Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.2% in the three months to October 2025, up from the growth of 0.2% in the three months to September, and revised growth of 0.5% in August, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. In the month to October 2025, Scotland’s GDP contracted by 0.2%.
UKAEA and NDA sign formal agreement to share knowledge and expertise, advancing the delivery of major decommissioning programmes. Memorandum of Understanding agreed to enable and encourage knowledge sharing, and improve best practice.
The World Inequality Report 2026 presents a stark and unsettling picture of the global economy. Despite decades of economic growth and technological progress, inequality remains not only widespread but extraordinarily concentrated.
The Highland Council has announced the publication of an Invitation to Tender for the next round of the Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO). This procurement seeks to secure an operator for lifeline air services from Wick John O'Groats Airport beyond 31 March 2026.
The UK has committed £600 million in air-defence capabilities, including cutting edge turrets that can shoot down Russian drones to support Ukraine through the winter. Over 1,000 UK-built air-defence missiles delivered since June, as Russia targets power stations and energy networks.
There were 327,746 local authority housing stock units as of March 2025. 3.0% of the total local authority stock was vacant, however this includes stock that will be demolished or cannot be currently let as it needs modernisation.
Oil prices have quietly crossed an important psychological threshold. In recent weeks, Brent crude has slipped below $60 a barrel, with US benchmark WTI trading even lower.
Despite wholesale oil prices dropping with Brent crude recently falling below $60 a barrel pump prices in the UK haven't dropped much yet. Retail prices are still high and have even risen recently in some months.
Marine Recovery Fund to get nature thriving and accelerate offshore wind development. Enough electricity to power two cities the size of London will be unlocked through the Marine Recovery Fund to safeguard Britain's marine biodiversity and energy security, the Government has announced today (Wednesday 17 December 2025).
Scottish policing has reached a significant new milestone with the successful delivery of the first-ever End Point Assessment (EPA) for probationary officers. The landmark assessment was held at Dounreay and Garlogie and represents a major step forward in how new officers are professionally validated and confirmed in rank.
Vital chemical production at Grangemouth protected as Government provides over £120m support package in £150m joint investment. UK Government provides over £120m support package as part of £150m joint investment with INEOS to protect vital chemical production and 500 jobs at Grangemouth, plus hundreds more in the supply chain.
The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to November 2025, down from 3.8% in the 12 months to October. On a monthly basis, CPIH fell by 0.1% in November 2025, compared with a rise of 0.2% in November 2024.
Five new fisheries management plans published to maintain or restore valuable fish stocks at or to sustainable levels. The UK's valuable fish stocks will be restored to sustainable levels alongside action to protect the marine environment and support jobs in coastal communities, as set out in five Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) published by the government today (16 December).
Young people using alcohol or drugs will receive improved access to support through new national standards. Developed in conjunction with young people across Scotland, the standards set out what under-25s should expect when seeking help.
The government is consulting on a new licensing scheme designed to save lives by blocking illegal knife sales and imports. A new licensing scheme is being proposed by the government to block illegal knife sales and imports - helping save lives and keep dangerous weapons out of young hands.
The UK and EU have agreed that the UK will join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027, along with further progress in other areas of the UK-EU reset. The UK has successfully agreed terms to join the Erasmus+ programme in 2027, widening opportunities for young people from all backgrounds, learners, educational, youth and sport staff to study and train abroad.
In the 12 months ending September 2025, there were 18,347 all sector homes built and 14,846 all sector new builds started. There was a 5% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and an 8% decrease in completions between the year to the end of September 2024 and the year to the end of September 2025.
In Scotland there are 20,927 second homes, 44,453 properties empty for more than 6 months and liable for Council Tax and 44,989 properties with unoccupied exemptions from Council Tax. The latest council tax data (in September 2025) shows there were 20,927 second homes.
Former Heath Secretary Alan Milburn has today launched his groundbreaking investigation into the causes of record unemployment and inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds with a call for young people and a range of experts to come forward with their views. DWP's Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel and experts spanning health, business and government to support Alan Milburn’s investigation into the root causes of youth inactivity.
Top Benefits for the UK-South Korea Free Trade Deal. 1.