News

Social Bite, a charity that aims to end homelessness in Scotland, has announced its intention to create a recovery village for homeless people who struggle with addiction in Dundee. The project will provide eco-friendly housing, community facilities, and expert treatment for residents who want to overcome their substance misuse problems. Dundee has one of the highest drug death rates in Europe According to the latest statistics, Scotland recorded 1,051 drug-related deaths in 2020, which was the highest rate in Europe and triple the rate of the next worst affected country. Dundee had marginally fewer drug deaths than Glasgow, but still…

How the jet stream shifted the storm tracks October was the wettest month on record for eastern Scotland, with some areas receiving more than three times the usual rainfall. This was largely due to the jet stream, a band of fast-moving air that influences the weather patterns across the globe. The jet stream pushed the main storm systems further south across England and Wales, leaving Scotland in an easterly air flow. This brought moist air from the North Sea, which dumped heavy rain on the eastern parts of the country. The impact of Storm Babet and Ciaran Two of the…

The Hollies, a popular community café in Musselburgh, has been given a lifeline by East Lothian Council after facing imminent closure due to financial difficulties. The Hollies: A not-for-profit charity café The Hollies is a not-for-profit charity café that provides affordable meals, social activities and volunteering opportunities for the local community. It has been operating on High Street since 2011 and has become a hub for many residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable. The café relies on donations, grants and fundraising events to cover its running costs, which include rent, utilities, staff wages and food supplies. However, the café has…

How Geraldine McFaul embarked on a solo adventure to raise funds for Mary’s Meals and Dementia UK Geraldine McFaul, a 54-year-old freelance risk management consultant from Balornock, Glasgow, has completed an extraordinary feat of walking 1,500 miles from her home to Rome, Italy. She set off on her epic trek in May and travelled through Scotland, England, France, Switzerland and Italy on foot. She did it not only to fulfil her lifelong dream of visiting Rome, but also to raise money for two charities close to her heart: Mary’s Meals and Dementia UK. She has so far raised over £6,000…

A data analysis by STV News reveals that several coastal fire stations along the popular tourist route were unavailable for days in June. Why is fire cover important for the North Coast 500? The North Coast 500 is a scenic route that covers over 500 miles of the northern coast of Scotland. It attracts thousands of tourists every year who enjoy the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the region. However, the route also poses several fire risks, such as wildfires, road accidents, and electrical faults in remote areas. Therefore, having adequate and reliable fire cover is essential for…

Ash Regan’s defection is a major boost for Alba Ash Regan, a former SNP minister who resigned over the controversial gender recognition bill, has joined the Alba Party, becoming its first ever MSP. Regan said he was motivated by his commitment to women’s rights and independence, and accused the SNP of being “complacent and arrogant” in power. He also said he was impressed by Alba’s vision of a Scotland United front to advance the constitutional cause. Regan’s defection is a major boost for Alba, which failed to win any seats in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, despite being led by…

Residents of Loch Tay area feel excluded and ignored by Discovery Land Company A US firm that is developing Taymouth Castle into a luxury resort for the wealthy has sparked anger among the local residents by inviting only a select few to a meeting to discuss the project. Discovery Land Company (DLC), which also owns several other properties in the Loch and River Tay area, sent out an invitation to the meeting to people in Kenmore in October. However, residents of other communities on Loch Tay, such as Killin, and nearby towns such as Aberfeldy, where DLC has bought the…

Scotland’s AI Ambitions Thwarted by UK Government In a surprising move, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has barred the Scottish Government from participating in a significant AI summit. The event, hailed as a “world first” for AI safety, began on Wednesday at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire. It aims to position the UK at the forefront of global AI discussions. Global Gathering Excludes Scotland Despite the presence of representatives from major nations and tech giants like Amazon and Google, Scotland’s request to attend alongside other devolved administrations was denied. This exclusion has caused disappointment among Scottish officials, who emphasize the importance of…

Lammy says bombing refugee camp can be legally justified if there is a military objective David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, has sparked outrage and criticism for his remarks on the Israeli bombing of a refugee camp in Gaza. Lammy said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the attack was “wrong when it comes to the ethics”, but “if there is a military objective, can be legally justifiable”. Lammy’s comments came as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) called for an immediate ceasefire, saying it was “a matter of life and death for millions of people”. UNRWA…