The escalating conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has taken a critical turn. The strait of Hormuz - one of the most important shipping routes for oil and gas - is facing significant disruption.
The Iranian regime has announced the closure of the strait of Hormuz and threatened to target ships attempting to transit the narrow waterway. Some have already been damaged.
A scheme to help wounded or sick veterans recover their confidence through golf is among 30 projects to receive backing from the Scottish Veterans Fund. Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced successful applicants to the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund on a visit to the On Course Foundation at Drumoig Golf Hotel in Fife.
The New Naver Bridge, located in Bettyhill along the A836, is now open to traffic. Though currently open only as single carriageway, the new bridge, which is part of the North Coast 500, welcomed its first cars at the end of February.
The number of transport & storage sector companies using increased homeworking has plummeted to 4.4%. That's the lowest number of any industry sector, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.
Scotland's third sector—charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises plays a central role in delivering public services. However, a combination of tight public budgets, rising demand for services, and structural changes in how organisations are funded is putting increasing pressure on the sector.
When fuel prices rise, it is natural for people to worry that food and other everyday goods will quickly become more expensive. Energy costs affect nearly every part of the economy, particularly the production and transport of food.
Urgent action is needed by Shetland Islands Council to address a £134.3 million projected budget gap by 2029/30. The council has strong services and a clear vision.
Today 5 March 2026 is budget day for Highland council to decide on the council tax for 2026/27. Finance are very tight and councillors have hard decision to take.
Integration Joint Boards (IJBs), together with their NHS and council partners, must urgently take decisions on where to redesign, reduce or discontinue services. Funding to Scotland's 30 IJBs increased by over two per cent in 2024/25 to more than £12 billion.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur has welcomed the Scottish Parliament's unanimous approval of new measures enshrining the right of care home residents to contact with family and friends. Anne’s Law was developed following the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions on care home visits had a significant impact on residents’ health and wellbeing, but will also apply in circumstances such as flu outbreaks.
there is widely considered to be a crisis in nursing recruitment and retention, particularly across the UK and Scotland. However, it is a complex situation and there are serious shortages in some areas and settings, while in others the issue is more about retaining experienced staff or managing recruitment funding rather than a complete absence of nurses.
Scotland is standing at a pivotal moment in its industrial story. Two issues—Ferguson Marine's new government-backed contracts and the continuation of the North Sea windfall tax—have become lightning rods for wider debates about economic strategy, political accountability, and the future of skilled work in the country.
This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it. What does this involve? This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it.
HMS Dragon set to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to defend British interests and support the collective self-defence of our allies. The UK is deploying its cutting-edge warship, HMS Dragon, and drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences in the region.
Fuel prices in Caithness are rising again this week, and the pattern reflects wider movements across Scotland and the UK. The increases are being driven by global oil volatility, domestic tax policy, and the structural realities of supplying fuel to rural regions.
People across the Highlands and Islands are set to benefit from more affordable public transport as £2 capped bus fares are rolled out this month. The pilot will significantly cut fares across the Highland network and is one of a range of measures the Scottish Government is taking to support households hit by rising everyday costs.
The Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) latest economic outlook has delivered a mixed picture for the Chancellor and the country. The borrowing forecast has improved, but with unemployment higher and the brand new forecast for lower inflation and interest rates already out of date, bold policy action cannot wait until the Autumn Budget, the Resolution Foundation said (Tuesday) in response to the Spring Forecast.
Grangemouth will benefit from £10 million new investment to create new jobs and boost skills development. Further investment into Celtic Renewables will support the company's expansion into large‑scale commercial production of sustainable biochemical solutions, creating 149 new jobs in the area by 2030.
The forecourt prices of petrol and Diesel have already hit in UK and around the world. The RAC price finder web site is warning of more rises to come.