• The team used supermarket-bought lamb liver for the study, to mimic soft brain tissue

Scientists in Scotland have shown that a type of laser already similar to the one currently used in routine eye surgery could one day help surgeons remove unwanted tissues, such as tumours, with unprecedented accuracy.

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh have carried out one of the most detailed studies to date of how deep-ultraviolet, ultrashort-pulsed lasers interact with soft biological tissue.

These lasers can remove tissue in slices as thin as 10 micrometres, which is far finer than the millimetre-scale precision currently possible in neurosurgery.

The research was undertaken as part of the multidisciplinary u-Care project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The findings have been published in Biomedical Optics Express.

Softer tissue presents challenges

The same principle has been used for around 30 years in eye procedures such as LASIK, where surgeons reshape the cornea using tightly controlled pulses of ultraviolet light.

The top layer of cells absorbs the ultraviolet light and blocks it from going further into the tissue. When the laser fires in ultrashort pulses, these cells are instantly evaporated, without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Tatiana Malikova, a PhD student in Heriot-Watt’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, led the study.

Tatiana said: “The cornea is well suited to this technique because it is rigid, collagen-rich and the eye’s surface is easy to reach with an ultraviolet laser beam.

“There have been hardly any studies on how it might work in softer tissues, like the brain.”

Tatiana and her colleagues used supermarket-bought lamb liver as a stand-in for brain tissue in their study.

“It’s mechanically weak and soft, although not as fragile as the brain. However, brain tissue samples are very hard to get, and we wanted to run a large and tightly controlled study to understand how the laser behaves with challenging soft tissue.

“Our end goal is to make future brain surgery more precise. This work is a stepping stone – we used a model that allowed us to run hundreds of tests and establish exactly which laser regimes might work on soft tissue like the brain, and why.

Tissue left undamaged

She says the study stands out due to the level of detail in the measurements, including extensive histology, where tissue samples are examined under a microscope.

“Thirty years ago the imaging was not good enough to see the effects clearly. Now we can show an entire array of high-quality images. We have demonstrated 10-micrometre precision with no detectable collateral damage. I am confident we can go even finer than that.

The team achieved clean and controlled tissue removal with an axial precision of around 10 micrometres using a 206-nanometre, 250-femtosecond laser system. Under the right conditions, the tissue surrounding the ablation zone showed no damage.

Although neurosurgeons already work with great accuracy, Tatiana says the potential of deep ultraviolet lasers far exceeds what is currently possible in a theatre.

“Neurosurgeons are very precise, but their precision is on the millimetre scale. Getting to 10 micrometres, which is 10 times finer than a human hair, is not realistic with current tools.

“In the coming decades, as imaging and robotic guidance become standard, all of these technologies could come together. Then I think a system like ours could fit into the surgical workflow.”

Laser-based tools have already vastly improved eye surgery and the researchers believe that similar advances are possible in neurosurgery once the precision of deep ultraviolet lasers is fully understood across different tissue types.

Paul Brennan, Professor of Clinical and Experimental Neurosurgery and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, said: “The accuracy of current surgical tools when working close to critical structures affects the precision and safety of surgery.

“The ultrafast laser approach promises a level of precision that could transform the way we treat intracranial tumours.

“In neurosurgery, where a few millimetres can determine whether a patient recovers or suffers a lasting deficit, this advancement could be game-changing.”

Paul is part of the u-Care project team and has been consulting on the potential applications of deep-ultraviolet ultrashort-pulsed lasers in neurosurgery.

Robert Thomson, Professor of Photonics at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, and primary investigator on the u-Care project, said: “This is exactly the sort of foundation that lets the field move forward.

“Within the next few decades, laser technologies like this could transform surgery and improve patient outcomes.”

u-Care aims to exploit cutting-edge techniques in laser physics to create deep ultraviolet light sources that are compact and robust. The project also plans to develop precise methods for delivering this light to the body, opening the door to therapies that tackle two major medical challenges: cancer surgery carried out with cellular-level precision and the growing threat of drug-resistant superbugs.

