News

The ongoing election of a new pope marks the second conclave in a row without a Scottish cardinal, a void that stems from the scandal surrounding Cardinal Keith O'Brien. Despite Scotland’s prominent history in the Catholic Church, the country’s reputation has been deeply affected by O'Brien's abrupt resignation in 2013, following allegations of sexual misconduct. A Seismic Blow to Scotland’s Church Standing In the spring of 2013, Cardinal Keith O'Brien was poised to take part in the election of Pope Francis. But just days before the conclave began, O'Brien resigned as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh after multiple allegations…

Scotland’s rocky history just got a major rewrite. New research reveals that a massive meteorite struck the country 990 million years ago—much more recently than scientists had believed—upending long-held timelines and sparking new theories about the emergence of life on Earth. A Shocking Adjustment to Scotland’s Ancient Past For years, geologists pegged the impact that formed the famous Stac Fada Member rocks in northwestern Scotland at 1.2 billion years ago. Turns out, they were off by a cool 200 million years. A team led by Professor Chris Kirkland at Curtin University’s Frontier Institute has now confirmed the meteorite impact actually…

Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has reached a significant agreement with the Scottish Government, securing a guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £120 million for the 2025/26 fiscal year. This marks a £10 million increase from the £110 million allocated in the previous year, solidifying CPS’s role in supporting Scotland's vital pharmacy services. However, this deal represents just the first phase of ongoing negotiations, which will continue into the coming months. As part of a broader discussion on community pharmacy funding, CPS and the Scottish Government have initially agreed on reimbursement arrangements, with further negotiations to focus on the Global Sum element of…

Scottish housing charities are pressing the First Minister, John Swinney, to include a crucial pledge in his Programme for Government aimed at tackling the ongoing housing crisis. With the number of people living in temporary accommodation reaching a historic high, charities are demanding that homebuilding be prioritized in the government's upcoming legislative agenda. As John Swinney prepares to unveil his proposals for Scotland's future, the pressure is mounting to address one of the country’s most urgent challenges. With homelessness numbers rising, there is no better time to commit to significant action. Record Numbers in Temporary Homeless Accommodation Scotland’s homelessness problem…

Celtic’s Emma Lawton has capped off a transformative year in professional football by claiming the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award — a fitting final flourish to a 12-month spell that has propelled the 23-year-old from part-time obscurity to international recognition. In a season of turbulence for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side, Lawton emerged as a beacon of consistency and excellence. Her reward: the top individual honour in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, as voted for by fellow professionals. “It’s a real honour when it’s voted by the people you play against every week — it’s special,” Lawton said…

As John Swinney prepares to unveil his Programme for Government on Tuesday, his party’s past pledges are coming under sharp focus — and the results are decidedly mixed. Three years since the SNP won the 2021 Holyrood election, the manifesto that helped carry them to power is showing its age. Some pledges have been delivered. Others were shelved, delayed, or quietly dropped as political chaos, global crises, and domestic pressure mounted. This moment offers a revealing audit of what Scotland’s ruling party has managed to achieve — and what it hasn't. NHS: A Win on Funding, A Collapse on Care…

Scotland has greenlit 11 hydrogen ventures for a £3.4 million cash injection, aiming to power up its green energy ambitions and speed up the country’s move away from fossil fuels. The funding, announced Monday, covers everything from production to transport and storage — giving a real push to projects that could shape the nation’s future energy backbone. Winners Named After Intense Shortlisting Round It wasn’t a free-for-all. This fund didn’t just land in anyone’s lap. Back in September 2024, the Scottish Government opened the doors for applications under a match-funding scheme. Applicants could claim up to 50% of their project…

Police Scotland officers across the country have undergone new specialist training in the use of VIN Chip technology as part of a nationwide effort to combat rural and agricultural theft, a growing issue plaguing Scotland's farming communities. The training initiative—delivered from Inverness to Dumfries—aims to tackle the rising number of thefts of quad bikes, trailers, and agricultural machinery. So far this year alone, 34 quad bikes, 13 trailers, and 10 agricultural vehicles and plant, with a combined value of £536,500, have been reported stolen. The hardest-hit regions include The Lothians and Scottish Borders, according to Police Scotland. A High-Tech Approach…

Scotland has allocated £3.4 million in public funding to 11 hydrogen infrastructure projects, supporting a nationwide push to scale up green hydrogen production, storage, and transport in line with its Net Zero 2045 goals. The funding—roughly $4.5 million USD—was awarded to a mix of feasibility studies and full-scale developments, with several high-profile companies among the beneficiaries. The largest single grant went to Green Cat Hydrogen for its Creca Hydrogen Facility in Dumfries and Galloway, which received £490,088. The plant, located beside the decommissioned Chapelcross nuclear site, is expected to produce over 4,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. “Hydrogen stands as…

A historic set of 300-year-old pistols has made its long-awaited return to the Scottish town of Doune, where they were originally crafted. Ten Doune flintlock pistols, now on permanent public display at Doune’s Information and Heritage Center, offer a glimpse into Scotland’s rich gunsmithing history. These iconic firearms, which spent decades in private collections, are recognized for their distinct craftsmanship and intricate decorative artistry, including finely engraved Celtic patterns and silver wire inlays. A Masterpiece of Gunsmithing: The History of Doune Pistols The Doune pistols are more than just functional weapons; they are a testament to the artistry of 17th…