News

Care workers across Scotland are preparing to strike later this month, marking the first national walkout in over ten years. The move comes after years of frustration over pay and promises unmet by the Scottish government, with staff from Enable Scotland set to take part in the action across several regions. The strikes kick off on May 29 in East Renfrewshire, spreading through Aberdeenshire, Moray, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. They will culminate in a rally and march at the Scottish Parliament on June 12, spotlighting the growing crisis in social care. A Workforce Pushed to the Edge Anna Baird, a…

Scotland is stepping up alongside Japan, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and others by planning a new tourism tax aimed at cruise passengers. The move targets mounting pressures on infrastructure and local communities, particularly in hotspots like the Orkney Islands, where visitor numbers have surged far beyond what the small population can handle. This decision signals a shift in how popular cruise destinations deal with overtourism, focusing on sustainability and fairness as more tourists arrive by sea. Orkney’s Overwhelmed Streets Spark Urgent Calls for a Cruise Tax The Orkney Islands, off Scotland’s northeast coast, are famous for their rich history and stunning…

More than 16,000 households in Scotland remain homeless, with over 10,000 children stuck in temporary accommodation. Despite the government’s declaration of a housing emergency a year ago, new data shows the problem is worsening — and families like Laura’s are feeling the squeeze more than ever. Living on Borrowed Time: Laura’s Story of Uncertainty Laura’s story hits close to home for many. Evicted from her private rental in 2021, she and her four kids have been stuck in temporary flats ever since. Her family’s home, once in South Queensferry, has turned into a revolving door of uncertainty. “Calling it a…

The Scottish National Investment Bank has made strong strides since its launch but now faces tough financial hurdles. New rules from the UK Treasury and Scottish budget limits threaten to stall its path to financial independence, raising questions about its future funding. Progress and Promise: The Bank’s Early Achievements Since opening its doors in 2020, the bank has been a key player in Scotland’s green and economic transformation. By the end of the 2024/25 financial year, it had pumped over £785 million into 43 businesses and projects. That’s a hefty sum, and it helped attract £1.4 billion in private sector…

The Moroccan Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Hakim Hajoui, is set to visit Scotland with a clear mission: deepen cooperation between Scotland and Morocco, especially in renewable energy, agriculture, and education. This diplomatic move could open new doors for both nations, sparking fresh partnerships and innovation. Scotland and Morocco: A Green Partnership in the Making Morocco is not just any African economy — it’s one of the fastest-growing on the continent and a leader in the renewable energy race. The country aims to generate more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. That’s a bold target,…

The United States has issued a new travel advisory for the United Kingdom, raising the alert level due to growing terrorism threats and violence. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are now considered higher risk, with authorities urging travelers to stay vigilant and take immediate safety precautions. Rising Threats Across the UK’s Major Hubs The US government’s updated warning shines a spotlight on the persistent threat of terrorism in the UK, especially in busy, crowded places. Airports, train stations, tourist hotspots, shopping districts, and government buildings are among the locations at heightened risk. The advisory points out that terrorist groups…

Scotland took a major step Tuesday by approving the initial stage of a bill to allow physician-assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The bill passed with 70 votes in favor and 56 against, signaling growing support for this sensitive and controversial issue. What the Bill Proposes and Who It Affects The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill aims to provide terminally ill adults the legal right to seek medical assistance to end their lives. Introduced in 2024 by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, this bill could change the way Scotland approaches end-of-life care. Eligibility rules are clear but…

Swedish wave energy firm CorPower Ocean has secured a berth at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland, aiming to roll out a 5-megawatt wave energy array by 2029. The project could become the largest wave energy installation in the UK. Scotland’s Waters to Host UK’s Largest Wave Energy Array CorPower Ocean’s new venture at EMEC marks a significant step for wave energy in the UK. The plan is to install 14 wave energy converters (WECs) at EMEC’s Billia Croo grid-connected test site off Orkney. These devices will operate for approximately 15 years, tapping into the power of…

Scotland is set to host His Excellency Hakim Hajoui, the Ambassador of Morocco to the United Kingdom, in a diplomatic visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit, organized by the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), will focus on three key areas: renewable energy, agriculture, and education. Strengthening Ties in Renewable Energy The Moroccan government has set ambitious goals to produce over 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. As one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Morocco has been making significant strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar, wind, and green hydrogen sectors. The country…

In a surprising move, Swedish fashion brand GANT has closed its Glasgow city centre store with immediate effect, leaving customers and local businesses speculating over the reasons behind the abrupt decision. The store, located at 230 Ingram Street, directly across from the Gallery of Modern Art, had long been a fixture in the city’s luxury retail quarter, offering premium men’s and women’s apparel, sportswear, watches, and accessories. A sign posted in the shop window now simply reads: “We are now closed.” No Prior Announcement As of Tuesday morning, no official press release has been issued by GANT regarding the store…