The last parliamentary term of the Scottish Government was marked by a mix of notable achievements and significant challenges. This article combines thirty key successes with thirty notable failures to provide a comprehensive perspective on the government's performance, especially in relation to the Highlands and rural communities.
Aberdeen is entering another wave of job losses just as the UK faces the most serious energy‑security warnings since the 1970s. Spirit Energy's plan to cut around 100 jobs is only the latest in a cascade of reductions across the North Sea sector.
In early 2026, regional carrier Loganair quietly made aviation history with a series of real world electric aircraft trials across Scotland linking key regional airports including Wick Airport. Unlike previous test flights that stayed firmly in the realm of demonstration, this programme was designed to mimic actual airline operations, offering a glimpse into how electric aviation could soon become part of everyday travel.
More than 1,000 jobs have been secured through a new contract to help sustain Army Apache and RAF Chinook helicopters. £879 million contract awarded to Boeing Defence UK to keep the British Army Apache and RAF Chinook helicopters mission-ready.
The latest construction output figures from the Office for National Statistics for February 2026 present a mixed but ultimately concerning—picture of the UK's building sector. While headline growth in the wider economy has recently surprised on the upside, construction remains one of its weakest links, raising serious questions about whether the government's ambitious housebuilding targets can realistically be achieved.
In recent weeks, reports of potential shortages of everyday items such as chicken and pork have begun to surface in discussions around UK government contingency planning. At first glance, the idea may seem surprising.
Lord George Robertson - a former Labour defence secretary, and former Secretary General of NATO - has made a claim about the UK's defence capability that is not merely wrong. It is dangerously wrong.
The latest monthly GDP release from the Office for National Statistics offers a surprisingly upbeat snapshot of the UK economy in February 2026—though one that comes with clear warnings about what may lie ahead. After a sluggish end to 2025 and a largely flat January, February delivered a marked shift in momentum, suggesting the economy entered the year on firmer footing than many had expected.
Scottish wind farms generate nearly half of Great Britain's wind power, but in 2025, turbines there were paid £350 million to switch off. At the same time, Britain spent over a billion pounds firing up gas to replace it.
The Government has announced that electricity bills will be cut by up to 25% for over 10,000 businesses through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Chancellor announces bold action on businesses' electricity bills during IMF meetings in Washington, as Government strengthens Britain’s economic security - helping deliver stability, keeping costs down, and boosting competitiveness.
A key focus for the MHRA as we develop our forthcoming strategy is enabling safe and timely access to innovative technologies, while maintaining public trust. This includes strengthening our approach to regulating adaptive AI, enhancing both pre-market evaluation and robust post-market surveillance, and ensuring that safety, performance and equity remain central as technologies evolve in real-world settings.
Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the historic Erasmus+ programme. Students, apprentices and young people will soon be able to study and work across Europe, as the UK and EU sign the legal text in Brussels today to formally bring the UK into Erasmus+ in 2027.
The latest UK trade figures from the Office for National Statistics for February 2026 provide a cautiously encouraging picture of the country's external position. But one that still highlights deep structural imbalances in how the UK trades with the world.
Biggest ever UK drone package for Ukraine announced, including more than 120,000 drones, supplying cutting-edge battlefield technology. The UK has announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.
Recent reports that Russia has begun selling portions of its gold reserves have sparked understandable interest in financial markets. Gold is typically seen as a last-resort asset a store of value held for times of extreme stress.
As postal packs start to be dispatched for the Scottish Parliament Election from today, Wednesday 15 April, postal voters are being reminded to make sure they return them in time. They are also advised to read the instructions carefully when completing their pack to ensure their vote counts.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (April 15th) 803 Prime Sheep. Old Season Lambs (383) averaged 376.7p per kg and sold to 433.0p per kg and £218 gross.
The latest outlook from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) paints a picture of a global economy that is slowing but not collapsing. Growth is weakening, inflation is proving stubborn, and geopolitical tensions—particularly energy-related—are once again shaping the trajectory of markets.
If the IMF's current outlook plays out—especially with prolonged energy disruption and sticky inflation the price increases won't hit everything equally. Some categories tend to spike hard and fast because they sit at the centre of supply chains.
The AA Driving School and BSM Driving School - both of which are owned by the AA - must refund more than 80,000 customers and pay a fine of £4.2 million. CMA orders more than £760,000 be repaid to customers - the first time it has used its new powers to secure money back for consumers.