Satellite pictures reveal areas transformed by ransom riches

A potent cultural experience has been created by the renovation of Edinburgh's 122-year-old institution, says Jay Merrick

Life on Marsden

Times are tough for the embattled entertainment retailer, with terrible half-year results raising concerns over its future. James Thompson reports

Chancellor George Osborne revealed plans to further scale down the investment banking arm at RBS and shift the taxpayer-backed bank's focus to the UK.

Fears the aircraft-parts maker has fingers in too many pies to become a takeover target helped Meggitt finish in last place on the blue-chip index last night. Disappointed investors left the group 17.1p weaker at 366.4p after Credit Suisse said that, despites frequent bid speculation, the wide variety of its operations were likely to put off any predators.

The first national strategy to deal with missing children and adults in England and Wales was launched by the Home Office yesterday. It is intended to bring greater co-operation between police, social services, schools and other authorities for the 400 children who run away from home or care – or are thrown out by their parents – every day in the UK.

An independent Scotland would shift much of its attention away from the UK to become a member of the Scandinavian circle of countries, with its own army, navy and air force modelled on its Nordic neighbours, according to detailed plans being drawn up by the SNP.

Document reveals government wants to turn away from London if it wins referendum

Notebook

Aer Lingus has reported an operating loss of €27.8 million (£24.6 million) in the first six months of the year.

Union leaders described news of a further 140 banking job losses as "appalling" yesterday, saying there was now a "drip-feed" of cuts.

What's Mr Goodyear up to?