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A new study is tagging wild red deer in Scotland’s Highlands with GPS collars to understand how their movements and grazing habits are reshaping the land. And the early signs suggest it could be a game-changer in managing both deer numbers and fragile ecosystems. Why the Red Deer Matters More Than You Think Scotland’s red deer are majestic, no doubt. But there’s a problem. Their population has exploded over the past few decades — and with that comes pressure on native woodlands, peatlands, and rewilding projects. Red deer, unlike roe or sika, are huge and hungry. They can stop a…

Scotland’s property tax system is running on numbers more than three decades out of date — and one senior minister just reignited the fire under it. But within hours, that spark was quickly doused by the Scottish Government. Ivan McKee Says What Others Won’t Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said a full revaluation of council tax bands was “absolutely needed” and plans were already being worked on behind the scenes. The comment sent ripples through Holyrood and beyond — particularly because any revaluation would hit some households hard, moving them into higher tax bands based…

Scotland’s growing seagull problem has soared beyond nuisance — and into public safety territory. Calls are mounting for a nationwide summit, with some politicians warning that without urgent action, “someone could be killed.” 'Aggressive, Traumatic, Dangerous': The Eyemouth Example You can laugh — until it’s your kid being divebombed on the way to school. That’s the warning from Rachael Hamilton, Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, who told the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that seven children were attacked by gulls in Eyemouth — in just one month last year. One girl suffered gashes to her scalp so deep she…

Scotland is betting big on hydrogen. But it’s not just about clean fuel — it’s about future-proofing an entire economy. As net zero deadlines loom, the country is eyeing green hydrogen as both a climate solution and industrial revival. Grangemouth in the Spotlight The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee has been holding hearings in May 2025 focused on the industrial powerhouse of Grangemouth — a critical site for both current hydrogen production and future ambitions. Grangemouth is already home to hydrogen manufacturing via steam methane reforming (SMR) — a carbon-intensive process classified as grey hydrogen. But policymakers…

Scotland’s GPs are drawing a line in the sand. The British Medical Association (BMA) has declared a formal dispute with the Scottish Government, accusing ministers of years of underfunding that has left surgeries unable to cope. Doctors are warning this is just the beginning. If nothing changes, a ballot on disruptive action — including potential service reductions — could be next. A Crisis That's Been Building for Years This isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s about surgeries struggling to stay open, GPs burning out, and communities being left without access to basic care. In a strongly worded joint statement, BMA Scotland’s…

Hundreds of bus orders may still not be enough. That’s the blunt warning from Alexander Dennis boss Paul Davies, who told Scottish lawmakers that the company’s future in Scotland hangs by a thread. Even with new vehicle demand on the table, Davies says it’s "not guaranteed" the firm’s Falkirk and Larbert sites can be saved. Orders Coming In — But Still Not Enough Alexander Dennis is Scotland’s last major bus manufacturer. It’s built thousands of vehicles over the decades and has long been one of the Central Belt’s key employers. But now, it’s at risk of leaving Scotland entirely. Paul…

The madness is back. Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2 has dropped its first teaser ahead of its July 25 release, teasing fans with a Scottish backdrop, larger-than-life confrontations, and a touching appearance by the late Mukul Dev in his final screen role. It’s funny, it’s action-packed, and for a few seconds — it’s also heartbreakingly emotional. Scotland Sets the Stage, But It’s Jassi’s World The teaser, running 49 seconds, opens with Jassi’s shadow cutting across the Highland mist, followed by the now-iconic drum-heavy hook from the first film’s title track. Instantly recognisable, the music signals the return of the…

Greenergy is making big moves in Scotland. The UK-based energy supplier has struck a long-term deal to expand its operations at the Exolum terminal in Grangemouth — a move that promises to reinforce fuel supply across the region. It’s not just about bigger tanks or more trucks. It’s a strategic push to shore up Scotland’s energy resilience and offer more choice in a landscape still adjusting to geopolitical shocks and tightening emissions rules. A Quiet Giant in the Fuel Game If you’ve never heard of Greenergy, that’s kind of the point. They don’t run filling stations or sell their name…

Scotland may be known for its rain, but experts are urging caution. Despite a few damp weeks, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) says parts of the country — particularly the east — are still struggling with low water levels. It’s not time to relax yet. The east coast remains “at risk,” and drought pressures haven't fully lifted. Rainfall Isn’t Fixing Everything It’s been a wet June, no doubt. But SEPA’s latest bulletin says the recent rainfall hasn’t been enough to reverse long-standing dry conditions across eastern Scotland. That means rivers, groundwater levels, and reservoirs in some areas are still…

A new chapter is about to begin for Scotland’s most remote island link. The Shetland Islands Council has officially awarded a £5.6 million construction contract to Parkol Marine Engineering to build a replacement ferry for the Good Shepherd IV, the lifeline vessel that’s served Fair Isle since 1986. It’s taken years of planning, lobbying, and a sizable chunk of "levelling up" cash from Westminster — but locals are finally getting the green light on a more modern, more resilient connection to the mainland. A Long-Awaited Lifeline for Fair Isle Let’s be honest — the Good Shepherd IV has had a…