Dayna Bass

Scotland is set to introduce a Digital Assets Bill in its 2025/26 legislative program, aiming to clarify laws on crypto currencies and NFTs. This move, announced in the First Minister's Programme for Government on May 6, 2025, addresses long-standing gaps in digital property rights and boosts fintech growth amid rising cyber threats. Background on Scotland's Digital Assets Push Scotland's government has recognized the need for clear rules on digital assets for years. Back in 2019, an Expert Reference Group led by Lord Hodge started reviewing how Scots law handles items like crypto currencies and non-fungible tokens. A public consultation ran…

A 17-year-old teenager in the United Kingdom has received a 10-year prison sentence for plotting an arson attack on a mosque in Greenock, Scotland. Police arrested him in January 2025 outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre with an airgun and aerosol cans, stopping his plan to set the building on fire and kill worshippers inside. Background of the Incident The teenager, whose name remains protected due to his age, had been radicalized online since he was 13. He idolized figures like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik. Court records show he developed strong far-right views, including sympathies…

Scotland's West Highland Line, hailed as one of the world's most scenic rail routes, offers breathtaking views of lochs, mountains, and moors from Glasgow to Mallaig or Oban. Yet in 2025, locals and regular travelers voice growing complaints about overcrowding, breakdowns, and poor service that mar the experience. This iconic journey, featured in films like Harry Potter and Trainspotting, draws thousands of tourists each year for its dramatic landscapes. But recent issues, including flooded tracks and unreliable trains, have left residents frustrated and calling for urgent fixes. The Magic of the West Highland Line Travelers flock to the West Highland…

Scotland's startup scene is booming in 2025, with international investors pouring in record funds amid strong growth in new business formations. Recent data shows a 108 percent jump in investments during the first quarter, signaling a shift as global capital recognizes the region's innovation potential. Rapid Growth in Startup Activity Scotland recorded an 18 percent increase in new business formations in the first half of 2025, making it one of the top UK regions for startup activity. This follows over 21,500 new companies incorporated since the year began, driven by sectors like tech and health. Experts point to talent density…

Scotland's environment watchdog has issued a fresh alert about water shortages in the east, with possible restrictions on water use set to hit some areas as soon as next week. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, known as SEPA, points to months of low rainfall and dry conditions pushing river levels to critical lows, forcing steps to protect the environment and water supplies. Current Water Scarcity Levels Across Scotland SEPA uses a four-tier system to track water scarcity, ranging from early warning to significant scarcity. Right now, several key areas in eastern Scotland sit at moderate scarcity, a step up from…

A 17-year-old boy in Scotland received a 10-year sentence for planning a terrorist attack on a mosque in Greenock, Inverclyde. Authorities arrested him in January 2025 outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre, where he intended to set the building on fire and kill worshippers inside. Details of the Planned Attack The teenager, whose name remains protected due to his age, befriended the mosque's imam to gain inside access. He joined the mosque's WhatsApp group in December 2024, claiming he sought guidance on faith matters. Prosecutors revealed he mapped the building's layout on his phone during visits. He carried a camouflage rucksack…

Atlas Ocean Voyages has just announced its 2027 Europe cruises, bringing luxury travel to new heights with a focus on culinary delights and cultural immersion. This launch, revealed on August 20, 2025, includes 24 fresh itineraries spanning the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, offering travelers intimate yacht style experiences from Spain to Scotland. Exciting New Itineraries Revealed These cruises promise to take guests on journeys that blend adventure with relaxation. With more than 90 late night departures and 25 overnight stays in ports, travelers get extra time to explore local scenes after dark. The collection features seven new ports, adding fresh…

The United States State Department has praised Scotland for dropping charges against 75-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty, arrested for holding a sign offering peaceful talks near a Glasgow hospital. This move highlights growing concerns over free speech under Scotland's new buffer zone law, enacted in 2024 to protect abortion access. Background on the Arrest and Charges Rose Docherty, a Glasgow resident and pro-life advocate, faced arrest in February 2025 while standing quietly outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Her sign read, "Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want," aimed at offering support to those feeling pressured. Authorities…

Galileo Empower, a key player in renewable energy, has submitted a planning application for a massive 476 megawatt wind farm extension in Scotland. This move, announced on August 18, 2025, aims to boost clean power production and support the nation's green goals amid growing demand for sustainable energy. Project Overview and Key Features Galileo Empower, formed by Dublin-based Empower Renewables and pan-European developer Galileo Green Energy, filed the application with the Scottish government's Energy Consents Unit. The Dorenell Extension Windfarm project includes 67 wind turbines and a battery storage system to store excess energy for peak times. This setup will…

President Donald Trump's latest trade war has imposed new tariffs on Scottish imports, raising costs for American buyers and threatening jobs in Scotland. As of August 2025, these duties, including a baseline 10 percent on many goods, test the strong US demand for items like shortbread, salmon, and whisky, while sparking global economic ripples. The New Tariffs Take Hold Trump's trade policies kicked in early August 2025, affecting imports from about 90 countries, including Scotland. The president declared these measures to boost US manufacturing and reduce trade deficits, but they have quickly raised prices for everyday luxuries. Experts note that…