News

President Donald Trump arrives in the United Kingdom this week for a historic second state visit, focusing on ties to his late mother's homeland in Scotland. The trip highlights Mary Anne MacLeod's journey from the Isle of Lewis to America, blending personal heritage with diplomatic events amid global attention. Visit Schedule and Key Events Trump's visit runs from September 17 to 19, 2025, hosted mainly at Windsor Castle by King Charles III. He and First Lady Melania Trump will attend banquets, meetings, and a tribute at the late Queen Elizabeth II's tomb. The itinerary includes talks with UK Prime Minister…

Edinburgh is buzzing as top video game industry leaders from around the world kick off the DICE Europe summit today. This three day event, running from September 15 to 17, 2025, brings together about 150 experts to discuss innovation, growth, and the future of interactive entertainment in Scotland's capital. Summit Highlights and Key Speakers The DICE Europe summit promises a mix of talks, networking sessions, and insights from major players in the video game world. Organizers describe it as a chance for the brightest minds to share ideas and build partnerships. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney praised the event for…

Scotland's women-led businesses achieved a major milestone in 2024, securing a record £214 million in equity investments. This surge, detailed in JP Morgan Private Bank's latest study, highlights growing investor confidence despite broader UK challenges. Record Investment Levels in 2024 Women-powered companies in Scotland drew £214 million last year, up 10.5 percent from 2023. This growth stands out as the highest ever recorded for the region. The JP Morgan report points to strong performances in sectors like technology and healthcare. Investors see these businesses as key drivers of innovation and economic progress. Experts note that this record reflects targeted efforts…

Scotland's food industry faces rising costs from climate change, known as climateflation, affecting everything from strawberries to whisky. As of September 2025, experts warn that erratic weather is pushing up prices and straining supplies across the nation. This trend hits farmers and consumers hard, with predictions of even bigger impacts by 2050. Recent data shows how changing climates disrupt agriculture and the food chain in Scotland. What Is Climateflation? Climateflation refers to the way climate change drives up food costs through extreme weather and supply issues. It combines climate effects with inflation, creating higher prices for everyday items. In Scotland,…

Scotland's housing emergency shows no signs of easing, with experts warning that the situation has deteriorated further since the Covid pandemic. John Mills, head of housing at Fife Council and co-chair of the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers, stated on a recent broadcast that demand for homes has surged due to rising relationship breakdowns, putting immense pressure on an already broken system. Expert Highlights Broken System John Mills delivered a clear message during his appearance on a national program. He explained that homelessness was already climbing before the pandemic hit in 2020, but conditions have only worsened since…

England powered into the Womens World Cup semifinals with a strong 40 to 8 victory over Scotland on September 14, 2025, in Bristol. Coach John Mitchell praised his teams dominance but called out Scotlands disruptive tactics that he said prevented an even bigger win. Dominant Performance Sets New Record England showed why they are tournament favorites right from the start. They controlled the game with strong scrums and quick tries, breaking their own record for consecutive wins at 31 straight tests. The match happened under rainy conditions at Ashton Gate, where England scored six tries and kept Scotland under pressure.…

Travelers heading to England, Scotland, or Wales face strict new food import rules that ban many common items like meat and dairy to stop the spread of diseases such as foot and mouth. These changes, rolled out in April 2025 by the UK government, aim to protect local farms and public health amid rising cases in Europe, leaving many tourists confused and facing potential fines at borders. Why the Ban Started Now The UK ramped up these restrictions after reports of foot and mouth disease outbreaks across Europe earlier this year. Officials say the move protects British agriculture, which supports…

The Scottish Retail Consortium has launched a bold manifesto ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election, calling on the next government to place town centers and retail at the core of economic policy. This move comes as high streets across Scotland grapple with empty shops, rising crime, and tough business conditions, with the group proposing tax cuts, better policing, and easier shop upgrades to spark recovery. Key Demands from the Manifesto The manifesto, titled Scotland's Future High Streets, outlines a five-point plan to make retail destinations more competitive and vibrant. It highlights the need for urgent action amid ongoing challenges like…

Scotland is seeing a surge in tiny forests, small patches of greenery planted using a Japanese method that promises quick growth and big environmental wins. These miniature woodlands, inspired by botanist Akira Miyawaki, are popping up in urban spots across the country, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, as part of a push for more green spaces in 2025. The Rise of Miyawaki Forests in Scotland Communities in Scotland have planted hundreds of these tiny forests since 2020, with the trend accelerating this year. Local groups and universities lead the charge, turning unused urban land into dense native woodlands that grow fast…

Scotland's tourism industry is set for a major lift as VisitScotland Connect 2026 heads to Glasgow. This key event on April 15 and 16 at the Scottish Event Campus will link local businesses with global buyers to spark new partnerships and growth. Event Details and Location VisitScotland Connect 2026 marks a fresh chapter for Scotland's travel trade. It brings together tourism suppliers, destination groups, and international buyers in one spot. The event runs for two days in Glasgow, a city known for its vibrant culture and easy access. Organizers expect hundreds of participants from around the world. This is the…