News

Scotland’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions takes a bold step forward with the unveiling of its first-ever "hydrogen homes" in Fife. These homes, part of the H100 Fife trial, will soon serve as a testing ground for a large-scale project that aims to replace natural gas with hydrogen in residential heating systems. Hydrogen Homes: A New Era for Sustainable Living The groundbreaking initiative, launched by SGN, a natural gas distributor, marks a significant moment in the push for greener energy alternatives. Three homes have been specially constructed and connected to a hydrogen gas grid that began operations in December 2024.…

The site of a former BT data center in Glasgow, Scotland, is set to undergo a significant transformation with plans for a new residential-led mixed-use development. The final proposals have been submitted for the land at 145 Elliot Street, a location that has seen a history of telecommunications use and is now poised to cater to a variety of urban needs. A Vision for a Revitalized Area The former data center building, which has already been demolished, is part of the Lancefield Quay area, a section of Glasgow that is undergoing significant regeneration. The plot, described as a vacant brownfield…

Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricket captain, has taken a step into the world of luxury spirits with the launch of Dram Bell, a premium Blended Scotch Whisky. The product, bottled in Scotland, was unveiled at an exclusive event held in Mumbai on February 5, 2025. The Exclusive Launch Event The glittering event, hosted at Imara – Turf Club, Mumbai, was an invitation-only affair attended by key industry players and whisky enthusiasts. The launch event also featured Kevin Pietersen, who is not only a marquee investor in Ardent Alcobev but also a passionate advocate for the brand. As one of…

Former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright is gearing up for another endurance challenge in support of Doddie Weir's My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which aims to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. Wainwright will lead a 300-strong team of cyclists in the Doddie’s Grand Tour 2025, an 800-mile journey from Dublin to Edinburgh, to honor his late teammate and MND campaigner, Doddie Weir. A Challenge to Remember The event, which will begin at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and end at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, will take cyclists through a picturesque and challenging route. The final stretch is timed to coincide…

"Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine" Highlights Global Collaboration and Innovation A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland is shedding light on the monumental global effort to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Titled "Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine," the exhibition explores the scientific, logistical, and human aspects of one of the most significant health achievements of the 21st century. A Deep Dive into the Vaccine Development Process The exhibition takes visitors through the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, looking at the UK-wide efforts and the scientific principles behind the innovative research. It also…

The Timespan Heritage and Art Centre in Helmsdale has expressed their "absolute delight" after securing a significant £710,941 funding award from Creative Scotland. This generous grant will be spread across the next three years and is part of a wider initiative by Creative Scotland to support the arts, screen, and creative industries across Scotland. Significant Investment in Scottish Culture Timespan Heritage and Art Centre, located in the picturesque village of Helmsdale in Sutherland, is one of 251 Scottish organizations benefiting from this funding. Across Scotland, Creative Scotland has allocated more than £200 million to support various cultural initiatives, including grants…

The Scottish Greens have hailed their role in negotiating a transformative budget that promises significant improvements for both people and the planet. Thanks to their tireless efforts, vital investments have been secured in climate action, public services, and child poverty reduction, marking a major step forward in tackling Scotland’s most pressing challenges. Key Wins for the Green Party The Scottish Greens' negotiations have secured numerous significant gains for the country, including: Climate Action: A record level of investment to tackle the climate crisis, ensuring Scotland remains on track for its environmental commitments. Public Services: Additional funding for local services, including…

Scotland's rail network has now fully reopened following the widespread damage caused by Storm Eowyn, which struck the country last week. The storm, which hit on January 24, left significant destruction in its wake, including widespread disruption to transport infrastructure. Final Route Reopened The last remaining closed route—the Girvan to Stranraer line in South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway—was restored overnight on Friday, marking the final step in Network Rail Scotland's extensive recovery efforts. The company had worked tirelessly to clear debris, including hundreds of fallen trees, which caused extensive damage and blocked tracks across the region. Praise for Network…

Scotland's National Health Service (NHS) is facing increased scrutiny over its ability to meet its reform goals, with a recent public audit committee session highlighting gaps in the current metrics used to assess progress. Key issues include the ability to track the full scope of NHS activities and how that impacts patient care and waiting times. The lack of comprehensive monitoring is seen as a barrier to properly understanding the extent of improvements made and the effectiveness of new strategies. Audit Scotland’s Urging for Clearer Metrics Audit Scotland, the national public sector watchdog, has long called for the Scottish government…

In a notable turn of events, Police Scotland has withdrawn its legal challenge concerning the terms of reference for the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. This decision comes after the 31-year-old father-of-two died on May 3, 2015, following an intervention by police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The shift marks a significant moment in the inquiry, which has faced growing pressure to expand its investigation to include potential racial factors in Bayoh’s death. A Strained Legal Battle The death of Sheku Bayoh after being restrained by officers led to an ongoing inquiry, which has drawn significant public and…