Cost of living

We've found three premium robot vacuums for less than £100

Robot vacuums for £100: We list the cheapest options on the market

Bank of England policymakers face a delicate balancing act when it comes to future interest rate decisions.

Why Britain’s return to growth could put interest rate cut on hold

(Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

The cheap winter heating solution that follows Martin Lewis' advice

The changeable weather is likely to have had an impact on shopping patterns.

Stark warning from Scottish high street after 'microscopic' sales gains

No one wants to answer the door to a bailiff so be prudent with your borrowing (Picture: Andrey Popov/Adobe)

Borrowing cash? Here’s what to watch out for

Set yourself a simple budget to avoid any shocks when the New Year brings new bills (Picture: Adobe)

We need to talk about Christmas…

These have been a stormy few months for rate-setters at the Bank of England, above.

Interest rate hold: The impact for borrowers and savers and when rates will fall

Analysis What 2.2% inflation means for rates, your mortgage and savings

A plate of fish and chips. (Pic credit: Leon Neal / AFP via Getty Images)

The tips and discounts that will get you a cheap local takeaway

Escape to the Canary Islands this October

Bargain breaks: Low-cost autumn holidays for last-minute sun

Selling your home can be expensive

How much it costs to list your house on Purplebricks

Aldi September offers range from household cleaning to DIY and renovation

The household bargains you'll find in the middle aisle for autumn

Shoppers could save money on their groceries from supermarkets, like one shown here

Weekly shop savings near you on Amazon - if you know where to look

Many senior citizens are worried at the loss of the winter fuel payment (Picture: Adobe)

How to get some expert help with your energy bills

Colder months ahead and a rising energy cap will mean increased bills this winter

Could installing a heat pump be the answer to rising energy bills?

The uptick in headline inflation in July 2024 was driven partly by a sharp drop in energy bills last July falling out of the year on year calculations.

UK inflation shock: What does a jump in prices mean for interest rates?

Analysis Mortgages, savings and loans - what the interest rate cut means for you

Analysis How Taylor Swift may have prevented an interest rate cut on August 1

Surprisingly, perhaps, the study found that about two-thirds of UK households do have enough emergency savings built up.

Here's how much experts say you need in emergency savings. Do you have enough?

Analysis UK economy growing twice as fast as expected: what this means for your finances

The UK economy suffered two consecutive quarters of decline in the latter half of 2023 - leading to a technical recession.

Recession rebound: UK economy growing more strongly than first thought

Analysis Inflation milestone: Why prices are cooling and when interest rates will be cut

Do your homework before switching energy suppliers as tempting deals may save you less than it seems (Picture: Adobe)

Here’s how to get cheapest deals on energy bills - Martyn James

Shopper numbers are likely to have also been impacted by poor weather.

Retail leaders make pre-election plea after Scottish shopper footfall shock

Analysis Why inflation drop might not be the good news we hoped for

The official rate of inflation may have been on a downward trajectory in recent months but bills continue to stack up for most consumers and businesses.

Will tomorrow’s ‘make or break’ inflation data trigger a cut in interest rates?

Analysis Greggs: What makes Britain's biggest bakery chain recession resilient

Analysis Bank of England freezes interest rates but cut could be just weeks away

April was not a vintage month for retailers, with poor weather and Easter timing distortions taking their toll on store takings.

Scottish sales slump but spring heralds ‘grounds for cautious optimism’ - SRC

The Scotmid convenience stores are the most familiar face of the 165-year-old co-operative business.

Scotmid CEO bows out after 20 years leaving ‘strong and resilient organisation’

Industry figures show that more than 183,000 solar panel installations were carried out across the UK last year.

Scottish Gas seals solar panel deal to save cash-strapped households up to 90%

Analysis UK inflation woes: Why borrowers face a summer of pain despite cooling prices

The gig economy is typically associated with delivery jobs but also spans a range of sectors.

Uncertain future - the rise of the gig economy and how society needs to adapt

Tesco has 'cemented its position as the pre-eminent grocer of the British aisles', according to one analyst.

Tesco serves up some good news on inflation as profits hit £2.3bn: reaction

Housebuilders and related construction businesses have had a tough time due to soaring interest rates, rising costs and a slump in sales.

Crucial snapshots of housing market activity to shed light on health of industry

Easter weekend typically stands out as a highlight for retailers, as shoppers are enticed to venture out and make the most of the long bank holiday.

