When most people think about the global economy, they picture stock markets, oil prices or inflation. Few would imagine that the value of the Japanese yen could become one of the biggest concerns for the United States.
The dollar remains king but the foundations of the global financial system may be starting to shift. For more than 80 years, the US dollar has been the world's dominant currency.
The UK government continues to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine as Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband unleashes his first major Russia sanctions package. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband steps up UK action against Russia, with new sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s military machine, oil and gas revenues and ageing shadow fleet.
A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.
From the corner shop lemonade bottle to a £200 million industry PET packaging is now at the centre of a UK trade investigation For generations in Scotland, the phrase "ginger bottle" brought to mind something simple: a glass bottle of lemonade, ginger beer or juice sitting in the fridge or being returned to the shop for a small deposit. Today, the bottle may look very different.
Scotland's iconic wild Atlantic salmon continue to face significant challenges, with a new Scottish Government assessment showing that most salmon stocks remain in poor conservation status despite decades of conservation efforts. The latest Status of Salmon in Scotland report paints a mixed picture.
Highland Businesses Offered Free Support to Cut Carbon Costs and Prepare for a Low-Carbon Economy New Climate Springboard programme aims to help SMEs understand emissions, reduce costs and plan for the future Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being offered free expert support to help them understand their carbon emissions, reduce costs and prepare for the growing demands of a low-carbon economy. The new Climate Springboard programme, supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations take practical steps towards reducing their environmental impact.
Inverness to Wick by Train: Scotland's Hidden Scenic Journey Through the Highlands Four hours of breathtaking landscapes, dramatic coastlines and the wild beauty of Sutherland Many journeys are simply about getting from A to B. The train journey from Inverness to Wick is different.
Summer 200 and Tony Blair had just won a second thumping election victory, promising opportunity for all. The new census showed a nation losing its religion, more inclined to live alone and more ethnically diverse.
The gap between official figures and household experience explained. For millions of households across the UK, inflation has become one of the biggest economic issues of the past few years.
When politicians debate disability benefits today, the arguments can sound distinctly modern. Concerns about rising welfare costs, accusations of fraud and disputes over who deserves support often dominate headlines and political discussions.
In this second part in our series on how the UK has changed in the past 25 years, we look at the finances of both the nation and individuals, before turning to housing and business. The economy Steve Schifferes, honorary research fellow, City St George’s University For most of the 2000s the economy grew strongly, raising living standards and allowing the government to invest more in public services such as the NHS.
Will rising oil prices push Britain into recession? And if they do, will the Bank of England make the situation even worse? In this video, I examine the extraordinary profits recently reported by the world’s largest oil companies following the conflict involving Iran. While households and businesses face higher fuel costs, oil companies are making windfall gains.
In this third part in our series on how the UK has changed in the past 25 years, we turn to demographics, immigration, social attitudes and LGBTQ+ lives. Demographics Athina Vlachantoni, professor of gerontology and social policy, University of Southampton Jane Falkingham, professor of demography and international social policy, University of Southampton Maria Evandrou, professor of gerontology, University of Southampton The UK population grew in size from just under 59 million in 2000 to 69.5 million in 2025, and is now projected to reach 71 million by 2034.
For years, lithium has been the star of the battery revolution. From mobile phones and laptops to electric cars and home energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries have become the technology powering the move away from fossil fuels.
Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts. Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.
So many scams warning these days but we think this programme on BBC sounds s a warning worth hearing. Have you ever been desperately trying to contact a company to complain about shoddy service? Or needed to cut through the automated responses and speak to a human who can help? Most of us have - and the criminals have latched onto it.
Yesterday 4 August 2026 we celebrate the success and achievements of all our young people as they receive their Qualifications Scotland (QS) results, previously known as SQA. These results are an initial snapshot of attainment and achievement for the 2025/26 session.
Just a few weeks ago, energy markets were gripped by fears that conflict in the Middle East could send oil prices soaring above $100 a barrel. Analysts warned that any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz or attacks on major oil facilities could trigger another global energy shock.