Latest news with #IanMurray
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Whisky tariffs to be halved by ‘fantastic' India trade deal
While tariffs on soft drinks will drop gradually from 33% to 0%, the UK Government estimated a £190 million boost for Scotland as a result of the deal. The Scottish Secretary said the deal was 'great news' for Scotland (Ben Whitley/PA) Speaking ahead of the signing, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This is great news for Scotland and Scottish jobs. 'Our trade deal with India is fantastic news for Brand Scotland, with our goods, businesses and services gaining access to what is projected to be the world's third-largest economy by 2027. 'From food, drink and textiles production, to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and financial services, Scotland has so much to offer India. 'It's fantastic news in particular for the world-famous whisky industry, with Indian import tariffs slashed on Scotch having the potential to be transformational for the industry. It's also good news for our other national drink, with tariffs on soft drinks cut. 'As the UK Government delivers our Plan for Change, we are also bringing inward investment to Scotland to create jobs, boost economic growth and improve living standards right across the UK.' Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Mark Kent said the industry had 'long championed' a deal with India, adding: 'The signing of the FTA is an historic moment and is an important milestone to reducing tariffs on Scotch whisky in a growing market. 'This will contribute to the Government's growth objective, by laying the foundations for further investment and jobs.'
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
End of year report from the Scotland Office
After a year in government the Secretary of State for Scotland laid his department's annual report in parliament on Tuesday saying that 'The Scotland Office has taken huge steps forward in delivering for people in Scotland'. The Rt Hon Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland reported that he has restructured the Scotland Office, ensured cash and spending powers for the department to deliver its Brand Scotland campaign, taken a key role in directing new funding to local growth projects and has also 'reset relationships' with The Scottish Government. Mr Murray sets out in the report that his office, where Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill is the Under-Secretary of State, has four strategic priorities – economic growth, clean energy, Brand Scotland and tackling poverty. In October last year the Minister welcomed both the Prime Minister and The First Minister, John Swinney to Queen Elizabeth House during the Council of Nations and Regions. The Scotland Office has a Greening Government commitment and this is manifested in the numbers. It has reduced its reliance on Air Travel from 75.42 CO2e tonnes to 41.86 CO2e tonnes in 2024-25 and also reduced the number of reams of paper used from 145 to 100 between the final year of the Conservative government and this last year. The Offices (both Scotland and the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland OAG) are committed to reducing their environmental impact by: • Encouraging the use of video conferencing and dial-in facilities rather than travelling to meetings; • Using recycled paper and other stationery; • Using public transport rather than cars when travelling to meetings; and • Ensuring that our printers and photocopiers are all energy efficient models which reduce paper wastage. There are four non-executive directors at the Scotland Office – Stuart Patrick who is the Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Martin Dorchester who is Chief Executive of Includem, Susan Deacon, the Lead Non-executive Director, who is also Chair of Lothian Buses until August 2026, and Andrew Kerr who is the former Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council. One other – Tom Harris – resigned in June 2024. He also holds positions with public affairs companies Message Matters and Cogitamus. The Interim Accounting Officer states in the report that the Non-Executive Directors are 'the most important external source of assurance' in relation to assessing the effectiveness of the Offices. The Rt Hon Ian Murray Secretary of State for Scotland speaking at the opening of the Usher Building in the Edinburgh Bioquarter Mr Murray said: 'Over the past year I have reformed and restructured the Scotland Office, so it can deliver the UK Government's Plan for Change in Scotland, focusing on my priorities of economic growth, clean energy, Brand Scotland and tackling poverty. 'This work has started in earnest, with £3 million for Brand Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote all that is great about Scotland around the world, and show investors the opportunities of Scotland. 'We are also taking a key role in delivering local growth funding in Scotland, with the UK Government delivering £1.7 billion in local growth projects across Scotland. Our industrial strategy will make sure we can take advantage of the jobs of the future and GB Energy, headquartered here in Scotland, will drive our clean energy transition.' On Brand Scotland, the report confirms that Mr Murray has already invested some of the funding to sign deals with the Royal Edinburgh Royal Tattoo and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. The Scotland Office published a round up video on Facebook: Loading… 12/7/2024 Secretary of State for Scotland the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP on Roof top terrace at Queen Elizabeth House Picture Alan Simpson UK Government in Scotland (Scotland Office). Photo: Martin P. McAdam Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Energy giants have questions to answer over zonal pricing
