Zane Lee

Royal watchers know every accessory tells a story — and Queen Camilla’s latest jewellery choice was no exception. On July 1st, at the Sovereign’s Garden Party in Edinburgh, the Queen quietly paid tribute to Scotland in the most regal way possible: with a sparkling nod to its national emblem pinned proudly to her shoulder. More than 8,000 guests gathered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, braving the occasional drizzle to mingle with King Charles and Queen Camilla in the lush gardens. But it was that glittering brooch — Queen Mary’s Diamond Thistle Brooch — that had royal fans and jewellery lovers…

It feels like a lifetime ago — those heady days of August 2014 when Scotland’s first independence referendum dominated every dinner table, high street and news bulletin. Eleven years on, it’s fair to ask: what’s shifted, and what’s still stuck in the same old groove? Back then, the world’s eyes turned to a nation debating its very future. I even penned a piece for The National Interest, giving a US perspective on what was at stake. But has Scotland become the place campaigners dreamed of? Or did the promises — and the fears — fade into something more complicated? The…

A murder investigation is underway in Dundee after Dr Fortune Gomo, a respected scientist and local resident, was found fatally injured on South Road. Police Scotland confirmed a man has been charged in connection with her death. Shock and Grief Across Dundee The news has left many in Dundee reeling. Dr Gomo, 39, originally from Zimbabwe, had completed her PhD at the University of Dundee in 2022 and was working for Scottish Water. Her ties to the city’s academic and professional circles ran deep. Locals who knew Dr Gomo describe her as warm and driven, someone who inspired those around…

A flagship project aimed at boosting mobile connectivity in Scotland’s hardest-to-reach areas has been dramatically scaled back — leaving some rural communities wondering if digital isolation is here to stay. The Shared Rural Network’s plan to install 258 new 4G masts will now see only 44 built, a steep cut driven by pressure from conservation groups, local landowners, and worried residents. What Triggered the Big Cutback? At the heart of this decision is a tug of war between digital ambition and protecting Scotland’s wild places. One short line here. Groups like the John Muir Trust, National Trust for Scotland and…

Holidaymakers dreaming of stress-free drives across Scotland this summer should brace for extra checks, longer routes and plenty of blue lights. Police Scotland’s new crackdown on drink and drug driving is in full swing — and it’s reshaping how people hit the road. The operation runs until mid-July but its effects could linger, especially for those planning big family getaways. Extra patrols, surprise checkpoints and random tests mean travellers will need more patience than usual. Glasgow Tops the List for Offences New data makes it plain: Glasgow is Scotland’s drink-driving hotspot. According to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland report,…

Move over Edinburgh and Glasgow — Falkirk is officially Scotland’s best spot for families, and it’s got the stats to prove it. A fresh report by LNER, the UK train operator, has declared Falkirk the top family-friendly getaway in Scotland, thanks to its winning mix of activities, green spaces, and iconic landmarks. 511 Ways to Keep the Kids Busy Forget the “I’m bored” chorus. Falkirk has more child-friendly things to do per capita than anywhere else in Scotland — a whopping 511 activities to pick from. That’s everything from boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel to running wild at Helix…

The fight to save hundreds of bus manufacturing jobs in Scotland isn’t over yet — and now workers in Falkirk and Larbert have bought themselves a bit more time. Bus maker Alexander Dennis (ADL) has confirmed it will extend its consultation period by two weeks as hopes grow for a rescue plan. The move follows mounting pressure from unions and local leaders to give negotiators more breathing space before any final decision is made to shift all manufacturing to North Yorkshire. A Stay of Execution — But No Guarantees Yet For the 400 skilled workers whose jobs hang in the…

Edinburgh’s hospitality scene just got a serious glow-up. The city’s iconic Edinburgh Grand has swung open its doors again, reborn as Scotland’s very first Luxury Collection Hotel — a move that’s turning heads from the Royal Mile to the boardrooms of global travel brands. Housed in that grand neo-classical building on St Andrew Square, the hotel mixes old-world elegance with all the perks modern travelers expect — and maybe a few they didn’t see coming. A Landmark’s Storied Past Meets Today’s Luxury Standards You can’t stand in front of The Edinburgh Grand and not feel a bit small — those…

Scotland’s villages are the kind of places that make you pull over just to stare. From Highland hamlets to coastal hideaways, these ten gems show off the country’s raw beauty, history, and a good dose of local quirk. Plockton: Highlands Charm by the Sea Plockton feels like a place the world forgot — in the best way. Just one main street hugs the sheltered shores of Loch Carron. Whitewashed cottages stand proud, palm trees sway oddly in the breeze (thanks to the Gulf Stream), and boats bob lazily offshore. Artists flock here for that light you can’t quite capture on…

Scotland’s biggest mental health charity is backing Team Scotland Roller Derby as they get ready to skate onto the world stage — and the players say the support goes far beyond just wearing a logo. An Unlikely Partnership With Huge Impact This July, Team Scotland Roller Derby will hit the track at the Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, with more than medals on their minds. SAMH — the Scottish Action for Mental Health — has stepped up to sponsor the team. That means the charity’s name and iconic logo will be emblazoned on the players’ strips for the…