Scotland’s whisky industry has become the centre of a political row after new figures revealed a £156 million fall in alcohol duty revenue following a Treasury tax rise, raising questions about the impact on producers and public finances.
A seafood delivery business serving Skye and Lochalsh has secured loan support from Highland Opportunity Investments Limited, helping protect a trusted West Highlands route while investing in digital ordering and future growth.
Inverness Cocktail Week returns from 20 February to 1 March 2026, with 50 venues offering £5 to £7 cocktails, signature drinks and exclusive deals across bars and restaurants in the city centre.
Cobbs has been re appointed to run the Port of Cromarty Firth gift shop in Invergordon for the 2026 and 2027 cruise seasons, as more than 95 ships prepare to visit the Highland port this year.
The First Minister has outlined new funding commitments and policy stability for Scottish farming at the NFUS AGM, including support for direct payments, farm investment and rural industries aimed at strengthening agriculture and crofting through to 2030 and beyond.
The UK Government has outlined plans to support farmers, crofters and rural communities at the NFUS conference, highlighting closer partnership working, rural growth initiatives and new measures aimed at strengthening Scotland’s agricultural and food sectors.
NFU Scotland is set to host its 2026 AGM and conference in Glasgow as farmers, crofters and political leaders gather to debate the future of Scottish agriculture, launch a new manifesto, and address funding, reform and profitability at a crucial moment for the sector.
An exclusive Sea and Spirit dining experience will take place at the Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin on 27 March, pairing a six course Argyll seafood tasting menu with Oban whisky to celebrate a new coastal partnership.
Michelin recognition for The Three Chimneys at Talisker marks a defining moment for Skye’s food scene, celebrating locally sourced dining beside Talisker Distillery and reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a world class culinary destination.
NFU Scotland has warned the 2026 to 27 Scottish Budget flatlines support for farmers and crofters, offering short term certainty but failing to match rising costs and the growing demands placed on rural communities.
The SNP has moved to block a proposed whisky tax rise at Westminster, with Moray MP Graham Leadbitter warning that Scotland’s world class whisky industry and thousands of local jobs are being put at risk.
Lidl is bringing a touch of Scottish tradition to January by reviving Little Christmas, offering 1,000 shoppers a £6 voucher while celebrating Nollaig Bheag and its deep cultural roots during a month many find difficult.
A unique Burns Night experience returns to Speyside as Linn House brings together open fire cooking, Indian cuisine and rare whisky, offering guests an intimate three night celebration that reimagines Scottish tradition through global flavours and craftsmanship.
NFU Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to reform public sector food procurement, warning schools and hospitals are missing a key opportunity to prioritise Scottish produce and support farmers, crofters and growers across the Highlands and Islands.
Marks and Spencer has launched a new Nutrient Dense food range aimed at helping people boost fibre, vitamins and minerals, as figures show most UK adults are missing key nutrients despite growing interest in healthier eating.
Orkney Islands Council is inviting farmers and contractors with machinery to join a new framework supporting roads maintenance and winter weather response across the islands.
The MV Corran is undergoing final sea trials today after completing its refit, with the vital ferry crossing at Corran Narrows expected to return to normal service during the coming week.
An Lanntair has unveiled a packed programme of traditional music, Gaelic songwriting and family events during HebCelt week in Stornoway, bringing some of the biggest names in island music together for four days of performances.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has added Rizzle Kicks, Rose Betts and Janet Devlin to its 2026 line up while unveiling this year’s theme Party Animals as excitement builds for the Highlands’ biggest summer music event.
Ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale will be suspended for more than two weeks over Easter, raising concern among west coast communities and businesses that rely on the historic crossing between the mainland and Skye.
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd has marked its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of providing vital air connectivity across Scotland’s rural and island communities through its network of regional airports.