For the Highlands, the proposal ticked boxes. In a region with a colder climate, in which an estimated 33% of households in Highland experience fuel poverty, and have higher costs of living and lower incomes, the possibility of lower energy bills was attractive. Especially given that costs for those in the Highlands and Islands are higher, because of greater dependence on electricity and heating oil than mains gas. Even the unstinting efforts of Changeworks, Home Energy Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust and other advice services can only partially mitigate the difficulties faced by many. But now Energy and Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband has rejected Zonal Pricing, asserting that 'a fair, secure, affordable and efficient electricity system' can only be achieved through a reformed pricing system. Read more: The way to escape from dependence on 'fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators' is through a single national (UK) wholesale price. The dreaded 'Postcode Lottery' had to be avoided. And there was no guarantee Zonal Pricing would bring lower bills for anyone. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray praised the decision, citing a 'predictable climate for investment'. Consumers will, he insisted, 'feel the benefit of Labour's clean energy mission.' Bigger energy players agreed: Centrica have called it 'common-sense' and SSE's Martin Pibworth has said zonal pricing would have slowed the clean power transition, 'making energy bills more expensive.' The Inverness Courier responded with alacrity and condemnation: 'Labour's Ed Miliband has ruled out zonal pricing that could have cut Scotland's soaring energy bills because it would be 'unfair' to areas like the Midlands and South of England that consume the most power … the move could have a significant impact on next year's Holyrood election … over-charging Highland residents for electricity that is generated in the region.' Ed Miliband has come under fire over the decision. (Image: Newsquest) It's also worth noting that the SNP has carefully avoided backing zonal pricing – Kate Forbes and John Swinney, while predictably critical of Miliband, have steered clear, after the mess they made of Scotwind leases for offshore wind rights, underselling by, some say, £60 billion. While co-operation between UK and Scottish Governments is essential, criticism of Ed Miliband's statement is hypocrisy. All the same, UK Labour will need a good wind in its sails if it wishes to persuade voters with its reformed national pricing regime, changes to transmission charging and more planned infrastructure development. For starters, it must reassure the thousands already unconvinced by the bitter contrast between talk of a 'just transition' and the 150-metre-plus wind turbines marching implacably through their glen, trailing substations behind. Except these are not Labour Government developments. Among Mrs Thatcher's many gifts to us was a Wild West Energy marketplace, and the very corpulent corporations currently invading rural Scotland are not bringing power to the glens for the nation, like Tom Johnston, but seeking profit with a greenwashed prospectus. And the UK Government is not the major player here, its partnership with Big Energy looking a bit uneven. Ed Miliband's department is promising eligible households within 500 metres of electricity transmission infrastructure discounts on their bills, with further compensation to come. Read more: Will this be enough? I want to see UK Labour deliver its proposals for 'a transformative Community Energy programme' – community-led renewables and a 20% community share of large-scale projects. I want an end to Constraint payments adding to consumers' bills, when the Grid infrastructure isn't up to the job and turbine sails move uselessly around like Tories canvassing at elections. The challenges of rural living remain, and must be addressed. One of the most authoritative studies is the 2023 report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, The cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland. And the Scottish Human Rights Commission's 2024 report on life in the Highlands and Islands stands in stark judgement on all levels of government. Energy costs loom large in these important documents. But the biggest questions should be asked of those corporate giants of Scottish energy, whose lobbying is ever on behalf of shareholders and profits. Their campaigning and threatening have worked so far, but their cynicism, seeing communities as anonymous cattle to be milked, must now be lessened by more realistic community shares. Zonal pricing, Big Energy claimed, risked hindering investment, diverting time and resources, bringing volatility, market instability and probably plagues of frogs. Well, SSEN (profits £2.4bn.) E-ON (£3bn) EDF (£8.5bn) and Scottish Power (£1.2bn) now have to walk the walk, and deliver on their promises to help consumers and build an age of clean power. Michael Gregson is a Labour councillor for Inverness Central
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
VINEYARD VINES PARTNERS WITH ZAC BROWN BAND WITH AN EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED-EDITION CAPSULE COLLECTION
