British department store chain with a troubled late-2010s history; brand revived online after administration
The Scotsman letters reflect on devolution and unity, with readers urging caution on regional governance and warning against disconnected policymaking in the wake of a new prime minister. The debate centers on whether further regional power can be effectively managed within the UK framework.
Edinburgh’s historic North Bridge has fully reopened to traffic and pedestrians after an eight-year restoration. The project restored steelwork, hand-finished the façade, and installed ongoing monitoring access. Final completion is announced for later this year as council projects continue.
Edinburgh Festival events proceed while the city manages tram disruptions from the recent fire. Two outdoor venues relocate to St Andrew Square, preserving shows as George Street venues prepare indoors; tram services to Newhaven remain suspended as planners navigate logistics amid festival crowds.
Edinburgh’s Princes Street remains partly closed after a blaze, but authorities are pushing ahead with stabilisation work, public funding, and a plan to restore the 150-year-old Debenhams facade. Council leaders emphasise safety and momentum, while a public consultation is promised within six months.
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale after successive losses and is drawing bids from Frasers Group and Next as owners seek £50m–£60m; Mike Ashley has called the chain in a "death spiral" and says a lower price will be needed. Separately, UK high street restructuring plans have won court approval while retailers use AI to trace complex apparel supply chains.
The blaze at the former Debenhams building has led to seven weeks of disruption in Edinburgh. Princes Street has reopened to pedestrians and traffic as bus and tram services resume along the corridor. Officials say the work to secure the site is complete and the city is focusing on recovery and support for affected businesses.
The Scotsman letters and opinion pieces question water usage in firefighting, building safety standards, and governance. Contributors urge regulatory changes, better insurer engagement, and more accountability from Holyrood as Scotland revisits major safety and infrastructure concerns.
Funding Circle has announced that chief executive Lisa Jacobs will leave the group no later than September 2027 and the board has begun the search for a successor. Jacobs has led the group since 2022 after joining in 2012, as profits for the six months to June climbed, prompting an upgraded outlook. Shares fell in early trading despite the upbeat results.
Associated British Foods says Primark has acquired a Sheffield warehouse and will offer home delivery in Great Britain in the future, expanding beyond its established click-and-collect model. Primark sales are dipping year-on-year, with UK performance modestly positive while continental Europe weakens. A demerger plan to list Primark separately is targeted for end-2027.
A synthesis of recent reviews shows high-street fragrance launches are delivering credible, budget-friendly alternatives to luxury perfumes. Independent and Business Insider UK highlight fall scents and Prime Day style deals, while Scotsman coverage spotlights vanilla amber blends and whisky notes. Collectively, the coverage suggests consumers are expanding their fragrance palettes without sacrificing quality or distinctiveness.