Zane Lee

Scottish children are now spending nearly 30 hours a week on screens like TVs and games consoles, raising alarms about future health problems. Experts warn this trend fuels obesity and other issues in a nation already facing a growing weight crisis. Surge in Screen Time Among Young Scots Recent data shows a sharp rise in how much time kids under 16 spend sitting in front of screens. On average, they log 29.4 hours weekly on sedentary activities, up from 25.3 hours in 2013. This jump includes 3.8 hours on weekdays and 5.2 hours on weekends. Weekends see the biggest spike,…

Scotland's push for independence is heating up again, with experts pointing to the banking sector as the real game changer rather than debates over currency. In a fresh column published today, Professor Richard Murphy argues that controlling banks could unlock real economic freedom for an independent Scotland, amid ongoing worries about money and stability. Banking Sector's Role in Independence Scotland's banks have long been a backbone of its economy, but recent trends show them pulling back from local operations. This retreat raises big questions for independence supporters who see banks as vital for true self reliance. Murphy highlights how major…

Train services on the busy ScotRail route between Inverness and Aberdeen are back in operation but facing ongoing delays after a track defect forced a temporary closure. The issue, discovered by Network Rail Scotland on December 5, 2025, shut down the line between Inverness and Inverness Airport, leading to cancellations and disruptions for passengers throughout the afternoon and evening. What Caused the Disruption Engineers from Network Rail Scotland identified the track defect early in the afternoon on Friday. This led to an immediate closure of the affected section to ensure safety. The defect involved a problem with the rail infrastructure…

The 2026 World Cup draw has set the stage for England and Scotland, revealing their group opponents and potential routes to the final in North America. Fans now have a clear picture of the challenges ahead, with England facing Croatia, Panama, and Ghana, while Scotland takes on Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in a tournament starting next summer. England Group Stage Breakdown England starts its campaign against Croatia on June 17, either in Arlington near Dallas or in Toronto. This matchup brings back memories of the 2018 World Cup semifinal loss, but England has bounced back strong in recent meetings, winning…

Scottish lawmakers in Holyrood rushed through an emergency bill on November 27, 2025, to close a major legal gap in the non-domestic rates system for empty properties. This move aims to prevent councils from facing refunds worth up to £400 million, securing vital funds for public services amid budget pressures. The bill, known as the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill, fixes a drafting mistake from a 2020 law that accidentally removed the legal basis for charging rates on thousands of unoccupied business sites since April 2023. Without this quick action, local authorities risked massive payouts and lost…

Scotland's salmon farming industry is stepping up efforts to combat the dramatic decline in wild salmon and sea trout populations. Trade group Salmon Scotland has opened applications for a £230,000 conservation fund aimed at river restoration projects across the country, with grants set to support habitat improvements and boost fish survival rates starting in 2026. Fund Details and Application Process This new funding round marks the fifth year of the initiative, which forms part of a larger five-year commitment totaling £1.5 million from Scotland's salmon farmers. The money will go toward practical projects that repair rivers, protect spawning areas, and…

Avalanche Studios has revealed the release date for the Scotland Hunting Reserve DLC in theHunter: Call of the Wild, bringing fresh adventures to players worldwide. This new expansion launches on December 9, 2025, across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, promising scenic Scottish highlands filled with new animals, weapons, and immersive gameplay. Trailer Highlights Stunning Scottish Landscapes The official release date trailer dropped on November 27, 2025, showcasing the beauty of the Scotland Hunting Reserve. Fans get a glimpse of rolling hills, ancient castles, and misty forests that capture the essence of Celtic legends.…

The Forres Rotary Club in Moray, Scotland, is calling on the community to help cover a £1500 shortfall from their annual bonfire and fireworks display at Grant Park. This appeal comes after the 2024 event drew large crowds but faced rising costs, prompting organizers to seek extra funds to ensure the tradition continues in 2025. Event Draws Crowds Despite Challenges Thousands gathered at Grant Park on November 4, 2024, for the bonfire lit at 6:30 pm and fireworks starting at 7 pm. The display, known as one of Moray's best, featured stunning pyrotechnics by Fireworx Scotland and a best Guy…

Greg Boswell kicked off the 2025 Scottish winter climbing season with two bold new mixed routes on the tough Shadow Buttress at Lochnagar in Scotland. Teaming up with Hamish Frost and Dave Cowan, he tackled pristine early season conditions in November to claim these first ascents and push the limits of the sport. Early Season Wins on Shadow Buttress Boswell wasted no time this winter. Just days into the season, he and his partners eyed the imposing Shadow Buttress, a spot known for its steep challenges and history of hard lines. This crag gained fame in 2023 when Boswell and…

Scotland delivered a dominant performance to end their Autumn Nations Series on a high note, thrashing Tonga 56-0 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on November 23, 2025. The victory came after an early red card to Tonga handed the home side a huge edge, allowing them to score eight tries and provide some much-needed relief for coach Gregor Townsend following recent losses to New Zealand and Argentina. Fans packed the stadium with around 60,000 in attendance on a chilly Sunday afternoon, cheering as Scotland capitalized on their opponents' mistakes. This win not only boosted team morale but also saw winger Duhan…