Dayna Bass

Scotland’s skies were painted with stunning shades of green and purple on New Year’s Eve, as the Northern Lights dazzled viewers across the country. The celestial show was a welcome spectacle after many Hogmanay fireworks displays were canceled due to weather concerns, allowing the aurora borealis to take center stage. A Magical New Year’s Eve Display As 2025 began, the aurora borealis made a spectacular appearance across parts of Scotland, delighting stargazers from the Outer Hebrides to Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. The natural light display, which occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere, was visible against…

As Scotland steps into 2025, Ian Murray reflects on the dramatic changes that have reshaped the nation, with hopes for a brighter future and a focus on rebuilding the country after a challenging past year. A Year of Transformation Looking back to Hogmanay 2024, the political landscape of Scotland and the UK was vastly different. Rishi Sunak was Prime Minister, and Humza Yousaf held the role of First Minister. Now, in 2025, both have moved on, and Scotland has undergone a significant transformation. The summer of 2024 marked a turning point with the election of 36 new Scottish Labour MPs,…

As 2025 begins, Scotland is gearing up for a year of exciting developments in its tourism sector, despite an unfortunate start due to poor weather that led to the cancellation of Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh. The country is, however, set to usher in a series of new attractions, hotel openings, and improved flight connections that promise to make it an even more desirable destination for travelers in the year ahead. Luxury Hotels and Iconic Stays in 2025 Scotland’s hospitality scene is undergoing a transformation, with several high-end hotel openings lined up for 2025. One of the most anticipated is the…

For the first time, broadcaster Amy Irons will host the much-anticipated Hogmanay celebrations on BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland Channel, marking a significant milestone in her career. The festivities, which will ring in 2025, promise a night full of music, laughter, and unforgettable moments, with Irons at the helm of this iconic Scottish event. An Unforgettable Countdown to 2025 The night begins at 9:00 PM with comedian and broadcaster Des Clarke hosting the Not Quite End of Year Show. Packed with music, laughter, and a look back at the events of 2024, the show will feature performances by…

Between December 20 and 27, a series of captivating snapshots from across Scotland showcased the stunning landscapes, storms, and unique moments that defined this week's weather. From a boy braving the waves at Newark Beach in Orkney to other breathtaking moments captured during a particularly stormy period, these photos truly captured the spirit of Scotland's winter. Dramatic Seaside Scenes One of the most striking images sent in by local photographer Gareth Taylor features his son, Ruaridh, at Newark Beach in Deerness, Orkney. Dressed in a bright red jacket and bobble hat, Ruaridh stands against a backdrop of crashing waves, embodying…

Wyndford Locks Care Home in Maryhill recently had the honor of hosting Bob Doris, the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn. The visit took place earlier this month and highlighted the care home’s dedication to providing high-quality nursing and dementia care. A Tour of the Facility Wyndford Locks Care Home, operated by HC-One Scotland, boasts 120 beds, providing both nursing and dementia care services to its residents. During his visit, MSP Bob Doris had the opportunity to tour the facility, which included several key areas such as the hair salon, hobby room, lounge, ensuite bedrooms,…

Kate Middleton and Prince William recently took a well-deserved break from their royal duties with a romantic weekend getaway to Scotland. While the trip was certainly business as usual with some official events, it also provided the couple with a rare opportunity to enjoy each other's company without the usual family hustle and bustle. A Special Weekend at Balmoral The couple’s getaway came at a meaningful time for Middleton, who had just completed chemotherapy earlier in the month. The weekend spent at Balmoral, the private Scottish estate of the royal family, allowed them to reconnect in a peaceful and intimate…

The Scottish Government has unveiled a new planning fees calculator, marking a significant update to the fee structure for planning applications in Scotland. The new tool, available via the eDevelopment Scotland website, replaces the previous version and is part of a broader initiative to simplify and digitize the planning process. A Digital Leap for Planning Applications This new fees calculator is being introduced as part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing Digital Development Consent programme, which seeks to modernize how planning applications and related consents are processed across the country. The tool is developed in collaboration with local and planning authorities,…

Scotland marked its mildest Christmas morning ever, with temperatures reaching unprecedented highs. The Met Office confirmed record-breaking minimum temperatures for Christmas Day, highlighting a trend of warmer festive seasons in parts of the UK. Record-Breaking Warmth On Christmas morning, Kinloss in Moray recorded a balmy 11.9°C, while Killowen in County Down, Northern Ireland, reported 11°C—both breaking records for the 24-hour period ending at 9 a.m. These readings surpassed previous high minimum temperatures for the day, indicating a significant departure from the frosty Christmas mornings traditionally associated with the season. A "Green Christmas" Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan delivered the news…

The Scotland boys basketball team is gearing up for a spirited showcase at the Bladen Offroad Christmas Tournament, set to take place at West Bladen High School. The two-day event, held on Thursday, December 26, and Friday, December 27, promises intense competition among high school teams from the region. Tournament Format and Schedule The tournament features eight teams battling it out in a structured format. Scotland Head Coach Michael Malpass has outlined the matchups for both days: Thursday, December 26 2:00 PM: Hoke County vs. Dillon Christian 4:00 PM: Woodland vs. Scotland 6:00 PM: West Brunswick vs. Whiteville 8:00 PM:…