Simeon Kerr
@simeonkerr.bsky.social
Scotland correspondent, former Gulf correspondent - Financial Times
Reposted by Simeon Kerr
'Kilts' on the horizon...
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of planned inaugural bond
www.ft.com/content/37bb...
by @simeonkerr.bsky.social + me
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of planned inaugural bond
www.ft.com/content/37bb...
by @simeonkerr.bsky.social + me
a man with blue paint on his face is riding a horse with a sword .
ALT: a man with blue paint on his face is riding a horse with a sword .
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:53 PM
'Kilts' on the horizon...
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of planned inaugural bond
www.ft.com/content/37bb...
by @simeonkerr.bsky.social + me
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of planned inaugural bond
www.ft.com/content/37bb...
by @simeonkerr.bsky.social + me
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of debut ‘kilts’ sale
S&P and Moody’s award Edinburgh investment-grade status as it plans first bond issue since late 17th century
S&P and Moody’s award Edinburgh investment-grade status as it plans first bond issue since late 17th century
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of debut ‘kilts’ sale
[FREE TO READ] S&P and Moody’s award Edinburgh investment-grade status as it plans first bond issue since late 17th century
on.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Scotland given same credit rating as UK ahead of debut ‘kilts’ sale
S&P and Moody’s award Edinburgh investment-grade status as it plans first bond issue since late 17th century
S&P and Moody’s award Edinburgh investment-grade status as it plans first bond issue since late 17th century
‘We cannot survive — there is no new land.’
Why Scotland is not building enough homes
Housebuilders want government to ease regulations and do more to help councils deal with acute shortage of planners
Why Scotland is not building enough homes
Housebuilders want government to ease regulations and do more to help councils deal with acute shortage of planners
‘We cannot survive — there is no new land.’ Why Scotland is not building enough homes
[FREE TO READ] Housebuilders want government to ease regulations and do more to help councils deal with acute shortage of planners
on.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
‘We cannot survive — there is no new land.’
Why Scotland is not building enough homes
Housebuilders want government to ease regulations and do more to help councils deal with acute shortage of planners
Why Scotland is not building enough homes
Housebuilders want government to ease regulations and do more to help councils deal with acute shortage of planners
Chancellor Rachel Reeves could scrap a windfall profits levy on UK oil and sooner than expected, after Keir Starmer said he wanted to “double down” on North Sea extraction.
Reeves is considering ending epl in Mar 2029 — reversing a decision in last Budget to extend it by a year to Mar 2030
Reeves is considering ending epl in Mar 2029 — reversing a decision in last Budget to extend it by a year to Mar 2030
Rachel Reeves looks at early scrapping of windfall tax on UK oil and gas sector
[FREE TO READ] Chancellor seeks assurances from industry that the move would boost investment in the North Sea
on.ft.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Chancellor Rachel Reeves could scrap a windfall profits levy on UK oil and sooner than expected, after Keir Starmer said he wanted to “double down” on North Sea extraction.
Reeves is considering ending epl in Mar 2029 — reversing a decision in last Budget to extend it by a year to Mar 2030
Reeves is considering ending epl in Mar 2029 — reversing a decision in last Budget to extend it by a year to Mar 2030
Scottish government’s bid to break up giant rural estates ‘too complex’
Critics say SNP’s ‘bureaucratic’ land reform bill will fail in its aim to benefit local communities
Critics say SNP’s ‘bureaucratic’ land reform bill will fail in its aim to benefit local communities
Scottish government’s bid to break up giant rural estates ‘too complex’
[FREE TO READ] Critics say SNP’s ‘bureaucratic’ land reform bill will fail in its aim to benefit local communities
on.ft.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Scottish government’s bid to break up giant rural estates ‘too complex’
Critics say SNP’s ‘bureaucratic’ land reform bill will fail in its aim to benefit local communities
Critics say SNP’s ‘bureaucratic’ land reform bill will fail in its aim to benefit local communities
China’s Ming Yang to invest up to £1.5bn in Scottish turbine factory
Company says the project is subject to ‘final approvals’ from the UK government
Company says the project is subject to ‘final approvals’ from the UK government
China’s Ming Yang to invest up to £1.5bn in Scottish turbine factory
[FREE TO READ] Company says the project is subject to ‘final approvals’ from the UK government
on.ft.com
October 11, 2025 at 7:33 AM
China’s Ming Yang to invest up to £1.5bn in Scottish turbine factory
Company says the project is subject to ‘final approvals’ from the UK government
Company says the project is subject to ‘final approvals’ from the UK government
SNP seeks to exploit unionist rift with fresh independence pitch
John Swinney to set out plans for second referendum at party conference as Reform splits Scottish pro-union vote
John Swinney to set out plans for second referendum at party conference as Reform splits Scottish pro-union vote
SNP seeks to exploit unionist rift with fresh independence pitch
[FREE TO READ] John Swinney to set out plans for second referendum at party conference as Reform splits Scottish pro-union vote
on.ft.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:54 AM
SNP seeks to exploit unionist rift with fresh independence pitch
John Swinney to set out plans for second referendum at party conference as Reform splits Scottish pro-union vote
John Swinney to set out plans for second referendum at party conference as Reform splits Scottish pro-union vote
How Europe’s ‘oil capital’ glory days were ended by the global oil crash
The decline of North Sea industry in Scotland has triggered Aberdeen’s economic downturn
The decline of North Sea industry in Scotland has triggered Aberdeen’s economic downturn
How Europe’s ‘oil capital’ glory days were ended by the global oil crash
[FREE TO READ] The decline of North Sea industry in Scotland has triggered Aberdeen’s economic downturn
on.ft.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:57 AM
How Europe’s ‘oil capital’ glory days were ended by the global oil crash
The decline of North Sea industry in Scotland has triggered Aberdeen’s economic downturn
The decline of North Sea industry in Scotland has triggered Aberdeen’s economic downturn
Highland estates clash with nature campaigners over wild deer culls
Scottish landowners fear over-regulation of herds through nature restoration bill
Scottish landowners fear over-regulation of herds through nature restoration bill
Highland estates clash with nature campaigners over wild deer culls
[FREE TO READ] Scottish landowners fear over-regulation of herds through nature restoration bill
on.ft.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Highland estates clash with nature campaigners over wild deer culls
Scottish landowners fear over-regulation of herds through nature restoration bill
Scottish landowners fear over-regulation of herds through nature restoration bill
Reposted by Simeon Kerr
Calling all students: You could have access to a free FT subscription without even knowing it. Check here: www.ft.com/schoolsarefree
September 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Calling all students: You could have access to a free FT subscription without even knowing it. Check here: www.ft.com/schoolsarefree
Oil and gas industry touts ‘tiebacks’ to boost North Sea production
Viability of linking new production to existing hubs via more tiebacks explored as calls grow for extensions to existing licences
Viability of linking new production to existing hubs via more tiebacks explored as calls grow for extensions to existing licences
Oil and gas industry touts ‘tiebacks’ to boost North Sea production
[FREE TO READ] Viability of linking new production to existing hubs explored as calls grow for extensions to existing licences
on.ft.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Oil and gas industry touts ‘tiebacks’ to boost North Sea production
Viability of linking new production to existing hubs via more tiebacks explored as calls grow for extensions to existing licences
Viability of linking new production to existing hubs via more tiebacks explored as calls grow for extensions to existing licences
Reform UK would not deport women and children in first five years, says Farage
Retreat from earlier statements comes as Conservative MSP defects to rightwing populist party
Retreat from earlier statements comes as Conservative MSP defects to rightwing populist party
Reform UK would not deport women and children in first five years, says Farage
[FREE TO READ] Retreat from earlier statements comes as Conservative MSP defects to rightwing populist party
on.ft.com
August 27, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Reform UK would not deport women and children in first five years, says Farage
Retreat from earlier statements comes as Conservative MSP defects to rightwing populist party
Retreat from earlier statements comes as Conservative MSP defects to rightwing populist party
