Insight

An increase in public sector borrowing is intensifying pressure ahead of the Autumn Budget, Professor Joe Nellis writes. Public sector borrowing came in at £17.43bn for October, painting a challenging picture for the public finances and reinforcing the fiscal squeeze facing the Chancellor ahea

Scottish ministers have extended a consultation on new mental health moratorium rules amid efforts to improve debt protections for people struggling with mental illness, writes Ahsan Mustafa. On 14 November, Ivan McKeen, minister for public finance, extended the consultation on the draft Mental Heal

Johnston Carmichael's Alex Docherty calls on Rachel Reeves to kickstart the economy by using her Budget to support businesses. After weeks of speculation over the Autumn Budget, and an unprecedented early speech by the Chancellor, it is anyone’s guess as to what will be in her famous red box.

Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC discusses the implications of the upcoming budget for the local property market. As we approach the upcoming Budget announcement, there’s a noticeable sense of anticipation across the property market. Many sellers appear to be taking a cautious “wait and see&rdqu

  Stephen McGee, chief executive of Scottish Friendly, says a bold move to reduce the cash ISA allowance that is supported by a national awareness campaign could help trigger a “paradigm shift” in investing in the UK.

The R3 in Scotland Committee’s 2025 Half-Day Forum, held at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow last Wednesday, reminded everyone why this was a must attend event in Scotland’s insolvency and restructuring calendar, writes Ahsan Mustafa. The morning struck just the ri

When Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Autumn Budget later this month, her primary focus will be on how to deliver on her pre-election promise of growing the UK’s economy, writes Jak Henderson. While much of the recent discussion has revolved around speculation as to whether she will break

Ahsan Mustafa discusses the key reforms introduced by The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025, including modernised accounting thresholds, new safety dispensations for security risks, and alignment with UK reporting standards. The Scottish Government has introduced a major refor

Ahsan Mustafa looks at the impact the Diligence against Earnings (Variation) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 has had since its introduction, exploring the new protected earnings levels, the economic context driving the reform, and the practical implications for employers and creditors. Seven months have

Gemma Monaghan, head of R&D tax at Azets, cautions Scottish construction firms to understand new legislation governing 'contracted out' research and development, as HMRC intensifies scrutiny of claims and contractual language. The contracted-out legislation update has been welcomed as a sensible

Ross Stupart, regional managing partner for RSM Scotland, gives his view on what impact the UK budget could have on Scotland. With the UK budget fast approaching, the persistent deficit, underwhelming economic growth forecasts and a manifesto pledge not to raise taxes for working people, Rachel Reev

Ben Finnie of Gilson Gray explains why property tax reforms south of the border matter for Scotland, and what they could mean for buyers, sellers, and investors here. The ongoing debate over property tax reform in England and Wales continues to make headlines. With talk of major changes – from

Recent press articles are heightening speculation around the potential introduction of a National Insurance levy on partnership profits. Professional services firms may therefore be facing a pivotal moment, Louise Cupples writes. A thinktank proposal suggests a 6.9% tax on partnership profits - aime

Kathleen Stewart, who recently returned from Innovation Week in Prague, explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and support Scotland's rural and island economies. We recently led a delegation of ambitious businesses from across the Highlands and Islands to Innova

Don Macleod critiques the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. Lawyers choose their words carefully, and my title is no exception. Nor is the reason I consider the bill to be junk, and that reason is because the proposed law around large land holdings (so called) is an appalling mess that deserves no place