Dayna Bass

For centuries, Stirling stood at the crossroads of Scottish history. From the 12th to the 17th century, this royal burgh played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny. Kings ruled from its castle, battles for independence were fought on its doorstep, and political intrigue swirled through its ancient streets. Stirling’s prominence was no accident. Positioned strategically between the Highlands and Lowlands, it was a natural stronghold. Whoever controlled Stirling controlled Scotland, making it a focal point of power struggles for centuries. The Rise of a Royal Burgh King David I granted Stirling its burgh status in the early 12th…

A former Miss Scotland has been found guilty of racially abusing and assaulting a security guard while being removed from a rugby tournament in Edinburgh. The incident, which took place in June 2023, has sparked outrage and led to her being stripped of her title. Court Hears Shocking Details of the Incident Lucy Thomson, 26, was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after a two-day trial. She was accused of biting security guard Andrew Okpaje on the hand and using a racial slur while being escorted out of the Edinburgh City 7s competition. During the trial, Okpaje testified that Thomson…

A mysterious flying object caught the attention of thousands as it soared across the skies, sparking speculation before its true identity was revealed. The unusual sight turned out to be the daring adventure of a German thrill-seeker embarking on an extraordinary balloon journey. Balloon Sparks Curiosity Among Watchers As the large airborne object drifted through European airspace, observers on flight tracking platforms began to take notice. Some thought it was an escaped weather balloon, while others speculated about something more ominous. It soon became clear that the balloon was piloted by German adventurer Kolja Packared, accompanied by fellow traveler Wuzi…

Alex Salmond’s declaration that “rocks will melt with the sun” before Scotland introduces tuition fees has stood the test of time. But with Scottish universities facing mounting financial pressures, the debate over student contributions is heating up. Could the long-held policy be on the verge of cracking? Scottish Universities in a Financial Bind Scotland’s universities are struggling. While higher education institutions across the UK are feeling the pinch, some argue that the situation north of the border is even more dire. The University of Dundee’s recent crisis has put the issue under a glaring spotlight. Universities Scotland, a body representing…

National Trust for Scotland has reported significant storm damage across its estates, with up to 1,000 trees toppled by Storm Eowyn. Forestry managers warn that several outdoor trails remain inaccessible due to fallen trees and ongoing recovery efforts. Scotland’s landscapes took a severe hit when Storm Eowyn swept through in January, leaving destruction in its wake. Vast swathes of rural land were impacted, with hundreds of trees uprooted and vehicles caught in the chaos. Now, as spring arrives, many forest walks and adventure trails are still closed, frustrating outdoor enthusiasts eager to return to the wilderness. Progress on Trail Clearance…

Scotland football fans have found themselves stuck in Athens following their team’s 1-0 victory over Greece. A fire near London’s Heathrow Airport led to flight cancellations, forcing supporters to find alternative ways home—or extend their celebrations in Greece. Struggle to Get Back Home The fire, which broke out at an electrical substation near Heathrow, has caused widespread disruption. British Airways flights between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Heathrow have been affected, leaving many passengers scrambling for new travel plans. Supporters have resorted to rerouting through cities such as: Dublin Milan Istanbul Rome Despite the inconvenience, many fans are keeping their spirits…

A massive £3.5 billion investment is being sought to transform Grangemouth, Scotland's key industrial hub, into a green energy powerhouse. The Project Willow report outlines nine feasible projects that could create 800 jobs by 2040 and revolutionize low-carbon manufacturing. But challenges remain, with funding and policy support crucial to making this vision a reality. Grangemouth’s Shift from Oil to Green Energy Grangemouth’s oil refinery is on its way out, and with it, hundreds of jobs are set to vanish. The Project Willow study, which cost £1.5 million, lays out a blueprint for revitalizing the area with a focus on sustainable…

The number of international students at Scottish universities has fallen sharply, with over 10,000 fewer overseas enrollments recorded last year. New data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) highlights the financial strain this decline is putting on institutions that have come to rely on foreign tuition fees to sustain their budgets. Universities Face Declining Foreign Enrollment Fresh figures show a 12% drop in overseas students at Scottish universities, from 83,975 in the previous year to 73,915. This downturn comes after a record high in foreign enrollments, which had become a crucial revenue stream for universities struggling with budget constraints.…

The coronavirus pandemic laid bare Scotland’s health struggles, revealing a nation with serious underlying issues. Public health expert Devi Sridhar believes the country must rethink its approach, shifting from individual wellness to a broader societal commitment to health. A Nation Struggling With Health Scotland’s public health weaknesses became glaringly obvious when Covid-19 struck. According to Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, the country entered the crisis in a fragile state. “It has less to do with individuals and more to do with the country you live in – the politics, the economics, and the society,”…

The landscape of employment in Scotland is on the brink of massive transformation, with automation, artificial intelligence, and shifting industry demands poised to reshape the job market. Michelle Ferguson, the new Scotland Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has sounded the alarm on a critical skills shortage that could leave Scotland trailing in the global economy. The Skills Gap Crisis Speaking ahead of the CBI Scotland annual lunch in Edinburgh, where First Minister John Swinney is set to address business leaders, Ferguson emphasized the urgency of equipping the workforce for future industries. Scotland, like much of the UK,…