News

How the weekend weather caused chaos and disruption Scotland experienced torrential, heavy and persistent rain over the weekend, breaking records for the wettest October day in some locations. The rain caused landslips, flooding, railway and station closures, and nearly a month’s worth of rain falling in 24 hours in some places. Dunstaffnage, in Argyll and Bute, recorded 68.8mm of rainfall in 24 hours, beating the previous record of 59.5mm held since October 1971. Why the weather is turning colder and wintry A cold Arctic wind is forecast to bring freezing temperatures below the averages for this time of year by…

How vapes can harm the environment and wildlife Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are devices that deliver nicotine or other substances to users through a heated aerosol. They are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but they can also pose serious risks to the environment and wildlife if not disposed of properly. According to Zero Waste Scotland, an estimated 26 million disposable vapes are thrown away in Scotland each year, of which 10% are littered and more than half are disposed of incorrectly. This means that millions of vapes end up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment,…

How Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a multipronged attack on Israel, using trucks, boats and hang-gliders to infiltrate the country from the Gaza Strip. They targeted civilian communities near the border, killing more than 1,000 people and taking dozens of hostages. The attack caught Israel and its allies off guard, as they did not detect any signs of an imminent threat. How Israel responded to the Hamas attack Israel retaliated with airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians and destroying many buildings and infrastructure. Israel also received military…

What are Winter Fuel Payments and how to apply? Winter Fuel Payments are a form of cost of living support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people who were born before September 25, 1957. The payments can help with energy bills during the cold season. Applications for Winter Fuel Payment open by post next month, with claims being invited from September 18 onwards. If you are applying by phone, the starting date for claims is October 4. You can find out how to make a claim here. How much will you get and when will you be…

A senior SNP councillor in Renfrewshire has announced her intention to run for the Westminster seat vacated by Mhairi Black, who decided to step down from politics citing the “toxic” environment of the UK Parliament. Who is Jacqueline Cameron? Jacqueline Cameron is the depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and a passionate anti-poverty campaigner. She has been a councillor since 2017 and represents the ward of Johnstone South and Elderslie. She lives in the village of Kilbarchan with her husband and two children. Cameron has a background in education and social work, and has been involved in various community projects and…

The end of the Offshore Wind Worker Concession The UK offshore wind sector is facing challenges from the new immigration rules that came into force after Brexit. The rules require foreign workers who join vessels engaged in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects in UK territorial waters to obtain visas and work permits. This has increased the costs and administrative burden for employers and contractors, as well as creating uncertainty and delays for workers. The Offshore Wind Worker Concession (OWWC), which was introduced by the UK Government in 2017, allowed foreign workers to enter the UK without visas…

Labour leader sets out a “serious, positive” vision for Britain Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, delivered his keynote speech at the party’s conference in Liverpool on Wednesday. He addressed a range of issues, from the cost of living crisis to the climate emergency, and made a direct appeal to Conservative voters who are disillusioned with Boris Johnson’s government. Starmer also outlined his plans to “bulldoze” his way through the obstacles that prevent Britain from becoming a modern, prosperous and fair country. He promised to invest in public services, infrastructure, innovation and skills, and to create a new…

What is the Chain of Freedom event? The Chain of Freedom is a massive demonstration of support for Scottish independence that will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Thousands of Yes activists will line up along the Forth and Clyde canal, which stretches from Bowling to Falkirk, and form a human chain. The event is one of the biggest pro-independence rallies ever organised and aims to show the determination and unity of the Yes movement. How to participate in the Chain of Freedom event? Organisers are urging potential participants to register at the event website to ensure health and…

Scotland left in the dark about possible deal with US The Scottish Government has expressed its serious concerns about the UK Government’s plans to negotiate a trade partnership with the US, saying it was only informed by media reports. The ministers said they were not involved in any discussions and demanded full transparency and accountability from the UK Government. Trade deal could threaten Scottish farming and food standards The ministers also warned that any trade deal with the US could undermine Scotland’s reputation for safety and quality in its food and drink exports. They said they would oppose any relaxation…

A US company that is developing a luxury resort for the mega-rich in Scotland has started work on a wastewater treatment plant without planning permission, The National has learned. Satellite images reveal unauthorized work The Protect Loch Tay (PLT) campaign group has obtained satellite images that show that Discovery Land Company (DLC) has begun work on a “foul water treatment plant” next to Taymouth Castle, though no planning permission has been granted. The plant would include drainage to the River Tay, which is part of a Special Area of Conservation for its wildlife. Environmental concerns raised by NatureScot An application…