You to Miss

Yes the end of the tax year is approaching and there are lots of thing to think about.   In this video there may something you have not thought about of have forgotten but deadlines apply..  

22/3/2026

 
Overconfidence is how wars are lost − lessons from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Ukraine for the war in Iran were ignored

Wars are rarely lost first on the battlefield.  They are lost in leaders' minds − when leaders misread what they and their adversaries can do, when their confidence substitutes for comprehension, and when the last war is mistaken for the next one.  

22/3/2026

Backing jobs and apprenticeships at Prestwick Airport

Around 450 skilled engineering jobs and apprenticeships are to be created at Prestwick Airport, following a major expansion of Ryanair's maintenance facility.   The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are jointly investing more than £15 million to support the extension of Ryanair's maintenance facility which will open significant new training and development routes for engineering staff.  

22/3/2026

 
New radar systems to unlock offshore wind

Upgrades to air defence radar systems will help unlock record breaking offshore wind capacity.   New radar systems will help unlock 10 GW of offshore wind in UK waters, powering thousands of homes with clean, homegrown energy.  

22/3/2026

Funding for humanitarian network

An international aid network has received £200,000 Scottish Government funding to support its work responding to humanitarian crises around the world.   The Start Network, bringing together more than 145 non-governmental organisations, provides critical responses to small and medium‑scale crises that often receive little international attention - ensuring communities are not left waiting for support while longer-term solutions are pursued.  

22/3/2026

Supporting better behaviour in Scotland's schools

Ten youth work organisations receive share of latest funding.   Ten youth work organisations will share in £150,000 to help enhance community safety and support young people to make better choices.  

22/3/2026

Harnessing the benefits of AI

Wide-ranging measures have been unveiled to place Scotland at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.   Scotland's AI Strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure people, businesses and public services across the country benefit from AI.  

21/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
New guide to support growers with controlled environment agriculture

A new guide has been published (20 March 2026) to help growers who want to explore the potential for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in rural and island locations.   CEA is the practice of growing crops in a controlled setting where factors like temperature, light, humidity, and nutrients can be carefully managed for optimal plant growth.  

21/3/2026 : Local Authority

Council's Future Operating Model (FOM) £500,000 Approved

Members of the Corporate Resources Committee have welcomed a progress update report on the Council's Future Operating Model (FOM), including confirmation of an additional £500,000 investment in the Programme which was approved earlier this month.   At the meeting, members also agreed the Programme's next steps as it moves further into delivery.  

21/3/2026

Rising Pressures: What Cornwall Insight's Latest Forecast Reveals About the Future of UK Energy Bills

The latest announcement from Cornwall Insight offers a sobering reminder that the UK's energy crisis, far from being resolved, remains deeply vulnerable to global instability.   Once cautiously optimistic forecasts for 2026 have been overtaken by events, with the consultancy now warning that household energy bills could climb sharply in the months ahead.  

21/3/2026

Vehicle Purchases Need Careful Thought As The Conflict Goes On

Industry analysts indicate that car and truck prices are expected to rise as the Gulf conflict continues, though the most significant hikes for consumers may take several months to fully manifest.   While immediate "war-risk" surcharges are already impacting logistics, the automotive industry typically has a lag between rising production costs and adjusted showroom prices.  

21/3/2026

Fuel Prices Today In the North - Scary

There are now several web site showing fuel prices in garages all over UK.  these are updating very fast so you can check the prices at garages in your area.  

21/3/2026

 
Is the UK government considering rationing of fuel

The government is reviewing emergency plans, which include fuel rationing, but only as a last resort.   These plans are part of a wider response to global oil supply disruption linked to the Middle East conflict.