Burges Salmon is pleased to announce the appointment of four new partners, including two in Scotland, effective from 1 May 2026. These appointments reflect the firm’s continued commitment to investing in its people and delivering exceptional service to clients across its key sectors and markets.

This year’s partner appointments include Edinburgh-based Paula McGeady and Patrick Munro from the firm’s Planning & Compulsory Purchase team.

Paula is an English and Scottish qualified planning and compulsory purchase lawyer. She has particular expertise in advising on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and has promoted numerous development consent orders for onshore and offshore generating stations and connected onshore facilities, pipelines, highways and water infrastructure and pumped storage.

Patrick is a Scottish qualified planning lawyer who advises on a wide range of infrastructure and development matters, with a particular specialism in energy and major infrastructure sector projects. Patrick regularly advises clients in relation to planning appeals, public inquiries and judicial review. He also advises scheme promotors and affected parties on compulsory purchase and compensation.

omoted are London-based Rhiannon Price, an experienced dispute resolution lawyer and Silvana Van der Velde, a Scottish qualified lawyer and Chartered Tax Adviser with extensive experience advising on corporate tax matters.

Rhiannon has specific expertise in litigating claims relating to complex international fraud and corruption, breaches of sanctions legislation and the recovery of crypto assets and formerly headed up the proceeds of crime litigation team at a UK law enforcement agency. Rhiannon is also an international arbitration specialist, operating both in the UK and overseas (particularly in Asia) before all major arbitral bodies.

Silvana’s practice centres on delivering strategic tax advice on corporate M&A transactions, with a particular focus on the private equity sector. This includes providing advice to a diverse range of clients including investors, corporates, and management teams. Her areas of expertise cover a broad spectrum of corporate M&A, structuring, and advisory tax work, both in a UK and international context.

The appointments underline Burges Salmon’s focus on nurturing talent and providing clear career pathways, ensuring that ambitious lawyers have the opportunity to progress to partnership. They also demonstrate the firm’s dedication to building long-term client relationships and maintaining its reputation for excellence in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

Burges Salmon’s Senior Partner, Ross Fairley says: “These appointments are a testament to the strength of our business and the success of our people-first approach. Each of these new partners brings exceptional expertise and leadership, and will play a vital role in supporting our clients and driving the firm forward.”

Burges Salmon’s Managing Partner, Roger Bull adds “We remain committed to investing in areas that are of strategic importance to our clients and to fostering a culture that enables talented individuals to thrive. These appointments also build on the significant growth we’ve seen in our partnership over the past year, with eight lateral partners joining us since May 2025 – a clear reflection of our ambition and confidence in the future.”

By Alan Stewart, Partner, MHA, and Andrew Thurston, Customs Duty & Indirect Tax Consultant, MHA

President Donald Trump has withdrawn his proposed tariffs on UK and European goods that had been linked to tensions surrounding Greenland, following diplomatic discussions involving NATO allies.

The move has eased immediate concerns for Scottish exporters with exposure to the US market, but it also highlights the continued volatility of US trade policy.

The threatened tariffs had been positioned as leverage amid wider geopolitical disagreements involving Denmark and other European nations, with Greenland becoming a focal point due to its strategic importance. However, after engagement with NATO partners and renewed emphasis on alliance cohesion and collective security, the US administration has stepped back from using trade measures in this context. The withdrawal reflects recognition that escalating tariffs against close allies could undermine broader strategic objectives within NATO.

For Scottish exporters, the decision removes the risk of an immediate increase in US import duties that would have added significant cost and complexity. Sectors such as whisky, manufacturing and food exports — all heavily reliant on the US market — will welcome the short-term relief, particularly at a time when margins are already under pressure from existing tariffs and wider cost inflation.

