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Scotland joined the nation in solemn tributes on August 15, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day with a lone piper at Edinburgh Castle and a two-minute silence at noon. These events honored the bravery of those who fought in the Far East during World War Two, bringing communities together to remember the end of the global conflict. Dawn Tribute at Edinburgh Castle A stirring start to the day came at dawn when Warrant Officer Class 1 and Senior Pipe Major Peter Grant played the bagpipes in full Highland dress at Edinburgh Castle. The performance set a…

Scotland's cities are pushing forward with universal design to make urban spaces more inclusive. Recent updates to building standards and planning frameworks aim to help everyone, from people with disabilities to families and older residents, move around easily. In major hubs like Glasgow and Edinburgh, new policies and projects are reshaping streets, buildings, and transport. This shift comes as part of a broader effort to meet global accessibility goals by 2030, driven by community needs and government action. Key Policies Driving Change in Scotland Scotland's government has rolled out fresh guidelines to boost urban accessibility. The Scottish Accessible Homes Standard,…

The Scottish Government has awarded over £3 million to expand electric vehicle charging points in north-west Scotland. This funding, led by HITRANS and local councils, aims to boost access in remote areas like Argyll and Bute, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles, supporting the nation's push toward net zero emissions by 2045. Key Details of the New Funding This fresh investment comes from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, which focuses on drawing private sector money into public charging networks. The project targets rural and island spots where building chargers is less profitable for businesses alone. Officials expect the £3 million…

Scotland's natural beauty shone through in a fresh batch of reader submitted photos from August 8 to 15. Highlights include a striking sunrise scene with a heron on Ardentinny beach in Argyll and a playful dog amid blooming heather near Galashiels, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes during peak summer. Iconic Sunrise Captures Wildlife Moment Photographers across Scotland shared their best shots this week, focusing on serene mornings and vibrant flora. One standout image came from Eloise Smith, who caught a heron perched on driftwood at Ardentinny beach. The photo features an orange tinted sky that silhouettes the bird and wood…

Gaza Remains The Story, first shown in Gourock, will now travel to other Scottish towns, bringing Palestinian voices and perspectives to a wider audience. Art from the West Bank Hits Gourock A pioneering exhibition featuring work from Palestinian artists has opened in Gourock, drawing strong local interest. Titled Gaza Remains The Story, the display includes paintings, photographs, and information panels from the Palestine Museum in Birzeit, West Bank. The exhibition took place in Medinelli’s pop-up shop on Kempock Street and was inaugurated by former Westminster MP Dr Philippa Whitford, who has long-standing ties to Gaza and the West Bank through…

A major overhaul of Scotland’s One Health AMR Register aims to make antimicrobial resistance research more visible and connected across sectors. Tackling a Growing Global Threat Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is projected to cause 1.91 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050, according to global health estimates. Scotland is taking a proactive approach, focusing on the “One Health” principle — coordinating action across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors. The updated Scotland One Health AMR Register (SOHAR) seeks to centralise research activity, making it easier for policymakers, funders, researchers, and industry to identify areas of expertise, ongoing projects, and gaps in knowledge.…

Health officials warn of sustained high temperatures across England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland brace for storms and possible flooding. Alert Covers Seven English Regions England’s prolonged spell of hot weather has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to extend a yellow heat health alert for seven regions until 18:00 BST on 18 August. The notice applies to Yorkshire and Humber, the East and West Midlands, London, the South East, South West, and East of England. The warning level has been downgraded from amber, but authorities say vulnerable groups, including older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, remain…

Official figures reveal a deeper fiscal gap, with oil and gas income down for a second year and higher per-capita spending than the UK average. Deficit Hits £26.2 Billion in 2024-25 Scotland’s public spending deficit has risen sharply, climbing from £21.4 billion to £26.2 billion over the last financial year, according to the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) report. The figures show a widening gap between the taxes raised in Scotland and the amount spent on public services and benefits for its residents. That translates to £21,192 spent per person — almost £2,700 more than the UK-wide average…

The King slipped into Aberdeenshire for a clan ceremony and local meetings just days before his summer stay at the royal estate begins. A Low-Key Stop with Historic Echoes In a move that caught even some royal watchers off guard, King Charles III appeared in the village of Ballater on August 12, just a short drive from Balmoral Castle. His visit wasn’t for leisure — at least not officially. The 76-year-old monarch was there to inspect the newly commissioned banner of Clan Farquharson at Victoria Hall. This wasn’t a random choice of clan. Back in 1852, it was the Farquharsons…

BEAR Scotland’s Grotaig site welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Transport this week as the government ramps up investment in protecting vital transport routes. Climate Pressure on Scotland’s Roads in Focus The A82 winds its way through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery — but also some of its most challenging terrain. At Grotaig, a rugged section on the North West trunk road network, the risks are more than scenic. Rock slopes loom above traffic, and heavy rainfall combined with warming temperatures have increased the chances of landslides and falling debris. Fiona Hyslop MSP arrived on Tuesday to see first-hand how…