Dayna Bass

Scotland is gearing up for its warmest day of the year, with forecasters predicting temperatures well above seasonal averages. The Met Office expects conditions to peak on Thursday, coinciding with the spring equinox, before cooling into the weekend. Temperatures Expected to Climb The Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge has confirmed that Scotland will enjoy mostly dry weather with plenty of sunshine on Thursday. Temperatures are set to reach around 14°C in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and the southwest, while Edinburgh and the east coast will be slightly cooler. Further south, parts of England could see highs of 19°C to 21°C, making…

Scotland’s rugby team has long been known for its free-flowing, attacking style. But now, according to back-rower Matt Fagerson, they have added a crucial missing ingredient—defensive resilience. Their victory over Australia in the Autumn Nations Series rounded off a strong campaign, reinforcing their reputation as a more well-rounded side. A Statement Autumn Series Three wins from four matches. That’s the tally for Scotland after an Autumn Nations Series that showcased their growth. Their only setback came against world champions South Africa, but even in that match, they stood toe-to-toe with the bruising Springboks. The Scots have often dazzled with their…

Scotland faces a crucial two-legged play-off against Greece in a bid to retain their spot in the Nations League’s top tier. With injuries and squad selection headaches mounting, Steve Clarke has some tough decisions to make. How should he approach this high-stakes fixture in Piraeus? Balancing Experience and Fresh Legs Goalkeeping is the first major question. With Angus Gunn absent, Clarke must decide between veteran Craig Gordon, still going strong at 42, and younger options Liam Kelly and Cieran Slicker. Given the magnitude of the occasion and the inexperience of the alternatives, Gordon’s leadership and shot-stopping ability should see him…

The UK government's sweeping welfare reforms have sparked backlash in Scotland, with Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville calling the changes "devastating" for disabled people. The reforms, aimed at saving £5bn annually by 2030, could have a significant impact on Scotland’s budget and vulnerable communities. Severe Impact on Holyrood Finances The proposed cuts target Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit for those with long-term physical or mental health conditions. Although Scotland is transitioning to the devolved Adult Disability Payment (ADP), reductions in UK Treasury spending on PIP will have a knock-on effect on Holyrood’s budget. Somerville urged the UK government to…

The Stade de France is set to host an unforgettable night on Saturday, March 15, 2025. As the Six Nations tournament reaches its grand finale, French singer Louane will seize the halftime stage to debut her Eurovision song, merging two of France’s great passions—rugby and music—into one electrifying event. A Stage Fit for a Star Louane, now 28, is ready to represent France at Eurovision on May 17, 2025, competing against 37 other nations. This halftime performance is more than just a preview—it’s her first opportunity to unveil a song she describes as deeply personal. “This song is 100% me,…

Escaping the office often provides the best insights, and this month was no exception. A visit to Clackmannan Tolbooth with John Lasman of Lasman Industries showcased the intricate work required to restore Scotland’s historic sites. Built in 1592, the Tolbooth has seen centuries of wear, with previous repair attempts in the 1980s only adding to the challenges. Lasman Industries, backed by funding from the local authority and Historic Environment Scotland, took on the task of refurbishing the landmark. The project drew significant attention from locals eager to see the Tolbooth’s transformation. The team’s efforts in restoring eroded stonework and repairing…

A snapshot of Scotland’s natural beauty has once again been captured through the lenses of keen-eyed photographers. From serene lochs to curious wildlife, these images offer a glimpse into the charm of Scotland’s landscapes and creatures. Here are some of the standout shots submitted by the public over the past week. A Robin’s Morning Routine Martin Mann’s garden scene feels like something out of a nature documentary. Perched on a weathered watering can, a bright orange-breasted robin surveys its surroundings while a tiny brown mouse peers at it from a tree branch nearby. This moment of quiet interaction between two…

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has formally accepted all recommendations issued after the suicides of two young inmates at Polmont Young Offenders Institution, committing to sweeping reforms aimed at preventing further tragedies. The decision follows a damning fatal accident inquiry (FAI) that identified systemic failures in handling vulnerable prisoners. Tragedy and Accountability Katie Allan, 21, and William Brown, 16, also known as William Lindsay, took their own lives in 2018 while in custody at the Polmont facility near Falkirk. The inquiry, led by Sheriff Simon Collins KC, found that their deaths could have been avoided if proper precautions had been…

Scotland is setting its sights on transforming fish waste into high-value products, taking inspiration from a successful Icelandic model. If funded, the initiative could triple the worth of seafood industry byproducts, turning discarded fish parts into nutritional supplements and other biotech-based goods. Aiming for a Zero-Waste Seafood Industry Scotland’s seafood sector has long been a powerhouse, but a significant portion of its fish processing waste goes unused. Trade and marketing body Seafood Scotland wants to change that. The organization is rallying seafood producers, investors, retailers, biotech firms, and the government to back a national “ocean cluster” aimed at maximizing value…

Story Scotland has launched a dedicated energy division, aiming to deliver civil engineering solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the sector. This move is expected to strengthen the company's position as a crucial player in Scotland's transition to net zero. A Strategic Move for Sustainable Infrastructure The decision to establish this division comes as Scotland intensifies efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure. With a focus on battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped hydro, wind farm infrastructure, and hydro maintenance, Story Energy (Scotland) is set to play a key role in the industry. Alan Boyle, a chartered engineer and Fellow…