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Scotland tops UK league table on key measure

Scotland’s private sector economy topped the UK league table on one key measure last month, a survey published today reveals. For the first time...

latest 20

Ian Mcconnell

Good news for SNP Government but clock ticking on double act

The findings contained some good news for the SNP Government on what has been a challenging front, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. There...

yesterday 10

Ian Mcconnell

So what will John Swinney do without Kate Forbes?

Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has continued to undertake her roles with vigour since revealing in early August that she would not be...

11.10.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish forecast raised so why on earth all the gloom?

The Scottish economy growth forecast has been upgraded, so why all the gloom? Business Editor Ian McConnell addresses this big...

09.10.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

So what do Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn numbers tell us?

Edinburgh has lost two major bank head offices, while the numbers at the giant campus developed by Royal Bank of Scotland at Gogarburn tell a story,...

07.10.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

A crucial boost for Glasgow at such an important time

It was pleasing to hear so many positive comments about Glasgow from the UK boss of UNIQLO , which opened a store in the city yesterday, writes...

04.10.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

North Sea clamour builds but will under-pressure Labour change its tune?

The North Sea clamour over the windfall tax is intensifying as the Labour Government's November Budget looms large , with one of the key players...

02.10.2025 5

Ian Mcconnell

Those who delight in Scotland adversity should think before smug grin

The challenges facing the Scottish economy were clear in the figures but those who delight in adversity for Scotland for political reasons should...

30.09.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

So what has been going on at the major package holiday and airline operators?

The updates from the package holiday and airline giants have provided fascinating insights into the state of play in the overseas travel sector ,...

27.09.2025 9

Ian Mcconnell

Glasgow 'success story' achieved against tough backdrop

There has been much upheaval in Glasgow's financial sector in recent decades, including in fund management. Business Editor Ian McConnell reflects...

25.09.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Very big deal as Scottish Government moves to save hundreds of jobs

The arrival of John Swinney at Alexander Dennis in Larbert was a very big deal, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell , who reflects on the usual...

23.09.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Breath of fresh air over Michael McIntyre's 'weirdest shop on earth'

Argos , described by comedian Michael McIntyre as the 'weirdest shop on earth', has been in the spotlight. And there has been some good behaviour...

20.09.2025 7

Ian Mcconnell

£4 million is a small price to save hundreds of jobs as SNP government delivers

The SNP government's moves on Alexander Dennis have resulted in a surprising outcome, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell , as he reflects on factory...

18.09.2025 9

Ian Mcconnell

A lamentable thing amid mixed news on Scottish economy

On the Scottish economy, there has been mixed news, in surveys from Royal Bank of Scotland and the Federation of Small Businesses , writes Business...

16.09.2025 8

Ian Mcconnell

Scotch whisky in spotlight but what is big picture as Swinney makes move?

Scotch whisky has been in the spotlight on the global stage with John Swinney raising the issue of US tariffs with Donald Trump. Business Editor Ian...

13.09.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

So what is happening at package holiday giant and airline Jet2?

Jet2, the airline and package holiday group, has enjoyed great success over the years but has had an attention-grabbing moment, writes Business...

11.09.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish airport defies those who would snigger and sneer

Prestwick Airport has defied those who appeared keen to point the finger and snigger and sneer, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell, as he reflects...

09.09.2025 6

Ian Mcconnell

Global fashion brand opening is a very big deal for Scottish city

Uniqlo's move into Glasgow is a very big deal for the city, which has not had its troubles to seek and has faced far more challenges than Edinburgh,...

06.09.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

The good news just keeps coming for the Scottish airport some would do down

Prestwick Airport is clearly on the up, after a string of successes, with everything coming together for this vital strategic asset which some for...

04.09.2025 6

Ian Mcconnell

Prominent Scottish business figure on the money on what this region must do

Benny Higgins, one of Scotland's most prominent business figures, has provided much food for thought on the future of Dumfries and Galloway ,...

02.09.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

'You all heard of a Brexit tackle?' What to make of Labour Minister's speech?

“You all heard of a Brexit tackle? It’s the phrase kids use on the football pitch when a player gets wiped out by someone who’s lost their head...

30.08.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Huge ScotRail peak fares move fails to pump up the volume

There seems to have been a lot less noise about the abolition of peak fares on ScotRail services - “for good” from next Monday - than there was...

28.08.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Forbes swift to respond as Labour ties itself in knots

Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was swift to respond to the latest UK inflation figures, published on Wednesday. The data surely make...

26.08.2025 2

Ian Mcconnell

So just what does that big inflation number mean for interest rates?

There was much to chew over in rather unpalatable UK inflation data on Wednesday showing surging food prices. And economists flagged signs of...

23.08.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

What matters most now for island Scotch whisky distillery and its dream

There is no doubt the announcement of Simon Erlanger’s retirement from Isle of Harris Distillery is a big moment for this island business. The...

