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Ian McConnell

Ian McConnell

Herald Scotland

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Does Scotland need more Malcolm Offords?

Does Scotland need more Malcolm Offords?

Malcolm Offord set the cat among the pigeons with his declaration during Scotland’s televised election debate that he owns “six houses, five cars...

29.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Why was state-owned Scottish shipyard ruled out of ferry contract?

Why was state-owned Scottish shipyard ruled out of ferry contract?

Should the state-owned Scottish shipyard have been ruled out of this lucrative contract to replace a vessel it built in 1989? Business Editor Ian...

29.04.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

More and more people realising those Brexiters sold them a pup

More and more people realising those Brexiters sold them a pup

It was inevitable more and more people would realise they had been sold a pup by the Brexiters, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And, as we...

27.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Brexit rears head on both sides of Scottish constitutional chasm

Brexit rears head on both sides of Scottish constitutional chasm

Brexit remains a very hot topic indeed in spite of the desperate efforts by those who visited the catastrophe upon us . It is hardly surprising to see...

24.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So who is actually out of touch in fierce battle for major Scottish company?

So who is actually out of touch in fierce battle for major Scottish company?

The declaration last week from US hedge fund manager Boaz Weinstein’s Saba Capital Management that the board of Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust...

22.04.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

‘Absolutely amazing countries’ see surge in bookings at Scottish travel agent

Tourism has been in focus, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell, with a Scottish travel agent flagging a surge in bookings to 'absolutely amazing...

13.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Why this all adds up to a very big deal for Scottish National Investment Bank

There has been much politicking around the Scottish National Investment Bank, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. But this all adds up to a very big...

10.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

What does business think of Scottish Government performance as election looms?

There is surely much to consider for the SNP and Labour in the findings of a major poll of Scottish business leaders by The Herald, writes Ian...

03.04.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So just why are we not talking up the North Sea?

It would surely be no skin off the government's chin to talk up the North Sea, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And it would be ridiculous...

01.04.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Something very eye-catching on Scottish income tax front

There has been something eye-catching on the Scottish income tax front, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. You would just about have had to be...

30.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Challenge for SNP clear in praise for Kate Forbes

Praise for Kate Forbes was among several notable things as another major success for Prestwick Airport was announced last Friday, writes Ian...

25.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Mixed emotions as Glasgow remains in spotlight

A couple of significant pieces of news produced mixed emotions, writes Ian McConnell. And hopefully there will be plenty more success stories to come...

23.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Daily China flights win a big deal for Scottish airport

The decision by the Chinese carrier to increase the frequency of its service at the Scottish airport to daily is a big deal, writes Business Editor...

20.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Big thing overlooked after distressing Glasgow Union Street fire

The Glasgow Union Street fire is a major blow but there is a big thing about the city that is often overlooked, writes Ian McConnell. Much tends to be...

18.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Good news on Scottish flights to US but also transatlantic strife

There were two very different transatlantic interactions on the Scottish business scene, writes Ian McConnell. Good news on US flights from Scotland...

16.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Sorry state of affairs as major Scottish company reaches 'end of the road'

It was dispiriting to hear a major Scottish company declare that it has "reached the end of the road" with a US hedge fund's obsession,...

13.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Hopes of major new flights win for Scottish airport fuelled by US airline

The major US airline executive's enthusiasm about Scotland was even more uplifting than the dulcet tones of Edinburgh Airport's chief...

11.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Major SNP Government call on historic Scottish shipyard can launch good chapter

Given what is at stake, it would be great to see everyone get behind Ferguson Marine or at least recognise the importance of having this shipbuilding...

09.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Even naysayers should welcome big SNP Government call on Ferguson Marine

It was great to hear this week of the Scottish Government's proposed award of major work to the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow, writes...

06.03.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Why owner of family firm making Scottish delicacy is shining example for bosses

There was one particularly striking point, among many, in the responses of the owner of an award-winning Scottish family business which makes a...

04.03.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

A big surprise for those doomsayers on Scotland?

The doomsayers on Scotland may have got a big surprise last week, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. Given the doomsaying that seems to be an...

02.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Pathetic attitude to Scottish National Investment Bank misses whole point

The attitude of some people to the Scottish National Investment Bank misses the whole point, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. There has been lots...

27.02.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Why departure of Scottish airport chief came as such a surprise

News of the departure of Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar came as such a surprise last week, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. It...

25.02.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Two Scottish airports hit headlines in perhaps unexpected ways

Two Scottish airports have hit the headlines in perhaps unexpected ways in the last week. Business Editor Ian McConnell takes a look at these...

23.02.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Business guru’s welcome take on Scottish airport shows others on to plums

There has been much tiresome moaning over the Scottish Government's rescue of Prestwick Airport, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. While this...