Nevertheless, the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly trade conditions can shift.

Tariff threats were introduced and withdrawn within a short timeframe, driven largely by political and diplomatic developments rather than changes in underlying trade fundamentals. This reinforces the reality that US trade policy under the current administration remains highly fluid and unpredictable.

While the Greenland-linked tariffs have been withdrawn, existing US duties on UK goods remain in place, and legal uncertainty continues around the use of emergency trade powers. Moreover, the administration retains alternative mechanisms to introduce new or more targeted tariffs should political priorities change or negotiations elsewhere falter. Even where tariffs are not ultimately imposed, the threat alone can disrupt supply chains, complicate pricing discussions and delay investment decisions.

Scottish businesses trading with the US should therefore be cautious about assuming a return to stability. Ongoing engagement with US customers, careful contract management, and scenario planning for potential tariff changes remain essential. Companies should also ensure that customs classifications, origin documentation and supply-chain structures are robust enough to withstand sudden policy shifts.

The withdrawal of the proposed Greenland tariffs is a positive development, but it does not remove the underlying risk.

Instead, it underscores the importance for Scottish exporters of operating in an environment where trade policy can change rapidly, often with limited notice and significant commercial impact.

Alan Stewart, a tax partner in MHA, supports Scottish businesses with an international footprint on a wide range of commercial and tax matters. Andrew Thurston, Customs Duty & Indirect Tax Consultant at MHA, brings more than 20 years’ experience from HMRC’s Customs and Excise departments and advises UK and EU businesses on optimising their supply chains from a customs perspective. MHA is one of UK’s leading accountancy firms and has an offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

For more information, www.mha.co.uk

As part of our ongoing commitment to improve station facilities along the route, the First Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station will undergo a major transformation to provide an even more comfortable and welcoming space.

While we make these exciting changes, the lounge will unfortunately be closed from Monday 26 January until Spring 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience caused if you are planning to travel between that period.

Our London King’s Cross lounge welcomes hundreds of customers every day. Our redesign has been developed in conjunction with customer feedback to make sure it provides the perfect environment to start your journey, whether for business or leisure.

The redesign will create additional seating capacity and dedicated zones for working, offering more flexibility and privacy. Other improvements include additional luggage and pushchair storage areas, heritage-inspired décor and a relocation of the existing refreshments area to open more space.

The lounge will reopen in Spring 2026 after the refurbishment is complete. We will keep stakeholders updated on progress, including information of the reopening date closer to the time, and look forward to inviting customers and stakeholders to enjoy the refreshed space.

Deloitte has appointed Lesley Smillie as its new office senior partner (OSP) for Edinburgh.

Smillie has over 20 years of experience in professional services and has worked at the firm since 2005. She has a long history of successfully leading and managing public sector transformation programmes, delivering complex projects and working at the highest level across the public sector Government.

Smillie is the Scotland lead for Deloitte’s State of the State report, overseeing it for the last five years during which time she has engaged with a range of key Scottish organisations to assess the health and future of the public sector.  Smillie plans to build on the firm’s strong links with the public, private and charitable sector, as well as continuing to foster a culture that attracts, develops and retains the best talent.

Smillie will be responsible for leading Edinburgh’s team of 450 staff, including the 30 people who joined Deloitte’s graduate and BrightStart apprenticeship and industrial placement programmes in the capital last year.

Smillie succeeds Douglas Farish, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with Deloitte and Andersen. Previously, Farish was the firm’s Glasgow office senior partner for 10 years. He has led Deloitte’s Edinburgh team and the Scottish tax practice for the last five years. During his tenure as Edinburgh OSP, Farish oversaw the move to the team’s ‘future of work’ designed office at Haymarket Square in 2023.

Lesley Smillie, office senior partner for Edinburgh, Deloitte, said: “Taking on this role is an opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place, while ensuring that collaboration across our teams and service lines is at the heart of everything we do.

