Brexit plea over Scotland’s perishable exports
Getty Images The UK government has arranged additional freight capacity Scotland’s transport secretary has called for time-sensitive exports to be given priority in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Michael Matheson has written to his UK counterpart Chris Grayling asking for goods such as Scottish seafood to be given space on ferries. He warned that […]
UK councils fear bankruptcy amid Covid-19 costs
Getty Images Leeds City Council said the government needed to step in and help stabilise local authority finances Some of the largest UK councils say they may have to declare themselves effectively bankrupt unless the government agrees to further support. Nearly 150 authorities have forecast a combined budget shortfall of at least £3.2bn, the BBC […]
How a Highland village is changing to meet staycation demand
BBC Ullapool and the surrounding area in Wester Ross have grown in popularity in recent years Tourism businesses in and around Ullapool are expecting a busy summer, with the area a popular destination for people who choose to holiday closer to home amid the pandemic. Will Copestake, an outdoor instructor and former Scottish and UK […]
Making sure you get the right type of calorie
Michelle Roberts Health editor, BBC News online Getty Images The British Nutrition Foundation is launching a concept called the “quality calorie”, to make people think more about the types of foods they eat. While most adults consume more than they need, simply counting calories and cutting down is not enough, it says. It wants people […]
Fuel price rise concerns after oil hits 10-month high
BBC Annie Davies says she has to ask herself whether she can afford to fill up her car Filling up her tank with diesel, Annie Davies said she wished she had done it a day earlier when it was 4p cheaper per litre. The mother, from Llandysul, Ceredigion, said she has been unable to take […]
Pret a Manger job cut fears as sales plunge
Vivienne Nunis Business reporter, BBC News Getty Images A leaked video revealing how sales have plunged at Pret a Manger during the coronavirus crisis has raised fears about job cuts at the sandwich chain. Boss Pano Christou told staff in a recent online meeting that an announcement about the “job situation” would be made on […]
Richard Branson to launch investment fund
Getty Images Sir Richard Branson is to become a partner in a private equity fund that will seek out consumer goods firms to invest in. The fund will be co-managed by Metric Capital, an investment firm based in London. It will look for investment opportunities in areas such as luxury goods, leisure, food and drinks. […]
Food poisoning fells Iranian migrating birds
News from Elsewhere… …as found by BBC Monitoring Tehran Times Migrating birds nest in the nature reserve Thousands of migratory birds have been found dead at an important nature reserve on Iran’s Caspian coast, prompting alarm among environmentalists. Seyed Hossein Razvani, Mazandaran province’s chief vet, told the paper that the number and variety of migratory […]
Leisure centres lower pool temperatures to reduce energy bills
Getty Images The pool temperatures were still within industry guidelines, operators said Leisure centres are reducing the water temperature in swimming pools in order to save money after costs to keep them heated had skyrocketed. Councils in North Kesteven and South Kesteven said the water temperature in their pools was lowered by 1C (1.8F). GLL, […]
Why would someone hide a needle in fruit?
QUEENSLAND POLICE Why are needles being inserted into strawberries? Australia is currently searching for a saboteur (or saboteurs) amid a national scare involving the hiding of sewing needles within strawberries. In one case, a consumer who swallowed a needle had to be treated in hospital. Children and others have reported narrow escapes. What could compel […]