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A recent analysis from the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor has highlighted the significant economic impact Brexit trade barriers could have on Scotland, estimating a potential cost of £4 billion to the country's economy. This analysis, focusing on trade reductions alone, does not account for broader changes in productivity, investment, or migration. Trade Losses in Key Sectors The report from the Trade Modelling Report outlines how Scottish exports could experience a 7.2% reduction, equating to a loss of £3 billion compared to what might have been expected had Scotland remained part of the European Union (EU). Several key sectors…

Police in Scotland have arrested more than 1,300 individuals for drink and drug driving offences during the recent festive season, according to figures released by Police Scotland. This crackdown aimed at reducing road accidents and ensuring road safety revealed a concerning number of impaired drivers on Scotland’s roads. Key Statistics from the Police Scotland Campaign From 1 December to 19 January, Police Scotland conducted an intensive campaign to combat drink and drug driving. The figures indicate a worrying trend of individuals choosing to drive under the influence: 1,367 total offences were recorded during the campaign period. Out of 4,779 breath…

In a significant move aimed at reducing prison overcrowding, the Scottish Government has announced that up to 390 prisoners will be released early, beginning in February. This controversial decision follows the passing of emergency legislation last year, allowing eligible inmates to be released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the previous 50%. The change, which is set to take effect on 11 February, has sparked debates on its impact on public safety, the justice system, and victim support. Aiming for Overcrowding Relief The decision to release prisoners early comes as part of the Scottish Government's efforts to alleviate…

In a recent article, the Mercat Group highlighted the need for a vital conversation on how public services in Scotland are delivered. For over 25 years, Scotland has seen the devolution of power from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament, yet local councils have seen little of that power returned. Instead, more services are being managed by unelected quangos, diminishing the influence and capacity of local authorities. A Vision of Local Empowerment The Mercat Group, comprising former chief executives from Scottish local authorities, argues that the original devolution settlement has been reversed. While services continue to be centralized, the role of…

Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to shut down 136 of its high street branches, marking a significant change for customers. The closures, spanning across Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland brands, will unfold between May this year and March 2026. The move comes as part of a larger shift in how customers interact with their banks. Branches Across Three Brands to Be Affected The closures will affect 61 Lloyds branches, 61 Halifax locations, and 14 Bank of Scotland sites. This restructuring is part of Lloyds' broader strategy to adapt to changing customer behavior. With more and more customers turning…

Scotland is looking to boost its seed potato exports, with a particular focus on emerging markets such as Jordan and Brazil, while simultaneously negotiating for a return to the European Union market. The country's seed potato industry is currently thriving in markets like Egypt and Morocco, but it aims to expand its presence and overcome recent challenges caused by the EU ban. Expanding Exports to Emerging Markets In the 2023/24 season, Scotland exported over 92,000 tonnes of seed potatoes, with Egypt being the largest market, accounting for 60% of the exports. Morocco followed with 10%, and the remainder was distributed…

Scotland is placing a significant bet on the future of renewable energy by investing in a £2 billion subsea cable factory, located in North Ayrshire. This project, set to begin construction on the site of a former coal-handling port, is a critical part of the country’s strategy to foster economic growth through the transition to net-zero energy. The factory will produce high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables that are crucial for transmitting renewable energy, and its success could shape Scotland's position in the global renewable energy supply chain. Regeneration and Jobs in Deprived Areas The factory, developed by manufacturing start-up XLCC,…

Scotland's ambitious goal to reduce car use by 20% by 2030, set five years ago, is now deemed “unlikely” to be met, according to a recent report from public spending watchdogs. Despite strong climate commitments, including a declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, progress toward this target has been minimal, with the Scottish government failing to create a cohesive plan to reduce car use and cut emissions. Minimal Progress and Lack of Leadership Audit Scotland, the body responsible for overseeing government spending, and the Accounts Commission, which monitors local government spending, reported that Scotland has made little progress in…

E.ON Drive, the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure arm of the global energy supplier E.ON, has unveiled plans to install 42 ultra-rapid EV charging points across six locations in Scotland. This ambitious project aims to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and efficient, particularly in key areas like Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling, and Dunfermline. Each of these new chargers will be capable of adding up to 150 miles of driving range in just ten minutes, addressing one of the primary concerns of EV owners: charging time. This move comes as part of a broader effort to expand Scotland’s EV infrastructure, contributing to…

Stroke in Scotland: A Growing Concern The latest Scottish Stroke Statistics, published by Public Health Scotland, highlights several critical trends that are cause for concern, particularly as Scotland’s population continues to age. According to Jane Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), while there has been a slight decrease in the number of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases, the increase in stroke cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Forecasted Rise in Strokes The report from Public Health Scotland outlines a forecasted 35% increase in cerebrovascular disease cases from 2019 to 2044, equating to…