Dayna Bass

As spring unfolds and warmer weather begins to take hold, many of us embrace the sunshine—but for those prone to hay fever, it signals the start of a challenging season. The first of the pollen spores start to circulate in the air, and by the time we reach April, the hay fever season in Scotland is well underway. When Does Hay Fever Season Begin? The hay fever season in Scotland typically kicks off in April, as trees begin to bud and release their pollen. Birch trees, in particular, are responsible for a spike in pollen levels from mid-April to mid-May.…

Alan Cumming, the beloved Scottish actor, recently opened up about one of his favorite childhood memories. Reflecting on his early years in Scotland, Cumming revealed how the Highlands, once a place of escape for him, have evolved into a powerful connection to his heritage and personal history. A Haven in the Highlands As a child, Alan Cumming often found solace in the vast, serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. While many might associate the area with its rugged beauty, Cumming saw it as a refuge. The rolling hills and quiet solitude provided him with a much-needed escape from the world…

If you’ve ever wondered how far you’re willing to go for a pint, The Old Forge in Scotland might just make you rethink your limits. Nestled in the remote village of Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula, this pub isn't just hard to find—it's an adventure to reach. You’ll need to brave an 18-mile hike or a seven-mile sea crossing to get there. But those who make the trek are rewarded with more than just a cold pint—they get a taste of Scottish history and community spirit. A Journey to Remember For most people, enjoying a pint at the local pub…

In a significant step towards the UK’s clean energy future, the Moray West wind farm has officially been switched on, marking a pivotal moment in Scotland's renewable energy journey. Located 13 miles off the coast of Buckie, Moray West is one of Scotland's largest offshore wind farms and will play a crucial role in the nation’s energy transition. A New Era for Clean Energy in Scotland With an impressive generating capacity of up to 882 MW, the Moray West wind farm is expected to provide enough power for around 1.3 million homes, which accounts for half of Scotland’s households. This…

A new report from Heriot-Watt University shines a stark light on the systemic barriers preventing people with learning disabilities and complex needs from accessing appropriate housing across Scotland. According to the research, around 1,300 individuals are at risk of unnecessary hospital admissions or are stuck in unsuitable accommodations, which could be exacerbating the challenges they face in their everyday lives. The Persistent Struggles for Appropriate Housing The study, titled Housing for Complex Needs, reveals that despite over two decades of government policies designed to promote community-based living for those with learning disabilities, many still find themselves unable to access housing…

Newly restored 19th-century cottage joins the Queensberry Estate’s expanding luxury accommodation portfolio in Dumfries and Galloway Amid the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of Dumfries and Galloway, Drumlanrig Castle has quietly unveiled a new addition to its estate—Montagu Cottage, a beautifully restored guesthouse nestled within the historic Queensberry Estate. With its sweeping views over the Nith Valley and rich heritage layered into its stonework, Montagu Cottage offers guests an atmospheric, pet-friendly escape infused with Scottish charm. A Heritage Home Reimagined Once part of the estate’s 19th-century laundry complex, Montagu Cottage—alongside neighbouring Laundry Cottage—has undergone a sensitive renovation, blending listed-building preservation…

A convicted murderer, Raymond McCourt, has gone missing from an open prison near Dundee, prompting a police search. The 59-year-old, who was jailed for the 1993 murder of a shopkeeper, was last seen in Glasgow before vanishing from HMP Castle Huntly on Tuesday. McCourt’s Disappearance and Public Warning Raymond McCourt was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland’s only open prison, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The prison authorities raised the alarm after McCourt failed to return following a period of leave. CCTV footage shows McCourt earlier that day on Duke Street in the east end of Glasgow, dressed…

Before the first tee is swung at the new Old Petty Championship Golf Course in the Scottish Highlands, archeologists made a swing of their own—straight into the ancient past. Excavations ahead of construction uncovered a 2,200-year-old Iron Age chariot wheel, the first of its kind ever discovered in the Highlands and only the fifth confirmed chariot artifact in all of Scotland. The remarkably preserved iron wheel was found inside a prehistoric ceremonial enclosure, alongside a trove of artifacts spanning the Bronze Age, Neolithic, and Iron Age. And at first, no one believed it was real. “We were a bit bemused.”…

GLASGOW, April 23, 2025 — Developer Dominus has secured planning consent from Glasgow City Council for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in the heart of the city, marking another step in efforts to address Scotland’s intensifying student housing crunch. The approved 13-storey scheme will rise on a brownfield site at the corner of Old Wynd Street and Osborne Street, a location well-positioned near the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University. Once completed, the project will deliver 173 studio units, including nine wheelchair-accessible rooms, in a bid to support the city’s rapidly growing student population. Luxe Student Living:…

As AI technology rapidly evolves, Scotland’s health care system finds itself at a critical juncture — one that could redefine how care is delivered for generations. A new report from the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Population Health signals that while the potential is vast, the path forward must be paved with transparency, accountability, and above all, public trust. Published this week, the report, The Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Public Health and Health care Systems in Scotland, offers a clear-eyed assessment of AI’s transformative promise in NHS Scotland — along with the governance challenges that could determine its…