News

Scotland in January can stop you in your tracks. Snow dusts the hills, fog hangs over rivers, and every breath feels crisp enough to snap. This week, BBC Scotland's "Your pictures of Scotland" feature (9-16 January) is pure magic, with readers sending in shots that make you want to pull on boots and head north right now. Three images in particular have stolen hearts across social media. Eric Niven's Winter Fairytale in Dunkeld Eric Niven, from Dundee, braved a snowy walk in Dunkeld and came back with a photograph that looks like it belongs on a Christmas card. A small…

Scotland's government unveiled its 2026 budget on January 10, focusing on key boosts for farming and crofting amid tight public finances. This move aims to support rural economies, food security, and climate goals while addressing calls from industry groups for more stable funding. Budget Highlights for Farmers and Crofters The 2026 budget allocates an extra 90 million pounds to agriculture, responding to intense pressure from groups like NFU Scotland. This uplift targets rising costs and helps farms adapt to new support systems. Officials say the funding will secure jobs in rural areas and maintain land management for over 70 percent…

Aberdeen has been crowned Scotland's most fun city in a new study by travel experts, beating out Glasgow and Edinburgh for its affordable nightlife and outdoor spots. The ranking, released in early 2026, highlights the Granite City's cheap pints and cinema tickets as key draws for visitors and locals amid a bustling year of events. The Study That Put Aberdeen on Top Travel analysts reviewed 50 UK towns and cities based on 17 factors across entertainment, recreation, and lifestyle. Aberdeen scored high for value, landing first in Scotland and sixth overall in the UK. Experts praised its mix of pubs,…

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has asked for original audio and video recordings of the trial of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev from a museum in Scotland. He made this request in a letter to the British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh on January 9, 2026, highlighting their deep value for Punjab's people and history scholars worldwide. This move comes amid growing interest in preserving India's freedom struggle artifacts. Mann believes these materials can inspire future generations and boost educational efforts in Punjab. Background on the Legendary Freedom Fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev played key roles in…

Fresh off his big win as the new WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre took a subtle jab at his old rival CM Punk during a tour stop in Scotland. The Scottish wrestler posted a social media photo that fans quickly saw as shade, just days after claiming the title in a dramatic match on January 9, 2026. McIntyre's Championship Victory Sets the Stage Drew McIntyre ended Cody Rhodes' reign as WWE Champion in a thrilling Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown in Berlin. The bout featured intense action across cage, tables, and ambulance stipulations, with McIntyre pulling off two key…

The United Kingdom is shifting from a harsh cold snap to milder but stormy weather, with wet and windy conditions taking over after Storm Goretti caused widespread chaos. As of January 12, 2026, forecasters report the end of freezing temperatures, but warn of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding across many regions. Storm Goretti's Lingering Effects Storm Goretti struck hard last week, bringing heavy snow, ice, and winds up to 99 miles per hour in southwest England. This led to major disruptions, including power cuts for tens of thousands of homes and school closures nationwide. In Cornwall, officials described…

Scotland is grappling with widespread flood warnings as heavy rain combines with melting snow, leading to potential disruptions across roads, rail networks, and communities. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued multiple alerts on January 11, 2026, after days of severe weather, including sub-zero temperatures and snowfall from Storm Goretti, with experts warning of impacts lasting into the week. Current Flood Warnings and Alerts The agency has ramped up its response, issuing specific flood warnings for areas like Newton Stewart and Whitesands in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as the Churchill Barriers in Orkney. These warnings highlight risks of rising river…

Scotland's Finance Secretary Shona Robison is set to reveal her final budget plans this week in Holyrood, focusing on spending cuts and tax decisions just months before the next election. This announcement comes amid warnings of a tight fiscal landscape, with experts highlighting a potential billion pound gap in capital spending that forces hard choices on priorities like health and infrastructure. Budget Overview and Timeline Shona Robison will present the Scottish Government's tax and spending blueprint for the coming year on Tuesday at the Scottish Parliament. This marks her last budget before she steps down, and it includes a review…

Police Scotland has sparked widespread outrage by planning to spend nearly £1 million on a new human rights adviser role, with critics accusing the force of prioritizing virtue-signaling over frontline crime fighting. This decision comes amid ongoing budget pressures and officer shortages, as revealed in late 2025 announcements, raising questions about resource allocation in Scotland's policing. The Controversial Appointment Revealed The force announced the position in November 2025, aiming to hire an expert to provide operational human rights advice to senior officers during planning and active policing tasks. This includes reviewing training, guidance, and procedures to eliminate any unconscious bias…

A small Scottish distillery in Stirling is shaking up the whisky world by testing aluminium bottles to cut carbon emissions and boost sustainability. This move, launched in early 2026, aims to appeal to eco-conscious drinkers while challenging long-held traditions in an industry known for its glass bottles. The Push for Greener Whisky Packaging Stirling Distillery, located near the historic Stirling Castle, started this project to address the environmental impact of traditional glass bottles. The company partnered with experts at Heriot-Watt University to ensure aluminium works well for storing whisky without affecting taste or quality. This initiative comes at a time…