Rachel Williams

Poundland has closed its Inverurie store after 16 years, leaving only two branches in the north-east of Scotland. Staff thanked customers and colleagues in an emotional farewell, while shoppers described the closure as a major loss for the town and praised the store team. The closure is believed to result from the lease not being renewed and is separate from Poundland's restructuring following its £1 acquisition by Gordon Brothers in June 2025, which reduced the chain's UK estate and led to several Scottish closures.

Rachel Williams reviews The Spiritualist, an independently owned cocktail bar on Langstane Place in Aberdeen. She praises its retro art-deco interior, colourful artwork, cosy booths, creative cocktails, varied small-plate menu and options for vegan, vegetarian and non-drinking customers. The venue also offers mixology classes, themed quiz nights and several discounts, leading Williams to describe it as one of Aberdeen’s best hidden gems.

UK fashion brand Blancs will host its largest pop-up to date at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre from August 15–16, open from noon to 6pm. The event will offer selected men’s and women’s clothing, swimwear, new unreleased pieces and pop-up exclusives. It follows a successful temporary stall at Buchanan Galleries and reflects the brand’s wider UK and international expansion, including a recent presence in Paris.

Marks & Spencer has opened its first Foodhall in Largs, North Ayrshire, following plans first lodged in 2021 and a wider £30 million investment in its Scottish estate. The 9,000-square-foot store offers fresh market-style food, an in-store bakery, more than 100 Remarksable Value products, Click & Collect and customer parking. The opening created 50 local jobs and was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by M&S staff, North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson and the Largs & District Pipe Band, with appearances by Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar. Local representatives and shoppers welcomed the store as a boost to choice and the town's economy.

Sephora’s new store at Glasgow’s Silverburn shopping centre will open to customers on August 13, with queuing permitted from 8am and the store opening at 10am. Silverburn has banned overnight queues, advised shoppers to use its free multi-storey car park, and said entertainment will be provided. Customers who purchase items between August 13 and 18 may receive a Beauty Bonus Card revealing a prize, although goody bags will not be distributed. The opening follows Sephora’s first Scottish store in Edinburgh, where shoppers formed large early-morning queues.

Beef King will open its first Aberdeen branch at 196 George Street in September 2026, taking over the former Blue Spice takeaway premises. The Stonehaven-based chain, founded in 2022, now has 11 UK venues and serves Angus beef burgers, wraps, loaded fries, chicken and milkshakes. The opening has generated enthusiasm among Aberdeen residents and follows several other new food and drink launches in the city, including Chilo’s and the forthcoming Mediterranean restaurant Mezzo.

Daily Record fashion writer Rachel Williams reviews Lidl's £12.99 Esmara Premium Linen Dress, a lightweight linen-viscose midi dress with a loose fit, elasticated waistband and short sleeves. She praises its softness, comfort, versatility and premium feel for the price, while noting its limited khaki-like colour, lack of pockets and slight sheerness. Stock was expected in Lidl stores from August 9, although some items had already appeared in Aberdeen, and a cheaper £6.99 front-knot version was also mentioned.

Fife-based, fifth-generation bakery Fisher & Donaldson has opened at Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian, marking its first expansion into the area. The 107-year-old business, known for its fudge doughnuts, coffee towers, tarts, bread and other baked goods, will join the refurbished Food Market alongside independent Scottish suppliers. The market’s redevelopment is expected to be completed in autumn, with the new outlet intended to bring Fisher & Donaldson’s products to a wider customer base.

Scotland is expected to experience thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning affecting areas including Grampian, Central Scotland and parts of the Highlands. The article recommends Argos’s £14 Windproof Golf Umbrella, highlighting its large waterproof canopy, flexible fibreglass ribs and steel shaft. Most of 130 customer reviews are positive, although some shoppers criticize its lack of compactness and question whether it is genuinely windproof.

Mumuso has relocated its only UK store, at The Centre in Livingston, to a larger unit opposite Hays Travel. The Korean lifestyle-inspired retailer says the new shop offers more space and a wider selection of beauty, homeware, accessories, gifts and everyday essentials. The move forms part of an ongoing transformation of Livingston's shopping destination, which has also attracted new and expanded retailers including JD Sports and Grape Tree, while a Hollywood Bowl venue and a larger Nike outlet are planned.

