Zane Lee

Deaf charities have slammed the Scottish Government for slow progress on fixing audiology services, two years after a major review exposed deep problems. Groups like the Royal National Institute for Deaf people, National Deaf Childrens Society, and others sent a joint letter urging faster action on Monday, marking the anniversary of the 2023 independent review that found widespread issues in care for children and adults. Background on the Crisis The trouble started with a 2021 audit of NHS Lothian by the British Academy of Audiology. It revealed serious failures affecting hundreds of children, leading to delayed diagnoses and lifelong impacts.…

Moray Council has thrown its full support behind Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, a national push to celebrate and strengthen local businesses. The event runs from August 23 to 30, urging residents to shop, eat, and spend locally to keep communities thriving. Campaign Highlights and Goals Scotland Loves Local Week, led by Scotland's Towns Partnership, focuses on the theme "People Make Places" this year. It spotlights the individuals who run shops, cafes, and services that form the backbone of towns across the country. The campaign comes at a key time, with recent data showing that local spending in Scotland rose…

In the heart of Scotland's West Highlands, Ariundle Oakwood stands out as a captivating ancient woodland that draws visitors with its enchanting beauty and rich biodiversity. Recent reports from nature experts and travelers highlight this spot near Strontian as the country's top magical forest, offering serene trails and glimpses of rare wildlife amid a temperate rainforest setting. What Sets Ariundle Oakwood Apart This woodland is a surviving piece of the Atlantic Oakwoods, a type of temperate rainforest that once covered much of Europe's western coast. Experts describe it as a precious fragment where rain and mild climate create a lush…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. He called on the UK government to end arms sales, recall Parliament, and impose sanctions right away amid fears of a major Israeli assault on Gaza City. Swinney's Urgent Call for Action John Swinney made his statement on social media platform X on Thursday. He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza equal genocide, and a ground invasion of Gaza City would make things worse. Swinney stressed that the world must act fast. He wants the UK to stop looking away and take strong steps…

Scotland has seen a sharp rise in marine mammal strandings along its coasts over the past three decades, according to a new study from the University of Glasgow. Researchers analyzed data from 1992 to 2022 and found increases across all cetacean species, with some showing alarming exponential growth that raises urgent conservation concerns. Key Findings from the Study The study used records from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme to track 5,147 cetacean strandings. This marks the first time experts have quantified the trend for all species in Scottish waters. Harbour porpoises made up the largest share, but common dolphins…

A landmark ruling by Scotland's First-tier Tribunal has changed how lease extensions are taxed under Land and Buildings Transaction Tax. In the case of Archer UK Limited versus Revenue Scotland, decided on August 18, 2025, the tribunal said that extending a commercial lease does not count as granting a new lease for LBTT purposes, opening doors for possible tax refunds. Case Background The dispute started with a commercial lease first granted under the old Stamp Duty Land Tax system before 2015. In July 2020, the lease got extended by five years through a simple variation agreement. Archer UK Limited paid…

Legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has named a young golden eagle chick Princeling in Scotland. This milestone happened as part of a major conservation effort to boost eagle numbers in the region, with the chick fledging its nest near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway on August 19, 2025. The Special Naming Moment Sir David, at 99 years old, chose the name Princeling to mean young prince. He believes it stands for fresh hope in bringing back golden eagles to areas where they once thrived. This name fits the project's goals perfectly. Experts kept the chick's birth quiet until it could…

Inverness hosted a major gathering on August 12, 2025, where 53 community councils from across the Scottish Highlands voiced strong concerns over the rapid growth of renewable energy projects. The second Community Council Convention on the Impact of Major Energy Infrastructure drew over 80,000 residents' representatives, leading to calls for urgent government debates and a pause on new developments to address local impacts. Growing Anger in the Highlands Community leaders at the Inverness convention expressed frustration with wind farms, solar arrays, and other renewable setups that they say are industrializing natural landscapes without enough benefits returning to locals. Attendees highlighted…

Will Ferrell Charms Scotland with Surprise Castle Visit Hollywood star Will Ferrell surprised staff and fans during a family trip to Scotland by touring the historic Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire. The visit, which happened earlier this week, earned him praise as a true gentleman for his kind actions and willingness to pose for photos. Ferrell's Unexpected Stop at Iconic Scottish Landmark Will Ferrell, known for blockbuster hits like Anchorman and Elf, turned a quiet day at Braemar Castle into a memorable event. The 58 year old actor was vacationing in Scotland with family and friends when he decided to explore…

LGT Wealth Management has strengthened its presence in Scotland by appointing Kirsty Thomson as a wealth planner in its Edinburgh office. This move, announced on August 18, 2025, comes amid growing demand for expert advice on retirement planning, inheritance tax, and wealth structuring for high-net-worth individuals across the UK. Background on the New Appointment Kirsty Thomson joins LGT Wealth Management with more than 15 years of experience in the financial sector. She started her career as a solicitor in 2009 and has since built a strong reputation for helping wealthy clients manage complex financial needs. Her previous roles include serving…