Here are the business stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
Operations cancelled after lightning damages equipment
Planned operations in Aberdeen have been cancelled in the coming days after electrical systems were damaged in a lightning strike.
NHS Grampian said both of the health board’s central decontamination units – which sterilize and prepare surgical equipment – were currently unable to operate.
It will affect procedures at Woodend Hospital and the Foresterhill site which includes Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as well as the maternity and children's hospitals.
The health authority said emergency surgery and C-sections would continue but around 20 operations planned for Wednesday would be postponed.
‘Pointless’ degrees should be scrapped, says Tory frontrunner
Funding should be withdrawn from “pointless” university courses that fail to give tangible benefits, the bookies’ favourite to be the next Scottish Conservative leader has said.
Russell Findlay argued that the strength of institutions should be used to boost the economy by supporting start-up businesses and large initiatives such as city region and growth deals.
This, he said, should happen as part of universities preparing students for work, with funding for courses with the lowest employment rates being reviewed and potentially withdrawn.
“Education needs to be focused on outcomes, equipping the next generation with the skills to succeed in life and meeting the needs of businesses,” he said.
UK to spend £10.5m on new EU border checks
The government is to provide £10.5m worth of funding to prepare for new EU border checks this autumn.
The Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone and Eurostar at St Pancras will receive financial aid to help reduce queues for travellers.
From the autumn, travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries will have to go through a new digital border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is being brought in by the EU.
This will involve having your photograph and fingerprints taken.
Impose two-drink limit at airports to combat passenger violence, says Michael O’Leary
Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary has called for a two drinks per passenger limit at airport bars to combat drunken disorder on flights and at airports.
Instances of in-flight violence have surged this summer with attacks now occurring on a weekly basis, Mr O’Leary said.
While assaults on cabin crew are of most concern, confrontations between passengers have become increasingly common, according to Mr O’Leary. He blamed a combination of alcohol with “powder and tablets”.
Mr O’Leary said: “It’s not that easy for airlines to identify people who are inebriated at the gate, particularly if they are boarding with two or three others.