“My focus is on helping clients navigate increasingly complex challenges and opportunities including AI and digital transformation, while creating a culture in which our people can thrive. Attracting and developing the best talent, supporting diversity and inclusion, and fostering wellbeing are central to how we operate, and I want our Edinburgh office to remain a place where people are proud to work, innovate and grow.

“Equally, we have an opportunity to underline our integral role within Scotland’s wider business ecosystem reflected both in the work we deliver for clients and in how we engage with the wider community.”

Angela Mitchell, practice senior partner for Deloitte in Scotland, added: “Lesley brings extensive experience, deep sector knowledge and a genuine focus on both our people and clients. Her vision for fostering collaboration, supporting talent development and strengthening our impact in the Scottish market positions Deloitte Edinburgh for continued growth and success. My thanks, too, to Douglas who has led the office and wider practice with distinction.”

Johnston Carmichael has agreed a new partnership with STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre), underlining the firm’s commitment to Scotland’s innovation economy and supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

Based in Glasgow, STAC is Scotland’s industry-led accelerator for product-focused tech startups.

It provides an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to world-class facilities to help founders launch, build, and scale globally competitive businesses. It aims to position Glasgow as Europe’s leading hub for transformative technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, and advanced materials, bridging the gap between academia and industry and driving sustainable growth for Scotland’s tech ecosystem.

As part of the collaboration, Johnston Carmichael will provide extensive support to the 35 businesses enrolled in STAC’s current programme.

This will include finance, tax and fundraising expertise that helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and secure the capital they need to scale; one-to-one mentoring, enabling STAC’s founders to address strategic and operational challenges; and specialist workshops, covering critical topics for high-growth businesses, such as investor tax reliefs and Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI).

The group will also get access to the firm’s technology specialists, including partner Neil Wilson, who is an expert in working with high growth businesses, and Stephen Oates, partner and head of entrepreneurial taxes.

Calum Purdie, Head of Technology and Life Sciences, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Partnering with STAC allows us to build on our growing role in Scotland’s tech ecosystem.

“By sharing our expertise in finance, tax, and growth strategies, we aim to empower these businesses to scale successfully and contribute to Scotland’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.”

To date, STAC has supported almost 90 early-stage companies, including Nooku, which has created a range of smart indoor air quality monitors designed to deliver healthier, happier homes.  Since completing the STAC programme, Nooku has secured commercial collaborations with Dulux to showcase the measurable benefits of low-VOC paint and is joining with social landlord Wheatley Homes to install its indoor air quality technology in tenants’ homes. The Wheatley Homes initiative is part-funded by Innovate UK.

Stefan Raue, COO and co-founder of Nooku, said: “Having access to Johnston Carmichael’s experts and network will be a huge boost for the founders taking part in STAC’s programme. Connecting with the right partners and receiving practical support is key to building a sustainable business.”

Of the 35 businesses taking part in the current programme, 15 are spinouts from Glasgow University’s Infinity G initiative, several are spinouts from Strathclyde University, while the remainder were founded independently.

Paul Wilson, CEO and co-founder of STAC, added: “Our mission has always been to create a centre of excellence for smart and connected technologies here in Scotland. Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally. Together, we’re building companies that will define the next era of innovation.”

For more information about STAC and its programmes, visit https://www.stac.ac/.

Full Year 2025 Group revenue and adjusted operating profit in line with guidance

STV Group plc (“STV”, the “Group”) today provides a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2025.

