As the nation comes to a standstill to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral, there’s a quiet reflection sweeping the country — especially in Scotland, which held a particularly personal place in her heart.
Her final days at Balmoral and the subsequent Operation Unicorn showed how deeply embedded she was in Scotland’s landscape and traditions. From tourism to community regeneration, the Royal Family’s investment in Scotland has been significant.
King Charles III is no stranger to this involvement. As Duke of Rothesay, he helped revive estates like Dumfries House in Ayrshire and the Castle of Mey in Sutherland — turning them into working community assets.
One of his most impactful legacies may be the Prince’s Trust, founded in 1976 to empower vulnerable young people. In Scotland alone, the Trust supported over 6,600 young people in 2020/21 and has delivered £145 million in social value over a decade. Whether the new Prince of Wales, William, will take up its mantle remains to be seen.
Beyond philanthropy, the Crown Estate also quietly channels real economic value into Scotland, owning much of the seabed and foreshore. It supports marine conservation, tourism, and now offshore wind developments off Shetland — helping Scotland move toward its 2045 net zero targets.
At a time of national mourning, it’s worth acknowledging that the Royal Family’s economic and charitable involvement goes far beyond public appearances. Their footprint across Scotland is substantial — and lasting.
ONS Gives Employers a Rare Bit of Good News
In a glimmer of economic positivity, Scotland’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.1%, its lowest since records began in 1992, according to new data from the ONS.
That’s encouraging news, even if private sector job creation is stalling — the Royal Bank of Scotland Business Activity Index suggests new job creation is at a 16-month low. Rising energy costs, Brexit impacts, and the Ukraine conflict are all sapping demand.
Still, a falling unemployment rate shows that resilience persists across the workforce. Let’s hope it sticks.
It Made Me Laugh
Namaste… Glasgow Style
YOTEL Glasgow has launched free sunrise yoga sessions at its rooftop venue, VEGA. It’s a lovely idea — but I do wonder how peaceful downward dog will feel with trains rumbling through Central Station below.
Still, fair play to the hotel for encouraging wellness in a chaotic city centre. Some people find zen in nature, others apparently find it above Hope Street!
It Made Me Weep
From Lockdown Boon to Post-Covid Bust
Edinburgh-based Parsley Box, known for ready meals tailored to over-65s, reported a 32% drop in year-on-year revenue. During lockdown, the company met a real need — but those gains have been hard to sustain.
Now, stiff competition and pricing pressure are threatening their momentum. It’s a harsh reminder that pandemic-era business models must evolve quickly to stay afloat in today’s climate.
