News

A single 2.5 MW wind turbine now turning on the hills above Kilbirnie is doing something no community-owned project in Scotland has done before: making money without a penny of government subsidy. The machine, owned entirely by local people through ATTIX CIC, began generating clean power for the grid this week in what energy experts are already calling a turning point for community renewables. A New Way to Pay for Community Power For decades Scottish community wind projects lived or died by government support schemes like the Feed-in Tariff or Renewables Obligation. When those ended, many feared the community energy…

Scotland's feral pig population is growing fast, and the way we handle them is no longer working, according to a major new report. Researchers from King's College London and the Czech Academy of Sciences say the current patchwork system is failing farmers, foresters, and even the pigs themselves. They want a proper national strategy before the problem spirals out of control. The pigs, mostly escaped or illegally released wild boar, now number close to 2,000 and could hit 2,400 by 2075 if nothing changes. Where the Pigs Are and How They Got Here The biggest clusters are in the Highlands,…

Former Scotland seamer John Blain has been welcomed back into Cricket Scotland's Hall of Fame, ending a painful four-year exile that began with racism allegations later deemed unfounded. The 47-year-old received the news this week, nearly four years after his induction was suspended in July 2022. Blain described the reinstatement as one of the proudest moments of his life. "Representing Scotland 118 times was the greatest honour I have ever had. Having that taken away hurt more than I can put into words," he said in an emotional statement. Four Years in the Wilderness Blain was inducted into the Hall of…

A Scottish company turning whisky waste into green chemicals just secured £16.23 million to build a massive new biorefinery at Grangemouth. The cash will help Celtic Renewables jump from demonstration scale to full industrial production, creating jobs and proving Scotland can lead the world in low-carbon manufacturing. Where the Money is Coming From The £16.23 million package breaks down into three clear parts. Scottish Enterprise is putting in £5 million fresh equity. Existing private investors are matching that with another £5 million. The biggest slice, £6.23 million, comes from the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, money the Scottish Government set aside…

Women in Scotland are now waiting over a decade to receive an endometriosis diagnosis, a shocking new report reveals.The average wait time has climbed to more than 10 years, leaving thousands suffering in pain without answers. Campaigners are calling the situation "unacceptable" and demanding urgent government intervention to reverse this worsening health crisis. A Decade of Pain and Uncertainty A new analysis by Endometriosis UK paints a grim picture for women’s health in Scotland.The charity found that the average time to get a diagnosis has risen to 10 years and two months.This is a significant increase from the eight years…

It has been exactly four years since Russian tanks rolled across the border, yet for Anastasiia Pustovachenko, the war is not a distant memory but a daily notification on her phone. While the 22 year old economics graduate walks the granite streets of Aberdeen in safety, her mind remains trapped in the besieged city of Chernihiv. She represents a growing generation of young Ukrainians who have built a new life in Scotland but find themselves suspended in a state of permanent uncertainty. The fourth anniversary of the full scale invasion this past week brought a mix of gratitude and fresh…

A new 90-passenger ferry is set to transform travel on Scotland’s west coast following a major design agreement announced this week. UK-based Rockabill Marine Design (RMD) has partnered with Irish boatbuilder Seabound Engineering to deliver the vessel, which promises year-round reliability for island communities. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 with delivery expected in 2027. A Strategic Partnership for Dependable Travel This agreement marks a significant collaboration between two rising forces in the maritime sector. Rockabill Marine Design will handle the full naval architecture and structural design from their UK offices. Meanwhile, Seabound Engineering will construct the vessel…

The Tartan Army faces the Samba Boys in a historic Group Stage clash that has sent ticket demand skyrocketing. Securing Scotland vs Brazil tickets is now the top priority for fans heading to the 2026 World Cup. Demand is surging for this tactical showdown between European grit and South American flair. We reveal the best strategies to guarantee your seat before they sell out completely. The Group Stage Clash Breakdown This fixture is not just a game; it is a collision of football cultures. Brazil enters the tournament as heavy favorites, boasting a front line that thrives on chaos and…

Scotland has officially become the first nation in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, offering a groundbreaking eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and flame cremation. As of today, Monday, March 2, 2026, the process known scientifically as alkaline hydrolysis is a lawful option for bereaved families, marking the most significant shift in British funeral practices in over 120 years. This historic move aligns Scotland with other progressive nations like Canada, South Africa, and parts of the United States, where the gentle power of water is already used to say final goodbyes. With environmental concerns rising and space in cemeteries…

The battle for Holyrood has shifted ground. For over a decade, the constitutional question of independence dominated every ballot box conversation in Scotland. But as voters prepare for the Scottish Parliament election on May 7, a major new poll reveals a stark change in priorities. Survival, not sovereignty, is now the driving force for the electorate. A fresh Savanta survey commissioned by the BBC paints a picture of a nation anxious about its wallet and its health service. The data suggests that while political parties may want to talk about borders and unions, the public is desperate for answers on…