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Scotland’s Parliament has unanimously backed a reworked set of social care reforms, approving legislation that promises to bolster carers’ rights, tighten oversight of failing providers, and guarantee care home residents the right to see a loved one—even during public health crises. The Care Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed 116–0 on Tuesday, marks the final form of a once-ambitious blueprint for a National Care Service—now significantly pared down following widespread opposition from unions, councils, and health boards. Anne’s Law becomes reality The most symbolic measure in the new law is Anne’s Law, which enshrines in legislation the right for people in care…

For more than a decade, Breastfeeding Buddies offered struggling new mothers a lifeline in some of Scotland’s busiest maternity wards. But this week, that lifeline was abruptly cut. Run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and operating in five hospitals and seven community settings across Greater Glasgow and Lothian, the peer support service closed its doors on June 6, following a decision by the Scottish Government to withdraw direct funding. The closure has sparked widespread concern among mothers, midwives, volunteers, and health campaigners—many of whom say the existing NHS staff are already too stretched to fill the gap. ‘It’s quite…

Scotland’s devolved government has drawn a firm line in the sand on energy policy, rejecting nuclear power in favour of expanding renewables—even as Westminster commits over £16 billion to new nuclear development across England. Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed that Scotland would maintain its long-standing de facto ban on new nuclear facilities, despite pressure from political opponents and business leaders to reconsider. “We have a policy of 'no new nuclear',” Martin told BBC Scotland. “We think the investment is much better placed in renewable energy, which is cheaper to produce and cheaper for consumers.” Nuclear divide widens The comments…

Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped in 2023—but not by much—and campaigners say the pace of progress is dangerously slow. Despite government reassurances, critics argue bold policy has taken a back seat to political noise. A narrow drop, a broader concern Scotland’s emissions fell by 1.9% in 2023. That’s the headline. But for many watching closely, it was less a cause for celebration and more a warning sign. The modest decline masks deeper issues. International air travel surged as pandemic restrictions lifted, clawing back hard-won gains. And even with cuts in the power sector, emissions from transport, heating, and agriculture barely…

Scotland’s whisky distilleries are more than places to sip a dram — they’re living stories of craft, heritage and landscape. Set among pine-clad glens, sea-sprayed isles, and even the urban edge of Glasgow, these sacred sites of Scotch blend architecture, history, and liquid gold. Whether you’re chasing rare cask tastings, curious about copper stills, or simply seeking a scenic stop on your road trip, here are six distilleries worth building your summer getaway around. 1. Deanston Distillery – Doune, Perthshire Old cotton mill turned whisky haven, powered by water and creativity Housed in a red-brick riverside building that once thrummed…

Scotland, a nation that has positioned itself as a climate vanguard on the world stage, is now at the centre of a growing political and environmental storm over plans to build a new gas-fired power station in Peterhead — a move critics say undercuts its net-zero credibility. Despite branding the project as a "greener" fossil fuel plant, new disclosures reveal it could emit three times the carbon originally claimed — raising urgent questions over public transparency, climate ethics, and the Scottish Government’s long-term energy strategy. What is the Peterhead power station? The Peterhead site, located on the northeast coast of…

Scotland is set to become the epicentre of Britain’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution as Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a £750 million investment to build the UK’s new national supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh. The announcement comes hot on the heels of London Tech Week, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a £1 billion initiative to turbocharge the UK’s compute power by a factor of 20. Combined, the moves mark a seismic shift in Britain’s digital infrastructure—and a moment of redefinition for Edinburgh as it transitions from academic hub to AI nerve centre. Why Edinburgh? The capital of Scotland…

In a sweeping Spending Review that could shape Scotland’s economic and strategic landscape for years to come, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has outlined significant funding allocations targeting defence, technology, and climate infrastructure—positioning Scotland as a critical node in the UK’s future-facing investment strategy. Among the headline figures: £250 million for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine base at HMNB Clyde in Faslane £750 million to establish the UK’s most powerful supercomputer in Edinburgh New support for the Acorn carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire Together, these projects form a central part of Labour’s “growth-first” approach—aiming not only…

Bus passengers across Ayrshire and Arran face six weeks of significant travel disruption as more than 400 Stagecoach drivers begin an extended strike over pay, in what union leaders have described as a battle over “respect and fairness”. The industrial action, which started on Monday, will run until 21 July, with only a limited service operating across the region. It marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between drivers and the transport giant. What’s Behind the Strike? The Unite union said the walkout follows repeated failures by Stagecoach to improve on a 4% pay rise offer made back in…

The sound of bagpipes and a red carpet welcome still greet guests boarding Scotland’s most opulent train – but this summer, the Belmond Royal Scotsman has taken Highland luxury to even greater heights. To mark its 40th anniversary traversing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, the overnight sleeper has introduced lavish new Grand Suites, cementing its place among the globe’s top-tier train experiences. A Grand Celebration of the Highlands Launched in 1985 and famed for its romantic, slow-paced journeys across rugged glens and shimmering lochs, the Royal Scotsman has long been a favourite of the ultra-wealthy seeking…