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Ian Mcconnell

Ian Mcconnell

Herald Scotland

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Battle for control of Scottish company rages as crunch vote looms

The battle for control of the Scottish investment trust is raging as a crunch vote looms, writes Ian McConnell. The attempt to oust the board of...

latest 2

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Striking view on major shift in Scottish Government relationship with business

One senior business figure has highlighted a significant shift in the relationship between the Scottish Government and business, with some...

previous day 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

New flights joy for Scotland’s airports

Scotland's airports have enjoyed major new flights wins . Business Editor Ian McConnell reflects on the successes of Edinburgh , Glasgow ...

06.01.2026 6

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Brexit common sense a victim of political fears after Erasmus+ revelation

Brexit common sense remains a victim of political fears, says Business Editor Ian McConnell . He writes: “We must continue to hope that...

03.01.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Dare we dream of better times for famous Scottish city thoroughfare?

There has been much negative said about Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street in recent times. Business Editor Ian McConnell highlights the 'good chance'...

30.12.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Major new flights wins for key Scottish airport after long spell in the doldrums

The new flights wins are a major boost for the Scottish airport, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And a situation which would have been...

25.12.2025 8

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish airport's success highlights importance of ignoring yapping

The success of the airport highlights the importance of ignoring yapping from those who do not see the big picture - who are often unable to see...

23.12.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

This vainglorious fawning is irritating as Brexit wreaks its damage

This vainglorious fawning is irritating as Brexit wreaks its damage

The vainglorious fawning over piffling benefits is irritating as Brexit wreaks its damage, writes Business Ian McConnell . He says it is high...

20.12.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Another major win for Scottish airport which has enjoyed string of successes

Prestwick Airport is celebrating another win, after major success in attracting new flights, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And the...

18.12.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Why Center Parcs win is so important for this part of Scotland

A 'fair smattering of positives' in the last week are highlighted by Business Editor Ian McConnell . These include Center Parcs' big plans for...

16.12.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So why are rises in air fares and prices for overseas holidays good news?

Major players have been reporting rises in the prices of overseas holidays and air fares . Business Editor Ian McConnell reflects on why this...

13.12.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

The very real impact of Center Parcs’ giant Scottish development

Center Parcs' plans for its first holiday village in Scotland have been very much in focus this week. Business Editor Ian McConnell assesses the...

11.12.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Labour's intransigence on Brexit really beggars belief as Reeves points finger

Labour's continuing refusal to do anything meaningful to reverse the terrible and ongoing damage to the UK economy from the Conservatives’ hard...

02.12.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

New Scotland flights boost for airport as airline flies high

The airline has delivered a major boost for the Scottish airport , basing a seventh aircraft there and launching four new routes, writes Business...

29.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

There is a way out of this mire for desperate Labour and it is all about Brexit

The Labour Government has seemed somewhat desperate as it has scrabbled around for ways to meet its fiscal rules ahead of the Budget today, writes...

27.11.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Good news for Scotland's airports and flights keeps on coming

The good news for Scotland's airports just keeps on coming, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick airports have...

25.11.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

At last, good news for Glasgow Airport on transatlantic flights

Glasgow Airport has had the rebuilding of transatlantic connectivity firmly on its radar for a long time, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell . ...

22.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Exciting prospect as Scottish airport with proud history awaits government call

Prestwick Airport is looking to a bright future which hopefully even those who moaned for so long about its rescue might cheer, writes Business...

20.11.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Airline reveals plans for new Scottish flights

It is good to hear of the major airline's plans for new Scottish flights , writes Business Editor Ian McConnell, who says this is good news for...

18.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So far, so great. So what now for 'beating heart' of city?

The Scottish Event Campus has achieved a huge deal during its first 40 years, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. However, a warning from its...

15.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Airline which proved sceptics totally wrong eyes more Scottish flights

There was much scepticism around the airline's plans when it launched. As the airline signals ambitions to add more flights in Scotland ,...

13.11.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

What is happening on Arran offers some brightness amid the gloom

With worries about the impending UK Budget having been to the fore during the past week, it is important to focus on the positives, writes Business...

11.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Arran today: How Scotland’s ‘mini island’ has changed so much since that Elvis summer

Arran is a wonderful island and it has something major going for it as it aims to overcome the challenges of recent times, writes Business Editor Ian...

08.11.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Let us celebrate Scotland's success, please

While there is no shortage of people who for political reasons seem to delight in focusing on the negatives when it comes to Scotland, it is surely...

06.11.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Great to see airport with rich history enjoying such new flights success

It would be difficult to overstate the importance of Prestwick Airport's success , writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. Passing Prestwick...

