Scotland's Finance Secretary Shona Robison cannot confirm if five paused national treatment centres will be built. The SNP government's new infrastructure plan omits them, prompting Labour accusations of ditching vital NHS projects.
Ex-OBR chairman Richard Hughes defends the fiscal watchdog's credibility after his resignation over a major budget leak. He cites 'unprecedented' pre-budget speculation in his 25-year career. Read the full story.
Scottish ministers face backlash as hospitality and retail bosses brand new business rates relief a 'sticking plaster' ahead of 'staggering' tax rises. Read the full industry reaction.
A Stirling mother-of-two says the Scottish Budget fails to help families with young children, leaving a costly gap in support. Discover her story and the call for change.
The Scottish Budget pledges to raise the child payment to £40 a week for under-ones by 2027. Poverty action groups argue this fails to meet 2030 child poverty targets and leaves older children behind.
A lecturer has welcomed Scottish Budget support for colleges but questioned a £20m allocation for Dundee University. Experts warn further cuts would be 'harrowing' for the sector.
SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has declared work is not the best escape from poverty, amid a soaring Scottish welfare bill forecast to hit £9bn. Critics slam the stance as fostering a 'toxic dependency culture'.
Scottish households and businesses demand urgent help in this week's budget as rising bills and the highest taxes in the UK push them to breaking point. Will the SNP act?
A coalition of 37 major retailers warns SNP ministers that failing to match England's business rates discount in next week's Budget will push shops to the brink, risking thousands of jobs.
Anas Sarwar says Scottish Labour will not oppose the upcoming Holyrood budget but warns an emergency budget could follow May's election. Read the full political analysis.
SNP's John Swinney pushes for independence referendum, Labour's Anas Sarwar targets 'competence', and Tory Russell Findlay focuses on tax cuts as the Holyrood election campaign begins. Read their key pitches.
First Minister John Swinney launched the SNP's Holyrood campaign, claiming the party has laid the groundwork for independence. He aims for a majority to secure a referendum.
SNP leader John Swinney insists a Holyrood majority in May could force a fresh independence referendum, despite UK government opposition. Discover the political battle ahead.
A top psychic predicts 2026 will be a year of extremes, from wild weather and political surprises to major celebrity news. Discover the detailed forecasts for the UK and beyond.
New analysis forecasts the average Scottish salary will breach the higher tax threshold by 2029, sparking a political row over SNP and Labour fiscal policies. Read the full details.
From Lily Allen's tour to Catherine Zeta-Jones' TV comeback and Margot Robbie in Wuthering Heights, discover the must-see entertainment of 2026.
Your complete guide to unmissable television in 2026, from the return of Disney's steamy 'Rivals' and Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' to a new 'Buffy' series and major drama premieres.
Plan your 2026 with The Independent's guide to the year's biggest cultural events, from Tracey Emin at Tate Modern to Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' and a new 'Pride & Prejudice'.
From tax rises to energy caps, here are all the crucial financial deadlines and changes in 2026 that could impact your household budget. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.
A packed 2026 sporting calendar awaits, featuring a football World Cup, Winter Olympics, Wimbledon, and historic Test matches. Discover all the key dates and storylines.
Your complete guide to the 2026 sporting year, from the Australian Open and Six Nations to the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon. Discover key dates, defending champions, and major storylines.
Your complete guide to the 2026 bank holidays for England and Wales. Discover the eight dates, including a moved Boxing Day and early Easter. Plan your year now.
Award-winning psychic Jill M. Jackson shares three unsettling predictions for 2026, warning of economic instability, natural disasters, and global conflict. Read her full forecast and advice.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay expresses scepticism over a budget deal with the SNP government, citing a 'punitive' income tax system. Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out plans in January.
Old Moore's Almanac forecasts a surprise royal pregnancy, a major financial crash, and AI mishaps for 2026. Explore the full list of startling predictions for the year ahead.
Discover the 2026 cosmic calendar: a total solar eclipse over the Arctic, robotic moon landings, supermoons, and the fading interstellar comet 3I/Atlas. Your guide to next year's celestial wonders.
A physical altercation broke out between ruling and opposition MPs in Turkey's parliament, forcing a suspension of the final session to pass the 2026 budget. Watch the dramatic scenes unfold.
A complete guide to the 16 stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America. Discover capacities, key matches, and unique features of each venue.
PM Keir Starmer told Scottish Labour members that Anas Sarwar's influence shaped the Budget. The SNP seized on the remarks to link Sarwar to contentious policies like the windfall tax.
Millions across the UK will see State Pension and benefit payments rise from April 2026. Here's what you need to know about the new rates for Universal Credit, PIP, and more.