Consumer

The Government recommends households gradually build an emergency kit with practical essentials such as a torch, first aid kit, emergency radio and portable power bank.

Explainer What you need in a Government 3-day emergency kit
From 36 litres of water for a family of four to cash, emergency radios and phone chargers, here's how to prepare for three days without essential services.

M&S Sparks customers can earn up to £15 in festive rewards this Christmas by shopping for eligible drinks, flowers and café treats. Photos by Marks and Spencer.

M&S Sparks shoppers can earn £15 in rewards when Christmas shopping

Analysis UK inflation jumps to 3.5%: What this means for borrowers and savers

The compact SumUp card reader helps market traders, craft sellers and small businesses accept contactless and card payments without expensive equipment.

7 side hustles to make extra money before Christmas

M&S has introduced its 2026 Christmas sandwich range alongside seasonal snacks and sweet treats.

M&S Christmas sandwiches and there's plenty of festive favourites

Landmark Glasgow shopping centre welcomes six more brands ahead of Christmas

Worrying data reveals state of Scotland’s retail sector ahead of golden quarter

Use a speed checker if your pet is frustrated by the slowness with which amusing human memes appear on screen (Picture: Adobe)

Are you getting the best out of your broadband?

We've listed the top 10 highest-rated items in the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference range - and there are definitely some surprises

These are the 10 items Sainsbury's poshest shoppers love the most

75,000 Scots households receive energy support as one in three fear winter bills

Small Business Saturday countdown: Meet Scotland’s favourite small companies

Cost-of-living squeeze: Two-thirds of Scots using savings to meet daily needs

Households are being urged to check their broadband bills, as staying on the same deal too long could cost hundreds of pounds a year.

Broadband mistake could cost you £452 a year

Analysis Inflation jumps to 3.1%: The impact on interest rates, your savings and mortgage

John Lewis sees losses deepen as consumers hold back on big-ticket spending

What to do if your flight cancelled by air traffic control disruption

Dobbies says ‘more people visiting stores more often’ as sales rise 10%

Retailers eye ‘golden quarter’ as summer surge on Scottish high street stalls

That six-month streaming service 'gift' that came with your new phone, and the three-month plan with your kettle could see you paying indefinitely for services you don't want (Picture: Adobe)

How to avoid subscription traps

‘Frasers effect’ - how a £5m 'concept store' has transformed Dundee’s Overgate

UK inflation jumps to 2.9%: Warning for shoppers, savers and mortgage holders

The hot items Scots are snapping up as retail sales hit three-year high

Get your travel insurance ducks in a row and a relaxing holiday is guaranteed - well, almost (Picture: Adobe)

All you need to know about travel insurance

Analysis Inflation dips to 2.6%: ‘Striking disconnect’ between official rate and reality

Finding the customer service number is often just the start of the frustration for phone contract customers (Picture: Adobe)

How do I get my phone company to talk to me?

World Cup fever sees more shoppers hit Scotland’s high streets and retail parks

Things have come on since this British salesman suffered in the heat of New York in 1949 but it's still not fun to wear a suit in summer (Picture: Keystone Features / Getty Images)

Don’t get hot under collar in a heatwave

Sephora is opening its first-ever Scottish location inside Edinburgh's St James Centre on Thursday, July 9.

First look as Sephora set to open first Scottish store in Edinburgh

Your rights after cancelled or delayed flights

Ad Feature Luxury and location: see inside 4 bed exec home

The financial feng shui party trend sees a couple of pals, or more, having a soiree while getting to grips with spending (Picture: Adobe)

Don’t be afraid of admitting to money worries

Analysis UK inflation flatlines: What this means for interest rates and mortgages

The original ombudsmen were Viking community leaders who would mediate in a dispute (Picture: Adobe)

Resolve customer complaints… like a viking

Estimates suggest it would cost well over £25 billion to fix the nation’s potholes (Picture: Tim Thursfield)

