News

Dozens of families gathered outside the Scottish Parliament this week, not in celebration or protest for political points — but in desperation. They were sold homes that are now structurally unsound, potentially unsafe, and entirely unaided by the system. “We Were Never Told”: Homeowners in Crisis Over RAAC On a grey Wednesday morning in Edinburgh, the voices of homeowners from across Scotland echoed off the stone walls of Holyrood. From West Lothian to Dundee, they carried signs, photos of cracked ceilings, and tales of betrayal. At the heart of it all: RAAC — Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete — a now-infamous…

A new study has raised concerns that human recreation along Scotland’s scenic coastlines — including activities like kayaking and paddleboarding — is unintentionally disturbing whales, dolphins, and seals. Even silent glides across the water can unsettle marine life. Study Reveals Dozens of Disruption Cases in Key Scottish Waters Researchers from Heriot-Watt University, backed by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), spent over 400 hours observing from land across five critical coastal zones — the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney, and Shetland. Their findings? Human-powered and small motorised crafts were linked to hundreds of marine mammal disturbances. The sightings were…

Scotland could be on the brink of losing out in the multi-billion-pound robotics boom unless it urgently tackles barriers stalling homegrown innovation, a leading tech expert has warned. A new four-point plan hopes to change that — but the clock is ticking. Robotics Chief Warns Scotland is Slipping Behind It was a stark message, and Stewart Miller didn’t sugar-coat it. Speaking from the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, Miller, who leads the cutting-edge research facility, said Scotland risks being “left behind” while countries like China and the US power ahead in the robotics space. The numbers are hard to ignore.…

Scotland’s famed links courses are drawing record crowds, but behind the tee-off excitement lurks a growing worry: too-expensive greens could drive away the very tourists who made them iconic. Royal and public courses alike are jazzing up fees, and Scotland risks pricing out the mid-range golf traveler. Industry insiders fear a top‑down squeeze that could see fairway dreams fade into bogey nightmares. A Hole-in-One Reputation Facing Price Hiccups Scotland’s golf pedigree is undeniable. From St Andrews’ Old Course to coastal gems in Aberdeenshire, visitors queue for a chance to swing where legends trod. Yet lately, booking a round often means…

With CalMac fare structures up for examination, the Scottish government insists it hasn’t decided the fate of its popular Road Equivalent Tariff. Islanders and tourists alike are bracing for potential changes, even as ministers vow to rule out options one by one. Ferry Fares Under the Microscope The Connectivity Minister, Jim Fairlie, stressed that “no decisions have been made on anything at this stage.” He added that every possibility—from tweaking fares to adjusting fleet resilience—would be considered and then discarded if it didn’t stack up. Governments need to look at everything, he said. But what exactly is on the menu?…

Scotland’s flagship export campaign grabbed the spotlight in Edinburgh, as the UK Government and industry leaders teamed up to showcase the nation’s best food, drink, and farming prowess at the Royal Highland Show. Fresh cash from the Spending Review is backing the Brand Scotland push, with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray promising to “bang the drum” for whisky, beef, and croft‑grown veg—right next to the grandstands. Cash Infusion and Community Cheers Ignite the Show Scotland’s countryside felt a buzz as ministers and farmers rubbed shoulders under a summer sun. Last week’s Spending Review unlocked billions for infrastructure and skills—money that’s now…

Ireland’s beloved Omniplex chain is fast becoming a household name across England and Scotland, bringing its family‑run flair and multiplex magic north of the Irish Sea. After six decades as a top Irish exhibitor, the Anderson family is rolling out its signature cinema experience in the U.K., betting that community ties and innovative offerings will win over British audiences as they have back home. A Third‑Generation Story of Screens and Showmanship Omniplex’s journey began in post‑war Dublin. Kevin Anderson, the family patriarch, cut his teeth distributing films in the late 1940s—long before home video was even a twinkle in anyone’s…

Scotland’s flagship Open Market Shared Equity plan is shifting focus, squeezing out first-time buyers in favor of targeted groups. The Scottish Government has revamped its OMSE (Open Market Shared Equity) scheme, removing most first-time buyers except those in priority categories such as social renters and people with disabilities. Critics say the changes risk sidelining young Scots struggling with high rents and mortgage hurdles. Priority Groups Prevail—But at What Cost? First-time buyers, once the backbone of OMSE, now find themselves largely ineligible. This shift follows a sharp fall in scheme participation last year. Government officials argue that narrowing the focus will…

After more than a quarter-century with the SNP, Inverness and Nairn’s Fergus Ewing has declared he’ll contest the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections as an independent candidate—citing deep disillusionment with his former party’s direction and processes. Ewing’s move shakes up one of Scotland’s most high‑profile seats, turning a safe SNP stronghold into a potential battleground. His 26 years at Holyrood have been marked by fiery debates and outspoken independence on issues from oil and gas to road dualling. A Storied SNP Career Comes to a Fractious End Fergus Ewing first won the Inverness and Nairn seat in 1999, the year Holyrood…

Dores village is buzzing as plans emerge to add a sauna, shop and beach café to the centuries‑old Dores Inn—now under the ownership of billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen’s WildLand. Could this historic pub become the Highlands’ next lakeside wellness spot? The proposal, lodged with Highland Council, also includes a revamped car park and public toilets—details that have locals both excited and wary. With planning on the horizon, the sleepy hamlet of Dores may be in for a dramatic makeover. From Rustic Inn to Lakeside Oasis? Imagine stepping out of a wood‑lined sauna onto your private terrace, the cool breeze off Loch Ness…