Dayna Bass

The Scottish Retail Consortium has launched a bold manifesto ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election, calling on the next government to place town centers and retail at the core of economic policy. This move comes as high streets across Scotland grapple with empty shops, rising crime, and tough business conditions, with the group proposing tax cuts, better policing, and easier shop upgrades to spark recovery. Key Demands from the Manifesto The manifesto, titled Scotland's Future High Streets, outlines a five-point plan to make retail destinations more competitive and vibrant. It highlights the need for urgent action amid ongoing challenges like…

Scotland's standards watchdog reported a massive jump in complaints against councillors, hitting a record 2,714 in the 2024/25 period. This surge, almost nine times higher than the previous year, has sparked worries that people might be misusing the system, with only 128 cases moving to full investigations. Sharp Rise in Complaints Sparks Debate The Ethical Standards Commissioner for Scotland saw complaints skyrocket from just 308 in 2023/24 to 2,714 this past year. Officials point to growing public awareness and easier online reporting as key drivers behind the increase. Many complaints came from everyday residents upset over local decisions, from planning…

Scotland is rolling out tiny forests in urban spots to tackle climate change and boost nature. These small, dense woodlands, planted using a Japanese method, are popping up near schools and hospitals, with locals joining in to create green havens amid city life. This push comes as cities worldwide seek ways to fight rising temperatures and loss of wildlife. In Scotland, the initiative ties into broader efforts to make towns greener and healthier for everyone. What Makes Tiny Forests Special Tiny forests pack hundreds of native trees into areas as small as a tennis court. They grow fast and create…

Three University of North Georgia faculty members made waves this summer by presenting at a major teaching conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Adrianna Rajkumar, Dr. Cristina Washell, and Dr. Katty Mobasher shared insights from their work on making geosciences more accessible, all tied to a National Science Foundation grant. Conference Highlights The event was the International Study Association on Teachers and Teaching conference, held in Glasgow during the summer of 2025. These professors traveled abroad to showcase their efforts in education and science. Each focused on unique ways to boost student engagement in geology. Their talks drew from three years…

A group of Scottish heritage and design groups has officially taken ownership of the iconic Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk, marking a key step in saving this modernist gem from decay. The purchase, completed after a competitive auction in July 2025, sets the stage for a major restoration effort to revive the site as a creative hub once more. Auction Success and New Ownership The Bernat Klein Studio sold for £279,000 at auction on July 30, 2025, far exceeding its guide price by over 15 times. This high demand showed strong interest in preserving Scotland's architectural heritage. The winning bid…

Police Scotland has renewed calls for information on Ian Ross, a 66-year-old hillwalker who disappeared in the Torridon area of the Scottish Highlands exactly one year ago. Ross last spoke with his family on September 6, 2024, before his car was found abandoned in a remote car park, prompting widespread searches that have yet to yield answers. Details of the Disappearance Ian Ross, a resident of Dingwall, was known for his passion for hiking in Scotland's stunning but treacherous landscapes. He made his final phone call to relatives on September 6, 2024, with no indication of trouble. By September 17,…

Scotland's government has taken a bold step by halting public funding to weapons manufacturers that supply arms to Israel. First Minister John Swinney announced this move on September 4, 2025, amid growing concerns over the Gaza conflict, while also ordering the Palestinian flag to fly over government buildings and pushing for recognition of Palestine. Background on the Decision Scotland's leader made the announcement during a key speech in parliament. He cited evidence of possible genocide in Gaza as the main reason for the pause in grants and investments to these companies. This comes after months of global outcry over the…

Scotland's government has taken a bold step against the ongoing Gaza conflict by ending public funding for arms companies that supply Israel. First Minister John Swinney announced the move on September 4, 2025, in parliament, citing concerns over genocide risks and calling for the UK to recognize Palestine right away. This decision comes amid growing global pressure on Israel after nearly two years of fighting in Gaza. It aims to align Scotland's policies with international law and humanitarian values, while urging broader action from the UK. Details of the Funding Pause Scotland will stop new grants and investments to defense…

Hydrogen Scotland and AquaVentus have signed a key agreement to boost green hydrogen production in the North Sea. This partnership, announced on September 4, 2025, at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, aims to tap into vast offshore wind resources and position Scotland as a major supplier to Europe. Partnership Sparks New Era in Green Energy This memorandum of understanding marks a big step forward for clean energy in Europe. Leaders from both groups gathered in Aberdeen to seal the deal, focusing on shared infrastructure for hydrogen production and transport. The move comes at a time when Europe pushes hard for green…

Scotland's rail network just got a major shakeup. Starting September 1, 2025, ScotRail has ditched peak fares across all routes, letting passengers pay the same price no matter the time of day. This move aims to cut costs for commuters and boost train use amid rising living expenses. What Led to This Change Scotland has tested cheaper rail fares before. A six-month trial in 2023 showed promise by drawing more riders to trains. Building on that, another pilot ran until March 2024, and data revealed a clear uptick in passengers when prices dropped. Officials watched how people shifted from cars…