THE chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland owner NatWest Group has said that the institution would move its headquarters from Edinburgh to London in the event of Scottish independence.

Alison Rose said the Edinburgh-based bank's balance sheet would be “ too big” for an independent Scotland as she underlined the plan.

READ MORE: Her comments came in response to a question from The Herald regarding the bank’s strategy should next week’s Scottish election return a majority victory for the SNP and ultimately lead to a referendum on Scottish independence.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she "does not accept" the rationale that the NatWest's Group's balance sheet is too big for an independent Scotland.

Speaking after Ms Rose said that the bank would move its HQ to London in the event of Scottish independence, the First Minister said the plan was to engage "constructively" with businesses.

Standard Life Aberdeen to change name

The Herald: Picture: Gordon Terris.Picture: Gordon Terris.

EDINBURGH-based financial services giant Standard Life Aberdeen this week unveiled plans to change its name to Abrdn.

READ MORE: It says the new name will be “pronounced Aberdeen” and “will be part of a modern, agile, digitally enabled brand that will also be used for all the company’s client-facing businesses globally”.

Record profits propel Genoa Black expansion

The Herald: Genoa Black managing partner Gaynor Duthie will head up the firm's new management consultancy businessGenoa Black managing partner Gaynor Duthie will head up the firm's new management consultancy business

BUSINESS strategy specialist Genoa Black is launching a new management consultancy arm after announcing a double-digit increase in turnover and profits in its latest financial year.

READ MORE: The firm said it secured 25 new clients during the 12 months to July 2020 from sectors such as the energy, food and drink, life sciences and manufacturing industries. 

Special Series: The Connectivity Challenge

The Herald: The challenge of connecting Scotland in a pandemicThe challenge of connecting Scotland in a pandemic

Day One: Anger over Scottish Government connectivity funding hold-ups

Day Two: R100 delays bring 'open season' for smaller players in digital game

Day Three: 'Patchy connectivity hampering economic recovery'

Pub with one of biggest beer gardens in Glasgow's east end reopens

The Herald: Adrienne Greenaway and Victoria Ashgar of The PrincessAdrienne Greenaway and Victoria Ashgar of The Princess

A PUB in the east end of Glasgow is opening its doors for the first time in 13 months this week – and it will offer one of the biggest beer gardens in the area.

READ MORE: The Princess on Smithcroft Road, Riddrie, will relaunch after a £325,000 refurbishment, bringing 15 new jobs.

First pictures: Gleneagles' Edinburgh hotel unveiled

The Herald:

IMAGES showing how the luxurious interior set to welcome the first visitors to Gleneagles’ Townhouse in the Scottish capital later this year will look have been unveiled.

READ MORE: The world-famous Gleneagles golfing estate is on track to open its new boutique hotel, the first such venture for the five-star resort based in Auchterarder, in the autumn.

Analysis, Insight, Opinion

Kristy Dorsey: Young people waiting longer to get stuck into working life

Scott Wright: Leader's pay under the microscope at Scottish banking giant

Ian McConnell on Wednesday: Jealousy of public sector will not solve grim pension poverty

Mark Williamson: Shake-up at oil giant will impact many Scots

Ian McConnell on Friday: What to make of astonishing name call?

Brian Donnelly: Tory MPs trash Boris Johnson Brexit exports narrative​

Features

Monday Interview: Seventies-style inflation 'to bring investments revival'​

SME Focus: Lanarkshire mental health specialist makes impact in schools​

From the Bulletin: Is this the world's best whisky?

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