Easter week to mark 'turning point in prospects' as households splurge £400

Though there are some signs of optimism, the cost-of-living crisis continues to take a toll on business.

Scottish firms warn ‘persistently high cost of doing business’ hitting economy

Analysis Interest rates: Bank of England plays waiting game but cut could come in May

Joanna Morris, head of insight at Novuna Business Finance: 'As the backbone of the economy, small business owners find themselves in a relentless battle against rising costs and unpredictable market conditions.'

Scottish business owners being kept awake by high interest rates and Brexit

Wilko, which folded in 2023, was one the most dramatic retail sector collapses in recent years.

Scottish shop closure rate below UK average as takeaways and cafés 'flourish'

Last month, it emerged that Britain’s economy was in a technical recession after two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction.

UK GDP: Has the economy exited recession and when will interest rates fall?

Ad Feature Tackling ‘embodied carbon’ issue

Follow our advice to save on car breakdown cover

Expert shows how to save hundreds on car breakdown cover

How Jeremy Hunt can end fuel poverty for good in UK Budget Andrew Bartlett

Analysis Short and shallow: Why we shouldn't panic over news of another UK recession

The Office for National Statistics' data for January revealed a monthly drop in food prices of 0.4 per cent - the first since September 2021. Picture: Greg Macvean

Interest rates could be cut this spring as UK inflation holds steady: food falls

The miserable weather may have kept many shoppers away from the high street.

Retail leaders brand tax hike 'astonishing' as Scots sales suffer fresh decline

The Bank of England has come under pressure to cut interest rates from their near 16-year peak as inflation cools and the economy teeters on the edge of recession.

'Rapid' interest rate cuts still in pipeline despite BoE holding fire

Herringbone Abbeyhill in Edinburgh is one of the latest venues opened by Buzzworks.

Hospitality group with 19 venues warns rising costs could impact growth plans

Many businesses have been hit hard by rising interest rates, soaring costs and a lack of consumer confidence, with increasing numbers calling it a day.

Number of Scots firms on the brink soars amid 'debt storm' crunch

The figures point to a quiet December for many retailers following a better-than-expected November when the Black Friday event boosted takings.

Shock fall in UK sales may be 'temporary setback' as consumer confidence lifts

The big insurance increases have been fuelled by general inflationary pressures impacting the cost of repairs and claims, among other factors.

Central Belt drivers see car insurance premiums double in two years to £900

Rate cut still on cards despite troubling inflation figures

Marks & Spencer has been investing heavily in its food operation, including revamping existing stores and opening more dedicated out-of-town food halls.

Marks & Spencer enjoys festive sales lift but can the sparkle last?

The poor weather may also have been a reason for the disappointing December sales numbers.

Little festive cheer for Scots stores as sales slip for sixth month

Part of the Next children's fashion range for spring 2024. Picture: Melissa Adams/Next plc

Tale of two traders: Next on the rise despite Red Sea warning as JD Sports sinks

Aldi has been one of the fastest-growing retailers in Scotland and now has scores of branches across the country. Picture: Michael Gillen

Aldi and Lidl hail record Xmas as shoppers snap up roasting joints and champagne

One of the most notable failures last year was the administration of Wilko, which had operated 400 shops and employed some 12,000 workers.

More big companies likely to go to wall during 2024, insolvency experts warn

The most notable retail failure of 2023 was long-established household goods chain Wilko.

4,500 UK retailers facing 'critical financial distress' as pressures mount

Meet the energy firm powering Edinburgh Zoo, and inspiring schoolchildren across the Lothians. Project delivery manager Colin Heggie is photographed by Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Ad Feature Animal magic: Solar power helps power Edinburgh Zoo

A view of part of the Bertha Park Village housing development on the outskirts of Perth, in which Springfield is involved. Picture by Alan Richardson

Major Scottish housebuilder sees early signs of return in homebuyer confidence

The Scotsman Top Stories

Scotland has failed to meet its latest target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the latest official figures show. Picture: John Giles/PA Wire

Fail: Scotland misses climate target

Pro-independence protesters with Scottish Saltire flags (top) march for Scottish independence. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

Yousaf: Growing popular support for Yes the only way to Scottish independence

Nadine Dorries. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

SNP MP cleared of bullying Nadine Dorries

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