News

Scotland is looking to boost its seed potato exports, with a particular focus on emerging markets such as Jordan and Brazil, while simultaneously negotiating for a return to the European Union market. The country's seed potato industry is currently thriving in markets like Egypt and Morocco, but it aims to expand its presence and overcome recent challenges caused by the EU ban. Expanding Exports to Emerging Markets In the 2023/24 season, Scotland exported over 92,000 tonnes of seed potatoes, with Egypt being the largest market, accounting for 60% of the exports. Morocco followed with 10%, and the remainder was distributed…

Scotland is placing a significant bet on the future of renewable energy by investing in a £2 billion subsea cable factory, located in North Ayrshire. This project, set to begin construction on the site of a former coal-handling port, is a critical part of the country’s strategy to foster economic growth through the transition to net-zero energy. The factory will produce high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables that are crucial for transmitting renewable energy, and its success could shape Scotland's position in the global renewable energy supply chain. Regeneration and Jobs in Deprived Areas The factory, developed by manufacturing start-up XLCC,…

Scotland's ambitious goal to reduce car use by 20% by 2030, set five years ago, is now deemed “unlikely” to be met, according to a recent report from public spending watchdogs. Despite strong climate commitments, including a declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, progress toward this target has been minimal, with the Scottish government failing to create a cohesive plan to reduce car use and cut emissions. Minimal Progress and Lack of Leadership Audit Scotland, the body responsible for overseeing government spending, and the Accounts Commission, which monitors local government spending, reported that Scotland has made little progress in…

E.ON Drive, the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure arm of the global energy supplier E.ON, has unveiled plans to install 42 ultra-rapid EV charging points across six locations in Scotland. This ambitious project aims to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and efficient, particularly in key areas like Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling, and Dunfermline. Each of these new chargers will be capable of adding up to 150 miles of driving range in just ten minutes, addressing one of the primary concerns of EV owners: charging time. This move comes as part of a broader effort to expand Scotland’s EV infrastructure, contributing to…

Stroke in Scotland: A Growing Concern The latest Scottish Stroke Statistics, published by Public Health Scotland, highlights several critical trends that are cause for concern, particularly as Scotland’s population continues to age. According to Jane Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), while there has been a slight decrease in the number of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases, the increase in stroke cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Forecasted Rise in Strokes The report from Public Health Scotland outlines a forecasted 35% increase in cerebrovascular disease cases from 2019 to 2044, equating to…

A new report from WildLand Cairngorms highlights the success of its ecological restoration efforts, showcasing the positive impact of its work on Scotland’s native raptors. The report follows a promising national trend of environmental rehabilitation, focusing on species such as hen harriers, golden eagles, and goshawks. The Cairngorms Connect Partnership The Cairngorms Connect partnership, encompassing a vast 600 km² area of land, includes WildLand Cairngorms as a key contributor. This initiative brings together neighbouring land managers working towards a shared 200-year vision to improve habitats, support species recovery, and restore ecological processes. Since 2019, WildLand Cairngorms has been dedicated to…

Scotland’s public finance watchdog, the Accounts Commission, has raised alarm over the growing financial pressures on local councils, urging them to accelerate reforms to avoid unsustainable losses. Financial Strain on Local Authorities In its latest report for the 2023-24 financial year, the Accounts Commission revealed that councils were facing a £759 million budget gap due to a real-terms decrease in revenue funding from the Scottish government. This shortfall is putting immense strain on local authorities, which are increasingly relying on reserves to meet their budgets and deliver essential public services. According to the report, a 3.3% reduction in total revenue…

A court has ruled that Biffa Waste Services can proceed with its £166 million legal claim against the Scottish government over the abandoned deposit return scheme (DRS), which was initially planned for launch in 2023. Legal Action Against the Scottish Government In June 2023, Scottish ministers postponed the implementation of the deposit return scheme, citing a dispute with the UK government. Biffa, which was hired to collect and process recyclable containers for the initiative, argued in the Court of Session that the Scottish government had assured the company that the scheme would proceed, causing it to incur significant losses when…

Starting on April 1, 2025, Scottish households will see an increase in their water bills, with average charges rising by £44 annually, or £3.68 per month. This marks a 9.9% rise in the cost of water and wastewater services, which will be implemented by Scottish Water to support essential infrastructure and services. Why Are Charges Increasing? Scottish Water, the publicly owned utility responsible for the provision of water and wastewater services across Scotland, stated that the increase in charges is necessary to fund vital investments into maintaining and upgrading the country's water systems. According to Alex Plant, Chief Executive of…

Scotland’s premier trade event for the food, drink, hospitality, and retail industries, ScotHot 2025, is fast approaching, and there’s just under a month left to register. Set to take place on February 26-27, 2025, at the SEC in Glasgow, the two-day showcase promises an exciting lineup of exhibitors, networking opportunities, and trend-focused seminars. What to Expect at ScotHot 2025 In its 52nd year, ScotHot remains Scotland’s only dedicated trade event for the food and drink industry, offering invaluable opportunities for delegates to meet with suppliers, explore new trends, and share innovative ideas. With over 7,500 visitors expected, it is the…