News

Scotland's aquaculture sector saw a sharp rise in economic output in 2023, with gross value added jumping 30 percent to £468 million from £361 million the year before. New government data released on December 12, 2025, shows turnover reached £1.2 billion, making the industry a key player in the nation's marine economy. Key Economic Gains in 2023 The sector's growth highlights its strength amid global challenges. Aquaculture now accounts for nearly 10 percent of Scotland's total marine economy, which stood at £5.6 billion last year. Salmon farming leads the way, making up about 95 percent of output. This surge comes…

Storm Bram struck southern Scotland with fierce winds and heavy rain, forcing the closure of many mountain bike and walking trails for safety checks. The storm, which hit in early December 2025, left behind fallen trees, flooding, and damaged paths that now pose risks to visitors. This event follows a pattern of severe weather in the region, similar to past storms like Isha in 2024 that caused widespread disruptions. Officials warn that recovery could take weeks, affecting local tourism and outdoor activities during the holiday season. Storm Bram's Fury Hits Hard High winds reaching up to 90 mph battered Scotland,…

Scotland has launched its first cross-border operations team at the Rail Control Centre in Glasgow. This move brings together train operators to boost performance on routes between Scotland and England, starting just before the new December 2025 timetable. Team Setup and Goals The new team includes service managers from major operators like LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and CrossCountry. They work around the clock in a modern control room that handles over 2,000 trains daily. This setup aims to fix issues faster during disruptions. It builds on existing teamwork with groups like ScotRail and the British Transport Police. Leaders…

Catalan urban artist Slim Safont brings his global murals home to Berga with a new exhibition opening on December 13, 2025. The show features works from 18 countries and highlights his journey from local graffiti to international fame. From Berga Streets to World Walls Slim Safont, born Nil Safont in 1995, grew up in Berga, a town in northern Catalonia. He started painting at age 12, diving into urban art and graffiti on local streets. His passion led to a Fine Arts degree from the University of Barcelona. By 2017, he joined major street art festivals across Europe and beyond.…

Scotland's popular festive home competition has announced its five finalists for 2025, showcasing creative holiday decorations from across the country. Judges visited unique homes in Peterhead, Edinburgh, Millport, Burntisland, and near Cumnock, with the winner set to be revealed on BBC One Scotland on Monday, December 15, 2025. Excitement Builds for Festive Showdown Fans of home design shows are buzzing about the return of Scotland's Christmas Home of the Year. This special edition focuses on how families transform their spaces into winter wonderlands, blending tradition with modern flair. The competition highlights real people who pour heart into their decorations. It…

Scotland's beauty shines through in a fresh batch of reader-submitted photos shared by the BBC, capturing the magic of December from bustling Christmas markets to serene wildlife and rugged peaks. These images, sent in between December 5 and 12, 2025, highlight the nation's diverse landscapes and holiday spirit, drawing attention amid the ongoing festive season and recent weather challenges. Edinburgh Christmas Market Lights Up the Night The Edinburgh Christmas Market takes center stage in one standout photo, showing a vibrant sign spelling out "Edinburgh" flanked by a ferris wheel and other fairground rides under the night sky. Captured by Harris…

German energy company Uniper has revealed plans to build its first solar power project in Scotland, a major 68.8MW facility set to boost renewable energy in the region. The Berryhill Solar Farm, located north of Dundee, will start construction in early 2026 and aims to generate power for thousands of homes by year's end. Project Overview and Key Details Uniper, a leading player in the global energy sector, is expanding its renewable portfolio with this groundbreaking initiative. The Berryhill Solar Farm marks a significant step for the company, as it ventures into solar development in Scotland for the first time.…

Scotland is grappling with massive grid constraint costs that have hit £1.09 billion this year, driven by bottlenecks in transporting electricity from renewable sources. These payments, which compensate generators for cutting output when the grid cannot handle the load, reached a record £147 million in November alone, sparking renewed demands for stable baseload power like nuclear to ease the strain. Rising Costs Strain Scottish Households This surge in expenses marks 2025 as the costliest year yet for grid balancing in Scotland. Families and businesses foot the bill through higher energy charges, as the system struggles with excess power from wind…

Scotland's health service is set to transform with the New University Hospital Monklands, billed as the nation's first fully digital and net zero carbon hospital. Plans for this innovative facility in Lanarkshire have advanced to the Scottish Government for final approval, paving the way for construction to begin next year and an opening targeted for 2031. Project Overview and Timeline The New University Hospital Monklands will replace the existing hospital in Airdrie, bringing specialist services like cancer care, infectious disease treatment, and renal medicine under one roof. This move aims to create a modern hub that boosts patient outcomes through…

Scotland fans are up in arms over what they call ridiculous ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The backlash grew after the ticket ballot opened this week, with prices for group stage games starting at £134 and climbing to £523, sparking widespread criticism from supporters, politicians, and fan groups. Outrage Builds Among Scotland Supporters Fans who waited 28 years for Scotland to qualify for the World Cup now face steep costs to cheer on their team. Many took to social media to vent frustration, calling the prices a betrayal of loyal followers. The national team…