• Group revenue is expected to be towards the top end of the guidance range of £165m-£180m, with adjusted operating profit in line with current consensus of £11.4m.
• Q4 Total Advertising Revenue (TAR) is expected to be down c.10% year on year, with full year TAR also down c.10%, reflecting the continued impact of the challenging macroeconomic climate on the advertising market. These market conditions have continued into early 2026.
• The year-end net debt position is expected to be towards the lower end of the guidance range of £45-50m.
• Actions announced in September to protect profitability will deliver a £2.5m cost reduction in 2026 as planned. These savings are incremental to the previously announced target of £5m run rate by the end of 2026.
• STV Studios closed the year with an order book of £33m (Aug-25: £40m) following continued delivery of programmes to commissioners in a sector where activity remains subdued. There have been no cancellations notified.
• STV has established its new Audio business as planned, with STV Radio successfully launched this month to an early positive response from the advertising market and audiences.

Rufus Radcliffe, Chief Executive of STV Group plc, said:

“STV will deliver a full year 2025 in line with current expectations. The macro-uncertainty of H2 2025 has continued into early 2026 with subdued advertising and commissioning markets persisting, although the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup provides an important event for advertisers and viewers alike. We are on track to realise previously identified cost savings to protect profitability and provide balance sheet resilience.

“Our award-winning Studios team continues to feed a strong pipeline of new potential projects alongside delivery of returning series; and our new growth venture, STV Radio, is off to a promising start. We are also exploring the strategic options that are emerging given the rapidly evolving media landscape.”

Notice of Results

The Group’s full year results for the year ended 31 December 2025 will be announced on 17 March 2026.

Private equity rebound and growing owner exit demand expected to drive M&A growth in 2026

Increased economic optimism, a surge in private equity (PE) activity and rising numbers of owners looking to exit could drive an increase in activity in the UK mergers and acquisitions market during 2026, according to a leading annual global report.

These are just some of the predictions within the 2026 MHA Global Transaction Report which has been published by national accountancy and advisory firm MHA. MHA is the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, the world’s eighth largest global network of independent accountancy and business advisory firms.

The report gathers the views of senior corporate finance experts from Baker Tilly International’s global M&A network – based in different parts of the world – about transaction activity, trends and forecasts for the year ahead from both a regional and cross-border perspective.

Andrew Feeke, Head of Corporate Finance at MHA, led this year’s report and gave his expectations for the UK market.

He said: “We expect deal volumes to continue to pick up, relative to a more cautious early 2025. While drivers of value remain high growth sectors, there is a theme of a much broader positive outlook for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across multiple sectors.

“With PE looking to invest in mid-market transactions as a key driver of returns and with an abundance of ‘dry powder’ to deploy, the fundamentals of an active M&A market appear to be there.”

The outlook reflects the views of Baker Tilly International’s experts globally. 71.4 per cent of those surveyed in the report expected domestic M&A activity to increase over the next 12 months, with global experts echoing Andy’s comments about unallocated private equity capital and citing economic recovery as contributing to optimism.

The report also analysed global valuations and funding in the M&A market, including in the UK. 57.1 per cent of the global experts surveyed claimed that valuation trends had increased over the past 12 months.

According to the report, these increases are being driven by better economic conditions such as rising stock market performance, stabilisation of inflation and greater post-pandemic stability.

Andy added: “My sense is that valuations have been relatively stable and perhaps moderately increasing for high quality targets that remain in-demand by multiple buyer groups.

“The quality of the underlying business has never been more important in driving value both at the outset and through a transaction process.”

This global rebound is expected to be driven by renewed activity in the private equity market and a wave of owners looking to exit, which was cited by Baker Tilly International experts as the most prominent trend expected to dominate the market in 2026 and 2027.

This was followed by the return of strategic buyers and an AI-driven M&A surge.

Speaking generally about the M&A market’s outlook over the next 12 months, Andy said: “While we can still expect a degree of geopolitical unrest and uncertainty, hopefully this won’t be at the level of the last 12 months. Assuming a longer term more stable macro-economic environment, this should encourage deal activity.”

Among its 30 locations, accountancy and business advisory firm MHA has Scottish offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The 2026 MHA Global Transaction Report is available on the MHA website.

https://www.mha.co.uk/spotlight-on/2026-mha-global-transaction-report

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions international, Scott Hastings, has given his backing to the evening which gives you the chance to test your sporting knowledge and raise money for a good cause at the home of Scottish rugby.