Rachel Williams visits The Noodle Library on Aberdeen's Union Street, an independent self-service eatery where customers choose noodles, toppings, snacks and drinks before preparing their own ramen. She selects Korean chicken noodles with vegetable gyoza, crispy onions, sesame seeds, bok choy and cheese, finding the meal hot, filling and freshly prepared. The quirky concept and wide selection receive strong praise, but the bill of more than £15 is considered expensive compared with making ramen at home, likely limiting repeat visits.

Café Gandolfi in Glasgow will remain open under new ownership after its previous operator appointed Colin Murdoch of Murray Stewart Fraser Limited as interim liquidator on 7 May 2026. CG2026 Ltd completed the purchase shortly afterward with support from management, staff, suppliers and the landlord, retaining all 31 employees. Owner Seumas MacInnes said the arrangement provides a fresh start and allows the historic restaurant to continue operating without interruption.

Fort William’s main Post Office, located inside the TG Jones store on High Street, is scheduled to close on 22 August 2026 as part of TG Jones’s restructuring plan. Residents have launched a petition that has gathered more than 800 signatures, arguing that nearby branches do not provide the same range of banking, passport, vehicle-tax and other services. The Post Office says it is investigating ways to restore service locally, while alternative branches are available in Corpach and Spean Bridge. The closure is part of a plan to shut 150 TG Jones stores across the UK.

Aldi is giving away its five-piece Lacura Marine Skincare Collection, valued at just under £24, through the @aldispecialbuysuk Instagram account. Entrants must follow the account, like the giveaway post and tag a friend by 11:59pm on August 2; the winner will be selected at random and contacted by August 3. The range, especially its £5.99 cleansing balm, is presented as a budget alternative to Elemis’s £52 Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, with the comparable full collection costing over £318.

Edinburgh-based electrical contractor Harkins & Vickers Electrical Solutions Ltd has entered liquidation after a winding-up petition was presented to Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Quantuma Advisory’s Brian Milne was appointed liquidator on July 16, 2026, with creditors invited to submit claims. The firm had operated for more than 30 years and served domestic and commercial customers across Scotland, including clients such as Dynamic Earth, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Savills and CALA Homes. The report also highlights recent failures of other Scottish businesses, including Galino Limited, Secret Garden Distillery and Merchant City Distributors, reflecting broader financial pressures across several industries.

Parents in the UK are being urged to avoid cheap, non-compliant versions of viral squishy toys after Reading Borough Council seized more than 320 items with strong chemical odours and missing safety or traceability markings. Similar toys seized in Hull and North Northamptonshire were found to contain excessive benzene, while a Cardiff-based retailer’s Squeezy Dumplings were recalled over the same chemical risk. Authorities advise stopping use of toys that leak, split or are damaged, and warn against heating or tampering with them; the chemical found in the Reading products has not yet been confirmed.

Rachel Williams reviews Aberdeen's Highlander Café Bus, a red double-decker converted into a diner overlooking the North Sea. She praises its distinctive design, comfortable upper-deck seating, scenic views, friendly atmosphere and freshly prepared menu, particularly the generously filled breakfast burrito and smooth flat white. Although the nearly £14 breakfast initially seemed expensive, the portion size and quality made the meal feel worthwhile. The café has received VisitScotland recognition and a 2024 unique dining award, and has recently added an outdoor terrace.

The UK is beginning a phased ban on trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator used in some gel nail products to harden them under UV or LED light. The ingredient was reclassified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant after studies found fertility and reproductive-development effects in rats, and it has also been associated with skin sensitisation. Manufacturers and importers will be barred from placing new TPO-containing products on the UK market from August 15, 2026, while retailers and distributors will face a final supply deadline of February 14, 2027. Nail appointments are expected to continue using compliant, TPO-free products, with similar colours and finishes available.