How to climb out of a pothole with pots of cash

Don't get overheated over energy bills, help is out there (Picture: Adobe)

Your energy questions answered

If you buy a flight on your credit card for yourself, you’re covered under section 75 - but If you buy one for your partner, you may not be (Picture: Adobe)

Paying on a credit card can protect your purchases… sometimes

Analysis UK inflation falls to lower-than-expected 2.8% but relief will be short-lived

You'll be cheering if you bag a fair deal on FIFA World Cup tickets (Picture: Adobe/AI)

Don’t let the opposition get past your wallet

Scottish retail bosses call for action as sales slide for second month

Scottish Waitrose customers to get Aberdeenshire firm’s free range eggs

Greggs latest: Shares rise as new menu picks lure younger customers

High street giant to open in former Debenhams site in Scottish shopping centre

How much compensation might you be entitled to? It's complicated... very, very complicated (Picture: Adobe)

Car finance and compensation: what’s going on?

M&S boss blames self-scan tills for rise in shoplifting: Here's my solution Scott Reid

Scotmid rolls out ‘concept store’ with food-to-go treats as sales hold steady

Analysis UK inflation jumps to 3.3%: What this means for rates, pensions and savings

No one is monitoring supermarkets to check they're not using dynamic - or surge - pricing (Picture: Adobe)

Will dynamic pricing increase your shopping bills?

Scottish sales plunge in ‘stark reminder of enormous pressure on households’

It makes sense to renegotiate any contracts with wiggle room before new prices kick in (Picture: Adobe)

It’s awful April, so here’s how to beat the bill rises

Signs on fuel pumps at the Asda Texaco petrol station in Clapham, south London. Some petrol pumps are witnessing "temporary shortages" due to tight supply linked to the conflict in the Middle East, the boss of Asda has warned

War causing ‘temporary shortages’ at some petrol pumps, says Asda boss

Don't sit around worrying about how you'll pay your mortgage, talk to you lender about options (Picture: Angel Santana/Adobe)

Don’t give fears over mortgage any head space

Analysis UK inflation holds at 3% but where now for prices and interest rates in 2026?

FTSE 100 rebounds sharply on Middle East resolution hopes after early plunge

Energy prices tend to rise, but don't panic - plan (Picture: Adobe)

What can I do if I can’t afford my energy bill?

Scotland’s retail bosses plead for ‘dose of realism’ as sales grind to halt

You'll be smiling too if disputes over purchases can be quickly resolved (Picture: Adobe)

How paying by credit card can save headaches

Inflation falls to 3%: What this means for interest rates, borrowers and savers

The salesperson is happy, but if your new vehicle soon disappoints, give them a chance to rectify the problem (Picture: Adobe)

Don’t let vehicle salesmen drive over your rights

More Scottish organic eggs rolling out to scores of Co-op stores

A shopper carrying red sale bags marked with a bold percentage sign, symbolising seasonal discounts and bargain hunting

Free Top Buys email finds the best UK deals this February

Finding the right policy for a pal like Wee Guy can be a bit of a puzzle, but Martyn can help

Pets, protection and how to cut your vet bills

Artisan Scottish chilli and strawberry jams to hit shelves of 153 Scotmid stores

UK inflation jumps to 3.4%: What this means for mortgages and interest rates

Have a cuppa, put some music on and spend no more than 15 minutes to make a mini-budget (Picture: Adobe)

Take a deep breath and face down your finances

Support your local cafe by making it your book group's regular meeting place (Picture: Adobe)

Let’s spend this year saving our high streets

M&S and Tesco ring up strong festive food sales

This simple tweak can make rooms feel warmer almost instantly (Photo: Pexels)

Warm your home fast this winter with this easy radiator tweak

The UK is experiencing a major cold snap, causing school closures, power cuts, and hazardous roads (Photo: Richard Ponter)

Cold Weather Payments may be triggered soon - how fast you’ll get cash

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