Frankly — Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir of Scottish politics vs personal life
Scotland’s first female leader was one of its most popular politicians, yet her independence policy also made her one of the most polarising
Scotland’s first female leader was one of its most popular politicians, yet her independence policy also made her one of the most polarising
Frankly — Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir of Scottish politics vs personal life
[FREE TO READ] Scotland’s first female leader was one of its most popular politicians, yet her independence policy also made her one of the most polarising
on.ft.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Frankly — Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir of Scottish politics vs personal life
Scotland’s first female leader was one of its most popular politicians, yet her independence policy also made her one of the most polarising
Scotland’s first female leader was one of its most popular politicians, yet her independence policy also made her one of the most polarising
Scottish salmon exports surge on demand from US and China
Overseas sales rise by a third as industry sets its sights on Indian market
Overseas sales rise by a third as industry sets its sights on Indian market
Scottish salmon exports surge on demand from US and China
[FREE TO READ] Overseas sales rise by a third as industry sets its sights on Indian market
on.ft.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Scottish salmon exports surge on demand from US and China
Overseas sales rise by a third as industry sets its sights on Indian market
Overseas sales rise by a third as industry sets its sights on Indian market
Scotland’s net fiscal deficit widens to almost 12% of GDP
Figures reopen debate about country’s economic future ahead of elections for Scottish parliament in 2026
Figures reopen debate about country’s economic future ahead of elections for Scottish parliament in 2026
Scotland’s net fiscal deficit widens to almost 12% of GDP
[FREE TO READ] Figures reopen debate about country’s economic future ahead of elections for Scottish parliament in 2026
on.ft.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Scotland’s net fiscal deficit widens to almost 12% of GDP
Figures reopen debate about country’s economic future ahead of elections for Scottish parliament in 2026
Figures reopen debate about country’s economic future ahead of elections for Scottish parliament in 2026
Gaza in spotlight as Edinburgh Fringe venues cancel shows - on.ft.com/3HtkIXK via @FT
Gaza in spotlight as Edinburgh Fringe venues cancel shows
[FREE TO READ] Reactions to Israel-Hamas war are stretching into world’s largest arts festival and debates over ethical funding
on.ft.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Gaza in spotlight as Edinburgh Fringe venues cancel shows - on.ft.com/3HtkIXK via @FT
Scottish wind farms were paid not to produce 37% of their planned output during the first half of this year as the electricity not used locally or moved to where it was needed.
Wind farms in the area accounted for 86 per cent of 4.6 terawatt hours of curtailed in Britain — 15% up on last yr.
Wind farms in the area accounted for 86 per cent of 4.6 terawatt hours of curtailed in Britain — 15% up on last yr.
Scottish wind farms paid not to generate nearly 40% of potential electricity
[FREE TO READ] Data highlights concerns over the increasing cost of curtailment for consumers
on.ft.com
August 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Scottish wind farms were paid not to produce 37% of their planned output during the first half of this year as the electricity not used locally or moved to where it was needed.
Wind farms in the area accounted for 86 per cent of 4.6 terawatt hours of curtailed in Britain — 15% up on last yr.
Wind farms in the area accounted for 86 per cent of 4.6 terawatt hours of curtailed in Britain — 15% up on last yr.
Prices for hotels and Airbnbs in Edinburgh have soared as a run of sold-out Oasis concerts coincides with annual festivals, heaping pressure on a strained accommodation market.
About 200,000 fans are expected to attend Oasis’s three-night run this weekend at Murrayfield stadium
About 200,000 fans are expected to attend Oasis’s three-night run this weekend at Murrayfield stadium
Hotel prices go supersonic as Oasis gigs clash with Edinburgh Fringe
[FREE TO READ] An influx of music fans is piling pressure on the Scottish capital’s strained accommodation market
on.ft.com
August 8, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Prices for hotels and Airbnbs in Edinburgh have soared as a run of sold-out Oasis concerts coincides with annual festivals, heaping pressure on a strained accommodation market.