Sainsbury's opened its first store in Dumfries following a £17 million investment and amendments to long-standing retail restrictions at Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park. The project faced objections from Tesco and Morrisons, which argued it would harm the town centre, but planning officers approved the development after assessments found no significant adverse impact. The store replaces the former Homebase unit and has created about 100 jobs, with local residents expressing support for added competition and economic benefits.

Graham's Dairy Farm recalled three batches of its semi-skimmed milk sold across major UK retailers after trace levels of penicillin were detected, posing a risk to people with antibiotic allergies. The Food Standards Agency issued an alert advising consumers not to drink the affected products, all with a best-before date of July 31, 2026, and to return them for a refund. The farm issued point‑of‑sale notices and emphasised that no other products were affected. Additional recent recalls by Waitrose and PepsiCo were also noted.

A newly expanded Office store has opened in Glasgow Fort as the brand’s largest location in Scotland, doubling its previous size to 5,012 sq. ft and offering an expanded range of footwear and major brands. The launch features opening weekend celebrations, while centre director Phil Goodman highlights the move as a sign of confidence in the shopping destination. The opening follows other major retail expansions at Glasgow Fort and ongoing development plans for the centre, including the proposed addition of new entertainment venues and a significantly enlarged M&S. Nearby, JD Sports has also opened its largest Scottish store in Livingston.

Lidl’s Cien Spa Moments Shower Foams have gained strong attention on social media for closely replicating Rituals’ popular foaming shower gels at a significantly lower price. Priced at £2.49 and offered in three scents, the products are praised for their luxurious texture and appealing fragrance, prompting shoppers to urge others to buy them quickly. While Rituals provides a wider range of scents, Lidl’s budget alternative delivers similar performance at a fraction of the cost. Lidl has also introduced a new Silvercrest ice cream maker positioned as a cheaper competitor to the Ninja Creami. Stock availability varies by store.

Tesco is trialling a 6.5‑foot AI-powered shelf-scanning robot named Tally, created by Simbe Robotics, to improve stock monitoring and replenishment. The robot navigates aisles autonomously, checks product availability, and reports data to store teams, potentially identifying far more out‑of‑stock items than manual audits. Public reaction online has been mixed, with comparisons to sci-fi characters and questions about job impacts. Morrisons previously piloted the same technology, and other supermarkets are exploring AI‑enabled tools such as smart trolleys.

Aldi has introduced the Ambiano High Speed Blending Set for £19.99, a budget-friendly alternative to the £99.99 Nutribullet 900. The 11-piece, 800W blender includes multiple cups, accessories, and safety features, along with a three‑year warranty. The release coincides with other limited‑time kitchen Specialbuys, including the Combi Zone Air Fryer and the Ambiano Ice Cream Machine, each promoted as significantly cheaper equivalents to higher‑priced Ninja models.

A review of the K-Secret Seoul 1988 Sun: Pine Tree + Ceramide sunscreen highlights its lightweight texture, high SPF50 protection and soothing ingredients such as pine bud extract, ceramides, niacinamide and peptides. It is praised for preventing irritation, avoiding white cast, layering well with other skincare and makeup and remaining comfortable even during heatwaves. The writer recommends it as an effective option for sensitive skin while noting the popularity of other Korean SPF alternatives.

A Glasgow-founded menswear brand, Baire Atelier, is opening a second pop-up store at St Enoch Centre after its debut attracted large queues and high demand. The limited-time stall will offer a selection of clothing and lifestyle items along with special discounts and early-customer incentives. Centre management expects another strong turnout. Additional local retail developments include A.K Positive preparing a new Aberdeen store and Style Scouts UK opening a boutique for pre-loved luxury handbags in Glasgow’s Princes Square.

Elite Bathrooms Ltd, an Edinburgh-based luxury bathroom and bedroom fitting firm, has gone into voluntary liquidation after years of inactivity and overdue accounts. Companies House filings show a winding‑up process underway, with further documents expected. The collapse aligns with a broader rise in Scottish corporate and personal insolvencies reported by Accounts in Bankruptcy. Other recent business failures include Secret Garden Distillery and BGL Contracts Limited, both entering administration amid financial pressures and industry challenges.

Several children’s clothing items sold by River Island have been urgently recalled after heart and bow-shaped brooches were found to contain excess cadmium, a toxic chemical linked to kidney and bone disease. The Office for Product Safety & Standards determined the items do not meet REACH regulations. Customers are advised to stop using the products and return them for refunds. The warning follows a separate Primark recall involving lead-contaminated pepper mills. Health authorities note that cadmium exposure can cause respiratory, digestive and long-term organ damage depending on dose and duration.

Old Blackfriars in Aberdeen, originally built in 1763 on the site of a former Dominican friary, retains many historic features and sits beside the old Tolbooth and Castlegate Square, once used for public executions. Now operated by Belhaven Brewery, the pub offers traditional food, drinks, and weekly events, and receives strong praise from visitors for its atmosphere, service and preservation of historic character.

Las Iguanas will close its Glasgow city centre branch on August 2 after 12 years, leaving only one Scottish location in Livingston. The chain cited the decision as difficult and thanked customers and staff for their support. Fans expressed disappointment online, recalling positive experiences at the restaurant. The closure follows the Big Table Group’s recent restructuring that kept the brand’s UK outlets operating. The article also notes that a Wimpy restaurant in Dingwall has been listed for sale.

Next’s Mega Summer Sale offers extensive discounts across clothing and homeware, with many seasonal fashion items priced under £25. A visit to the Aberdeen Bon Accord store revealed substantial stock and notable bargains, including several dresses, skirts, and coordinated pieces suitable for summer heat and holidays. Key picks included discounted midi and mini dresses, a gingham skirt with a matching waistcoat, and a versatile satin midi skirt. The sale continues online and in stores, giving shoppers broad access to reduced-price wardrobe staples.

Jigsaw is reopening in Glasgow with a new boutique in Princes Square six years after closing its Ingram Street store during the pandemic. The British fashion brand, founded by John Robinson, will launch on July 18 and aims to bring its signature womenswear and crafted collections back to the city. Shoppers expressed strong enthusiasm on social media. The reopening follows other retail developments in Scotland, including the launch of Sephora’s first Scottish store in Edinburgh and Bodycare’s announced return with multiple new locations.

A budget £3.50 Status USB desk fan from B&M performs better than expected during warm weather, offering a steady breeze, quiet operation and portability despite limited features and a short USB cable. Its compact size, ease of use and reliable cooling make it a useful low-cost option for work, home or travel during the heat.

Large crowds gathered before the 10am opening of Scotland’s first Sephora in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, with some shoppers arriving hours early and sharing updates on TikTok. Early customers received bonus cards and goodie bags as the store offered exclusive beauty brands and services, including makeup appointments and a foundation-matching tool. Sephora confirmed a second Scottish store will open in Glasgow’s Silverburn Shopping Centre on August 13, expected to draw similar excitement.

John Lewis is considering closing bureaux de change and gift-wrapping services across its stores due to declining demand for in‑store currency exchanges, putting around 200 jobs at risk. The retailer is consulting with affected staff and may shift currency services online while exploring alternative ways to provide gift‑wrapping at checkout points. The proposed changes, which could impact 30 stores, come as the company undertakes a major £20 million refurbishment of its Glasgow flagship branch.

Morrisons will reinstate meat and fish counters after shopper backlash to 2025 closures, rolling out phased reopenings with updated features while retaining staffed service. The reversal follows recognition that the earlier cost-cutting measures may have gone too far, though other shuttered services will remain closed. The move is part of a broader strategy to refresh the Market Street format. Separately, the company plans to close 100 Morrisons Daily stores due to rising costs, despite opening new franchise locations and aiming for further expansion.

A beauty writer highlights the Beauty Outlet store in Livingston Designer Outlet as a reliable source for discounted designer cosmetics, skincare, and perfumes. The shop offers major brands at reduced prices, including significant deals on PIXI products and popular fragrance dupes that mimic high‑end scents. Additional bargains include items from Bondi Sands, R.E.M Beauty, Glossmetics, and W7. With a wide range of beauty tools, accessories, and gift sets, the store is portrayed as a valuable destination for budget-conscious beauty shoppers.

A fashion writer describes buying a £26 tomato-print midi dress from Sainsbury's, praising its bold design, comfortable cotton fabric, flattering fit and overall versatility for summer outings. She highlights receiving numerous compliments, gaining confidence from the playful trend and finding added value through a Nectar discount. Despite noting the lack of pockets, she views the dress as a standout, widely popular item shared across social media for its fun, on‑trend appeal.

A review of Miracle Beauty Tone It Collagen Pads from Home Bargains praises their affordability, ease of use and visible skin benefits. The pads offer hydration, anti-ageing effects and convenience, with enhanced results when stored in the fridge. Despite their low price, they compare favourably to more expensive Korean skincare options, leading the reviewer to recommend them and consider trying additional variants.

Marks & Spencer’s £28 Pure Cotton Drop Waist Midi Dress is highlighted as a leading summer trend, praised for its dropped waist design, puffy sleeves and versatile styling. The dress, available in multiple lengths and sizes, has earned strong customer reviews for its flattering fit and comfort. A similarly styled Jersey V‑Neck Midi Drop Waist Dress is offered as an alternative for shoppers seeking different colours at a slightly lower price.

Aldi releases several budget cooling products ahead of an expected UK heatwave, led by the £24.99 Ambiano Portable Telescopic Fan featuring adjustable height, wireless operation, eight speed settings and a foldable design. Additional options include a £14.99 portable air cooler, a £6.99 flexible‑tripod fan and a £39.99 globe fan, all promoted as practical and affordable solutions as temperatures approach 30C and a Met Office yellow heat health alert is issued.

Halifax, a 173‑year‑old UK banking brand, will be phased out as all branches and customer accounts are rebranded to Lloyds, though account numbers and sort codes will remain the same. Customers will transition to the Lloyds banking app and be notified through official channels. FSCS protection levels will remain unchanged, and existing Halifax funds will stay separate from Lloyds accounts. Lloyds has not announced any branch closures related to the rebrand, though Bank of Scotland has recently closed several sites. Lloyds Banking Group leadership says Halifax customers will retain familiar services while gaining access to expanded Lloyds offerings.

SpaceNK will open its new Glasgow store at Silverburn on July 3, offering promotional gifts for early shoppers and expanding its presence to four locations in Scotland. The store will feature a range of luxury beauty brands and personalised services. The opening contributes to Silverburn’s growing premium beauty offering, following H Beauty by Harrods’ launch last year. Charlotte Tilbury will also open in Aberdeen’s Boots as part of a wider UK expansion.

Boots is launching Charlotte Tilbury counters in 31 UK stores, including Aberdeen’s Bon Accord centre, offering over 500 products alongside specialist services and consultations. The expansion responds to high customer demand for the prestige brand, with executives from both companies emphasising accessibility and enhanced in‑store beauty experiences.

Multiple UK restaurant chains and supermarket cafés across Scotland are offering kids‑eat‑free promotions during the summer holidays, providing families with low‑cost dining options. Offers from Tesco, Zizzi, TGI Friday’s, YO! Sushi, Ask Italian, Brewdog and Dunelm vary by menu, loyalty scheme requirements and end dates, with some available all week throughout the summer. Families can access free meals for children with qualifying adult purchases, supporting budgets during the holiday period.

Aldi will launch a range of budget cooling products on July 2 as Scotland experiences a heatwave, including a £14.99 portable air cooler promoted as an affordable alternative to air conditioning. Additional items include compact fans, lightweight bedding, and portable cooling gadgets designed to help consumers manage rising temperatures. Specials are limited and available only while stocks last.

Radley London has launched closing‑down sales across its Scottish stores as all 21 UK locations prepare to shut following a sale of the brand’s intellectual property to Gordon Brothers. Discounts of up to 50 percent are available on handbags, luggage and accessories, with additional warehouse stock added. The retailer continues to trade online while no final closure dates have been set. Administrators attribute the collapse to declining sales, rising costs and difficult economic conditions after the company reported a £2.2 million loss and falling revenue.