Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary wants ‘practical’ immigration approach
Dharshini David Global trade correspondent, BBC News Getty Images Michael O’Leary has said he disagrees with Brexit but respects the decision to leave the EU Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has urged the UK government to take a more “practical, common sense” approach to post-Brexit policy, to allow more workers from Europe to fill vacancies. Mr […]
A freshen-up for virtual neighbours
Douglas Fraser Business and economy editor, Scotland Getty Images Short term lets of property have boomed in recent years, and are seen as worsening conspicuous pressure points in rural and urban Scotland. Housing shortages, noisy neighbours and safety have become a pressing concern for some. But online lets are good news for the tourism industry, […]
China exports see biggest drop for three years
Faarea Masud & Natalie Sherman Business reporters Getty Images China’s exports and imports have fallen sharply China’s imports and exports fell more sharply than expected last month as weaker global demand threatened the recovery prospects of the world’s second-largest economy. Official figures show that exports fell by 14.5% in July compared with a year earlier, […]
San Francisco to restrict goods delivery robots
Marble The Marble robot is being tested in San Francisco but currently has a member of staff walking behind it San Francisco officials have voted to restrict where delivery robots can go in the city, in a blow for the burgeoning industry. Start-ups will have to get permits to use such bots, which will be […]
Couples’ shock as Comlongon Castle wedding venue shuts
Nichola Rutherford BBC Scotland News Jay Wingfield Comlongon Castle is attached to a 14 bedroom hotel One of the south of Scotland’s most popular wedding venues has closed, as the owners apply for bankruptcy. Comlongon Castle in Dumfries and Galloway ceased trading last week after “encountering liquidity problems” over the last year. The move came […]
Black Friday provides welcome boost for Scottish retailers
Getty Images Black Friday came to the rescue of Scottish retailers last month as shoppers sought seasonal bargains, according to an industry report. The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) found total sales in Scotland increased year-on-year by 8%. However, it stressed that a portion of the growth reflected rising prices rather than increased volumes. Food sales […]
New Scottish-caught seafood added to ‘fish-to-avoid’ list
Getty Images A range of seafood caught off the Scottish coast has been added to a “fish-to-avoid” list compiled by conservationists. They include monkfish from the North Sea and west of Scotland as well as some species of skates and rays. Some sources of crab and lobster are also among 14 seafood options joining those […]
More calls for help for arts freelancers who ‘face using food banks’
PA Media Hundreds of musicians staged a protest outside Parliament in early October The government has been urged to do more to help performers and other arts freelancers as venues are shut again during lockdowns in England and Wales. Labour MP Chris Elmore told the House of Commons there were “growing numbers of freelancers, musicians, […]
San Francisco becomes first US city to ban e-cigarettes
Russell Hotten BBC News, New York Boston Globe via Getty Images San Francisco has become the first US city to ban sales of e-cigarettes until their health effects are clearer. Officials on Tuesday voted to ban stores selling the vaporisers and made it illegal for online retailers to deliver to addresses in the city. The […]
Band of Builders turns amputee Cher Little’s house into a home
Cher Little was left to live in just a single room in her home. A woman who lost both her legs to a deadly blood poisoning infection said she could not believe how a band of builders had changed her life. Cher Little thought she had Covid when she fell ill in October last year. […]