Zane Lee

Gusts as high as 90mph are set to batter Scotland on Friday, as Storm Eowyn—the fifth named storm of the season—arrives with the potential to cause widespread damage, travel chaos, and power outages. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, underscoring the severe conditions expected to grip much of southern and central Scotland. Amber Weather Warning: Who’s Affected? An amber wind warning will be in place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, stretching across a broad swath of the country. Regions under the alert include Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, the Highlands, Tayside,…

Lantra Scotland’s prestigious Aquaculture Awards have revealed the five finalists vying for recognition at this year's Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS). These individuals, ranging from those in modern apprenticeships to doctoral students, are celebrated for their dedication to aquaculture and land-based skills. The ALBAS ceremony is set to take place at Crieff Hydro Hotel on March 6, 2025, bringing together leaders in the field to acknowledge outstanding achievements in the sector. A Diverse Group of Finalists with Passion for Aquaculture The five shortlisted candidates represent a variety of backgrounds and expertise, all tied together by a common…

In her first column of 2025, Pam Gosal MSP shares her concerns over the future of Scotland's economy, emphasizing that the country cannot afford another budget from the SNP or Labour. As the new year begins, Gosal extends warm wishes to her constituents in West Scotland, but her optimism quickly turns to criticism of the current political landscape. A Bleak Start to 2025 While many would expect a fresh start to the year filled with optimism and bold plans, Gosal notes that the political climate in Scotland has left many people feeling apprehensive. In her view, this unease is due…

Scotland's Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, has accused the UK Government of "punishing" the country for having a larger public sector following the Chancellor's announcement to increase national insurance (NI) contributions. The move to increase NI payments from employers, unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her October Budget, has raised concerns in Scotland about the financial implications for the public sector. Robison estimates that Scotland will face a cost of £700 million due to its bigger public sector workforce compared to other parts of the UK. The Impact on Scotland's Public Services Robison emphasized that Scotland's public services, including local authorities,…

A bold shift in the educational landscape of Scotland is underway, with advocates pushing for a national rollout of a "knowledge-based and content-rich" curriculum. This approach, proven successful at Berwickshire High School, promises to enhance student attainment and better prepare them for the future. The Berwickshire High School Turnaround Under the leadership of Bruce Robertson, Berwickshire High School has seen remarkable improvements in student performance. When Robertson took over, the school was labeled 'weak' and 'unsatisfactory' by inspectors. In just four years, the school transformed into a sector leader. Key changes implemented include: Redefining the curriculum as 'content' to emphasize…

The MOLE Clinic, the UK’s only private clinic dedicated to skin cancer screening, has expanded its services to Scotland, bringing its highly sought-after employee and workplace skin cancer screening offerings to businesses in the region. The move follows the success of similar services in London and aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of employees across Scotland. Innovative Employee Screening Options The MOLE Clinic now offers two convenient screening options for Scottish workplaces, both designed to minimize disruption and ensure that employees can easily access essential health services. The clinic’s pioneering services include the option for a specialist nurse to…

Two major construction firms, Robertson and Balfour Beatty, have been chosen as the leading contractors for a significant new educational initiative in northern Scotland. The North Schools Programme aims to modernize and expand the region's learning infrastructure, with new facilities planned to serve thousands of students. Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Educational Infrastructure The North Schools Programme is a high-profile project designed to improve educational facilities across five local authorities in Scotland. The program includes both new builds and refurbishments, which together will accommodate nearly 4,000 pupils. The collaborative nature of the programme is evident in the involvement of multiple local…

In 2011, Marc Andreessen famously declared that “Software is Eating the World.” Fast forward to 2025, and it’s no longer just software that’s transforming the world – it’s Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, AI is becoming a core element of innovation and productivity across multiple sectors, including medicine, climate solutions, and business. As AI progresses into an era of sophistication and complexity, Scotland is poised to leverage its unique advantages to become a leader in this new epoch. AI in 2025: A More Powerful Tool for Progress While Artificial General Intelligence…

Lloyds Banking Group, the parent company of Bank of Scotland and the UK’s largest retail lender, has announced significant restructuring efforts, resulting in the closure of its Dunfermline office and the elimination of over 1,000 jobs. This move is part of the group's wider strategy to cut costs and enhance its digital operations. Restructuring and Job Cuts: A Cost-Cutting Strategy As part of its transformation plan, Lloyds Banking Group aims to reduce its workforce by targeting middle management positions. The job cuts will affect departments including customer relations, operations, digital experience, and marketing, with a smaller impact on sustainability and…

The Montane Spine Race, known as Britain’s most brutal endurance race, has earned its fearsome reputation once again. This year's race, held in harsh conditions across the Pennine Way, saw a large portion of competitors drop out due to chest-high snowdrifts and freezing temperatures. Despite the daunting challenges, the race continues to attract a growing number of participants eager to face one of the world’s most difficult running events. A Race Like No Other: The Montane Spine Race The 268-mile (430 km) Montane Winter Spine Race stretches from Edale in Derbyshire, England, to the Scottish Borders. It tests runners' endurance…