Zane Lee

Campaigners are urging the Scottish government to introduce a tax on private jets in the upcoming 2026 budget. This move aims to raise funds to fight the climate crisis, with Oxfam Scotland estimating it could have generated 27 million pounds last year alone to help with extreme weather impacts. Calls Grow for Urgent Tax Measure Oxfam Scotland has stepped up pressure on Holyrood ministers ahead of the budget announcement. They argue that a levy on private jets is long overdue and would show strong commitment to climate action. The charity points to recent events like Storm Goretti, which left thousands…

A metal detectorist uncovered a rare silver penny in woods near Penicuik, Scotland, in 2023, revealing it as the earliest coin minted in the country during King David I's reign in the late 1130s. This find challenges old beliefs that Scotland's first coins came from England, and National Museums Scotland has now bought the artifact to preserve it for the public. The Thrilling Discovery in Midlothian Woods In a quiet forest area close to Penicuik, about ten miles south of Edinburgh, a hobbyist with a metal detector made an exciting find in 2023. The small silver penny, buried for centuries,…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney revealed on January 8, 2026, that he was not told about a US military operation using a Scottish airport to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The move, part of enforcing sanctions against Russia, sparked concerns over communication and sovereignty, with Swinney stressing the need for full awareness of actions near Scottish waters. Details of the Dramatic Seizure US forces boarded the tanker named Marinera on January 7, 2026, after a pursuit across the Atlantic. Officials said the vessel carried oil linked to sanctions on Russia and Venezuela, funding Moscow's war efforts…

Thousands of students in northern Scotland face another day away from classrooms today, as heavy snow and ice from Storm Goretti keep hundreds of schools shut in regions like Highland, Aberdeen, and Aberdeenshire. Officials report that recovery work is moving forward, with improving weather allowing some areas to plan reopenings soon, but warnings for more wintry conditions remain active until midday. Storm Goretti's Impact on Scottish Communities Storm Goretti swept through the UK this week, dumping heavy snow and bringing strong winds that disrupted daily life across Scotland. The storm led to widespread power outages, travel chaos, and school closures,…

The UK faces harsh winter conditions as amber cold health alerts remain in place across all regions until January 11, 2026. Issued by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, these alerts warn of severe impacts on health services, with rising risks for the elderly, young children, and people with ongoing health issues amid snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This cold snap, fueled by Storm Goretti, has brought heavy snow and strong winds, leading to travel chaos and power cuts in parts of Scotland and northern England. Officials predict higher death rates among vulnerable groups as temperatures drop…

Inverlussa Marine Services has welcomed a major boost to Scotland's growing fish farming industry with the delivery of the Naomi Jennifer, a 25-meter hybrid aquaculture support vessel. Built by Macduff Shipyards and delivered in late 2025, this advanced boat meets the rising needs of larger offshore operations, blending diesel and electric power for better efficiency and lower emissions. Vessel Details and Design Features The Naomi Jennifer stands out as Inverlussa's 23rd vessel, tailored for the demands of modern salmon farming. Its hybrid system allows it to switch between diesel and battery power, cutting fuel use and environmental impact in Scotland's…

The sheriff sale for the historic Scotland Campus in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has been postponed from January 9 to March 13, 2026, following a recent bankruptcy filing. This delay stems from the property owner's Chapter 11 petition in New York, which triggers an automatic stay on all actions against the site, leaving its future uncertain as creditors navigate the legal process. History of Scotland Campus Scotland Campus, once a respected school for children of veterans, spans 185 acres in Greene Township, Franklin County. Over the years, it has changed ownership multiple times, leading to its current state of neglect with buildings…

Fans are rushing to buy tickets for the Scotland vs Morocco match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C clash set for June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This exciting game pits the determined Scottish side against Morocco's rising Atlas Lions, who aim to build on their stunning 2022 semifinal run and chase even greater glory in North America. Morocco's Historic 2022 Run Fuels 2026 Ambitions Morocco shocked the world in the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals. They defeated powerhouses like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal before falling to…

Interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro have taken on a massive challenge by renovating Ulva House, a crumbling mansion on Scotland's remote Isle of Ulva. The couple aims to transform the historic building into a boutique hotel while documenting the process in a new BBC Scotland series that premiered on January 5, 2026. The Dream Takes Shape on Ulva Banjo Beale, known for his work on shows like Scotland's Home of the Year and Designing the Hebrides, has made this project deeply personal. He and Ro moved to the Isle of Ulva, a tiny spot off the west…

Italy has stepped up efforts to tackle overtourism by introducing new tourist taxes in 2025, joining countries like Greece, Spain, Japan, Ecuador, and Scotland. These measures aim to ease crowding in popular spots, protect cultural sites, and fund environmental projects, with fees starting from a few euros and varying by location and season. Why Italy Is Adding Tourist Taxes Now Italy faces massive visitor numbers that strain its historic cities and natural areas. In 2025, the government launched these taxes to balance tourism's economic boost with the need to preserve sites like Venice's canals and Rome's ancient ruins. Officials say…