28.10.2025 7

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Woe on university tuition fees after U-turn

There was demoralising news this week on university tuition fees , with a key announcement, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. This news put...

25.10.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish airport flights win is another big moment in story some did not want to hear

The new China flights win is another big moment for Prestwick Airport as it continues its ascent , writes Business Editor Ian McConnell . It...

23.10.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Time to think again about those red lines - and fast

It has been a fascinating week on the political front, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell , who highlights some straws in the wind highlighting...

21.10.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Is Labour at last shaking off its pathetic timidity over Brexit?

Labour's timidity over Brexit has been one of the most lamentable aspects of this UK Government, writes Ian McConnell , who sees some straws in...

18.10.2025 3

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

A huge US win for Scottish airport

This is a major win for the Scottish airport , with the US airline returning after an absence stretching back to 2019, writes Business Editor Ian...

16.10.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scotland tops UK league table on key measure

Scotland’s private sector economy topped the UK league table on one key measure last month, a survey published today reveals. For the first time...

15.10.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Good news for SNP Government but clock ticking on double act

The findings contained some good news for the SNP Government on what has been a challenging front, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. There...

14.10.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So what will John Swinney do without Kate Forbes?

Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has continued to undertake her roles with vigour since revealing in early August that she would not be...

11.10.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish forecast raised so why on earth all the gloom?

The Scottish economy growth forecast has been upgraded, so why all the gloom? Business Editor Ian McConnell addresses this big...

09.10.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So what do Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn numbers tell us?

Edinburgh has lost two major bank head offices, while the numbers at the giant campus developed by Royal Bank of Scotland at Gogarburn tell a story,...

07.10.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

A crucial boost for Glasgow at such an important time

It was pleasing to hear so many positive comments about Glasgow from the UK boss of UNIQLO , which opened a store in the city yesterday, writes...

04.10.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

North Sea clamour builds but will under-pressure Labour change its tune?

The North Sea clamour over the windfall tax is intensifying as the Labour Government's November Budget looms large , with one of the key players...

02.10.2025 5

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Those who delight in Scotland adversity should think before smug grin

The challenges facing the Scottish economy were clear in the figures but those who delight in adversity for Scotland for political reasons should...

30.09.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So what has been going on at the major package holiday and airline operators?

The updates from the package holiday and airline giants have provided fascinating insights into the state of play in the overseas travel sector ,...

27.09.2025 9

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Glasgow 'success story' achieved against tough backdrop

There has been much upheaval in Glasgow's financial sector in recent decades, including in fund management. Business Editor Ian McConnell reflects...

25.09.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Very big deal as Scottish Government moves to save hundreds of jobs

The arrival of John Swinney at Alexander Dennis in Larbert was a very big deal, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell , who reflects on the usual...

23.09.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Breath of fresh air over Michael McIntyre's 'weirdest shop on earth'

Argos , described by comedian Michael McIntyre as the 'weirdest shop on earth', has been in the spotlight. And there has been some good behaviour...

20.09.2025 7

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

£4 million is a small price to save hundreds of jobs as SNP government delivers

The SNP government's moves on Alexander Dennis have resulted in a surprising outcome, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell , as he reflects on factory...

18.09.2025 9

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

A lamentable thing amid mixed news on Scottish economy

On the Scottish economy, there has been mixed news, in surveys from Royal Bank of Scotland and the Federation of Small Businesses , writes Business...

16.09.2025 8

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scotch whisky in spotlight but what is big picture as Swinney makes move?

Scotch whisky has been in the spotlight on the global stage with John Swinney raising the issue of US tariffs with Donald Trump. Business Editor Ian...

13.09.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

So what is happening at package holiday giant and airline Jet2?

Jet2, the airline and package holiday group, has enjoyed great success over the years but has had an attention-grabbing moment, writes Business...

11.09.2025 20

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Scottish airport defies those who would snigger and sneer

Prestwick Airport has defied those who appeared keen to point the finger and snigger and sneer, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell, as he reflects...

09.09.2025 6

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Global fashion brand opening is a very big deal for Scottish city

Uniqlo's move into Glasgow is a very big deal for the city, which has not had its troubles to seek and has faced far more challenges than Edinburgh,...

06.09.2025 4

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

The good news just keeps coming for the Scottish airport some would do down

Prestwick Airport is clearly on the up, after a string of successes, with everything coming together for this vital strategic asset which some for...

04.09.2025 6

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Prominent Scottish business figure on the money on what this region must do

Benny Higgins, one of Scotland's most prominent business figures, has provided much food for thought on the future of Dumfries and Galloway ,...

02.09.2025 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell