News

In a move aimed at alleviating pressure on Scotland's overcrowded prison system, the Scottish Parliament passed the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday, November 27, 2024. The legislation will reduce the time served by short-term prisoners, cutting their sentences from 50% to 40%. This reform is part of a broader strategy to tackle rising prison populations and ensure better management of the justice system. Key Details of the New Bill The bill, which is set to take effect in February 2025, applies to prisoners who are serving sentences of less than four years. However, it excludes those convicted of…

Highland activist Peter Todd, a well-known critic of the Scottish Government's centralization of health services, has revealed that he was visited by two officers from Police Scotland over sensitive documents he obtained through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests. FoI Requests Uncover Unredacted Information Todd, who has gained attention for his frequent use of FoI legislation, recently received unredacted documents from the Scottish Government. These included WhatsApp messages sent during the Covid-19 pandemic by Alyson Stafford, Director General of the Scottish Exchequer. The messages, which were part of his broader campaign to challenge decisions on health service centralization in the Highlands,…

Crown Estate Scotland has announced a £250,000 investment to support the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, led by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. The funding will be directed toward the Environmental Interactions Strategic Programme (EISP), a multi-year initiative aimed at improving the environmental sustainability of the UK’s floating offshore wind sector. Boosting Environmental Impact Assessments The EISP will focus on advancing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for floating offshore wind projects, which differ from traditional fixed wind installations in terms of their environmental and operational impacts. The programme seeks to address uncertainties surrounding the use of mooring…

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison has strongly criticized a planned £300m funding increase from the UK government, stating it falls significantly short of the funds needed to cover a rise in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions. The shortfall could leave Scotland's public services under severe financial strain, she warned. Funding Gap Raises Concerns The UK government announced the additional funds to support devolved administrations in offsetting higher public sector staff costs triggered by the recent NI increase. However, Robison has estimated the true cost to Scotland at over £500m for direct public sector employees—rising to £750m when including indirect employees,…

The Kelpies, towering 98ft (30m) sculptures of mythical water horses, have captivated visitors near Falkirk for the past decade. Now, a new attraction will allow people to step inside these iconic structures and experience the breathtaking views from their unique vantage points. This development offers visitors a chance to see the surrounding area from the perspective of the legendary creatures themselves, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for those brave enough to climb into the head of a Kelpie. A New Perspective on Falkirk’s Landscape The Kelpies, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott, have become an enduring symbol of Scottish folklore and…

Scotland is open to hosting a wind turbine manufacturing plant by China’s Mingyang Smart Energy, despite concerns raised over potential security risks, according to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. Speaking to the Financial Times, Forbes emphasized the need for a robust supply chain to meet Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy targets, suggesting that facilities from both Mingyang and Denmark-based wind leader Vestas could be necessary to achieve those goals. Expanding Scotland's Renewable Infrastructure Scotland is at the forefront of renewable energy development, with plans to significantly expand its offshore wind capacity as part of the nation’s transition to net-zero emissions. Forbes…

Brack Tours, a leading travel operator specializing in excursions across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, has unveiled a new service that promises to elevate the travel experience for those seeking more flexibility and personalization. Their bespoke tour packages allow travelers to craft their dream vacations with a level of customization that caters to individual interests, pace, and preferences. Tailor-Made Adventures for Every Traveler Brack Tours has long been known for its expertly organized group travel experiences. However, with the launch of its bespoke packages, the company is expanding its offerings to cater to those who prefer a more independent, self-directed…

Families at the center of a public inquiry into Scotland's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children have expressed continued concerns over patient safety. Despite ongoing investigations, they say they remain unconvinced that the hospitals, particularly the buildings themselves, meet necessary safety standards. Inquiry Shocks Families with Disturbing Evidence The inquiry, which has been examining the circumstances surrounding a series of infections at the hospitals, has heard alarming testimony that has shocked and angered many families. One of the most troubling aspects revealed in the inquiry is the discovery that hospital staff received a 2015 report…

A parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker, has commenced a significant study mission in Scotland aimed at deepening their understanding of the Scottish Parliament and its political processes. Engaging with Scottish Governance The delegation's first stop was a comprehensive introduction to the Scottish Parliament, facilitated by Trainer Ian Gill, setting the stage for an insightful exploration of Scotland’s legislative landscape. The delegation's schedule included a meeting with Sarah Boyack, a Scottish Labour MSP and former Minister for Devolution—Scottish/UK Relations. During this session, Boyack provided an in-depth analysis of Scottish devolution, highlighting key distinctions between the UK and Scottish Parliament voting…

As Scotland's retail sector faces a challenging economic climate, a coalition of nine business groups has written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison, urging the Scottish Government to provide rates relief for retailers in the upcoming Budget. The call comes as businesses grapple with rising costs and shifting consumer spending patterns. Retailers in Scotland are hoping for similar support measures to those offered by the UK Government, which last month introduced temporary and capped business rates relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors in England. Urgency as Budget Approaches The letter, signed by prominent business organizations, stresses the need for…