Zane Lee

John Swinney is under increasing pressure to rethink his firm stance against reintroducing lynx to Scotland, as new polling shows rising public backing for the move. Conservationists argue that opposition to a trial rewilding effort puts the Scottish Government at odds with the will of the people. Public Sentiment Shifts Toward Lynx Reintroduction A recent Survation poll commissioned by the Lynx to Scotland Partnership found that 61% of Scottish adults support bringing the species back, marking a nine-point increase from the last survey in 2020. Opposition has also declined, with only 13% against the idea—six points lower than before. The…

A proposed Bill could pave the way for Catholics to serve as the monarch's representative at the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly for the first time in history. If passed, the legislation would remove long-standing legal restrictions that have barred Catholics from holding the role of Lord High Commissioner. Historic Barriers to Catholic Representation The Bill, introduced by Labour MP Pat McFadden, follows the appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Catholic, to serve as the Lord High Commissioner at the 2025 General Assembly. While the position is a personal appointment by the monarch, it has historically been off-limits…

Scotland's oldest private preparatory school, Cargilfield School in Edinburgh, has come under scrutiny after a parent's complaint about its handling of additional support needs (ASN) terminology. The Scottish Government has imposed five conditions on the school’s registration. Background of the Issue Cargilfield School, a prestigious fee-paying institution, has been involved in an issue concerning the language used to address additional support needs (ASN) in its educational environment. A complaint from a parent led to an investigation by regulators, and as a result, the school received five specific conditions from the Scottish Government, which are now part of the school’s independent…

Recent polling has painted a dire picture for Keir Starmer's Labour Party, revealing that the party would lose a staggering 83% of its seats in Scotland if an election were held tomorrow. This loss of 31 of its 37 Scottish seats would leave Labour with only a handful of strongholds in key constituencies. With the next Scottish elections looming in just 15 months, the findings suggest a major shift in voter sentiment. A Stark Shift in Scottish Politics Labour's strong foothold in Scotland, which has been a long-standing part of its political identity, seems to be rapidly eroding. The polling…

A landowner in St Andrews is taking legal action against a Scottish government decision that would force the sale of land to a community group. The landowner argues that the order to sell the land to Poet's Neuk, a local group planning to transform it into a public garden, is unjustified. A Landmark Case for Scottish Land Ownership Forthtay Ltd, the owner of the disputed land in St Andrews, has filed an appeal against the Scottish government’s decision to compel them to sell a piece of land to Poet's Neuk. The land in question, located at the corner of Greyfriars…

A Tent Above Glencoe: A Chilly Sunrise Worth the Wait Alan O’Connor didn’t just chase the sunrise—he braved the cold for it. High above Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands, his temporary home was a lone tent pitched against a snowy backdrop. The reward? A golden-orange sunrise breaking through the frost-laden peaks, painting the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow. "Braving the freezing temperatures high above Glencoe to catch sunrise," O’Connor shared, referring to his night in the crisp, unforgiving cold. The scene, though frigid, radiates warmth—an ironic contrast that makes the image all the more mesmerizing. A Bridge to Nowhere…

Scotland has been handed a significant boost ahead of the final rounds of the Six Nations as winger Darcy Graham is expected to recover in time for the closing fixtures. The Edinburgh star, who suffered a concerning head injury against Ireland, has received positive scan results, easing fears of a long-term absence. Scare at Murrayfield as Graham Stretchered Off The atmosphere at Murrayfield turned tense on Sunday when Darcy Graham collided with Finn Russell, leaving him motionless on the pitch. Medics rushed to his side, spending around seven minutes assessing the situation before placing him in a neck brace and…

The Scottish government's plan to release hundreds of prisoners early to address overcrowding is raising serious concerns among victims' rights groups. Victim Support Scotland (VSS) warns that the move prioritizes prison resources over the safety and well-being of victims and the public. Government Pushes for Early Releases Amid Overcrowding Scotland's prison population has surged past its target capacity, prompting authorities to take drastic measures. The government plans to release up to 390 inmates who were sentenced to less than four years in prison. Under the scheme, they will be freed after serving 40% of their sentence instead of the usual…

Scottish Labour has promised to preserve key social benefits introduced by the SNP, including free bus passes, university tuition, NHS prescriptions, and the baby box scheme. But is this a genuine commitment to supporting Scots, or a politically expedient move to avoid backlash? As economic strains mount, the party’s stance raises pressing questions about sustainability and honesty in governance. The Cost of Free Services It’s no secret that Scotland’s generous public spending model comes with a hefty price tag. Billions are allocated annually to maintain universal benefits, even as public services struggle under financial constraints. Critics argue that this model,…

Offshore wind development is booming in Scotland, but experts warn that the country’s globally significant seabird colonies could suffer if the industry doesn't balance renewable energy needs with conservation. Scotland’s Seabirds: A Natural Wonder at Risk Scotland’s coastlines are home to some of the most spectacular seabird colonies on Earth. From the soaring gannets that dominate Bass Rock to the tiny, endearing puffins burrowed into cliffside nests, these birds are a defining feature of the nation's marine ecosystem. They are not just a source of wonder for locals and tourists but an essential part of global biodiversity. But these seabirds…