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The Scottish Parliament has unanimously supported plans for a new law making dog theft a specific crime, with offenders facing up to five years in prison. This move by Conservative MSP Maurice Golden aims to tackle the emotional harm caused by stealing pets and boost prosecution rates in Scotland. Key Details of the Proposed Law The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill sets out clear rules to treat dog theft as its own offence, separate from general theft laws. Under current rules, dogs count as property, but Golden argues this fails to capture the deep pain owners feel when their companions vanish.1 The…

Scotland faces the fury of Storm Amy today, the first named storm of the season, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain to the north and west. Experts warn that the storm's intense low pressure could drop water's boiling point to 98 degrees Celsius in some areas, potentially ruining the flavor of that essential evening cup of tea. Storm Amy Builds Strength Over the Atlantic Storm Amy formed quickly as it crossed the Atlantic, drawing energy from remnants of a distant hurricane. Meteorologists track it heading straight for northwest Scotland, where it will peak late Friday into early Saturday. This rapid…

A BBC Panorama investigation has exposed shocking racism, misogyny, and excessive force among officers at London's Charing Cross police station. This comes three years after a similar scandal rocked the Metropolitan Police, raising serious questions about lasting reform. Shocking Findings from the Undercover Probe The documentary, aired on October 1, 2025, featured secret footage from an undercover reporter who spent seven months posing as a detention officer at the busy central London station. Officers were caught making vile comments, including calls to shoot immigrants and sharing support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. One clip showed a senior officer bragging about…

The Scottish Government released a key paper on September 4, 2025, titled Your Right to Decide, which argues that people in Scotland hold the power to shape their constitutional future. This move comes as First Minister John Swinney pushes for a fresh mandate on independence through the upcoming Holyrood election in May 2026, highlighting tensions in the UK union. Scotland's push for self-determination has long shaped its politics, but this latest document reignites the debate by challenging the balance between voluntary partnership and parliamentary control from Westminster. The Heart of the Argument The paper lays out a clear case that…

Archaeologists unearthed a rare 13th century hair styling tool at Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands during recent excavations. This gravoir, carved from red deer antler, offers a glimpse into medieval daily life and has been acquired by National Museums Scotland as part of a larger collection of artifacts. The Unique Discovery of the Gravoir The gravoir stands out for its detailed design. It features a small hooded figure holding a book, making it not just functional but also artistic. Experts note that such tools originated in France and spread across Europe in the 1300s, helping people create precise…

SPAR Scotland gathered nearly 900 retailers, suppliers, and staff at its annual trade show in Aviemore on September 25, 2025, to focus on the theme Inspiring Success. The event highlighted ways to drive growth in a tough market through fresh ideas, tech upgrades, and smart investments that help stores thrive. Event Buzz and Key Gatherings The trade show at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort drew a record crowd, with over 210 suppliers joining the mix. Delegates enjoyed talks on retail trends and networked to build stronger ties. This sell-out gathering showed the strong spirit in Scotlands convenience sector despite economic hurdles.…

Archaeologists unearthed a rare 13th century hair styling tool at Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands during recent excavations. This gravoir, made from red deer antler, links remote Scottish communities to broader European grooming trends and reveals details about daily life in medieval times. Uncovering the Gravoir The gravoir is a thin pointed tool used to part hair and create elaborate styles popular among the elite in the 13th century. Experts from FAS Heritage found it while digging in the northwest tower of the castle, which sits on a small island where three sea lochs meet near the Isle…

Rail services in northern Scotland shut down key lines starting at 6 p.m. today as Storm Amy brings fierce winds up to 95 mph to the region. Operators like ScotRail made the call to protect passengers and staff from the storm's dangers, which include flying debris and fallen trees. Rail Closures: Full List of Affected Routes ScotRail and Network Rail announced the closures to avoid risks during the peak of the storm. These lines will stop all services from 6 p.m. on Friday until further notice, mainly hitting remote highland areas. The full list of closed routes includes popular lines…

A group of six new electric vehicles faced off in a grueling real world range test organized by Carwow, driving from Oxford in England all the way toward Scotland to see which one could go the farthest on a single charge. The test pitted Chinese brands against established players from Europe, South Korea, and the United States, revealing surprises in efficiency and performance under demanding motorway conditions. The journey highlighted how electric car range test results can differ from official claims, especially on long hauls with varied weather and speeds. Drivers used eco modes and kept to the speed limit…

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025 season, has been upgraded to an amber warning by the Met Office for strong winds battering north and west Scotland as well as parts of Northern Ireland. This escalation comes as the storm barrels toward the UK, promising gusts up to 95 miles per hour and heavy rain that could disrupt travel and daily life starting Friday evening. Storm Amy: An Early Season Powerhouse Experts describe Storm Amy as a potent weather event for so early in autumn. It formed from a deepening low pressure system over the Atlantic, pulling in…