Zane Lee

Despite having lived in the city for over 20 years, Edinburgh still excites me in the same way it did when I first visited as a child on a day trip from Glasgow. How you arrive in Auld Reekie shapes your first impression. Some are greeted with sheer wonder. Others, with a gnawing sense of regret. Take the train up the east coast, and you’re rewarded with breathtaking views from Newcastle northward. Arriving at Waverley Station, you step into the heart of a postcard. The Old Town skyline, the castle, and the Scott Monument—all in one sweeping panorama—leave first-time visitors…

A wildfire has erupted near Inverness, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters battle to contain the fast-moving blaze. This marks the second major wildfire in Scotland within 24 hours, prompting warnings from authorities as the country grapples with an "extreme" risk of wildfires due to prolonged dry conditions. Fire Crews Mobilized as Blaze Engulfs Grasslands Firefighters rushed to the scene between Culduthel and Inverarnie after reports of a fire spreading across the grassy terrain. Smoke was visible from miles away, drifting over the southern parts of Inverness. Six fire engines and a water tanker were deployed to…

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is ramping up its international recruitment efforts following its recent attainment of degree-awarding powers. With a focus on students from Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Pakistan, the institution aims to position itself as a premier destination for agriculture and life sciences education. From “Sleeping Giant” to Global Contender SRUC has a history spanning over a century, but until last year, it lacked the ability to award its own degrees. Now, Principal and Chief Executive Wayne Powell believes the institution is stepping into its full potential. “For many years, SRUC’s been a sleeping giant,” Powell said. “Now we’ve…

A major feasibility study has outlined nine low-carbon and renewable energy options for the future of Scotland’s Grangemouth oil refinery, one of the UK’s largest industrial sites. With the refinery set for decommissioning this year, stakeholders are exploring ways to repurpose it into a green energy hub, aiming to attract investment, retain jobs, and build on its rich industrial heritage. Grangemouth’s Strategic Advantage Grangemouth has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s industrial sector for over a century. Opened in 1924 as Scottish Oils, the site benefits from several strategic advantages that make it attractive for redevelopment: Extensive industrial and commercial space…

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has stated that the Scottish National Party (SNP) is in a "much clearer position" following former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell's court appearance on embezzlement charges. Swinney addressed the matter while assuring the public that party governance remains strong. Swinney Addresses Difficult Period for SNP Speaking to BBC Scotland, Swinney acknowledged the challenges posed by the investigation but remained firm in his assertion that the SNP has been "the alleged victim of embezzlement." He emphasized that despite the turmoil, the party has taken steps to ensure financial transparency and accountability. Murrell, who is also the…

The National Trust for Scotland is looking for a visitor services assistant in catering at Bessie's Café in Culross. The position, available for a fixed term until October, offers a chance to work in one of the country's most picturesque historic villages. Part-Time Role with Weekend Shifts The role requires a commitment of eight hours per week, split evenly across Saturday and Sunday. Shifts run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, making it a suitable option for those seeking part-time employment. Bessie's Café, a well-known spot in Culross, caters to visitors exploring the historic village. The National Trust…

Scotland's women's curling team delivered a crucial double victory at the World Women's Curling Championship in South Korea, significantly enhancing their chances of reaching the play-offs. Sophie Jackson's rink secured wins against the United States and Japan, propelling them to sixth place in the round-robin standings. Key Victories Lift Scotland in Standings With a record of five wins and four defeats, Scotland is now in contention for one of the six coveted play-off spots. Their latest success came against higher-ranked Japan in a dramatic 6-5 encounter, following a tight 7-6 win over the United States earlier in the day. Swiss…

A fatal accident inquiry has determined that the deaths of three newborn babies in Scottish hospitals between 2019 and 2021 could have been prevented with reasonable precautions. The investigation, led by Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar KC, highlighted system failures and lapses in medical guidance that played a significant role in the tragic outcomes. Failures in the System The deaths of Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mira-Belle Bosch occurred under circumstances that the inquiry found to be avoidable. The report criticized a lack of effective risk assessment tools, inadequate guidance for midwives in identifying preterm labor, and failures in patient record-keeping…

Fife residents are being urged to take action against Scotland’s growing litter problem by participating in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual Spring Clean event. Running from March 21 to April 21, the campaign invites individuals, groups, and communities to unite in a nationwide effort to restore public spaces. A Call to Action for Cleaner Communities Scotland’s streets, parks, and beaches are bearing the brunt of increasing litter levels. Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is urging locals to get involved in this year’s #SpringCleanScotland initiative, aiming to surpass last year’s participation numbers. Last year, 45,000 volunteers took to their neighborhoods, collecting thousands…

Zenobē has officially begun construction on one of the UK’s most ambitious battery storage projects—the Eccles site in Scotland. The 400MW/800MWh energy storage system is expected to be operational by early 2027, marking a significant step in the UK’s Clean Power by 2030 strategy. This project aims to enhance grid stability and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon future. A Major Leap for Battery Storage The Eccles project is a game-changer for grid-connected battery infrastructure. With this addition, Zenobē’s total live and contracted storage capacity in Scotland has surged to 1.05GW—a massive expansion since the company launched its 50MW…