Zane Lee

The year 2022 was marked by the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, which caused a surge in cases and hospitalizations in many countries. Despite the pandemic, millions of people around the world celebrated the arrival of 2023 with fireworks, music, and hope for a better future. Here are some of the highlights of the new year celebrations across the globe. London pays tribute to the Queen with spectacular display The UK capital put on a dazzling show of lights and pyrotechnics that lit up the sky over the River Thames. The 12-minute display featured a tribute…

A life dedicated to helping others Lucy Smith, a 29-year-old grandmother from Elgin, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in King Charles’ New Year’s honours list for her voluntary services to motor neurone disease (MND) research. Lucy, who was diagnosed with MND at the age of 19, has raised around £200,000 for MND Scotland and has been an active campaigner and fundraiser for the cause. Lucy, who is married to Tommy and has two children, Logan and Ahsoka, said she was “honoured” and “surprised” to receive the medal. She said: "When I got the email I had to…

A new report by Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) has highlighted the persistent challenges and barriers faced by women business owners in Scotland, despite their significant contribution to the economy. Women-led businesses generate £8.8 billion for Scotland According to the report, women-led businesses account for 20% of all businesses in Scotland, employing more than 230,000 people and generating £8.8 billion in turnover. However, these businesses face structural inequalities that limit their growth potential and resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, titled “The State of Women’s Enterprise in Scotland 2023”, is based on data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM),…

Humza Yousaf announces funding boost and council tax freeze at party conference The SNP leader and first minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has announced a new annual funding of £100m, subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament, to help reduce inpatient and day-case waiting lists by an estimated 100,000 patients over the next three years. He made the announcement in his speech at the SNP conference in Aberdeen on Monday, where he also revealed plans to freeze council tax rates across Scotland next year. Mr Yousaf said the extra £300m over three years would be used to increase capacity, staff…

The horrific attack Claire Inglis, 28, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend Christopher McGowan, 28, at her home in Stirling on November 9, 2021. McGowan choked her to death and burned her with a lighter, leaving her with more than 76 injuries. He then tried to cover up his crime by claiming she had fallen downstairs. CCTV footage released by the Crown Office shows Inglis shopping at a local store just moments before the fatal attack. She was dressed in black and appeared to be in good spirits as she left the shop. She had no idea that her life…

The coastal village of Pittenweem in Fife was hit by a powerful storm in November that caused severe damage to the seawall and threatened the homes of residents. Politicians from different parties visited the site on Friday to see the temporary repairs and hear the concerns of the locals. Storm Babet wreaked havoc on the seawall On November 3, 2023, Storm Babet brought strong winds and waves to the east coast of Scotland, causing extensive damage to the seawall that runs along Abbey Wall Road in Pittenweem. The storm tore down two walls and a path, exposing the gardens and…

Scottish businesses are aiming for a productivity boost and growth in 2024, according to a survey conducted by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) . The survey, which covers the fourth quarter of 2023, reveals that business confidence has improved across most sectors and that businesses are planning to invest more in innovation, skills, and technology. Business confidence rebounds after pandemic challenges The survey shows that business confidence has rebounded from the negative levels recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a severe impact on the Scottish economy. The survey measures business confidence…

What is the Cullen Boxing Day Dook? The Cullen Boxing Day Dook is an annual event that takes place in the coastal town of Cullen in Moray, Scotland. It involves dozens of brave participants who plunge into the icy waters of the North Sea on December 26, wearing costumes, swimsuits, or whatever they fancy. The event is organized by the Cullen Sea School, a community-led charity that promotes water sports, maritime heritage, and environmental awareness. The dook raises funds for various local causes, such as the RNLI, the Cullen Voluntary Group, and the Cullen Sea School itself. How did the…

A bodyboarder who went missing in the North Sea near Fraserburgh has been rescued by a coastguard helicopter after being swept away by strong currents. The man, who has not been named, was spotted by a passing oil and gas industry helicopter that was assisting the search efforts. Coastguard launched a major search operation The coastguard launched a major search operation on Tuesday afternoon after receiving a report of a bodyboarder in difficulty in the sea at Fraserburgh. Police Scotland and the RNLI were also called to the scene. The coastguard helicopter, based at Inverness, was scrambled to the area…