News

Scotland just made its digital identity system far more inclusive. The government now actively explores alternatives to biometric checks for ScotAccount, aiming to leave no one behind in the rush to digital public services. A new equality impact assessment published this week confirms the shift. Knowledge-based questions, trusted public sector data, and even vouching by others are all on the table to verify identity without fingerprints or face scans. Why Biometrics Alone Won’t Cut It Anymore Many people still lack passports, driving licences, or the strong digital footprint that biometric systems love. Older citizens, recent immigrants, and low-income households often…

Kemi Badenoch dropped a political bombshell at the Scottish Tory conference, promising to end the centuries-old dual role of Scotland's Lord Advocate and branding the current setup "absurd" while the top prosecutor sits in an SNP cabinet overseeing cases against senior SNP figures. The Conservative leader's explosive intervention comes as fresh details emerge about Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC personally briefing First Minister John Swinney about serious charges facing former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon's husband, weeks before the public knew. What Sparked the Latest Fury The row exploded after it emerged that Dorothy Bain told John Swinney…

Scotland and India just took a massive step forward together. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on 6 March 2024 in New Delhi, opening a direct channel for businesses on both sides to connect, invest, and grow like never before. This is not just another piece of paper. This is a practical, action-driven partnership designed to turn historic friendship into real economic firepower. Why This Deal Matters Right Now Trade talks between the UK and India have dragged on for years. While politicians…

England's Six Nations campaign turned into a nightmare in the first half at Murrayfield as Henry Arundell was shown a second yellow card and sent off after a sickening mid-air collision with Scotland captain Kyle Steyn. The 22-year-old winger had earlier scored a brilliant try, but his day ended in disaster just before the break when he misjudged a high ball and crashed into Steyn. The Scotland winger was left prone on the turf while Arundell himself looked dazed and needed lengthy treatment. Scotland led 24-10 at half-time after a ruthless display that left Steve Borthwick's side shell-shocked. The Collision…

Dumfries and Galloway (Scotland) – Sam Heughan has spent twelve years playing the ultimate Highlander, yet the man himself wants you to turn your back on the crowded peaks and head south. In a new interview, the Outlander star makes an impassioned plea for travellers to discover the quiet, wild Lowlands that raised him – the same region tourists keep skipping while chasing Jamie Fraser’s ghost. “Scotland is another character in the show, but most people only see the bits we filmed,” Heughan says. “My home in Dumfries and Galloway gets completely overlooked. It breaks my heart.” The “Outlander Effect” has been…

Kolkata, February 9, 2026 – Italy's dreams took a cruel blow at Eden Gardens tonight when captain Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder in a diving fielding attempt, forcing him off the field and ruling him out of batting in a crushing 73-run loss to Scotland. The 42-year-old veteran, playing in his first cricket World Cup after representing South Africa in hockey two decades ago, rolled awkwardly while trying to stop a fierce pull from George Munsey in the fourth over. He left the ground in visible pain, arm cradled in a towel sling. How the Injury Happened It was the…

Scottish and Indian business leaders have sealed a powerful new partnership that could transform trade worth hundreds of millions and create thousands of jobs on both sides of the globe. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi this week, pledging to open doors wider than ever before in technology, green energy, life sciences, education, tourism and advanced manufacturing. This is not just another agreement on paper. It is a direct response to the real hunger Scottish companies have to enter India's…

Rugby fans, get ready for a blockbuster. Scotland host France at a sold-out Murrayfield on March 7, 2026, in what many are already calling the game of the championship so far. The hosts have roared back from an opening-day shock loss to Italy with statement wins over England and Wales, while France arrive unbeaten and looking every bit the Grand Slam favorites. Kick-off is 2:10 p.m. GMT, and the best news? You can watch every tackle, kick, and try for free, no matter where you are in the world. Scotland Find Their Fire Again at Murrayfield After that nightmare start…

Scotland’s magic is rarely more vivid than when seen through the eyes of the people who live here. The latest batch of reader pictures sent to BBC Scotland between 27 February and 6 March is proof of that. From haunting coastal scenes to electric flashes of wildlife, these images stop you in your tracks. Three stand-out shots have already caught thousands of eyes online, each one a perfect snapshot of late-winter Scotland. Portobello Pier Disappears into the Mist Robin Gladstone from Galashiels braved a cold, foggy morning on Portobello beach in Edinburgh to create one of the most atmospheric images…