News

As Scotland pushes toward net zero, fraudsters are cashing in on eco schemes—leaving ordinary people paying the price, quite literally. A costly scam hiding behind green promises It sounded like a good idea. Help the planet, save on energy bills, and maybe even qualify for a grant. But for homeowners across Scotland, the promise of greener homes has quickly turned into a financial and emotional nightmare. Consumer Scotland has issued a sharp warning to households as scams involving green energy upgrades—particularly spray foam insulation—are on the rise. In 2023 alone, reported cases jumped by 42%. And with over 2 million…

From the gothic arches of Glasgow Cathedral to the raw windswept cliffs of Skye, Scotland’s natural and urban scenery has shaped some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments. Whether you're a fan of Hollywood blockbusters, haunting folk horror, or working-class realism, this country offers a film set come to life. Here’s your curated cinematic itinerary through Scotland—where every loch, lane and castle has a story to tell. Edinburgh: Grit, Glory, and Gothic Shadows Key Films: Trainspotting (1996), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)Must-Visit Spots: Princes Street, Calton Road, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk Scotland’s capital is…

A group of respected leaders from across Scotland’s health and care sectors have issued a striking open letter calling for urgent reform, cross-party collaboration, and a whole-of-society rethink of how health is created—not just delivered—in the country. Cracks in the System Are No Longer Deniable Scotland’s health service is in trouble. That’s the core message delivered by 13 senior professionals from medicine, public health, academia, charities, and social care. Their open letter, published in The Scotsman on 10 June, paints a sobering picture: dedicated NHS staff continue to do extraordinary work, but the system they operate in is stretched, clunky,…

Scotland’s demographic clock is ticking louder than ever, and business leaders aren’t mincing words anymore. Immigration isn’t just a political hot potato or a social talking point. It’s what keeps the lights on in our hospitals, the tills ringing in shops, and the wheels turning in our economy. Liz McAreavey, CEO of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, says what many in Scotland’s business community are now thinking: immigration is not a luxury — it’s the backbone of any sustainable growth plan. Scotland’s Population Dilemma Is More Than a Statistic Look at the numbers long enough and the story writes itself.…

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has officially launched its summer cruise season from Scotland, with the ship Balmoral departing from Rosyth on Saturday — marking a sunny return to Scottish waters after months of planning and anticipation. It’s not just another cruise schedule. It’s a move that subtly shifts Scotland’s standing in the UK’s post-pandemic cruise landscape. Eight different sailings are planned from Rosyth this summer, offering passengers everything from Scilly Isles shorelines to the deep greens of Norwegian fjords — and all aboard one of the line’s most cherished vessels. Rosyth Is Back on the Map — And Fred Olsen's…

Scotland is set to press ahead with new energy efficiency standards for rental properties, requiring newly let homes to meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2028, under draft regulations published this week. The move, outlined in the Draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations, aims to reduce carbon emissions from the housing sector while bringing rental stock in line with long-term climate goals. If approved, the regulations would also apply to all existing private rented sector (PRS) tenancies by the end of 2033, giving landlords more time to upgrade properties compared to the…

At just 26, I’ve become one of the youngest female advocates in Scotland—something I still find surreal every time I step into court. What makes my path even more unusual is that I now specialise in both criminal and family law, a rare combination in the world of Scottish advocacy. But then again, nothing about my legal journey has been typical. Forging My Own Path to the Bar The conventional route to becoming an advocate in Scotland generally involves years spent practising as a solicitor before applying to the Faculty of Advocates and undertaking the intense “devilling” period of training.…

A widening gap in dental care access between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities has come under fire, with fresh figures revealing disparities as wide as 21%. The statistics have reignited debate over the state of NHS dentistry and put the Scottish Government under renewed political pressure. Stark Divide Between Deprived and Wealthy Communities The latest data, obtained by The Herald, shows that people living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are significantly less likely to access dental care than those in more affluent regions. The access gap ranges between 17% and 21% depending on the local authority. That’s not a small…

Scotland’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Kirsty McNeill is heading a landmark all-women trade mission to Spain, marking the first such delegation since the UK and EU finalized their recent deal. The two-day mission, supported by the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, aims to boost Spanish investment in Scotland and deepen business ties between the two nations. A Breakthrough Moment for Scottish Trade Diplomacy This trade mission is notable not just for its timing, but also for its unique composition. Led entirely by women, it highlights Scotland’s push to spotlight diversity and inclusion in international trade. Kirsty McNeill expressed optimism about the…

Scotland travels to Liechtenstein on Monday for an international friendly at Rheinpark Stadium, aiming to bounce back after recent setbacks. The match kicks off at 12 pm ET (21:30 local time) and offers fans a chance to see Scotland test their squad ahead of competitive fixtures. Live Broadcast and Streaming Options for Liechtenstein vs Scotland If you’re in the US and looking to catch the game live, several streaming platforms have you covered. You can watch the match on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2, and ViX. These services offer live coverage, making it easy to follow the action wherever you are.…