Zane Lee

Outlander star Sam Heughan joined politicians, business leaders and musicians at the Scottish Parliament this week to mark five years of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) with one clear message: the south is open for business and prouder than ever. The reception on Wednesday night turned into a proper homecoming party, packed with whisky, live music and hard proof that a region often overlooked is now punching well above its weight. Five Years, 10,000 Jobs and Counting South of Scotland Enterprise launched in April 2020, right in the middle of lockdown, with a promise to do things differently. Five years…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney just dropped a political bomb that has sent shockwaves from Edinburgh to Westminster: a SNP majority in the May 2026 Holyrood election will be treated as a cast-iron mandate to demand a second independence referendum. In a blistering Sky News interview, Swinney not only tied the SNP's electoral fate directly to indyref2, he openly questioned whether Keir Starmer will even survive in Downing Street long enough to say no. What Swinney Actually Said Appearing on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the First Minister was unflinching. "If people in Scotland want Scotland to become independent, the…

Scotland's government unveiled its 2026 budget on January 10, focusing on key boosts for farming and crofting amid tight public finances. This move aims to support rural economies, food security, and climate goals while addressing calls from industry groups for more stable funding. Budget Highlights for Farmers and Crofters The 2026 budget allocates an extra 90 million pounds to agriculture, responding to intense pressure from groups like NFU Scotland. This uplift targets rising costs and helps farms adapt to new support systems. Officials say the funding will secure jobs in rural areas and maintain land management for over 70 percent…

Scotland is grappling with widespread flood warnings as heavy rain combines with melting snow, leading to potential disruptions across roads, rail networks, and communities. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued multiple alerts on January 11, 2026, after days of severe weather, including sub-zero temperatures and snowfall from Storm Goretti, with experts warning of impacts lasting into the week. Current Flood Warnings and Alerts The agency has ramped up its response, issuing specific flood warnings for areas like Newton Stewart and Whitesands in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as the Churchill Barriers in Orkney. These warnings highlight risks of rising river…

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…