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The search for two missing sisters in Aberdeen has taken a tragic turn after police recovered the body of a woman from the River Dee. While formal identification is still pending, the family of Henrietta Huszti has been informed of the discovery. The search for her sister, Eliza, is still ongoing. Body Discovered Near Queen Elizabeth Bridge Police Scotland confirmed that a body was found in the River Dee near Queen Elizabeth Bridge at approximately 07:55. The location is close to where Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, both 32, were last seen on 7 January. Supt David Howieson stated that investigators…

A Scottish musician is proving that bagpipes are more than just a relic of tradition. Anna Smart, a 24-year-old music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, is reimagining the instrument for modern audiences. A Childhood Passion Turned Global Phenomenon Originally from Fife, Smart first picked up the bagpipes at the age of six. What started as a childhood hobby quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Now, she is a key member of the Rollin' Drones, a bagpipe pop group that blends Scotland’s iconic instrument with contemporary music. Performing Across the World Smart’s musical journey has taken her…

Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes never fail to impress, and over the past week, locals and visitors alike have captured some truly spectacular moments. From frosty lakes to curious Highland cows, these snapshots showcase the country’s natural beauty in all its glory. Highland Cows Soak Up the Sunshine A drive through the scenic countryside near St Andrews and Crail led Allison McMahon to a charming sight—three Highland cows basking in the sunshine. The iconic shaggy-haired cattle stood proudly in the grass, all facing the camera as if posing for their moment in the spotlight. With their thick coats and calm demeanor, they…

A new report from Audit Scotland has cast doubt on Scotland’s ability to achieve its ambitious goal of reducing car kilometres driven by 20% by 2030. The independent public body’s findings suggest that a lack of leadership, fragmented spending, and unclear guidance are key reasons why the target remains out of reach. UK charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has expressed little surprise at the report’s conclusions, highlighting that Scotland has yet to develop a solid plan to back up its goal. “The Scottish Government published a draft route map on reducing private car use back in 2022, but the final…

As Edinburgh becomes the first city in Scotland to approve a tourist tax, Perth and Kinross is now considering whether to implement a similar levy, potentially following in the footsteps of its larger neighbor. Discussions are already underway among council officials, local businesses, and residents to assess the feasibility of a visitor tax aimed at managing the costs of tourism in the region. Edinburgh’s Model and Potential Impact on Perth and Kinross Edinburgh, which is set to introduce a tourist tax by summer 2026, will charge visitors an additional 5% on their accommodation costs. This levy is expected to generate…

In recent weeks, bird flu cases have been surging across the UK, sparking concerns about its potential spread. However, health experts are stressing that the risk to humans remains extremely low, despite the increasing number of infections among birds. Bird Flu Outbreaks in the UK and Beyond Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been wreaking havoc on bird populations in the UK, leading to the implementation of strict control measures. In England, Scotland, and Wales, avian influenza control zones have been set up to curb the virus’s spread, especially among wild birds and poultry. These zones aim to…

As countries roll out their tax reforms for 2025, it’s interesting to see how India’s income tax rates stack up against those of other developed nations. With debates around tax fairness and the economic impact of such rates heating up, here's a look at the highest tax rates on personal income around the globe. US vs. India: Comparing Tax Brackets In the United States, the federal tax system is progressive, with the maximum rate of 37% levied on earnings above $609,000 (around ₹5.3 crore). The rates vary depending on income, with lower earners paying significantly less. For instance, those with…

Scotland is unveiling a new visa pathway aimed at international graduates who wish to stay and work in the country after their studies. The proposed ‘Scottish Graduate Visa’ is designed to ease the transition for students into the workforce while tackling Scotland’s ongoing demographic and economic challenges. What the Scottish Graduate Visa Offers The Scottish Graduate Visa, which would be valid for up to two years, aims to bridge the gap between the Study/Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker visa. Graduates would be required to live and work in Scotland during this period, linking them to a Scottish tax code.…

Scottish Premiership clubs are being urged to prioritize the future of the entire Scottish football pyramid by agreeing to share a portion of the new UEFA solidarity payments with their counterparts in the Championship. The concern is that failing to distribute the funds fairly could widen the growing gap between the top tier and second-tier clubs, potentially creating a "closed shop" at the top of Scottish football. UEFA Solidarity Payments: A Crucial Opportunity In March and June 2025, Scotland is set to receive a total of €6.018 million in UEFA solidarity payments—money distributed by UEFA to clubs that miss out…

Plans for a Talgo train factory at the former Longannet Power Station site, situated on the banks of the River Forth in central Scotland, have officially been scrapped. Once seen as a potential economic boost for the area, the dream of a state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility is no longer a reality. This marks the end of a long-running saga tied to the future of the Longannet site, which has witnessed significant change in recent years. The Disappointment for the Region The Longannet site, located between Edinburgh and Stirling, has been at the center of various proposals for regeneration since the…