Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel suffers £1.9m loss while investing in major refurbishments
Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel has suffered a near £2million loss, as the venue continues to invest heavily in refurbishments and upgrades.
Newly filed accounts show the five-star hotel recorded a pre-tax loss of £1.9m, almost three times the £674,877 loss reported the previous year.
Turnover, however, increased to £5.1m in 2025, up from £4.9m in 2024, reflecting strong demand despite challenging trading conditions for the hospitality sector.
Weight loss jabs affecting Greggs, boss says
The boss of Greggs said there was "no doubt" hugely popular appetite suppressing drugs have led to people looking for "smaller portions", affecting the company's bottom line.
People are also looking for "protein and fibre", and generally healthier options, Roisin Currie said, adding the bakery has been introducing products to tap into that market.
Greggs has previously said people's dietary changes led it to move away from its usual fare of hearty and high-fat pasties, cakes and pastries.
Senior military chiefs warn Keir Starmer of £28bn defence shortfall
Britain’s most senior military chief has warned Sir Keir Starmer that the Ministry of Defence is short of £28billion over the next four years despite plans to boost spending, The Times can reveal.
Defence chiefs are preparing to make huge cuts to the military while at the same coming under pressure to ready the armed forces for possible war with Russia.
Tensions between London and Moscow continue to escalate, with the UK on Wednesday joining a US mission to capture a Russian-flagged tanker.
Primark owner warns on profits as shoppers cut spending
Belt-tightening by budget shoppers in Europe and the US has prompted Primark’s owner to cut its annual profit guidance.
Associated British Foods (ABF) said like-for-like sales at Primark had fallen 5.7% in its Europe division over the 16 weeks to January 3 as people spent less at the budget retailer.
In an unscheduled trading update, the FTSE 100 conglomerate added that the retail environment in the US was “volatile, which impacted consumer sentiment and footfall”. In the UK, Primark reported like-for-like sales growth, despite what it described as a “difficult clothing market”.