Much of the focus in the last week, from a political and economic perspective, has unsurprisingly been on the return of Donald Trump as US President.

So far, the drama has played out somewhat predictably, with much bluntness and some moderate sabre-rattling at China and the European Union.

With more heat than light at this stage, it remains too early to say precisely what Mr Trump’s arrival will mean for Scotland’s exporters, with the threat of tariffs hanging over many goods producers. This is clearly a cloud over key sectors such as Scotch whisky and textiles, and obviously many companies in Scotland, as we wait to see how the theatre plays out on the other side of the Atlantic.

A much smaller distance across the sea from the Scottish mainland, there are some brighter signs for the population of Arran following the arrival of the long-delayed Glen Sannox on the Brodick route.

Arran has suffered from huge ferry disruption in recent years, as highlighted in the latest accounts for the Auchrannie Resort at Brodick.

The employee-owned resort has been hit hard over recent winters by disruption to ferry services, and saw its pre-tax losses widen to £474,260 in the year to March 31, 2024, from £111,447 in the prior 12 months.

So it was heartening to hear Auchrannie finance director and company secretary Colin Morrison offering an upbeat view on what the future might hold........

© Herald Scotland