Zane Lee

As President Donald Trump touched down in Scotland for a whirlwind visit, his spotlight quickly turned to Aberdeen — a city he proudly called “the oil capital of Europe.” With diplomatic meetings, business unveilings, and energy talks all converging in the granite-clad city, Aberdeen found itself back in the global gaze. Trump Puts Aberdeen on the Map Speaking to reporters shortly after landing, Trump declared, “We’re going to Aberdeen — which is actually the oil capital of Europe.” The former fishing town turned energy powerhouse has long been a strategic hub for North Sea oil and gas, its offshore reserves…

Fifteen First Bus depots across Scotland and England are now offering their powerful chargers to third-party users — including, for the first time, the general public in Glasgow. The bold expansion of its “First Charge” network aims to plug a major gap in EV infrastructure. The move marks a significant shift in how the UK’s public transport giants can support the country’s electric transition — not just for their own fleets, but for everyone from delivery drivers to curious first-time EV owners. Glasgow depot takes the lead — and the leap Until recently, First Bus’s charging facilities were used exclusively…

The Scottish Government has published revised guidance for social workers and professionals conducting age assessments for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, aiming to improve consistency, legal compliance, and support for vulnerable young people arriving in Scotland. The 72-page document, released on July 22, 2025, replaces the 2018 version and marks the third update since the original framework was introduced in 2012. It reflects the growing number of spontaneous arrivals and incorporates recent legal developments, inter-agency responsibilities, and practical lessons from frontline work. A Fresh Look at First Encounters One of the most significant changes in the 2025 guidance is the complete rewrite…

Scotland turned up the heat this weekend—literally—recording its hottest day in three years as revellers, families, and beachgoers basked under cloudless skies and searing sunshine. The mercury climbed to a blazing 32.2°C (90°F) in Aviemore on Saturday, making it the warmest day since the record-breaking 34.8°C scorcher at Charterhall in the Borders on July 19, 2022, according to the Met Office. And while the sun was blazing, the heat didn’t ease off at sundown either—forecasters expected Saturday night to set a new record for Scotland’s hottest night, with overnight lows potentially reaching 21°C (70°F). If confirmed, that would surpass the…

A rare lunar eclipse set to bathe the skies in red this September is turning into something far more than an astronomical event — it’s shaping up to be a major tourism moment for Scotland and its global partners. Cosmic Curtain Call Set for September 7 Mark your calendars: the night of Saturday, September 7, 2025, will feature one of nature’s most hauntingly beautiful performances. As the Earth’s shadow passes over the full moon, skywatchers will witness a deep red transformation — the Blood Moon. This eclipse won’t be limited to just the UK. Spectators in France, Germany, Ireland, parts…

Tom Holland and Zendaya took a quiet Sunday stroll through the Scottish Highlands before returning to film scenes for what’s shaping up to be one of Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious works yet — The Odyssey. The couple, who got engaged late last year, were seen enjoying coffee and time off in Inverness, just hours before jumping aboard a speedboat to shoot coastal sequences for the mythological blockbuster. With fans snapping photos and speculation swirling around Zendaya’s role, the film’s momentum is clearly building — and so is the buzz. Sunday Sweethearts: Calm Before the Storm It was one of those…

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…