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Scotland’s councils face a shortfall nearing £1 billion over the next two years. But wait—local taxes are up by almost 10%, and Holyrood’s funding has increased in real terms. So why do potholes remain unfilled, libraries face cuts, and nurseries are under threat? Let’s unpack the financial squeeze behind this familiar frustration. More Money Coming In—So Why Isn’t It Enough? First off, yes, councils have more cash flowing in than before. Holyrood’s contribution to local government hit over £15.2 billion this year—about a 6% increase in real terms. That sounds pretty solid. Plus, council tax hikes are hitting double digits…

New cross-sector group led by ScottishPower’s Hazel Gulliver aims to drive infrastructure reform and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions GLASGOW — The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland has established a new Infrastructure Working Group, uniting businesses across sectors to push forward the infrastructure reforms vital to Scotland’s economic resilience and environmental goals. The group convened for the first time earlier this month, marking a coordinated effort to influence policy amid key government initiatives such as the UK Planning & Infrastructure Bill and Scotland’s Programme for Government, both focused on expediting infrastructure development. Leadership with Energy Sector Expertise Hazel Gulliver,…

Community-first housing development joins Aldourie Castle, Stirling women’s prison and Harris hideaway on prestigious architecture awards list DUNDEE – A transformative affordable housing project in Dundee has been named one of Scotland’s top architectural achievements of the year, as the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) revealed the winners of its 2025 national awards. The Ellengowan Regeneration, designed by Collective Architecture for housing association Hillcrest, is one of eleven diverse and high-impact projects recognised across the country—from Hebridean retreats to pioneering infrastructure and historic restorations. A Model for Regeneration Replacing dilapidated post-war housing with 130 modern homes, the Ellengowan…

Disorder, arrests and disruption after Celtic fans flood city centre sparks fresh push for regulated events Scotland’s top police official has called for formal, organised football title celebrations in the wake of chaotic scenes across Glasgow, where thousands of Celtic fans gathered for an unofficial party following their club’s Scottish Premiership victory. Despite repeated warnings from Police Scotland, local authorities, and even Celtic FC itself, supporters descended on the city centre over the weekend to mark the club’s 55th league title win. The resulting disorder left 20 people arrested, several injured, and significant disruption to residents, businesses and transport in…

A trio of ospreys nesting in the Scottish Borders has stunned researchers and bird lovers alike, offering a rare glimpse into an avian love triangle that’s unfolding live on camera. Perched high above Glentress Forest near Peebles, the nest hosts an uncommon arrangement: two females and one male living—and breeding—together in apparent harmony. The nest, monitored by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) as part of the long-running Tweed Valley Osprey Project (TVOP), is now drawing international attention for what could be a scientific first. “This is very rare behaviour,” said Diane Bennett, TVOP’s project coordinator. “We’ve never had this kind…

Eleven striking structures, including a pink castle, a stone-clad island retreat, and a state-of-the-art prison, have made it to Scotland’s most prestigious architecture list for 2025. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced the winners of its annual awards this week. The selected buildings now form the longlist for the coveted Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award. From Loch Ness to the Isle of Harris, and even into the heart of Scotland’s correctional system, the projects show the country’s architectural scene is as diverse as ever. Castles Reborn: From Romantic Ruins to Award Contenders They were once…

Invergordon, Scotland — The Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce a cruise ship levy has sparked a heated debate in Invergordon, one of Scotland’s busiest cruise ports, as locals, visitors, and industry representatives weigh the potential economic impact. Last year, an estimated 1.2 million cruise passengers arrived in Scotland, with Invergordon standing out as a major gateway for the 2024 cruise season. The government has proposed giving local authorities powers to introduce a levy on cruise visits to raise funds for overstretched local services. However, details such as the fee amount and who would pay — cruise lines or passengers —…

£9M grant unlocks green manufacturing investment, 350 jobs, and Scotland’s role in zero-emission flight revolution RENFREWSHIRE | May 21, 2025 — Aviation decarbonisation pioneer ZeroAvia has announced it will build a major hydrogen-electric manufacturing facility in Renfrewshire, near Glasgow Airport, solidifying Scotland’s place at the heart of the next wave of green aerospace innovation. The facility, to be located within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), will become ZeroAvia’s Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, focused on building and testing zero-emission powertrains and advanced high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks. The development is expected to create 350 highly skilled jobs and…

Police Scotland confirmed it does not have a fixed policy to record the biological sex of transgender individuals accused of rape or sexual assault, even when DNA evidence is available. This decision comes amid rising debates on how sex and gender data are handled in criminal investigations. What Police Scotland Says About Sex and Gender Data In response to a Freedom of Information request, Police Scotland revealed that it lacks a formal policy on documenting the sex and gender of suspects who are transgender. This means that, by default, the force may not register the biological sex of a suspect…

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing the famous sapphire and diamond drop earrings during the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony in Glasgow on May 22, 2025. The event marked a special moment as the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigate was officially christened. A Royal Appearance in Scotland The Princess of Wales appeared in Glasgow alongside Prince William, both holding the Scottish titles Duke and Duchess of Rothesay for the occasion. The couple visited the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, where the new state-of-the-art warship HMS Glasgow was launched.…