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Scotland's Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, has accused the UK Government of "punishing" the country for having a larger public sector following the Chancellor's announcement to increase national insurance (NI) contributions. The move to increase NI payments from employers, unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her October Budget, has raised concerns in Scotland about the financial implications for the public sector. Robison estimates that Scotland will face a cost of £700 million due to its bigger public sector workforce compared to other parts of the UK. The Impact on Scotland's Public Services Robison emphasized that Scotland's public services, including local authorities,…

Scots from all corners of the country are gearing up to celebrate Burns Night, an annual tradition that honors Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns. On January 25th, people will gather for Burns Suppers, where they’ll recite poetry, enjoy haggis, and toast to the poet’s legacy. Do you think you know everything there is to know about Robert Burns and the history behind this celebrated event? Test your knowledge with our Burns Night quiz! When is Burns Night 2025? Burns Night falls on January 25 every year, marking the birth of Robert Burns in 1759. This tradition has been carried on…

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is poised to launch the UK’s most advanced helicopter air ambulance, marking a major milestone in the charity’s 12-year history. The new Airbus H145 D3, currently under production, will be customized with an aeromedical fit-out and modifications before entering operational service later this year. A Leap Forward in Air Ambulance Technology The H145 D3 will replace the existing EC 135 at SCAA’s Aberdeen base. With its twin engines and five-rotor configuration, the new aircraft is designed to offer enhanced range, endurance, and capacity, which will significantly improve the charity’s ability to respond to emergencies across…

Scotland's museums and galleries are not only custodians of the nation's rich cultural heritage but also vital contributors to its economy and society. With over 450 institutions across the country, these places of learning and reflection are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Yet, despite their importance, many face financial struggles, making their future uncertain without continued support. Cultural Treasure Trove: A Critical Economic Force Scotland’s museums and galleries make an undeniable impact on the economy. Visitor spending alone contributes an estimated £900 million annually. As post-Covid tourism rebounds, the number of visitors to these institutions has increased, highlighting…

A shocking BBC investigation has uncovered that nine women separately reported Christopher Harkins, one of Scotland's most prolific romance fraudsters, to Police Scotland before his eventual arrest. These women, who met Harkins through online dating platforms like Tinder, were left feeling dismissed by the police when they tried to bring attention to his predatory actions. A Decade of Ignored Warnings Between 2012 and 2019, Police Scotland received numerous reports from women claiming that Harkins had committed various forms of abuse. These reports detailed disturbing allegations, including recording intimate images and videos without consent, physical abuse, and threats, in addition to…

A bold shift in the educational landscape of Scotland is underway, with advocates pushing for a national rollout of a "knowledge-based and content-rich" curriculum. This approach, proven successful at Berwickshire High School, promises to enhance student attainment and better prepare them for the future. The Berwickshire High School Turnaround Under the leadership of Bruce Robertson, Berwickshire High School has seen remarkable improvements in student performance. When Robertson took over, the school was labeled 'weak' and 'unsatisfactory' by inspectors. In just four years, the school transformed into a sector leader. Key changes implemented include: Redefining the curriculum as 'content' to emphasize…

The Scottish Government is taking significant steps toward facilitating more accessible and ethical use of public sector data, as it launches a new initiative aimed at creating a framework for the use of de-identified personal data for research and innovation. This move, part of Scotland’s broader Unlocking the Value of Data (UVOD) programme, reflects a growing push to harness data in ways that benefit both the public and private sectors. Government's Commitment to Data Accessibility The Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate has introduced a plan to develop an operational framework that will guide how public sector data is accessed. This framework…

A devastating jellyfish species, notorious for its lethal impact on Norway’s salmon industry, has reached Scotland, sparking significant concern and demands for immediate intervention. The string jellyfish, which has already decimated millions of salmon in Norwegian sea farms, is now causing severe damage to Scotland's aquaculture sector. Threat Reaches Scottish Waters The arrival of the string jellyfish in Scotland has been reported at several locations, leading to the death of over 200,000 farmed salmon. Two Scottish farms, one around Skye and another near Muck, have been particularly affected. The Fish Health Inspectorate revealed that the Skye farm lost 70,000 salmon,…

As Donald Trump begins his term as US President, Friends of the Earth Scotland has issued a defiant statement. The organization remains resolute in its commitment to climate action and social justice, emphasizing that Trump's policies won't derail their efforts. The Fight for Justice Continues Friends of the Earth Scotland highlighted the potential negative impacts of Trump's presidency on climate action, gender equality, racial justice, and broader social fairness. The statement expresses concern about Trump's "selfish, racist politics" and his prioritization of corporate greed over environmental and societal well-being. However, the group urges its supporters not to be distracted by…

From the moonlit fields of Aberdeenshire to the glowing peaks of the Highlands, your photographs have captured the breathtaking beauty of Scotland. Here's a selection of stunning images sent in between January 10 and 17. Moonlit Majesty in Aberdeenshire Keith Paton from Fyvie shared a serene image of one of his Jacob sheep standing quietly in a snow-covered field. The scene, bathed in moonlight, features a sky full of stars, creating a tranquil winter wonderland. This night-time shot showcases the peaceful beauty of rural Aberdeenshire under a clear sky. A Highland Sunrise Dominic McArdle’s striking photograph of Ben Wyvis, taken…