Zane Lee

The Scottish Parliament has unanimously supported plans for a new law making dog theft a specific crime, with offenders facing up to five years in prison. This move by Conservative MSP Maurice Golden aims to tackle the emotional harm caused by stealing pets and boost prosecution rates in Scotland. Key Details of the Proposed Law The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill sets out clear rules to treat dog theft as its own offence, separate from general theft laws. Under current rules, dogs count as property, but Golden argues this fails to capture the deep pain owners feel when their companions vanish.1 The…

SPAR Scotland gathered nearly 900 retailers, suppliers, and staff at its annual trade show in Aviemore on September 25, 2025, to focus on the theme Inspiring Success. The event highlighted ways to drive growth in a tough market through fresh ideas, tech upgrades, and smart investments that help stores thrive. Event Buzz and Key Gatherings The trade show at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort drew a record crowd, with over 210 suppliers joining the mix. Delegates enjoyed talks on retail trends and networked to build stronger ties. This sell-out gathering showed the strong spirit in Scotlands convenience sector despite economic hurdles.…

Bank of Scotland plans to shut down 13 branches across Scotland in 2026 as part of a larger move by owner Lloyds Banking Group to cut costs amid rising online banking use. This decision hits rural areas hard, leaving some towns without any local banks and sparking calls from officials to rethink the plan. Announcement Details Lloyds Banking Group revealed the closures on September 24, 2025, affecting not just Bank of Scotland but also Lloyds and Halifax sites. The group aims to close 49 branches in total by October 2026, down from over 1,000 in recent years as customers shift…

Two veterinarians from the Outer Hebrides have made a fresh plea to protect rare Soay sheep on the remote Scottish archipelago of St Kilda, where hundreds starve each winter due to overpopulation and limited grazing. This latest appeal, reported today, highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare on the uninhabited islands, urging the Scottish government and landowners to step in and manage sheep numbers. Background on Soay Sheep and St Kilda St Kilda sits about 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides in the Atlantic Ocean. This group of islands and sea stacks forms a UNESCO World Heritage site known for…

In a fresh boost for creative tourism, The Bus Stop in East Lothian, Scotland, has claimed the Best Unique Stay title at the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards. This win, announced on September 28, 2025, spotlights how old buses turned into cozy lodgings on a working farm are reshaping travel options with eco-friendly vibes and stunning views. From Old Buses to Award Winners The Bus Stop started as a clever idea to reuse retired buses as holiday spots. Set on a family farm in the rolling East Lothian countryside, it offers panoramic sights of the Lammermuir Hills. Owners transformed these vehicles…

Live Borders has launched an exciting lineup of free events in Hawick to mark Maths Week Scotland from September 22 to 28. Families can dive into the Wild Maths theme through hands on activities that blend math with nature and creativity at local museums and libraries. Exploring the Wild Maths Theme in Hawick Maths Week Scotland brings a fresh focus each year to make math fun and relevant for everyone. This time the theme is Wild Maths which highlights how numbers shapes and patterns appear in the natural world and daily adventures. In Hawick organizers aim to draw in families…

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Lillian Jones has slammed the Scottish National Party for skipping the Defence and Security Equipment International trade show in London last week. The event drew global leaders and highlighted innovations, but Scotland stood out as the only UK nation without official government backing. This absence has sparked debate over the balance between politics and economic growth in Scotland's vital defence sector. The DSEI Event and SNP's No-Show The Defence and Security Equipment International, or DSEI, wrapped up on September 12 after four busy days at Excel London. Over 60,000 visitors from around the world checked out…

A coalition of 17 leading health and charity groups in Scotland has launched a bold manifesto calling for urgent government action to fix the nation's growing mental health crisis. Released on September 15, 2025, the document urges political parties to prioritize mental health reforms ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, focusing on better funding, early support, and community care to address rising demand and long wait times. Key Demands from the Manifesto The manifesto, titled "Scotland’s Mental Health: It’s Time for Action," comes from Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership. It highlights a sharp rise in mental health issues, with data…

President Donald Trump arrives in the United Kingdom this week for a historic second state visit, focusing on ties to his late mother's homeland in Scotland. The trip highlights Mary Anne MacLeod's journey from the Isle of Lewis to America, blending personal heritage with diplomatic events amid global attention. Visit Schedule and Key Events Trump's visit runs from September 17 to 19, 2025, hosted mainly at Windsor Castle by King Charles III. He and First Lady Melania Trump will attend banquets, meetings, and a tribute at the late Queen Elizabeth II's tomb. The itinerary includes talks with UK Prime Minister…

England powered into the Womens World Cup semifinals with a strong 40 to 8 victory over Scotland on September 14, 2025, in Bristol. Coach John Mitchell praised his teams dominance but called out Scotlands disruptive tactics that he said prevented an even bigger win. Dominant Performance Sets New Record England showed why they are tournament favorites right from the start. They controlled the game with strong scrums and quick tries, breaking their own record for consecutive wins at 31 straight tests. The match happened under rainy conditions at Ashton Gate, where England scored six tries and kept Scotland under pressure.…