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Scotland’s public sector is expanding at a pace that some experts and critics say is unsustainable. With nearly 600,000 people now employed by the state, making up 22% of the total workforce, concerns are mounting about the long-term affordability of this growing government payroll. A Public Sector Outpacing the Private Economy The size of Scotland's public sector has grown significantly, outpacing its counterpart in England, where public employment accounts for just 17% of total jobs. Critics argue that this trend is putting immense pressure on government budgets, particularly given the sluggish growth of the wider economy. According to the Institute…

A new report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has laid bare the stark reality of racism within NHS Scotland, with the majority of ethnic minority doctors reporting discrimination in their workplaces. The findings paint a troubling picture of daily prejudice, career barriers, and institutional shortcomings that continue to impact medical professionals across the country. "Harsh Reality" of Racism in NHS Scotland The report, produced by the BMA’s Race Equality Forum, is based on testimonies and surveys conducted with ethnic minority doctors. It reveals that racism is not only prevalent but often goes unchallenged, creating an environment of fear and…

Scotland took the plunge and brought its railway under public control. Now, as England moves toward a similar model, the question remains: will Westminster acknowledge that Scotland was ahead of the curve? A Shift in Railway Ownership For decades, the UK’s railway system has been a patchwork of private operators, government subsidies, and fractured management. In 2022, Scotland decided it had had enough. ScotRail was taken into public ownership, marking a significant departure from the privatization experiment that began in the 1990s. The move was controversial at the time, but two years later, signs suggest it was the right call.…

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has denied accusations that a list of 12 school nurseries is set for closure this year. Concerned parents in Oxton have launched a campaign to save Channelkirk Nursery, fearing it may be made "inactive" due to low enrolment numbers. Parents Alarmed Over Closure Fears A meeting between local parents and council officials revealed that nurseries with fewer than eight pupils were being reviewed. Paul Fulton, a parent and member of the Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council, said they uncovered the potential closures "by accident." "We heard rumors in January about a review happening that we weren’t…

Confirmation that Scotland's rent caps will be lifted next month has sparked optimism in the private rented sector (PRS). Industry insiders believe the cap’s removal will unlock billions in investment, particularly in the build-to-rent market. But beyond large-scale projects, Scotland’s tax reliefs offer compelling advantages for smaller investors that are no longer available elsewhere in the UK. Scotland’s Unique Tax Benefits for Investors Unlike England and Northern Ireland, Scotland still provides tax reliefs that can make a significant difference for landlords and property investors. One of the most notable is Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR), which allows buyers of multiple properties…

A Glasgow man with 28 food allergies is raising concerns over the growing number of people affected by severe allergies in Scotland. With cases tripling over the last two decades, he warns that current regulations and support systems are failing those who need them most. Allergies on the Rise: A Growing Concern The number of people in Scotland living with severe allergies has surged, with NHS data indicating a threefold increase over the past 20 years. This trend has left many struggling with daily challenges, from grocery shopping to dining out. Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction, affects between 6,000…

A wave of social media posts has sparked concern among pet owners, claiming Scotland has banned domestic cats. The claim, however, is entirely false. The Scottish government has made no such announcement and has explicitly stated it will not impose any ban on pet cats under any circumstance. Misinterpretation of a Report Fuels Misinformation The controversy stems from a misreading of a report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC). Published in January 2025, the report assesses the welfare of both domestic and feral cats and examines their impact on local wildlife. The report discusses various policy options for responsible…

Mowi Scotland has officially acquired Sanda Island in Argyll and Bute, marking a significant step in its expansion efforts. The company plans to develop a salmon farm off the island’s eastern coast while also working to enhance its tourism potential. A Major Acquisition with Big Plans The purchase includes not just Sanda Island but also several key properties: the former hotel, existing houses, Campbeltown shipyard, and Sandbank House. Mowi intends to refurbish these structures, aiming to bring new life to the island. In addition to salmon farming, the company envisions a hospitality element, with caretakers managing accommodations for visitors. Yacht…

The debate over single-sex spaces in the UK has escalated as public bodies, legal experts, and advocacy groups struggle to navigate conflicting interpretations of gender laws. The Scottish government maintains that existing guidance is clear, yet disputes continue to emerge in workplaces, public services, and even courtrooms. A case involving NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie has reignited discussions around transgender rights and single-sex spaces. Peggie claims she was subjected to unlawful harassment by being required to share a changing room with Dr. Beth Upton, a transgender woman. NHS Fife disputes the claim, and the ongoing tribunal underscores the legal complexities…

The UK Government's National Wealth Fund (NWF) has made its first-ever investment in Scotland, committing £43.5 million to Pulpex, a sustainable packaging firm. The move is part of a broader effort to drive economic growth, create jobs, and support the country’s transition to greener industries. A Major Boost for Scotland’s Green Economy Pulpex, a company pioneering fibre-based bottle technology, is set to establish its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow. The project has secured an additional £10 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank and further backing from existing investors, bringing the total investment to £62 million. The facility will…