Zane Lee

EDINBURGH – Scottish First Minister John Swinney has unveiled a fresh independence strategy centred around building majority support, mobilising democratic pressure on Westminster, and securing a decisive Scottish National Party (SNP) victory at the 2026 Holyrood elections—while new polling suggests growing European support for Scotland’s return to the EU as an independent state. Writing in The National on Thursday, Swinney declared that independence remains the SNP’s "central political goal," and described his plan as a "renewed strategy" designed to capitalise on rising dissatisfaction with Westminster and shifting attitudes across Europe. “In 2014, many believed Westminster could still be fixed. But…

From searing wildfires to drought-sapped rivers and even an attempted attack on a centuries-old symbol of monarchy, this past week has seen nature, history, and justice collide across both sides of the Atlantic. Colorado Ablaze: Evacuations Ordered as Flames Threaten Parachute PARCHUTE, Colo. — A wildfire that broke out near Parachute prompted urgent evacuations Thursday evening as flames leapt across dry brushlands and forced road closures on Highway 6 between mile markers 77 and 83. As of late Thursday night, Colorado Department of Transportation officials confirmed the highway had reopened, but the danger was far from over. Dry conditions—exacerbated by…

In a move that’s got households fuming, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has called out the UK Labour Government for scrapping the idea of zonal pricing — a shift that might have cut bills for thousands. Families already staring down record costs now want answers. The Promise That Never Was Energy costs in Scotland feel like a cruel joke to many. Swinney’s piece in the Daily Record didn’t mince words: Labour’s rejection of zonal pricing left a bitter taste. The SNP leader argued that Scots, living in a country rich with wind and tidal resources, shouldn’t be forking out the…

A 71-year-old man riding a Harley Davidson with a sidecar has died after a serious six-vehicle crash on the A82, throwing a tragic shadow over a busy stretch near Loch Lomond. Crash Brings Chaos to West Dunbartonshire Road The collision unfolded around 1:45pm on Saturday, between the Renton slip road and Stoneymollan roundabout — a route familiar to many heading for the loch’s scenic spots.Police say the crash involved six vehicles: the Harley Davidson, a Volvo XC90, a Nissan Juke, a Vauxhall Corsa, an Audi A6 Sport, and a Seat Leon. One sentence: The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the…

Scotland’s brief flirtation with blazing heat came to a soggy halt Monday morning — swapping suncream and barbecues for umbrellas and puddles after a weekend of record-breaking highs. From Record Highs to Raincoats Just days ago, parts of Scotland were basking in sunshine and sizzling at 30 degrees Celsius — rare air for a country that jokes about four seasons in one day. Saturday marked the warmest day of the year so far for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.But fast forward to Monday and the party’s over. Heavy rain rolled in early, knocking temperatures back down to the mid to…

Scotland’s bus routes are changing lanes fast — and two billionaire brothers are firmly at the wheel. The former Rangers directors, who already claim to run the UK’s largest independent transport business, are snapping up companies and routes to build what many are now calling Scotland’s newest bus empire. From Football to Buses: Big Moves, Big Money They’re better known in football boardrooms than bus depots. But since stepping away from Rangers, the brothers have turned their focus to the country’s bus and coach market — with serious ambition. Their latest moves include the takeover of one of Scotland’s longest-established…

It was supposed to be a Southern Tour bounce-back for Scotland. Instead, they’re heading to Auckland licking wounds after Fiji’s powerful 29-15 win in Suva — a match packed with cards, missed chances, and a reminder that the Flying Fijians at home are no easy mark. Yellow and red cards haunted the Scots, opening the door for Fiji to bag crucial World Cup ranking points before the December draw. Another “pool of death” is the last thing either side wants. Cards, Possession, and Missed Scottish Fire Fiji’s win didn’t come from nowhere — Scotland opened with a bright 7-0 lead…

Scotland’s peak holiday season could be thrown into chaos later this month as Glasgow Airport staff gear up for a 48-hour strike, threatening to ground thousands of family getaways. Bitter Pay Dispute Boils Over The planned walkout, set for July 24–26, comes after months of fraught negotiations between workers and the airport’s new owner, AviAlliance. About 100 staff — including airport ambassadors, engineers, managers, and airside support — are turning up the heat for an above-inflation pay deal. They’ve already rejected a 4% pay offer, calling it out of step with the rising cost of living. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon…

Scotland’s housing crisis is back in the spotlight — this time with empty homes firmly in the crosshairs. Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan has declared that it’s simply “unacceptable” for thousands of properties to sit empty while families struggle to find somewhere to live. More Officers, More Pressure McAllan wants boots on the ground. She’s pledging more funding for local councils to hire empty homes officers — people tasked with hunting down privately owned houses gathering dust and nudging, persuading or pushing owners to bring them back to life. One sentence: Scotland already spends £2 million a year supporting the Scottish…

From a Suffolk pink thatch to a blue townhouse in London’s Notting Hill, these pastel gems prove Britain’s love for colour hasn’t faded — even as some residents push back on Insta-tourists. A Blue Beauty in London’s Notting Hill Even with the odd local repainting their house black to shoo off influencers, Notting Hill’s rainbow streets remain iconic. This five-storey Victorian stunner, coated in a soft blue with crisp white trims, stands out even here. Inside, it’s got the lot — a kitchen-diner stretching the full length of the lower ground floor and opening onto a private garden. There’s a…