A new body to drive transformation across the health and care system and the wider public sector will be established on 1 April 2026. Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland), replacing NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), will bring the strengths of the two boards together.
Clearer rules for how contracts are made and what happens when they are broken. Scotland's contract law will be modernised under legislation backed by MSPs, providing clearer rules for individuals and businesses on how legally binding agreements are formed and some of the remedies available when they are breached.
A new UK AI research lab will be created to unlock breakthroughs which could transform healthcare, transport, science and everyday technology. New government-backed lab will support transformational AI breakthroughs to be made in UK - with the country's AI experts invited to pitch their biggest ideas.
Scottish EDGE is Scotland's biggest business funding competition. It offers grants and loans of £10,000 up to £150,000 to help early-stage companies, social enterprises and charities to grow.
This free online session, delivered by Changeworks, is designed to help reduce energy consumption, lower bills, and take practical steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Attendees will gain clear, actionable advice on improving energy efficiency, alongside expert insights and information on the local support available.
This webinar, delivered by Scottish Enterprise in conjunction with Peer Works, explores breakthrough technologies with a focus on people, AI and productivity. It will look at how businesses can use emerging technologies to improve performance while supporting fair work and better outcomes for their workforce.
The Data Lab Student Placement Programme connects Scottish organisations with data and AI students who can help with short projects, bringing new skills and delivering practical results. What does this involve? The Data Lab Student Placement Programme connects Scottish organisations with Masters students who specialise in data and AI.
Jobseekers and those starting new jobs encouraged to download the HMRC app for essential job-related information. With National Careers Week under way, jobseekers are reminded to use the HMRC app for essential information when applying for or starting a new job.
The Scottish Government has continued to award Ferguson Marine new contracts to keep the yard alive, protect jobs, and ensure Scotland retains domestic shipbuilding capacity, even after the ferry fiasco. The decision is controversial, but ministers have laid out several reasons that explain why it happened.
British companies developing satellite communications technology are to receive £30 million in government funding, Space Minister Liz Lloyd announced today. The UK looks to secure a larger share of a global market worth £40 billion.
As of March 2026, the UK government has announced an immediate "emergency brake" on specific visa routes for nationals from Sudan, as well as Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Myanmar. Visas Suspended for Sudanese Nationals Study Visas (Student Route): New applications for study visas from Sudanese nationals have been stopped.
Brewdog entered administration on 2 March 2026 and was immediately sold to the US-based cannabis and beverage group Tilray Brands for £33 million. The "pre-pack" deal has resulted in a significant downsizing of the company.
The question of whether the UK is heading for a recession in 2026 is currently the subject of intense debate among economists. As of 3 March 2026, the UK is in a "stagnation trap" and growth is technically positive but so weak that any major shock could tip the country into a formal recession (defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth).
The escalating conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has taken a critical turn. The strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes for oil and gas and it is facing significant disruption.
While traditional sectors face pressure, several "bright spots" are driving optimism for the Scottish economy in March 2026. The Green Energy Powerhouse Scotland is solidifying its position as a global leader in renewable energy, backed by record investment levels.
As of 3 March 2026, global oil prices have surged following the outbreak of direct conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran over the weekend. Brent crude is currently trading in the high $70s to low $80s range, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is holding between $71 and $73.
The British government confirmed on Monday that the RAF base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, had been hit in a drone strike. The resumption of US and Israeli air attacks on Iran and Iranian reprisal strikes on its neighbours.
Domestic energy prices in the UK will not be immediately affected for most households because the current price cap is fixed until 31 March 2026. Furthermore, Ofgem has already confirmed a 7% decrease in the price cap for the subsequent period of 1 April to 30 June 2026.
Pubs in Scotland are currently closing at a rate 50% higher than in England. Closure Frequency On average, one Scottish pub closes permanently every week.
As of 3 March 2026, UK family budgets are facing a "perfect storm" of immediate geopolitical shocks and scheduled tax and utility increases. While inflation has fallen from its peak to 3%, the cumulative effect of the last few years means essentials remain significantly more expensive than in 2021.