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A landmark reform in Scottish financial law is set to take effect on April 1, 2025, with the introduction of the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023. This long-anticipated legislation is expected to transform how businesses and lenders create security over moveable assets, bringing Scotland in line with other major jurisdictions. What the New Law Changes Historically, Scotland's legal framework for taking security over moveable assets—such as receivables, intellectual property, and inventory—has been seen as outdated compared to England and other international markets. The new Act introduces two key mechanisms that will modernize the system: Statutory Pledge – Allows businesses and…

A new report has sparked optimism in Scotland’s renewable energy sector, highlighting a potential $10 billion boost from wave and tidal power by 2050. Industry leaders are embracing the findings, which point to thousands of jobs and substantial economic growth tied to marine energy. A Bold Vision for Scotland’s Marine Energy A study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) subsidiary Wave Energy Scotland (WES) and Scottish Enterprise, and conducted by the University of Edinburgh’s Policy and Innovation Group, projects that Scotland could develop up to 8.8 GW of marine energy capacity within the next 25 years. The report envisions…

Quorum Cyber, a cybersecurity powerhouse from Scotland, is making bold moves in the U.S. market. Backed by private equity, the company has acquired two American firms and is leveraging its expertise in AI-driven security and Microsoft technologies to fuel international expansion. Strategic Expansion Driven By Market Demand Quorum Cyber's entry into the U.S. wasn't initially part of its roadmap. However, as CEO and founder Freddy Charosky explains, the company identified a strong market need through data analysis and decided to act. “The data coming from America showed there's clearly a need,” Charosky said in an interview. “What could we do…

Scotland’s space industry is gaining momentum, with hopes that the country can rival Cape Canaveral as a key player in global space exploration. The upcoming first-ever orbital rocket launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland this summer is set to mark a significant milestone in Scotland’s aerospace ambitions. Scotland’s Growing Role in the Space Economy Scotland is positioning itself as a leader in the European space sector, with expectations to secure a £4 billion share of the global space economy. The country has developed strong capabilities in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space data analysis, making it a key player in…

The Scottish public has played a vital role in tackling crime, with a record 18,000 pieces of information submitted to Crimestoppers between March 31, 2023, and April 1, 2024. This marks the highest number of contacts in the charity’s 36-year history, showing a strong commitment to making communities safer. Scotland’s Communities Drive Crimestoppers’ Success Scotland’s communities continue to be at the core of Crimestoppers’ efforts. The surge in reports includes information submitted through the Fearless youth service, which empowers young people to speak up anonymously about crime. This milestone is being celebrated with the charity’s annual impact campaign, backed by…

A psychiatric unit in Glasgow, meant to provide care for vulnerable teenagers, is now at the center of disturbing allegations. Former patients of Skye House, Scotland's largest children's psychiatric hospital, claim they were mocked, restrained excessively, and subjected to cruel treatment by nurses. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued an apology, calling the claims "deeply concerning," and has launched two investigations following a BBC Disclosure report. Patients Speak Out on Alleged Mistreatment Young people who were treated at the 24-bed facility between 2017 and 2024 have described an environment of fear and trauma. Many were admitted under the Mental…

The response to the impending closure of Scotland’s only oil refinery at Grangemouth has been slammed as insufficient, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stating there has been "nowhere near enough progress" in supporting affected workers. The facility, operated by Petroineos, is set to shut down by summer, eliminating over 400 jobs. Political Leaders Voice Concerns Sarwar criticized the UK government’s handling of the situation, insisting that Labour ministers were "looking robustly" at ways to support the site and ensure a just transition for workers. He acknowledged efforts such as Project Willow, a feasibility study aimed at developing new industry…

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved six new drugs for use within NHS Scotland, including a breakthrough breast cancer treatment that could extend the lives of patients battling advanced forms of the disease. However, a promising Alzheimer’s medication was denied due to concerns over cost-effectiveness. New Hope for Breast Cancer Patients Among the newly approved treatments is Olaparib, a targeted therapy for adults with breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 gene or those with mutated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Marketed under the brand name Lynparza, the drug offers fresh hope for patients with limited treatment options. Claire Rowney, Chief…

NFU Scotland has elected Andrew Connon as its new president, with Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill securing vice-presidential positions. The announcement comes following the union’s latest leadership election, setting the stage for a new term in Scottish agriculture representation. Andrew Connon Takes the Helm Andrew Connon will serve as NFU Scotland’s president for the next two years. His vice-presidents, Macalister and Neill, will also initially hold their positions for two years before the role returns to an annual election cycle. Connon, a farmer from Ellon, Aberdeenshire, expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “It is an incredible honour to have been elected,…

The legal battle between nurse Sandie Peggie and NHS Fife has taken a dramatic turn, with new evidence suggesting a possible failure to comply with a judicial order. The case, revolving around Peggie’s claims of unlawful harassment and discrimination, is now facing delays due to last-minute document disclosures and mounting legal challenges. Key Evidence Withheld Until the Last Minute The employment tribunal was set to wrap up by February 14, but proceedings were disrupted last week when Peggie’s legal team made an urgent application for further evidence disclosure. According to her counsel, including Naomi Cunningham, Margaret Gribbon, and Charlotte Elves,…