Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK today.

Milltimber housing expansion rejected amid local concerns

An expansion of a planned Milltimber housing development has been rejected after locals warned approval would “cast doubt on the validity of democracy”.

Bancon Homes wanted to build another 19 houses on a site in the Aberdeen suburb, tweaking plans originally approved in 2021.

The extra homes off North Deeside Road would have taken the size of the scheme from 80 to 99.

But the developer has confirmed bosses could yet challenge the council’s decision-making. They only gained their initial planning permission through a similar appeal.

Click here to read more in the Press & Journal.

Plan to repurpose oil platforms for hydrogen production

Plans to produce “green” hydrogen on North Sea oil and gas platforms have reached a “significant milestone”, researchers have said.

A study carried out by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and Aberdeen’s Apollo has overcome initial scepticism to envisage a “clear understanding” of the advantages of replacing North Sea topsides with the likes of electrolysers powered by renewable energy.

Importantly, Apollo found “potential for significant cost savings” despite the prospect of re-engineering jackets and platform legs proving “demanding”.

The Hydrogen Offshore Production Project (HOP2), which was awarded £2.12 million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, was led by Apollo engineers as the firm looks to scale up production of the molecule.

Click here to read more on Energy Voice.

Microsoft back as most valuable firm as Nvidia slips

Nvidia has handed back the position as the world’s most valuable company to Microsoft after its share price fell by more than 3.5% on Thursday.

The artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant briefly held the top spot from Tuesday, with a stock market valuation of $3.34tn (£2.64tn).

But Nvidia's shares fell to $130.78 on Thursday, sending its value down to around $3.22tn, with Microsoft reclaiming the title as it held steady at more than $3.3tn.

Nvidia's rise has been fuelled by its dominance of what analysts call the "new gold or oil in the tech sector" - the chips that power AI.

Click here to read more on the BBC news website.

Rangers seek 'contingency' as materials delay impacts Ibrox

Rangers say "there will be an impact on matches at Ibrox" at the start of next season after "a delay in a materials shipment from Asia".

The delay has affected work on the Copland Stand at Ibrox Stadium.

The club have not confirmed whether matches will have to be played elsewhere, with their opening Scottish Premiership fixtures to be confirmed on 27 June.

Philippe Clement's side are likely to be away from home for their opening league fixture on 3 or 4 August and at home the following weekend.

Rangers will also have one, possibly two Champions League qualifying home legs in August.

Click here to read more on the BBC news website.

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