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The UK government is set to launch a consultation in early 2026 regarding the future of the Lifetime ISA (LISA), signalling an intention to replace the current scheme with a new, simpler product aimed at first-time buyers. According to Budget 2025 documents, the move is designed to untangle the comp

Macfarlane Group PLC, the Glasgow-headquartered packaging distributor and manufacturer, has confirmed it remains on course to meet market expectations for the year ending 31 December 2025. The board anticipates an adjusted operating profit in line with the market consensus of £19.1 million.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Autumn Budget has drawn a sharp intake of breath from Scotland’s financial and business community.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has said the UK government's Autumn Budget offers little meaningful support to unlock the growth potential of rural Scotland. Ahead of the Budget, SLE wrote to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, urging targeted measures to ease pressures on rural businesses – i

Charlotte Cook hopes to make Uile-bheist Brewery in Inverness a true beer "destination" after being appointed new Head Brewer at the £7.5 million distillery and brewery. Ms Cook, who started out at Brewdog, takes over from Lukas Pretzer, who has returned to Germany to work for Kaspar Schulz, a

Taxi and private hire fares are set to rise significantly as a result of changes in the Autumn Budget which will impose VAT at 20% on most taxi private vehicle hire fares from the start of 2026, writes Greg McNally. The change is expected to raise approximately £700 million a year. It effectiv

ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust) has been formally credit rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 10 with 20 credits (representing 200 learning hours).  SCQF Level 10 – p

Leading figures in the Scotland's whisky industry have criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to increase alcohol duty in the Autumn Budget, warning the move will stifle growth, cost jobs, and reduce government revenue. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) described the RPI inflation-lin

Traders can now bet on the future price of Labubus, among other limited release products, thanks to Kalshi Inc. The American financial exchange and prediction market has partnered with resale giant StockX to launch a novel form of speculation – betting on the future resale value of high-demand

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her second Budget today under chaotic circumstances, as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally released its economic forecasts before she had even taken to the despatch box. Reeves branded the breach "deeply disappointing" and a "serious error", co

An independent assessment of this year’s Tour O The Borders cycling event has estimated it contributed more than £755,000 to the Borders’ economy. The assessment, carried out in accordance with recognised events impact assessment principles and calculations, was undertaken as part

Small businesses across Scotland are poised for a festive windfall, with new data suggesting that 21% of Scottish household Christmas budgets will be spent with independent firms this year. As the Small Business Saturday campaign launches its annual drive, research indicates a growing confidence amo

Following QUIZ Clothing’s UK retail expansion announcement, the Glasgow-headquartered fashion retail group is has returned to Aberdeen and Telford with new store openings. QUIZ Clothing Aberdeen has reopened in the prestigious Bon Accord shopping centre alongside 70 additional high street name

Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating resilience despite significant economic headwinds. According to the Chief Statistician, the economy expanded by 0.7% in September alone, rebounding from revised contractions in July (-0.4%) and August (-0.2%).

ABI members paid out a record £4.6 billion in property insurance claims during the first nine months of the year, helping thousands of homeowners and businesses to recover from unwanted and unexpected events. Claims payouts for the year so far are £155 million (3%) higher compared to the