Dayna Bass

A Tailored Visa to Address Skills and Population Challenges Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has unveiled a bold proposal for a dedicated visa to retain skilled international graduates in the country. Dubbed the Scottish Graduate Visa, the initiative aims to tackle Scotland's population challenges, bolster its economy, and address critical skills shortages. The visa would provide international students who complete their studies in Scotland with an additional two years to live and work in the country. Acting as a bridge between existing post-study and work visas, the scheme would give graduates more time to gain professional experience required to transition…

Donald Trump’s Scottish Ties Spotlighted in Commons Debate Former Scottish Secretary and Conservative MP David Mundell has suggested that Scotland should capitalise on Donald Trump’s “deep affection” for the country during his second presidency to reap economic benefits. Trump, whose mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, has longstanding ties to Scotland, further cemented by his investments in the Trump Turnberry golf resort and other properties in the north-east. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mundell highlighted these connections, urging the UK and Scottish governments to explore opportunities for economic growth during Trump's new term. Trump’s Legacy in Scotland…

Scotland’s tech sector is poised for significant growth in 2025, with roles in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital transformation expected to dominate the job market. New research by Edinburgh-based recruitment firm Core-Asset Consulting reveals that certain technology roles will offer exceptionally competitive salaries, with some positions reaching as high as £145,000. Key Findings from Core-Asset Consulting's Research Core-Asset Consulting's latest study outlines the top tech roles that will be in demand across Scotland in 2025. The research highlights how continued investment in emerging technologies will drive hiring in areas like technology integration, automation, and digital security. Top-Paying Tech Roles…

Scotland is bracing for a severe winter storm, as a "danger to life" weather warning has been issued. The Met Office forecasts an explosive cyclogenesis—commonly known as a weather bomb—set to hit the country this Friday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and possible snow. Explosive Cyclogenesis: A Winter Weather Bomb The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning beginning at midnight on Friday, lasting until noon on Saturday. A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is expected to pass across the northwest of the UK during this period, with winds reaching 50-60 mph inland and as high as 70-80…

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is poised to launch the UK’s most advanced helicopter air ambulance, marking a major milestone in the charity’s 12-year history. The new Airbus H145 D3, currently under production, will be customized with an aeromedical fit-out and modifications before entering operational service later this year. A Leap Forward in Air Ambulance Technology The H145 D3 will replace the existing EC 135 at SCAA’s Aberdeen base. With its twin engines and five-rotor configuration, the new aircraft is designed to offer enhanced range, endurance, and capacity, which will significantly improve the charity’s ability to respond to emergencies across…

A devastating jellyfish species, notorious for its lethal impact on Norway’s salmon industry, has reached Scotland, sparking significant concern and demands for immediate intervention. The string jellyfish, which has already decimated millions of salmon in Norwegian sea farms, is now causing severe damage to Scotland's aquaculture sector. Threat Reaches Scottish Waters The arrival of the string jellyfish in Scotland has been reported at several locations, leading to the death of over 200,000 farmed salmon. Two Scottish farms, one around Skye and another near Muck, have been particularly affected. The Fish Health Inspectorate revealed that the Skye farm lost 70,000 salmon,…

In a significant political development, Thomas Kerr, the Scottish Conservative group leader on Glasgow City Council, has defected to Reform UK, marking a notable shift in Scottish politics. The move has raised questions about the direction of both the Scottish Conservatives and Reform UK as Kerr becomes the first Reform councillor in Glasgow. A Disillusioned Former Conservative Kerr, who was first elected as a 20-year-old in 2017 and became the Tory group leader in 2019, expressed deep dissatisfaction with his former party. He described himself as "annoyed and angry" over the past several months, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives for not…

Scotland’s tourism sector is facing a potential setback as the introduction of a visitor levy or tourist tax is seen as a threat to the country's competitiveness in the global tourism market. Lochs and Glens Holidays Sees Profit Surge Despite ongoing challenges, Lochs and Glens Holidays, a prominent Scottish coach tour and hotel operator, has reported a nearly threefold increase in profits for its most recent financial year. This comes even though passenger numbers have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. The company's strong performance highlights the resilience of Scotland's tourism sector amidst difficult circumstances. However, Neil Wells, Managing…

This week, Scotland has been graced with striking natural phenomena, including fiery sunsets and unusual cloud formations. The skies have been alive with vibrant colors, and lenticular clouds—often likened to UFOs—have captured the attention of weather enthusiasts across the country. Red Skies at Night, Beautiful Mornings BBC Weather Watchers have witnessed dramatic red skies, both at night and in the mornings. The rural landscape of Bridge of Gaur in Perth and Kinross reflects the fiery hues of the sky, making for a breathtaking scene. Lenticular Clouds: UFOs in the Sky One of the standout features of this week’s weather has…

JetBlue is gearing up for an exciting summer in 2025, with a significant expansion of its network. The airline is introducing a variety of new destinations and routes, making it easier for travelers to explore new vacation spots, visit loved ones, or embark on exciting adventures. These additions highlight JetBlue’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as the premier leisure travel carrier on the East Coast. JetBlue’s Expanded Summer 2025 Routes JetBlue’s new summer routes are designed to offer greater flexibility, more destinations, and increased convenience for travelers. From the coastal charm of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the cultural vibrancy…