News

Scotland’s oil and gas sector is teetering on the edge of a mass employment crisis, with trade union Unite warning of an “avalanche” of job losses cascading through the industry. Hundreds of skilled contractors at key sites like Grangemouth and Mossmorran are facing redundancy in the coming weeks, in what could be the early stages of a far deeper collapse across the sector. The immediate trigger: cost-cutting by oil giants like ExxonMobil and a steady downturn in operations — but underlying the turmoil is what some now call a failure of transition planning. Mossmorran: First Domino Falls At the Fife…

A wide-ranging review of Scotland’s future medical workforce has officially kicked off, as the government tries to tackle the stark mismatch between unemployed doctors and overwhelmed hospitals. The Scottish Government says it’s working with doctors, NHS leaders and unions on a 20-year plan to reshape recruitment, training, and the structure of the medical profession itself. But early signs show this project is as much about fixing existing cracks as it is about future-proofing the NHS. Medical Unemployment in a System Desperate for Staff It sounds like a paradox. Hospitals crying out for help. Patients waiting months to be seen. Yet…

GLASGOW, 4 June 2025 — Scotland’s pursuit of a cleaner, greener industrial future took a powerful step forward this week with the successful delivery of a 142-tonne Vapour Recovery Unit (VRU) at Glasgow’s King George V Dock. The installation — handled in a single shift by global heavy-lift specialists Sarens — is being hailed as a major win for air quality and environmental resilience. Commissioned by logistics firm Deugro, the VRU project underscores how Scotland’s green transition is not only about renewables and carbon targets, but also about deploying cutting-edge technology to curb pollution at its industrial source. Stopping Toxic…

In a major move to tackle fraud and reshape digital trust, FinTech Scotland and TSB Labs have joined forces once again — this time, with a bold new initiative aimed at securing the future of online banking. The partnership is opening its doors to fintech innovators from across the world, inviting real-time solutions that could be tested directly in a live retail banking environment. The goal? Better security, smoother user experiences, and fewer customers falling victim to scams. Innovation With Purpose, Not Just Buzzwords This isn’t a flashy tech tie-up meant to grab headlines. There’s real work behind this. The…

Applications open for landmark awards that reward companies embedding social value deep into their supply chains. Scotland’s construction sector is being urged to take the spotlight in this year’s Social Enterprise Awards, with a special call to firms that are building more than just infrastructure — companies using their purchasing power to fuel social good. Now in its 15th year, the awards have opened applications for 2025, and Social Enterprise Scotland is making a clear pitch: construction and built environment businesses are “uniquely placed” to lead on social procurement. And with a revamped application process designed to make things smoother…

A long-standing Dundee-based coach company, Fishers Tours, has collapsed into liquidation, ceasing all operations and leaving 27 staff without work. The company, a key player in school transport and group travel in Tayside for over 20 years, has shut down amid soaring operating costs and inflexible contract prices. Sudden Closure Hits Community Hard The abrupt closure, confirmed on Monday 2 June, has already disrupted services across Dundee and Angus, where local councils are now scrambling to plug the gaps left in school transport routes. Joint provisional liquidators James Dewar and Alistair McAlinden from restructuring specialists Interpath Advisory have been appointed…

Scotland has launched a public consultation on its newly updated offshore wind strategy, setting the tone for how future ScotWind and INTOG projects will be developed. The draft plan puts a sharp focus on economic growth, environmental safeguards and coastal communities—inviting Scots to weigh in. A New Chapter for Offshore Wind Strategy The Scottish Government’s updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy isn’t just a technical document—it’s a roadmap for how one of the country’s fastest-growing energy sectors will evolve. It directly links to ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, both crucial drivers of renewable expansion in Scotland. The draft…

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is gearing up for a vibrant celebration with a record number of Scottish performers taking centre stage. Organisers revealed that more than half of the 3,352 shows this year hail from Scotland, marking a remarkable local presence in the world’s biggest arts festival. This year’s Fringe promises a mix of fresh voices and bold themes, spread across an expanded lineup of venues and genres. Scotland’s Stronghold at the World’s Largest Arts Festival Out of the 3,352 shows set to light up 265 venues across Edinburgh, a whopping 923 are Scottish productions. That’s just over 27%, but…

Get ready, motorsport fans — entries are officially open for EcoRally Scotland, the eighth round of the 2025 Bridgestone FIA EcoRally Cup. This event invites teams to compete with electric and hybrid vehicles on a scenic two-day journey through Tayside, starting in Dundee. The rally combines traditional racing with a fresh twist, rewarding precision and energy efficiency rather than just speed. A Rally Focused on Precision and Efficiency EcoRally Scotland isn’t your typical race. Instead of flat-out speed, drivers and navigators must carefully stick to a regularity system. That means they need to hit checkpoints at precise times and maintain…

A striking home near Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, has just been crowned the 2025 Scottish Home of the Year. Hilltop House, a stylish conversion on a farm steading, wowed judges with its vibrant design and connection to nature. The owners, Jessica Zanoni and Chris Labrooy, have created a living space that feels personal yet architecturally daring — a true sanctuary that balances mid-century flair with a laid-back Californian vibe. From Ruin to Radiance: The Story Behind Hilltop House When Jessica first spotted the plot, it was nothing but a crumbling farm steading. She remembers going alone to see the place and instantly…