Scotland’s leading health charity has called on businesses to put together their strongest squad for a new fundraiser this year.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is hosting the Great Scottish Sports Quiz at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on Thursday 19th March 2026.

Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s national rugby stadium, this event will bring together professionals from across industries for a high-energy quiz featuring sports trivia, interactive challenges, and exclusive insights from special guests. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes while enjoying premium hospitality in one of the country’s most prestigious venues.

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions international, Scott Hastings, said: “I’m thrilled to support CHSS’ first Great Scottish Sports Quiz at the home of rugby.

“Being at Murrayfield always gives me a competitive feeling and I’m sure the quiz teams will have that same buzz on the night. The good thing is though that everyone will be a winner by taking part and helping Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland continue to do their amazing work in helping the 1 in 5 people in Scotland with a chest, heart, stroke condition and Long Covid.

“Get your tickets now for what is shaping up to be an amazing night of sports trivia.”

Louise MacLeod, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We can’t wait to welcome our teams to Murrayfield for the Great Scottish Sports Quiz.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for teams to come together, test their sporting knowledge and raise money for an excellent cause in CHSS.

“The night also offers an excellent opportunity to network a range of top auction prizes and we look forward to seeing as many teams there as possible on the night.”

Tickets for the Great Scottish Sports Quiz are on sale now and, until January 29th, an early bird discount is on offer by logging into the Chamber’s Private Members area.

Tables of 10, 12 and individual tickets are available and to book you and your team’s spot for the quiz please go to www.uk.givergy.com/thegreatscottishsportsquiz-edinburgh.

If you’re living with the effects of heart disease and stroke and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text NURSE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.

Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm.

“While there is no room for complacency, fiscal sustainability is likely to become more manageable as 2026 progresses.”

The UK’s fiscal position is heading towards a more stable condition than many had feared. Public sector net borrowing for the month is estimated at around £11.5bn, lower than market expectations and the same period a year earlier.

This outcome reflects a combination of steady tax receipts and a gradual easing in some areas of spending pressure. While December is typically a heavy borrowing month, as borrowing looks high because cash outflows peak before major tax receipts arrive, the latest estimate points to a welcome and much-needed degree of control over the public finances. It reinforces the sense that, despite a challenging economic backdrop, fiscal outcomes are slowly becoming more predictable.

For the wider state of government finances, the December figures offer cautious reassurance. Borrowing remains elevated in absolute terms, but the trend is moving in the right direction. Slowing inflation and moderating earnings growth are beginning to reduce upwards pressure on public sector spending, particularly on inflation-linked items. At the same time, the economy has shown tentative signs of resilience, with GDP rising by 0.3% in November — higher than expected — helping to underpin revenues. While there is no room for complacency, fiscal sustainability is likely to become more manageable as 2026 progresses.

The implications for government bond markets are broadly positive. Lower-than-expected borrowing should reassure investors that the Government’s long-term fiscal strategy is sustainable. Combined with the hope of an interest rate cut in Spring, this supports a more stable outlook for gilt yields. While yields are likely to remain sensitive to global developments, the near-term risk of sharp upward pressure appears to have diminished.

This strengthens the government’s hand. A more stable borrowing profile provides greater flexibility ahead of key fiscal decisions later in the year, even as longer-term challenges around debt levels and public service funding remain.

The road to fiscal recovery is uneven but appearing on the horizon. Borrowing remains significant, but it is increasingly consistent with an economy that is stabilising rather than deteriorating. For markets, businesses and policymakers alike, this offers a more constructive economic climate for the year ahead — one where fiscal credibility is being maintained and the focus can increasingly shift from crisis management to a longer-term economic strategy that is focused on improving productivity and establishing the conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Among its 30 locations, accountancy and business advisory firm MHA has offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.