UK astronaut John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit, thanks to an agreement signed between the UK government and US commercial space company Vast. Former Paralympian John McFall could become first person with a physical disability to live in orbit through UK government partnership with US space company Vast.
New contracts worth £36 million to supply hundreds of Lightweight Multirole Missiles for UK Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence has signed new contracts with Thales in the UK to supply hundreds more Lightweight Multirole Missiles to the Armed Forces – boosting UK stockpiles and strengthening the protection of British personnel in the Middle East and beyond.
A significant part of the reason oil prices have not exploded higher is indeed demand destruction—people and businesses using less oil because prices rose and economic conditions weakened. But it is only one part of the story.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has delivered a stark warning to Scotland's newly elected government: the easy choices have largely run out. The next few years will force ministers to confront a difficult reality of either raising taxes, cutting spending, or abandoning some of the promises made during the Holyrood election campaign.
Three weeks ago, I warned that the war involving Iran could trigger a seven-stage economic crisis. Today, I think that risk is much greater than it was then.
The unfolding situation in NHS England where hundreds of overseas staff face losing their jobs without redundancy compensation is more than an administrative reshuffle. It exposes deep structural weaknesses in how the UK treats international workers, and its consequences will be felt far beyond England’s borders.
Update - President Trump has intervened to say Israel will pull back on attack on Lebanon. Attacks by the USA on Iran in past few days have contributed to the ongoing yoyo affect on oil prices.
Walkers finishing the West Highland Way now have a new, scenic option as they arrive into Fort William Town Centre. The West Highland Way is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top long-distance walks.
All eligible young people are being encouraged to apply for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August 2026. The Highland Council administers Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in respect of eligible young people from across its 29 secondary schools.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
There is currently a growing view among energy analysts that the world is heading into a period of LNG (liquefied natural gas) oversupply, although the picture varies by region and season. Why is there a glut developing?.
Nature Restoration Fund update to Economy & Infrastructure Committee Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-led projects and Council initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment. The Nature Restoration Fund report provided Members with an update on the Scottish Government-funded programme.
As of June 2026, the North Coast 500 (NC500) continues to be a massive economic driver for the Scottish Highlands, generating nearly £99 million in 2025 and supporting roughly 1,335 jobs. However, the route faces ongoing challenges with over tourism, including campervan congestion, and a, according to, 20% predicted decline in school pupils in the area, highlighting a, "depopulation paradox" despite the economic success.
Vladimir Putin has been able to afford the war because Russia entered it with several advantages. Russia had large oil and gas revenues, significant financial reserves, low government debt, a state-controlled banking system, and the ability to redirect much of the economy toward military production.
Somewhere between the glossy promises of “digital transformation” and the lived reality of rural Scotland, a quiet revolt is taking shape. Communities that once welcomed any hint of investment are now pushing back against the arrival of vast data centres — the industrial cathedrals of the AI age.
NHS Highland and The Highland Council have today launched Highland Power of Attorney Month. Highland Power of Attorney Month is a joint public awareness campaign running throughout June 2026 to encourage every adult across the Highland region to consider putting a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place.
The broad consensus is that the oil market has so far been cushioned by emergency reserves, lower demand, rerouted supplies and expectations that the crisis will eventually ease. However, many analysts argue that if tanker flows remain heavily restricted into the summer, prices could move sharply higher rather than gradually higher.
Families across Scotland can now apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment opened on 1 June 2026. The payment, unique to Scotland, is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022.
Bangladesh has just approved one of the largest river engineering projects its history. The Padma Barrage, a vast river-control project intended to restore water in the country’s drought-prone southwest.
What is happening in the bond market is becoming one of the most important economic stories globally because it affects governments, mortgages, pensions, businesses and public spending. At its simplest investors are demanding higher interest rates to lend money to governments.