Dayna Bass

As Scotland pushes toward net zero, fraudsters are cashing in on eco schemes—leaving ordinary people paying the price, quite literally. A costly scam hiding behind green promises It sounded like a good idea. Help the planet, save on energy bills, and maybe even qualify for a grant. But for homeowners across Scotland, the promise of greener homes has quickly turned into a financial and emotional nightmare. Consumer Scotland has issued a sharp warning to households as scams involving green energy upgrades—particularly spray foam insulation—are on the rise. In 2023 alone, reported cases jumped by 42%. And with over 2 million…

Scotland is set to press ahead with new energy efficiency standards for rental properties, requiring newly let homes to meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2028, under draft regulations published this week. The move, outlined in the Draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations, aims to reduce carbon emissions from the housing sector while bringing rental stock in line with long-term climate goals. If approved, the regulations would also apply to all existing private rented sector (PRS) tenancies by the end of 2033, giving landlords more time to upgrade properties compared to the…

Scotland emerged as the second-largest UK hub for financial services foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, trailing only London. A new report shows the country clinched 11 major FDI projects in 2024, marking its highest tally in ten years. This boost in foreign investments underlines Scotland’s growing appeal as a financial centre outside the capital, despite ongoing economic uncertainties and global shifts. The findings come from the latest survey by EY, a leading accountancy and advisory firm. Scotland’s Rise in Financial Services Investment In 2024, Scotland attracted 11 financial services FDI projects, up from nine in 2023, according to EY’s…

A bold new policy may soon define the future of Scottish tourism—and not in the way ministers hoped. While countries from Japan to Italy tighten rules around cruise tourism, Scotland has stepped forward with a discretionary cruise levy that’s already triggering alarms across its most fragile regions and within its most lucrative visitor sector. The consultations are over. The warnings are in. What comes next could shape how tourists—and cruise lines—see Scotland for years to come. A Global Trend Meets Local Resistance Scotland’s proposed cruise tax was meant to join a broader movement. Cities like Venice, Santorini, and Amsterdam are…

In a clear vote of confidence for open-access rail in an era of renationalisation, Alstom has signed a £50 million agreement to overhaul and maintain the fleet behind Lumo’s bold new Stirling-to-London service, marking the operator’s first foray into West Coast competition. The contract, jointly funded by FirstGroup and rolling stock lessor Eversholt Rail, will see Alstom upgrade five six-car Class 222 Meridian units ahead of the open-access launch in mid-2026—a revised timeline from the original 2025 plan. The move positions Lumo to directly challenge Avanti West Coast and other legacy players on Britain’s busiest long-distance rail artery. Alstom to…

Edinburgh is pulling in record-breaking tourist numbers — but at what cost? Some fear the capital is losing its soul as magic merchandise and photo ops replace real city life. Just six months after being named the most expensive city break in Western Europe, Edinburgh is again under the spotlight. International tourism is booming, yes — but city leaders are asking a sharp-edged question: do we want Edinburgh to turn into a Harry Potter theme park? A City That’s Too Popular for Its Own Good? There’s no question that people love Edinburgh. And it’s not just the Brits or the…

A wide-ranging review of Scotland’s future medical workforce has officially kicked off, as the government tries to tackle the stark mismatch between unemployed doctors and overwhelmed hospitals. The Scottish Government says it’s working with doctors, NHS leaders and unions on a 20-year plan to reshape recruitment, training, and the structure of the medical profession itself. But early signs show this project is as much about fixing existing cracks as it is about future-proofing the NHS. Medical Unemployment in a System Desperate for Staff It sounds like a paradox. Hospitals crying out for help. Patients waiting months to be seen. Yet…

Scotland has launched a public consultation on its newly updated offshore wind strategy, setting the tone for how future ScotWind and INTOG projects will be developed. The draft plan puts a sharp focus on economic growth, environmental safeguards and coastal communities—inviting Scots to weigh in. A New Chapter for Offshore Wind Strategy The Scottish Government’s updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy isn’t just a technical document—it’s a roadmap for how one of the country’s fastest-growing energy sectors will evolve. It directly links to ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, both crucial drivers of renewable expansion in Scotland. The draft…

Edinburgh, Scotland — A transformative shift in Europe’s construction sector is being spearheaded by Scotland, which has been selected as one of four cities to trial a new Circular Construction Hub (CCH) model aimed at revolutionising how materials are reused across the continent. With backing from the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the initiative aims to attract over €80 million (roughly £67 million) in private investment across its pilot locations in Scotland, Munich, Copenhagen, and Lisbon. A Marketplace for Reclaimed Materials Led in Scotland by Zero Waste Scotland, the CCH model will function as a material reuse marketplace, matching salvageable materials…

Community-first housing development joins Aldourie Castle, Stirling women’s prison and Harris hideaway on prestigious architecture awards list DUNDEE – A transformative affordable housing project in Dundee has been named one of Scotland’s top architectural achievements of the year, as the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) revealed the winners of its 2025 national awards. The Ellengowan Regeneration, designed by Collective Architecture for housing association Hillcrest, is one of eleven diverse and high-impact projects recognised across the country—from Hebridean retreats to pioneering infrastructure and historic restorations. A Model for Regeneration Replacing dilapidated post-war housing with 130 modern homes, the Ellengowan…