News Archive

Why Do Oil Prices Go Up And Down

Oil prices change due to a number of factors, including supply and demand, geopolitical risks, and the global green energy transition.   Supply and demand: Oil prices are driven by the laws of supply and demand, just like other commodities.  

Sustainable Action To Tackle Rising Prison Population - Emergency Legislation To Be Introduced

Emergency legislation will be introduced to Parliament to contribute to the sustainable long-term management of Scotland's prison population, Justice Secretary Angela Constance told MSPs.   The Bill, to be introduced in November, will propose a change to the release point for short-term prisoners serving sentences of less than four years.  

Improved Support For Crime Victims - New Victim Contact Team To Be Set Up

Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).   Under proposed changes to the scheme - which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime - a new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.  

Culture Secretary Sets Out Plans To Turbocharge The Economic Impact Of British Filmmaking

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has today laid legislation in Parliament introducing a new tax relief for independent British films to boost the growth of the UK's world class film sector.   Culture Secretary tells Parliament new indy film tax relief will boost jobs, growth and investment in the UK's regions and nations Move comes as Pinewood Studios announces a new Indie Production Hub.  

Environmental Standards Scotland: Scotland's Soils Should Be Protected In Law

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is recommending the Scottish Government bring forward legislative proposals to protect Scotland's soils.   A report published today by ESS, The Risks to Scotland's Soils: A Scoping Report, highlights the need for action to safeguard this valuable resource, which provides a habitat for over half of the world's species, helps to reduce climate change and its impacts and underpins the vast majority of Scotland's food.  

Improving The Lives Of Scotland's Gypsy Travellers

Voices of communities at the heart of plan to tackle discrimination and social exclusion.   Improved access to housing, education and health services and tackling discrimination are at the heart of a new Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA.  

Who Is In Fuel Poverty? The Government Has No Idea As It Moves To Cut Winter Fuel Payments

Energy is an unusual commodity as it imposes running costs and capital expenditure.  The main way to permanently reduce running costs is to spend money on more efficient use of energy: better insulated homes, more modern boilers, new appliances.  

Bank Of Scotland Golspie Closing 4 February 2025

A MAJOR high street banking giant will close 55 more branches for good.   Lloyds Banking Group will shut down a number of branches across its Halifax, Bank of Scotland (BoS) and Lloyds brands.  

Tourist Taxes On Cruise Ships And Motor Homes

The Highland Council in Scotland is starting a consultation process to look into the impact a tourist tax would have on the region.   More than six million people visit the picturesque Highlands every year and under new Vistor Levy legislation passed by SMPs at Holyrood earlier this year, the council has the power to introduce a tourist tax to visitors who stay overnight in the area.  

Community Benefits From Procurement Sought Through New Council Policy

Highland communities will gain from a policy which seeks to secure meaningful environmental, social, and economic benefits through the Council's procurement activities.   The newly agreed Highland Community Benefit Policy will ensure that community benefits are routinely considered during procurement.