About 200,000 fans are expected to attend Oasis’s three-night run this weekend at Murrayfield stadium
About 200,000 fans are expected to attend Oasis’s three-night run this weekend at Murrayfield stadium
John Gapper:
Aberdeen is trapped between Starmer and Trump
The city that grew rich on North Sea oil wants to transition to renewables but needs a better chance
Aberdeen is trapped between Starmer and Trump
The city that grew rich on North Sea oil wants to transition to renewables but needs a better chance
Aberdeen is trapped between Starmer and Trump
[FREE TO READ] The city that grew rich on North Sea oil wants to transition to renewables but needs a better chance
on.ft.com
August 5, 2025 at 1:51 PM
John Gapper:
Aberdeen is trapped between Starmer and Trump
The city that grew rich on North Sea oil wants to transition to renewables but needs a better chance
Aberdeen is trapped between Starmer and Trump
The city that grew rich on North Sea oil wants to transition to renewables but needs a better chance
Kate Forbes to quit Scottish politics
Exit of deputy first minister is blow to SNP ahead of next year’s elections at Holyrood
Exit of deputy first minister is blow to SNP ahead of next year’s elections at Holyrood
Kate Forbes to quit Scottish politics
Exit of deputy first minister is blow to SNP ahead of next year’s elections at Holyrood
on.ft.com
August 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Kate Forbes to quit Scottish politics
Exit of deputy first minister is blow to SNP ahead of next year’s elections at Holyrood
Exit of deputy first minister is blow to SNP ahead of next year’s elections at Holyrood
UK’s largest offshore wind farm receives approval
Berwick Bank consent faced delays following resistance from conservationists
Berwick Bank consent faced delays following resistance from conservationists
UK’s largest offshore wind farm receives approval
[FREE TO READ] Berwick Bank consent faced delays following resistance from environmentalists
on.ft.com
July 31, 2025 at 3:25 PM
UK’s largest offshore wind farm receives approval
Berwick Bank consent faced delays following resistance from conservationists
Berwick Bank consent faced delays following resistance from conservationists
Donald Trump’s Turnberry dream of bringing back the Open
Lossmaking Scottish golf resort is no closer to hosting the tournament 11 years after it was bought by the US president
Lossmaking Scottish golf resort is no closer to hosting the tournament 11 years after it was bought by the US president
Donald Trump’s Turnberry dream of bringing back the Open
[FREE TO READ] Lossmaking Scottish golf resort is no closer to hosting the tournament 11 years after it was bought by the US president
on.ft.com
July 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Donald Trump’s Turnberry dream of bringing back the Open
Lossmaking Scottish golf resort is no closer to hosting the tournament 11 years after it was bought by the US president
Lossmaking Scottish golf resort is no closer to hosting the tournament 11 years after it was bought by the US president
Trump swings by Scottish oil hubs as UK energy debate flares
US president to meet the UK and Scottish leaders, as trade and renewables policies loom large in push for growth
US president to meet the UK and Scottish leaders, as trade and renewables policies loom large in push for growth
Trump swings by Scottish oil hubs as UK energy debate flares
[FREE TO READ] US president to meet the UK and Scottish leaders, as trade and renewables policies loom large in push for growth
on.ft.com
July 25, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Trump swings by Scottish oil hubs as UK energy debate flares
US president to meet the UK and Scottish leaders, as trade and renewables policies loom large in push for growth
US president to meet the UK and Scottish leaders, as trade and renewables policies loom large in push for growth
Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on Friday for a five-day golf trip, during which Sir Keir Starmer will lobby the US president to accelerate deal to cut tariffs on British steel.
UK PM is expected to meet Trump on Monday to press case for closer ties, including cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky.
UK PM is expected to meet Trump on Monday to press case for closer ties, including cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky.
Keir Starmer to press Donald Trump over deal to cut tariffs on UK steel imports
[FREE TO READ] Prime minister will also make the case for closer ties as US president visits golf courses in Scotland
on.ft.com
July 25, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on Friday for a five-day golf trip, during which Sir Keir Starmer will lobby the US president to accelerate deal to cut tariffs on British steel.
UK PM is expected to meet Trump on Monday to press case for closer ties, including cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky.
UK PM is expected to meet Trump on Monday to press case for closer ties, including cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky.
Edinburgh festivals struggle to lure corporate sponsors after boycott
EIF performances cut by a fifth despite government cash injection following Baillie Gifford’s exit
EIF performances cut by a fifth despite government cash injection following Baillie Gifford’s exit
Edinburgh festivals struggle to lure corporate sponsors after boycott
[FREE TO READ] Performances cut by a fifth despite government cash injection following Baillie Gifford’s exit
on.ft.com
July 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Edinburgh festivals struggle to lure corporate sponsors after boycott
EIF performances cut by a fifth despite government cash injection following Baillie Gifford’s exit
EIF performances cut by a fifth despite government cash injection following Baillie Gifford’s exit