Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Greene King plans to sell 150 pubs and focus on ‘core portfolio’
Britain’s second-largest pub operator is planning to sell 150 of its managed pubs while converting another 150 into tenanted pubs as part of a new estate strategy.
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, which runs about 1,500 managed pubs and has another 1,000 leased and tenanted premises, said it was a “strategic reaction” to the “changing operating environment”.
The reshaping of its portfolio comes amid enormous pressure facing the industry, which has been forced to grapple with a substantial rise in employment costs, a prolonged period of high inflation and cash-strapped customers spending less on eating and drinking out.
Defence expert warns RAF Lossiemouth could be UK’s biggest Russian sabotage target
A European defence expert has warned that RAF Lossiemouth could be a prime target for Russian sabotage.
RAF Lossiemouth is the most northerly major jet base in the UK. It currently plays a crucial role in protecting UK airspace and monitoring Russian activity across the North Sea.
The warning came after a Defence Committee evidence session on operations in the North of Scotland.
Aberdeen’s former BrewDog bar in Castlegate hits market fully equipped after sudden closure
A flagship Aberdeen bar has been brought to market “ready to trade immediately” following the collapse of BrewDog’s bar network.
The prominent Castlegate venue – which closed abruptly after being excluded from a takeover by Tilray Brands – is now being offered as a fully-fitted licensed premises.
Agents say the property offers a rare “turnkey” opportunity in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, with the bar fully equipped and capable of reopening immediately.
Scottish group sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer claims
A group of Scottish women have launched legal action against Johnson & Johnson accusing the firm of selling them talcum powder contaminated with asbestos.
The women claim the pharmaceutical company knew about the dangers of contaminated talc for decades and that they, or family members, developed various types of cancers after using the products.
It is the first contaminated talc action to be raised in the Scottish courts, but thousands of people across the UK are taking part in similar action.