21.08.2025 9

Ian Mcconnell

Solution to UK misery shunned as Sturgeon in spotlight

The sun might be shining but there remains plenty of gloom when it comes to the UK economy. Labour’s Autumn Budget is probably still more than two...

19.08.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

So Sturgeon achieved nothing? What a load of emotive nonsense

There has been plenty of negative reaction to Nicola Sturgeon’s newly published memoir, Frankly. And much of this has been emotive. I have not...

16.08.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

'Messy' event ramps up uncertainty over interest rates

“Messy” was certainly one way of putting it after the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee had to vote twice to achieve a definitive...

14.08.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Big gap to fill for SNP after Kate Forbes bolt from the blue

Last week was one that began with a big surprise, continuing what has been a very busy summer on the news front. The announcement from Kate Forbes,...

12.08.2025 5

Ian Mcconnell

Cause for celebration over two key assets owned by Scottish Government and jobs hope

It has been great to see some good news in the last month for two key assets owned by the Scottish Government. For one, the latest win continued a...

10.08.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

Time for some courage from Labour on Brexit. Don't hold your breath though

The “B” word - the one that Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour administration all too often look like they would simply rather not hear - has been...

09.08.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

Why Kate Forbes is such a rarity among politicians and a big loss

The decision of Kate Forbes not to stand at next year’s Holyrood election undoubtedly represents a significant loss for the SNP on the economic and...

08.08.2025 7

Ian Mcconnell

Big feather in Scotland's cap amid gloom Much of the news has been less than cheerful but we should not overlook a major positive in these difficult times

There has been a welter of news on the Scottish economy in the last week. Much of this has been less than cheerful, including official figures...

05.08.2025 5

Ian Mcconnell

The companies which should absolutely not be making their staff foot the bill Employees of these companies should not be made to pay the price for the rise in employers' national insurance

The proportions of Scottish businesses having already adjusted their operations in response to the hike in employers’ national insurance...

02.08.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

This should be music to ears of Scots but some might hear bum note With people’s constitutional stances sometimes seriously endangering objectivity, an external view is valuable.

Given the grinding of political axes is commonplace when it comes to debating the attractiveness of Scotland as a place to do business - with...

31.07.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Reasons to be cheerful about Scottish shipyard without its troubles to seek The Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow was in the headlines again – and it was thankfully good news this time

The Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow was in the headlines again last week – and it was thankfully good news this time. The yard has not...

15.07.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

Will these bold plans shift the dial on Scotland cashing in on renewables boom? After many dismal stories around Scotland’s fabrication yards over decades, will these bold plans help the nation cash in on renewables boom?

Too many of the stories around Scotland’s fabrication yards over the years and decades have been dismal: threats of closure which have often...

12.07.2025 6

Ian Mcconnell

Are critics glad yet this key Scottish airport was rescued? There are many reasons to be grateful that this key Scottish airport was rescued

When I interviewed Kate Forbes last month, she highlighted her view that Prestwick Airport’s work in building new alliances and relationships means...

10.07.2025 9

Ian Mcconnell

'Historic moment' in Scotch whisky sector as major deal done Some of the biggest brands and two heavyweight distillers have been in the headlines

The Scotch whisky sector has been sharply in focus in the last week, with some of the biggest brands and two heavyweight distillers in the headlines. ...

08.07.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

Glass half-full or half-empty as major Scotch whisky distiller delivers update? There was probably something - in almost equal measure - for the glass half-empty and half-full types in the update from this major Scotch whisky distiller

There was probably something - in almost equal measure - for the glass half-empty and half-full types in the latest results from the owner of The...

05.07.2025 8

Ian Mcconnell

Key ingredient for success as Scottish restaurant and bar group eyes new venues The Scottish restaurant and bar group is eyeing new venues as it aims to double in size

The scale of the ambitions set out by the head of a fast-growing Scottish restaurants and bars group - as he announced he was taking control of the...

03.07.2025 20

Ian Mcconnell

'Stupidest' and 'unhinged' seem like measured descriptions amid destruction Words such as 'unhinged' and 'stupidest' seem perfectly measured and proportionate in the scheme of things

It is now more than nine years since the UK electorate voted for Brexit but the issue - most justifiably given the damage it is causing to the economy...

01.07.2025 5

Ian Mcconnell

I remembered meeting Scottish company chief with such an inspiring tale It brought back memories of meeting the managing director of this Scottish business, which has such an inspiring story, about seven years ago now

Reflecting this week on the ambitious expansion plans of one of Scotland’s largest structural steel fabricators brought back memories of meeting its...

28.06.2025 5

Ian Mcconnell

Are these Brexit revelations a mandate for Labour to take UK back into EU? There might still be the sounds of 'non, je ne Bregret rien' from those who voted for the folly.

Les Britanniques “Bregret” beaucoup. That was the clear message coming out of a poll published last week by YouGov. This is, of course, no...

