With a new set about to be released, it’s time to consider how these little symbols enhance the way we communicateThroughout history, writing systems have reflected available technologies. Ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform featured triangles and lines bec…
Online therapy is not perfect, but has its benefits | Letter
Dr Chantal Meystre says video appointments enable clients to access a scarce resource on their own terms, and should be here to stay after CovidPsychotherapy over Zoom may not be a panacea, but it has been a boon during Covid-19 lockdowns (Therapy via …
What should I do with a faulty VW electric car in my garage?
I told the lease company I was rejecting the car as it had so many defects but it hasn’t taken it awayCan you please advise me what to do with a new electric car that has been sitting unused in my garage for almost 12 weeks now?In May I took delivery o…
Should I downsize or not and what’s best in regard to my £70,000 mortgage?
All my cash is tied up in the house but I could buy a cheaper one as I want to live a little before retiringQ I am a 56-year-old man with nine years left on my £70,000 mortgage. The mortgage is split so that £20,000 is on a repayment basis and the rema…
Edinburgh Festival kicks off – in pictures
Photographer Murdo MacLeod has been photographing rehearsals and preparations for this year’s much-reduced programme of the Edinburgh festival, which opened on Saturday Continue reading…
Harder borders are a legacy of Covid we should reject | Nesrine Malik
Rules driven more by politics than Covid are taking a heavy emotional toll on families around the worldMoira Hunt hasn’t seen her mother in over 18 months. Hunt and her husband, Shane, live in the UK but are from Australia, where Moira’s mother is abou…
Drivers urged to book MOTs as September surge in demand looms
Exemption following Covid outbreak has increased number of vehicles that must pass test next monthCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOwners of cars due an MOT next month are being urged to book early because of a surge in deman…
UK recovery still unsteady despite July job surge, finds report
Even as Covid restrictions are lifted, staff shortages and Brexit could yet undermine revival, says BDOThe relaxation of lockdown rules in July sparked a surge of hiring among UK firms, but staff shortages caused by the pandemic and Brexit could still …
UK launches £4m fund to run fibre optic cables through water pipes
Project that could bring fibre broadband to remote areas while monitoring pipes for water leaksThe government has launched a £4m fund to back projects trialling running fibre optic broadband cables through water pipes to help connect hard-to-reach home…
Business chief calls on PM to save north-east from Brexit damage
James Ramsbotham, CEO of North East England Chamber of Commerce, says letter sent to Boris Johnson remains unansweredA letter to Boris Johnson sent a fortnight ago by James Ramsbotham called on the prime minister to save the north-east from the “damage…