News

The UK government is pumping billions more into defence, pitching it as both a shield against global threats and a shot in the arm for local jobs. But does spending big on tanks and warships really fuel growth — or is it a myth that needs busting? Rising Threats, Rising Budgets Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK must be “battle ready”. With Russia rattling its sabres and China flexing its muscles, NATO members are under pressure to up their game. So, Britain’s defence budget will rise from about 2.2% of GDP now to 2.6% by 2027 — and possibly…

A new wave of 5G-enabled robotics is taking root in Scotland’s fields, promising to tackle some of farming’s toughest challenges — from labour shortages to sustainable food production. Scotland’s Tech and Farming Minds Join Forces At the heart of this push is a powerhouse collaboration: The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, The James Hutton Institute, The Scotland 5G Centre, Boston Dynamics, and Freshwave. Together, they’re developing robots that do more than just trundle up and down fields — they gather real-time data, chat with each other over high-speed private 5G networks, and adjust their actions plant by plant. Andrew Christie,…

Contractors and merchants across Scotland will soon breathe a sigh of relief as Vivalda ramps up its service — offering Cedral’s popular fibre cement facades in a fraction of the time it used to take. Faster Turnaround for a Busy Trade Vivalda’s Cumbernauld branch is now delivering Cedral’s core cladding range on a three-day cycle. That means no more weeks-long waits for a batch of slate grey panels or matching accessories. For many small contractors juggling tight deadlines and weather windows, that’s no small thing. Wes Hague, Vivalda’s commercial director, didn’t sugar-coat it: “Poor product availability is one of the…

As dawn broke over the Scottish Highlands, a lone bus wound its way through misty fields and rolling hills, carrying a man torn between family duty and spiritual hunger. For one traveller, the road to Inverness wasn’t just a scenic ride — it was a lifeline. Family Ties and a Tangle of Plans For many, a family reunion in Scotland sounds like a dream — castles, clan histories, the rugged Isle of Skye. For the writer behind the Arise from the Dust blog, it was all that and more: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with his wife’s ancestral roots. But…

Shock and sorrow ripple through Dundee and Zimbabwe after the killing of Dr Fortune Gomo, a rising scientist whose life was cut short just weeks before her 40th birthday. Dr Gomo, who moved to the UK a decade ago and earned her PhD from Dundee University, died after being found with fatal injuries on South Road in the city’s Lochee area on Saturday afternoon. Court Appearance as Grief Spreads Kyler Rattray, a 20-year-old from Dundee, has appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court charged with murder. He made no plea and was remanded in custody. Police Scotland confirmed Dr Gomo…

Edinburgh Airport’s headline-grabbing decision to scrap the old 100ml liquid limit has left passengers wondering if it’s time to ditch their tiny shampoo bottles for good. But is every airport ready to let you carry that big bottle of wine in your hand luggage? Well, not exactly. Edinburgh Leads the Way — But Who’s Next? Edinburgh Airport now lets you carry liquids up to two litres — yes, two litres — in your cabin bag. No more awkwardly unzipping your case to juggle clear plastic bags at security. They’ve spent £24 million adding extra lanes and installing eight hi-tech 3D…

Oscar Black didn’t just swim across the North Channel — he fought stinging jellyfish, punishing currents and his own self-doubt to set a record that’ll be hard to beat. At just 15, the Lurgan teenager made history last week as the youngest person ever to complete the gruelling swim solo from Northern Ireland to Scotland. A Long Cold Stretch of Sea On paper, the route looks deceptively simple: the Gobbins in County Antrim to Portpatrick in Scotland — 35 kilometres if you fly it. But the sea has its own plans. Oscar ended up swimming a total of 46km (28.5…

Scotland’s flagship digital health and social care conference, DigiFest, is back in-person this December — and it’s all about driving a bold, ‘digital first’ mindset to tackle the country’s biggest health and social care challenges. It’s more than just an event. For many, DigiFest 2025 could mark a turning point for how Scotland reimagines care — with innovation, people, and community right at its heart. A Stage for Scotland’s Big Ideas There’s a reason people keep an eye on DigiFest. It’s where some of Scotland’s most ambitious ideas first get airtime. This year, the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation…

A packed Walsall Campus buzzed with energy as the best of British judo took centre stage at this year’s National Team Championships — and it was Scotland’s young stars and London’s seasoned fighters who left everyone talking. Scotland’s Golden Sweep Leaves Rivals in the Dust What a day for Scottish judo! From the first bout to the final throw, Scotland’s teams brought grit and glory home. The Minor & Pre-Cadet Boys squad edged past a strong London side 4–3 in a nail-biting final. Thomas McCall and Jude Buchanan lit up the tatami with textbook throws, while Toby Ofakansi sealed the…

Scotland’s U20 side is looking to bounce back in style as they gear up for a bruising encounter with South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championship. The line-up for Wednesday’s penultimate pool game reveals a mix of returning talent and new starters — with big hopes riding on the young squad’s shoulders. Glasgow Warriors Academy Stars Back in the Fold Four players from the Glasgow Warriors Academy are stepping up for this crunch tie at Stadio San Michele. Jack Shearer makes his comeback at loosehead prop after sitting out the bruising defeat to Australia. One line: His return is…