STAMFORD, Conn., July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- vineyard vines, the iconic lifestyle brand known for its smiling pink whale logo and "Every Day Should Feel This Good" motto, is excited to announce a limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with three-time GRAMMY Award-winning group, Zac Brown Band. Featuring a range of tees, polos, and hats sporting logos of both brands, the collection blends vineyard vines' signature laid-back coastal style with Zac Brown Band's Southern spirit and deep musical roots. This exclusive capsule serves as a wearable tribute to the music, the moment, and the memories Zac Brown Band continues to create for their devoted community. "Zac is an old friend, and like vineyard vines, the Zac Brown Band has grinded for decades to build a loyal following," said vineyard vines Co-Founder, Ian Murray. "From humble beginnings to the Sphere, Zac has stayed true to his roots of delivering an incredible show that is adored by audiences of all ages. This collaboration is a true reflection of how our brands have been built on a similar foundation of hard work to deliver an awesome experience to our fans and most importantly, have fun." "Partnering with Zac Brown Band to celebrate the Sphere residency is an honor," said vineyard vines Co-Founder, Shep Murray. "Their music celebrates living life to the fullest and staying true to your roots. We are excited for this first assortment to drop and more to come later this year." The limited-edition vineyard vines and Zac Brown Band collection will be available beginning July 18, 2025, while supplies last on For more information, please visit ABOUT VINEYARD VINES Founded in 1998 on Martha's Vineyard by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, vineyard vines is known for its iconic smiling pink whale logo and a commitment to the Good Life. What began with a single line of neckties has grown into a full lifestyle brand offering a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. vineyard vines products are available in over 600 specialty and department stores worldwide, through a seasonal catalog at 1.800.892.4982, online at and in 126 freestanding retail stores. ABOUT ZAC BROWN BAND Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, GRAMMY ® Award-winning, Southern rock group led by front man, Zac Brown. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, ZacBrown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200and five consecutive albums debut at #1 on Billboard's Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three GRAMMY ® Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 10.8 million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. ZacBrown Band has headlined 9 North American Tours and currently holds the record for most consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic Fenway Park. Symbolic of their massive success at the ballpark, in July 2022, Zac Brown Band was inducted into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame, joining music icons Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. Since their debut, ZacBrown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries. Contact:Allysha Dunniganadunnigan@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE vineyard vines Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The National
16-07-2025
- Business
- The National
£250m cash injection for nukes branded 'gimmick'
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray travelled north of the Border on Wednesday to visit HMNB Clyde at Faslane to unveil the investment alongside Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle. The UK Government said that the money would ensure the base – located less than 40 miles from Scotland's largest city – could store the next generation of nuclear submarines. But the Scottish Greens said Labour were throwing money 'into the bottomless pit of money that is the Trident nuclear weapon programme'. Ross Greer (below), who is running to become party co-leader, said: 'Pouring hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers' money into military gimmicks won't make us any safer. (Image: Gordon Terris) 'It will only take money away from the urgent work needed to lift children out of poverty and tackle the climate emergency. The only winners here are the arms companies who will make a fortune. 'The UK Government continues to use Scotland as a dumping ground for their weapons of mass slaughter. This new funding isn't going to reduce the risk of living near Faslane nor the totally unacceptable risk of transporting nuclear and explosive materials by road through Scotland's towns and cities.' READ MORE: Ian Murray to visit Faslane to announce £250m investment in nuclear base The West of Scotland MSP said there could 'never be justification for weapons which are only capable of indiscriminate mass killing', adding: 'The terrible legacy of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is all the warning we need from history in that regard. 'Our communities in the West of Scotland need sustainable, safe jobs and a decent safety net in the social security system. This money could have been used for that, but instead it will go straight to some of the world's biggest arms manufacturers.' He proposed turning Faslane into a 'conventional naval base, meeting our defensive needs on the west coast for a fraction of the cost of this nuclear arsenal'. The costs of maintaining Britain's nuclear arsenal are spiralling – and as the fleet ages, crew are forced to go on longer, riskier patrols. A report in 2023 found that costs had increased from the previous year by £38.2 billion, a hike of 62% from 2022. Murray defended the spend ahead of his visit, saying: 'It will ensure the Royal Navy can deliver the continuous at sea deterrent from a modern, efficient base which will result in a better environment for our hero submariners to live, work and train in.'
