Few subjects create as much confusion in Scottish political debate as the Barnett Formula. It is regularly mentioned in arguments about independence, public spending and whether Scotland receives a fair share of UK resources.
When Scotland voted for devolution in 1997, the promise was clear: Decisions about Scottish matters would be taken closer to the people affected. The Scottish Parliament opened in 1999 and since then Scotland has developed its own system of government, with its own ministers, civil service structures, public bodies and policies.
Whenever Scotland's finances are debated, one question often appears If Scotland can set different tax rates, does that mean it controls its own taxation? The answer is only partly. Since devolution, the Scottish Parliament has gained significant tax powers.
There is an old saying that if you ask three people to organise something, you end up with a committee. In Scotland, we have perfected the idea.
The Scottish Government is collecting more income tax than ever before. At first sight, that appears to be good news for Scotland's public finances.
The biggest change is that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) comes under full FCA regulation from 15 July 2026. Until now, many of the most popular "pay in 3" and short-term interest-free products have operated outside the normal consumer credit rules.
The arrival of new regulations for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lending raises an interesting question. Is this simply a modern version of the hire purchase agreements that helped generations of families furnish their homes and buy essential goods? Or has technology made borrowing so easy that people are taking on debts they might otherwise have avoided? The answer may be a little of both.
The biggest change to Self Assessment in a generation is no longer a future proposal. It is here.
Every constitutional debate raises a question that rarely receives much attention until the discussion becomes serious. What do people actually do with their money, businesses and homes when uncertainty increases.? Most people would stay exactly where they are.
When people talk about Scotland's great beaches, attention often goes to the islands — Harris, Lewis, Skye and the Western Isles. Yet mainland Caithness has a coastline that can surprise even the most experienced traveller.
Another busy week has seen developments across local government, transport, community services and business. Here are ten of the biggest stories affecting Caithness and the wider Highland area.
New scheme will increase access to finance for thousands of smaller businesses so they can grow their exports. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has today (12 July 2026) announced a joint scheme between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the British Business Bank which will help small and medium-sized businesses access the finance they need to expand their export potential and grow.
Russia's oil industry has become another battlefield — but could the effects reach British households? When people think about the war in Ukraine, they often think about the fighting on the front line, missiles, drones and territory. However, another battle has been developing hundreds of miles away from the battlefield — a battle over energy.
Up to 85,000 jobs and £6.4 billion to national GDP supported by UKEF financing as part of the government’s Growth Mission. Today, ambitious plans will be announced to expand UKEF’s ability to back UK business to compete globally and strengthen the UK’s economic security.
When people talk about building wealth, the conversation often focuses on big things. Buying a house, Investing in shares, Building a pension, Receiving an inheritance.
When people talk about wealth in Britain today, the conversation often focuses on property. A home bought decades ago may now be worth many times what was originally paid.
For many people approaching retirement, one question matters more than almost any other: "Will I have enough money to live on?" The answer varies enormously. Some retirees have a secure income, a paid-off home and savings built up over many years.
I recently volunteered to teach some lessons in finance to pupils at a primary school. Over six sessions, I spoke to a group of ten and eleven-year-olds about things like value, savings, cost and risk.
For much of the twentieth century, saving money was not just a personal activity. It was often something communities did together.
For many people, choosing a savings account comes down to one question. "Which bank is paying the highest interest rate?" That is understandable.