Dayna Bass

Orkney Islands, Scotland – 21 May 2025A pioneering electric hydrofoil vessel has arrived in the Orkney Islands, marking a milestone in the UK’s maritime decarbonisation efforts. Northern Ireland-based Artemis Technologies delivered the Zevi 1, a fully electric workboat designed to demonstrate the future of zero-emission inter-island transport. The vessel’s arrival kicks off a three-year demonstration project backed by UK Government funding and delivered in partnership with Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). A Leap for Island Maritime Transit Zevi 1, based on an earlier Artemis hydrofoil that entered service in 2022, will operate four daily rotations between…

One of Glasgow’s key traffic arteries could grind to a halt after control room workers voted to strike in a bitter pay dispute. The Clyde Tunnel, used by tens of thousands daily, now hangs in the balance. The threat comes as GMB union members, who manage tunnel safety systems, rejected a 3% wage offer and demanded a better deal. They’re asking for a 6.5% rise — about £1 an hour more — arguing their work is critical, and frankly, underappreciated. What’s at stake: 65,000 daily vehicles and a city’s commute Roughly 65,000 vehicles pass through the Clyde Tunnel every weekday.…

Business tycoon pushes for radical rethink of Scotland’s economic model, with innovation and intent at the heart of a new strategy Scotland needs to think less like Stockholm and more like Singapore if it wants to reverse its long-term economic decline, according to entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who is calling for a bold, business-led transformation of the country’s strategy. A new Oxford Economics report commissioned by Hunter paints a stark picture of stagnation in Scottish productivity, education, and health outcomes — and draws a provocative comparison between Scotland and the high-growth city-state of Singapore. “The status quo is…

Staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are inching closer to a formal strike vote amid fears over compulsory redundancies. Unions representing lecturers and support staff have backed industrial action if the university does not guarantee job security. Rising Tensions as Staff Demand No Compulsory Redundancies The Education Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Unison recently held consultative ballots among their members at UWS. Results showed overwhelming support for strike action if necessary, with 85% of EIS members and 75% of Unison members ready to move towards a formal ballot. David Belsey, assistant general secretary of the EIS,…

Aberdeen Minerals has kicked off a new round of drilling at its Arthrath site in Aberdeenshire, pressing ahead with ambitions to uncover more of the battery metals the UK so badly lacks. The company’s latest campaign, known as Phase 2B, got underway this month, building on promising signs from its 2024 efforts. If successful, this could mark a rare step toward domestic production of nickel, copper, and cobalt—elements vital to the electric future. Five New Boreholes, 2,400 Meters, and Big Hopes Aberdeen’s current drilling plan isn’t small change. The company is targeting five new boreholes, stretching a total of 2,400…

People might joke about Scottish weather, but when the taps run dry, it’s no laughing matter. Despite being soaked in rain for most of the year, Scotland now faces a paradox: the country is using far more water than it can afford — and more than anywhere else in the UK. It’s not just about long showers or leaky pipes. The deeper reasons for this water-hungry lifestyle are rooted in how people pay for it, how little they think about it, and how the climate is beginning to shift. The Numbers Don't Lie — Scots Are Using Way More Water…

The Church of Scotland is re-examining its long-held opposition to assisted dying following a significant vote in the Scottish Parliament that backed legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults. This marks a notable shift in the church’s position on a deeply sensitive and divisive issue. Holyrood's vote came after nearly five hours of intense debate, with 70 MSPs supporting the general principles of the Bill and 56 opposing. However, the Bill still faces two further parliamentary stages before it can become law, and the Church’s final stance will be revealed at the upcoming General Assembly. A Historic Shift in Church…

Care workers across Scotland are preparing to strike later this month, marking the first national walkout in over ten years. The move comes after years of frustration over pay and promises unmet by the Scottish government, with staff from Enable Scotland set to take part in the action across several regions. The strikes kick off on May 29 in East Renfrewshire, spreading through Aberdeenshire, Moray, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. They will culminate in a rally and march at the Scottish Parliament on June 12, spotlighting the growing crisis in social care. A Workforce Pushed to the Edge Anna Baird, a…

The United States has issued a new travel advisory for the United Kingdom, raising the alert level due to growing terrorism threats and violence. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are now considered higher risk, with authorities urging travelers to stay vigilant and take immediate safety precautions. Rising Threats Across the UK’s Major Hubs The US government’s updated warning shines a spotlight on the persistent threat of terrorism in the UK, especially in busy, crowded places. Airports, train stations, tourist hotspots, shopping districts, and government buildings are among the locations at heightened risk. The advisory points out that terrorist groups…

In a surprising move, Swedish fashion brand GANT has closed its Glasgow city centre store with immediate effect, leaving customers and local businesses speculating over the reasons behind the abrupt decision. The store, located at 230 Ingram Street, directly across from the Gallery of Modern Art, had long been a fixture in the city’s luxury retail quarter, offering premium men’s and women’s apparel, sportswear, watches, and accessories. A sign posted in the shop window now simply reads: “We are now closed.” No Prior Announcement As of Tuesday morning, no official press release has been issued by GANT regarding the store…