News

Parts of Scotland are in for a wintry weekend, with the Met Office forecasting snow over higher ground as chilly conditions persist. While the snowfall may not be heavy, the gloomy weather is expected to linger well into next week before clearer skies emerge. Snow Expected Over Scotland’s Highlands From Friday night into Saturday, snow is likely to fall in parts of Scotland, especially in the Grampians. According to the Met Office, accumulations will be minor, with only a few centimetres expected over higher elevations. A spokesperson for the Met Office confirmed: “That’s not forecast to bring any real accumulation.…

The UK Government is taking steps to overturn a centuries-old legal restriction that has prevented Roman Catholics from holding the prestigious role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. A new bill introduced today aims to remove this barrier, paving the way for Lady Elish Angiolini to make history in 2025. A Role Rooted in Tradition The Lord High Commissioner serves as the Sovereign’s representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a position steeped in historical and religious significance. Each May, the Assembly convenes in Edinburgh to discuss church governance, make…

A gripping new true crime documentary is on its way. BBC Scotland has officially commissioned The Hunt for Peter Tobin, a two-part series exploring the chilling case of one of the UK’s most notorious serial killers. The show will take an in-depth look at how three missing persons cases, spanning over three decades, ultimately led to Tobin’s capture. A Haunting Investigation Unfolds The series, produced by Firecrest Films, marks the third installment in the critically acclaimed The Hunt for… franchise, following The Hunt for Bible John and The Hunt for the World’s End Killers. Both previous series were widely praised…

A group of talented pooches has been lining up for the chance to make their stage debut at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF). With wagging tails and eager eyes, they are all competing for a coveted role in Walking Shadows, a play set to be performed at Websters Theatre on March 21, 22, and 23. A Canine Casting Call Like No Other Finding the perfect dog for the production isn’t just about obedience. The director, Michael Lewis, wants a show-stealer. “The cute factor definitely comes into it,” Lewis admitted. “We need a dog that will have a real impact…

The Scottish government's plan to release hundreds of prisoners early to address overcrowding is raising serious concerns among victims' rights groups. Victim Support Scotland (VSS) warns that the move prioritizes prison resources over the safety and well-being of victims and the public. Government Pushes for Early Releases Amid Overcrowding Scotland's prison population has surged past its target capacity, prompting authorities to take drastic measures. The government plans to release up to 390 inmates who were sentenced to less than four years in prison. Under the scheme, they will be freed after serving 40% of their sentence instead of the usual…

A planned teachers' strike in Glasgow has been put on hold after last-minute talks resulted in a significant policy shift by the city council. Educators, who had prepared to walk out on February 20 in protest against staffing cuts, are now waiting to see if the promised changes are fully implemented. Council Backs Down on Education Cuts Glasgow City Council had initially outlined plans to cut 450 teaching positions over three years as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. Around 120 posts had already been removed, sparking an outcry from teachers and unions. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) argued…

Scotland's top dementia researchers are demanding a bigger slice of UK government funding, arguing that they are being sidelined despite the country leading crucial advances in brain health, diagnosis, and treatment. Alzheimer Scotland, backed by former First Minister Henry McLeish, has called for 10% of new dementia research funding to be allocated north of the border. Calls for Fair Funding Share Alzheimer Scotland CEO Henry Simmons has formally written to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, urging a more equitable distribution of UK dementia research funding. He claims Scottish scientists face restrictions that limit their ability to…

The Scottish Government has committed to implementing 44 recommendations aimed at addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the nursing and midwifery workforce. These proposals, outlined in the final report of the Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, focus on improving staffing conditions, career progression, and workplace flexibility. Key Areas of Reform Identified The taskforce’s recommendations span eight broad categories, each addressing critical issues affecting nursing and midwifery staff. From work-life balance to career development, the report provides a framework for meaningful change. Safe staffing levels to ensure breaks and manageable workloads. Flexible working policies to accommodate diverse needs. Education reforms, including…

Theatre enthusiasts and Shakespeare aficionados are in for a treat as Lees-McRae College’s Theatre Arts department stages a gripping production of The Tragedy of Macbeth. The show will run from Thursday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 2, at the Hayes Auditorium, promising an unforgettable experience of ambition, fate, and supernatural intrigue. A Timeless Tale with a Fresh Perspective For over four centuries, Macbeth has mesmerized audiences with its intense drama and dark themes. Murder, witches, betrayal—this story has it all. While the core narrative remains unchanged, each adaptation brings a fresh interpretation, and this production is no exception. The student-led…

Scottish Labour has promised to preserve key social benefits introduced by the SNP, including free bus passes, university tuition, NHS prescriptions, and the baby box scheme. But is this a genuine commitment to supporting Scots, or a politically expedient move to avoid backlash? As economic strains mount, the party’s stance raises pressing questions about sustainability and honesty in governance. The Cost of Free Services It’s no secret that Scotland’s generous public spending model comes with a hefty price tag. Billions are allocated annually to maintain universal benefits, even as public services struggle under financial constraints. Critics argue that this model,…