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For over a week, inmates at Scotland Correctional Institution have been sweltering inside cells without air conditioning—while loved ones on the outside are furious and demanding action. Some say the conditions are putting lives at risk. Others call it outright abuse. Heat, Health, and Helplessness Inside the Prison Walls When the air conditioning broke down at Scotland Correctional Institution in North Carolina’s Scotland County, inmates were left to deal with stifling heat. Temperatures have climbed well over 80°F. For many, the heat is unbearable. For some, it’s dangerous. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” said a woman whose husband is…

The Scottish Government has launched a wide-reaching consultation aimed at reshaping how offshore wind is developed in its waters—balancing clean energy targets with the protection of marine ecosystems, fishing grounds and local communities. It’s not just a technical exercise. With global eyes on Scotland’s renewables push, what comes out of this updated marine plan could change how the next decade of energy looks—not just in Scotland, but well beyond. Government Looks to Fine-Tune Its Offshore Strategy This isn't Scotland's first go at mapping out where wind farms should go. But this time, they're trying to get it right in a…

Scotland has made tremendous strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past four decades — from the decriminalisation of male same-sex acts in 1981 to the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014, and the introduction of LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools in 2021. But nestled within this larger narrative is a quieter, deeply personal story — one that began in a gay disco in Edinburgh and helped shape a generation. Welcome to Lavender Menace, Scotland’s first gay and lesbian bookshop — part safe haven, part radical cultural force. From Disco to Bookshop The story begins in 1982, when Sigrid Nielsen and…

Scotland’s west coast, long considered the final stronghold for harbour seals in the UK, is no longer a safe haven. A major new study by the University of St Andrews has found a 20% decline in seal numbers between 2018 and 2023, marking the first significant downturn in decades for the area. Once a refuge, now a red flag The research, led by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), paints a sobering picture of the marine mammal’s fate. Using aerial surveys, tagging, and long-term photo identification methods, scientists have tracked the species since the 1980s. Until recently, the Inner Hebrides…

A peaceful camping trip turned fatal in Argyll and Bute as a man and woman were found dead inside a tent by the shores of Loch Awe. Police believe the cause may be carbon monoxide poisoning linked to a camping stove. The couple, who have not yet been named, were discovered around 4:25pm on Saturday near the village of Dalmally. Authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances. Quiet Afternoon Ends in Devastating Discovery Police officers were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the couple’s wellbeing. Upon arrival, they found both individuals unresponsive inside their tent. Emergency services…

A yellow weather warning has been slapped on much of Scotland, with heavy thunderstorms and downpours expected to cause chaos across cities, roads, and rural areas. The Met Office issued the alert on Friday, citing a risk of flash flooding, lightning strikes, and possible transport disruption. This latest turn in the weather comes as Scotland has experienced an unusually unstable June, leaving locals and tourists on edge as unpredictable skies threaten summer plans. With cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee in the warning zone, councils and emergency services are now on high alert. Met Office Issues Thunderstorm Alert Across Central…

An increasing number of Americans are crossing the Atlantic — not just for tartan and tourism — but for property. Whether driven by a desire for a lifestyle change, retirement plans, or simply the dream of owning a piece of rugged coastline or historic charm, Scotland is having a real moment among U.S. buyers. According to Alan Cumming of property firm Rettie, interest from the United States is soaring. "We’ve seen an 18% rise in web traffic from American users over the past year alone," he said. And it’s not just window shopping. U.S. buyer enquiries to Rightmove, the UK’s…

When Robert Marshall first tackled the West Highland Way in 1993, he raced through all 96 miles of it in just three days. He was fit, focused, and determined — but there was one thing he missed entirely: the point. “I didn’t take in anything,” Robert recalls with a laugh. “It was just A to B. Get there. That’s it.” Thirty-one years later, that mindset has completely changed. Now 69, the retired police officer from Gourock in Inverclyde has walked the West Highland Way 97 times — and he’s planning to complete his 100th journey by his 70th birthday in…

A vaccine to protect high-risk groups against gonorrhoea will be made available in Scotland from August, after a sharp rise in cases and growing concerns about drug resistance. This marks a significant move in public health strategy as Scotland confronts an alarming surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among younger people and marginalised groups. The rollout comes just months after similar programmes began in England and Northern Ireland. Soaring Infections Push Scotland to Act Cases of gonorrhoea in Scotland hit 5,999 in 2023, a whopping 59% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The illness, while often curable, can be…

The UK Government has officially pledged £200 million (US$271 million) to the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) cluster in Scotland, a long-anticipated move hailed as a critical step toward establishing a national carbon storage infrastructure and delivering a just transition for industrial regions facing fossil fuel phaseouts. The announcement, made in the wake of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first spending review, forms part of a broader £9.4 billion CCS investment package and confirms the full sum requested by the Acorn consortium. The funding will be used to prepare the project for delivery, subject to final business case approval, with a…