26.06.2025 4

Ian Mcconnell

Worth the wait for those who like to see Scotland doing well

EY created a degree of suspense when it published strong 2024 financial services foreign direct investment figures for Scotland on June 9 and said it...

24.06.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

We can surely learn lessons from the tale of Barrhead Travel The story of Barrhead Travel, one of the best-known names in the overseas travel sector in Scotland, surely offers broader lessons

One of the best-known names in the overseas travel sector in Scotland celebrated its 50th birthday at a dinner at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket last...

21.06.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Overseas positivity towards Scotland contrasts with domestic whingers

There was much to grab the attention in the latest foreign direct investment figures for Scotland published this week. The top lines were mostly...

19.06.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Votes of confidence in Scotland highlight false narrative Votes of confidence in Scotland from overseas companies highlight wide of mark nature of narrative around the nation

There has been some good news on the Scottish economy in the last week, which has been all the more pleasing given the continuing difficult UK...

17.06.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

Edinburgh Airport chief and the big Glasgow question The momentum of Edinburgh Airport seems difficult to overstate right now

The momentum of Edinburgh Airport seems difficult to overstate. This impetus has been crystal clear through the first half of this year and indeed...

14.06.2025 10

Ian Mcconnell

This might not delight the pompous carpers

It was heartening indeed to hear Scotland not only managed to retain its impressive place as second only to London as a destination in the UK for...

12.06.2025 20

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Scotland tops UK league table on key measure

Ian Mcconnell

Good news for SNP Government but clock ticking on double act

Ian Mcconnell

So what will John Swinney do without Kate Forbes?

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish forecast raised so why on earth all the gloom?

Ian Mcconnell

So what do Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn numbers tell us?

Ian Mcconnell

A crucial boost for Glasgow at such an important time

Ian Mcconnell

North Sea clamour builds but will under-pressure Labour change its tune?

Ian Mcconnell

Those who delight in Scotland adversity should think before smug grin

Ian Mcconnell

So what has been going on at the major package holiday and airline operators?

Ian Mcconnell

Glasgow 'success story' achieved against tough backdrop

Ian Mcconnell

Very big deal as Scottish Government moves to save hundreds of jobs

Ian Mcconnell

Breath of fresh air over Michael McIntyre's 'weirdest shop on earth'

Ian Mcconnell

£4 million is a small price to save hundreds of jobs as SNP government delivers

Ian Mcconnell

A lamentable thing amid mixed news on Scottish economy

Ian Mcconnell

Scotch whisky in spotlight but what is big picture as Swinney makes move?

Ian Mcconnell

So what is happening at package holiday giant and airline Jet2?

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish airport defies those who would snigger and sneer

Ian Mcconnell

Global fashion brand opening is a very big deal for Scottish city

Ian Mcconnell

The good news just keeps coming for the Scottish airport some would do down

Ian Mcconnell

Prominent Scottish business figure on the money on what this region must do

Ian Mcconnell

'You all heard of a Brexit tackle?' What to make of Labour Minister's speech?

Ian Mcconnell

Huge ScotRail peak fares move fails to pump up the volume

Ian Mcconnell

Forbes swift to respond as Labour ties itself in knots

Ian Mcconnell

So just what does that big inflation number mean for interest rates?

Ian Mcconnell

What matters most now for island Scotch whisky distillery and its dream

Ian Mcconnell

Solution to UK misery shunned as Sturgeon in spotlight

Ian Mcconnell

So Sturgeon achieved nothing? What a load of emotive nonsense

Ian Mcconnell

'Messy' event ramps up uncertainty over interest rates

Ian Mcconnell

Big gap to fill for SNP after Kate Forbes bolt from the blue

Ian Mcconnell

Cause for celebration over two key assets owned by Scottish Government and jobs hope

Ian Mcconnell

Time for some courage from Labour on Brexit. Don't hold your breath though

Ian Mcconnell

Why Kate Forbes is such a rarity among politicians and a big loss

Ian Mcconnell

Big feather in Scotland's cap amid gloom Much of the news has been less than cheerful but we should not overlook a major positive in these difficult times

Ian Mcconnell

The companies which should absolutely not be making their staff foot the bill Employees of these companies should not be made to pay the price for the rise in employers' national insurance

Ian Mcconnell

This should be music to ears of Scots but some might hear bum note With people’s constitutional stances sometimes seriously endangering objectivity, an external view is valuable.

Ian Mcconnell

Reasons to be cheerful about Scottish shipyard without its troubles to seek The Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow was in the headlines again – and it was thankfully good news this time

Ian Mcconnell

Will these bold plans shift the dial on Scotland cashing in on renewables boom? After many dismal stories around Scotland’s fabrication yards over decades, will these bold plans help the nation cash in on renewables boom?

Ian Mcconnell

Are critics glad yet this key Scottish airport was rescued? There are many reasons to be grateful that this key Scottish airport was rescued

Ian Mcconnell

'Historic moment' in Scotch whisky sector as major deal done Some of the biggest brands and two heavyweight distillers have been in the headlines