20.02.2026 150

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Airlines and holiday companies good news could bode well for Scotland

There has been a flurry of good news from airlines and holiday companies in the last few weeks as the post-pandemic tailwind for the overseas travel...

18.02.2026 60

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

UK Government urged to 'get to grips with threat' as Scottish drama intensifies

The UK Government has been urged to 'get to grips with the threat' as the drama has intensified in a key sector in which Scotland has a...

16.02.2026 40

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Unwanted drama for major Scottish company just goes on and on

The unwanted drama just goes on and on for a major Scottish company facing another attempt to oust its board, writes Ian McConnell. And the industry...

13.02.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Exciting news on major routes for Scottish airport

There has been some exciting news on two key routes for Glasgow Airport , writes Business Editor Ian McConnell . Things certainly appear to...

12.02.2026 50

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Positive stories and expansion plans from two popular Scottish restaurant groups

Two major Scottish restaurant operators have positive stories to tell, in spite of the undoubted pressures on the hospitality sector, writes Ian...

10.02.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

How about putting actual Brexit truths on a bus now tub-thumping has died down?

Labour's "red lines" are enabling the enormous economic damage from Brexit to continue, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. The solution is a...

07.02.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Exciting story of Scottish restaurant group as it embarks on latest chapter

The Glasgow-based restaurant group behind Di Maggio's and Café Andaluz , and now also Paesano and Sugo , has had quite the journey, writes Ian...

05.02.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Glasgow Airport chief's major revelations on new flights

Glasgow Airport's chief was in ebullient form last week as he revealed talks with airlines about new flights to various destinations around the...

03.02.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Boss of Scottish airport with spring in step declares: 'Loved it'

There seems to be much to look forward to on the future flight path of Glasgow Airport , writes Business Editor Ian McConnell . He observes...

31.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Huge new flights boost for Scottish airport

The Scottish airport has been propelled higher by a host of new flights and routes, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. This has enabled it to...

29.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Shadow cast over sector with proud history and strong presence in Scotland

A high turnout of the investment trust's shareholders enabled a widespread sigh of relief but Boaz Weinstein's Saba Capital Management continues to...

27.01.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Scottish company sees off attempt to oust board but what on earth happens now?

Saba continues to cast a very long and broad shadow over the UK investment trust sector. It is far from clear how things will shape up from here. One...

24.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Glasgow and Edinburgh airports celebrate new flight wins

Scotland’s two biggest airports are celebrating new flight wins in 2026, at the start of what promises to be an exciting year, writes Business...

22.01.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Remarkable twist in the tale of Scottish Budget

There was a remarkable twist in the tale of the Scottish Budget , Business Editor Ian McConnell observes. And the board of Edinburgh...

20.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

'Aggressive minority' warning as crunch vote looms at Scottish company

There has been a huge wave of support for the Scottish company , as the US hedge fund's shadow falls over the sector, writes Business Editor Ian...

17.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

No-nonsense visionary with dry humour who built a great Scottish family business

Douglas Anderson, whose sudden passing was announced last week by family-owned plant and tool hire company  GAP Group, was a truly inspiring...

15.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Another test looms for Scottish Government relationship with business

The Scottish Government's relationship with business has been in focus, writes Ian McConnell . This relationship faces another test this week ,...

13.01.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Battle for control of Scottish company rages as crunch vote looms

The battle for control of the Scottish investment trust is raging as a crunch vote looms, writes Ian McConnell. The attempt to oust the board of...

10.01.2026 40

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Striking view on major shift in Scottish Government relationship with business

One senior business figure has highlighted a significant shift in the relationship between the Scottish Government and business, with some...

08.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

New flights joy for Scotland’s airports

Scotland's airports have enjoyed major new flights wins . Business Editor Ian McConnell reflects on the successes of Edinburgh , Glasgow ...

06.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Brexit common sense a victim of political fears after Erasmus+ revelation

Brexit common sense remains a victim of political fears, says Business Editor Ian McConnell . He writes: “We must continue to hope that...

03.01.2026 20

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Dare we dream of better times for famous Scottish city thoroughfare?

There has been much negative said about Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street in recent times. Business Editor Ian McConnell highlights the 'good chance'...

30.12.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Major new flights wins for key Scottish airport after long spell in the doldrums

The new flights wins are a major boost for the Scottish airport, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And a situation which would have been...

25.12.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

Scottish airport's success highlights importance of ignoring yapping

The success of the airport highlights the importance of ignoring yapping from those who do not see the big picture - who are often unable to see...

23.12.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell

This vainglorious fawning is irritating as Brexit wreaks its damage

The vainglorious fawning over piffling benefits is irritating as Brexit wreaks its damage, writes Business Ian McConnell . He says it is high...

20.12.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian McConnell