Zane Lee

A striking home near Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, has just been crowned the 2025 Scottish Home of the Year. Hilltop House, a stylish conversion on a farm steading, wowed judges with its vibrant design and connection to nature. The owners, Jessica Zanoni and Chris Labrooy, have created a living space that feels personal yet architecturally daring — a true sanctuary that balances mid-century flair with a laid-back Californian vibe. From Ruin to Radiance: The Story Behind Hilltop House When Jessica first spotted the plot, it was nothing but a crumbling farm steading. She remembers going alone to see the place and instantly…

Scotland’s councils face a shortfall nearing £1 billion over the next two years. But wait—local taxes are up by almost 10%, and Holyrood’s funding has increased in real terms. So why do potholes remain unfilled, libraries face cuts, and nurseries are under threat? Let’s unpack the financial squeeze behind this familiar frustration. More Money Coming In—So Why Isn’t It Enough? First off, yes, councils have more cash flowing in than before. Holyrood’s contribution to local government hit over £15.2 billion this year—about a 6% increase in real terms. That sounds pretty solid. Plus, council tax hikes are hitting double digits…

Eleven striking structures, including a pink castle, a stone-clad island retreat, and a state-of-the-art prison, have made it to Scotland’s most prestigious architecture list for 2025. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced the winners of its annual awards this week. The selected buildings now form the longlist for the coveted Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award. From Loch Ness to the Isle of Harris, and even into the heart of Scotland’s correctional system, the projects show the country’s architectural scene is as diverse as ever. Castles Reborn: From Romantic Ruins to Award Contenders They were once…

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing the famous sapphire and diamond drop earrings during the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony in Glasgow on May 22, 2025. The event marked a special moment as the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigate was officially christened. A Royal Appearance in Scotland The Princess of Wales appeared in Glasgow alongside Prince William, both holding the Scottish titles Duke and Duchess of Rothesay for the occasion. The couple visited the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, where the new state-of-the-art warship HMS Glasgow was launched.…

The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has delivered a stark message: Scotland’s renewable energy capacity needs a massive boost to meet its carbon budgets and climate targets. The watchdog recommends that Scotland grow its onshore and offshore wind plus solar power from 15GW in 2023 to 49GW by 2035—and then to 66GW by 2045. A Huge Leap in Renewable Power Is on the Horizon This increase isn’t just a number on paper. It’s a monumental jump that means almost tripling current renewable energy output within the next decade. The CCC projects this expansion would cover 98% of Scotland’s electricity generation…

Health leaders hope the new resource will tackle growing cardiovascular demand and help stem nurse attrition Scotland has unveiled a new national framework aimed at accelerating the development of specialist cardiology nurses, as rising cardiovascular cases threaten to overwhelm the system. The Specialist Nursing in Cardiology Framework, launched this week by Public Health Minister Jenni Minto, sets out a structured path to advanced practice for nurses in cardiology. Health officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to expand the safety-critical role of nursing across the country. Building Advanced Skills, One Nurse at a Time Designed collaboratively by…

A 10-acre wildfire raging in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, has triggered an extreme risk warning across mainland Scotland. Firefighters are battling intense flames in scorching, bone-dry conditions as environmental officials raise concerns about water scarcity. Six fire engines and two specialist units remain at the scene, tackling a blaze that's swallowed a wooded area roughly the size of five and a half football pitches. Fauldhouse Fire Spreads Fast in Peak Season The fire broke out late morning, just as authorities were warning of heightened wildfire threats due to Scotland’s unusually warm and dry spring. Crews were called to the scene at…

Scotland’s climate advisors have unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to slash greenhouse gas emissions, putting electric technologies like heat pumps and EVs at the center of the country’s drive to reach net zero by 2045. The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the UK’s independent statutory body providing climate advice, released their first-ever set of recommended carbon budgets specifically for Scotland. These budgets set legally binding limits on emissions from 2026 through 2045, guiding policymakers on how much the country can emit in five-year chunks to stay on track. Tougher Carbon Budgets Reflect Scotland’s Ambitious Climate Goals The CCC’s advice marks a significant…

Scotland’s railway stations have become a little more welcoming this week, as new Breathing Space Benches were officially unveiled in a continued effort to promote mental health awareness and encourage people to take time out for themselves. The latest benches were installed at Dumfries, Dundee, Uddingston, and Fort William, adding to the first wave already in place at major transport hubs such as Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley. A Simple Seat With a Powerful Message Launched in collaboration with Samaritans Scotland, Network Rail, NHS 24’s Breathing Space, and ScotRail, the benches are designed as more than just places to rest.…

A landmark UK–EU trade agreement, hailed by some as a lifeline for exporters and slammed by others as a political surrender, is redrawing the post-Brexit landscape for Scottish industry. Announced in London by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Council President António Costa, the deal is already causing political and economic ripples from Peterhead to the Hebrides. A Divided Reaction Across Scotland The new agreement removes many of the export barriers that have plagued UK-EU trade since Brexit — slashing red tape, removing health certificates for many food and drink products, and allowing some previously banned shellfish back into…