Dayna Bass

Scotland is looking to boost its seed potato exports, with a particular focus on emerging markets such as Jordan and Brazil, while simultaneously negotiating for a return to the European Union market. The country's seed potato industry is currently thriving in markets like Egypt and Morocco, but it aims to expand its presence and overcome recent challenges caused by the EU ban. Expanding Exports to Emerging Markets In the 2023/24 season, Scotland exported over 92,000 tonnes of seed potatoes, with Egypt being the largest market, accounting for 60% of the exports. Morocco followed with 10%, and the remainder was distributed…

A new report from WildLand Cairngorms highlights the success of its ecological restoration efforts, showcasing the positive impact of its work on Scotland’s native raptors. The report follows a promising national trend of environmental rehabilitation, focusing on species such as hen harriers, golden eagles, and goshawks. The Cairngorms Connect Partnership The Cairngorms Connect partnership, encompassing a vast 600 km² area of land, includes WildLand Cairngorms as a key contributor. This initiative brings together neighbouring land managers working towards a shared 200-year vision to improve habitats, support species recovery, and restore ecological processes. Since 2019, WildLand Cairngorms has been dedicated to…

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is known for his unpredictable selections, with fans often referring to his approach as the "Toonie Tombola." His latest surprise came with the call-up of Alex Masibaka, a player few had on their radar. But while Townsend's selections have certainly caught the public's eye, his teams have been relatively consistent, making Scotland one of the more settled squads in the Six Nations. However, ahead of the 2025 Six Nations opener against Italy, Townsend faces some tough decisions due to a series of injuries to key players, with the biggest blow being the absence of captain…

Scotland's population is set to grow significantly over the next two decades, largely driven by inward migration, according to new projections released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS). The estimates show that Scotland's population will reach 5.8 million by 2047, marking a notable increase from the current population of 5.44 million. However, this growth is largely dependent on the influx of migrants, as the country is projected to experience more deaths than births in the coming years. Growth Through Migration The NRS report highlights the crucial role that migration will play in offsetting Scotland's declining birth rate. The projections…

As two of Scotland’s most senior judges prepare to retire next month, they have raised alarms about ongoing challenges facing the country’s legal system, particularly in light of growing delays in criminal trials and the shortage of defence lawyers. Lord Carloway, the Lord President, and Lady Dorrian, the Lord Justice Clerk, are both stepping down on February 3 after a combined 45 years on the bench. In interviews with BBC Scotland ahead of their departure, the judges expressed their worries about the increasing backlog of cases, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pressure it places on…

Ahead of the gripping finale of The Traitors, the BBC's Reporting Scotland: News at Seven caught up with Alex, one of the "Faithful" players, to discuss his time in the castle, his strategy throughout the game, and what might have been if he had won the coveted prize. A 'Faithful' to the End As one of the "Faithful" contestants, Alex made it clear from the start that he was committed to playing the game with integrity, staying loyal to his fellow contestants despite the mind games and twists that The Traitors is known for. His dedication to the group dynamic…

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has announced plans to create a new graduate visa aimed at attracting and retaining skilled international students who graduate from Scottish universities and colleges. The proposal, designed to bolster the country's economy and public services, has already met resistance from the UK government. A Vision for Skilled Graduates Speaking at an event in Glasgow this week, Swinney highlighted the importance of international students in Scotland, both for their academic contributions and for the economic benefits they bring. He described the new Scottish Graduate Visa as a potential tool to ensure that highly skilled graduates stay…

A new law in Scotland is set to create a code of practice for dog ownership, aimed at encouraging more responsible decisions when acquiring a pet. The Welfare of Dogs Bill, passed by MSPs, aims to ensure potential dog owners understand the full commitment required before bringing a dog into their lives. A Checklist for Dog Owners Under the new legislation, the Scottish government will be tasked with creating a code of practice within 12 months. This code will feature a checklist of questions that future dog owners must consider before purchasing or adopting a pet. The goal is to…

Recent developments in the education systems of both Scotland and England suggest a potential shift in direction, with both nations re-evaluating their educational frameworks and philosophies. England's Move to Revert Academy Freedoms For years, the English education system has been a model admired by many, including those in Scotland. The introduction of the academy model during Tony Blair's tenure and its subsequent development under Michael Gove brought significant improvements in school performance. This model, which grants schools greater autonomy, focuses on a knowledge-based curriculum, and encourages collaboration through supportive clusters, has been a key driver behind England's rise in international…

Alan Cumming, a name synonymous with a variety of roles from The Good Wife to hosting The Traitors in the U.S., is now embarking on a new chapter in his storied career – running Pitlochry Festival Theatre in his native Scotland. The move has raised eyebrows, but for Cumming, it feels like a return to his roots and an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the theatre community. From Broadway to Pitlochry: A New Beginning In 2024, Cumming found himself back in Scotland more often, thanks to his work on The Traitors and various film projects. His time…