Independent Journal Established in 2012.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” — Billy Connolly
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” — Billy Connolly
A £2 Bus Fare Now Runs Across Much of Northern Scotland. Will it Change Anything?
The cap is already in place. What remains uncertain is its effect. A pilot scheme limiting most single bus fares to £2 is now operating across large parts of the Highlands and
Stirling to Take Control of Trossachs Explorer in Year-Round Pilot
A seasonal visitor route will become a council-run, all-year service under a two-year trial, with funding secured but long-term viability still to be tested. Stirling Council has agreed to take over operation
Scotland’s Salmon and Sea Trout Catches Fall to Historic Lows in 2025
Official statistics released this morning record the weakest salmon returns in modern Scottish records, with total catches in 2025 falling to their lowest level since the series began in 1952. Sea trout
US Chemicals Group Acquires Aberdeen-based FIS in Cross-border Deal
A long-established Scottish manufacturer with roots in the North Sea supply chain has been acquired by a US-backed chemicals distributor, reflecting continued international interest in
Small Producers Pilot Fund Distributes Support Across Scotland
A modest but strategically significant stream of public funding has been channelled into Scotland’s small-scale agricultural sector, as ministers and enterprise agencies test how best to sustain a part of the rural
Dumfries and Galloway Confronts Rural Decline With Evidence Rather Than Rhetoric
There are few subjects in modern Scottish governance more quietly consequential than depopulation. It lacks the drama of constitutional quarrels or fiscal brinkmanship, yet it cuts far deeper into the long term
Perth Halves Multi-Storey Parking Charges in Effort to Shift City Centre Traffic
The change has already taken effect, though its impact will take longer to register. Perth and Kinross Council introduced revised parking charges on 27 April,
Flood Study Begins on Aboyne Bridge as Options for Repair or Replacement are Examined
Survey work has begun to assess how potential construction options for Aboyne Bridge could affect flooding along the River Dee, as engineers weigh whether to repair the existing structure or pursue a
Island Lifelines Cut: Orkney’s North Isles Battle Prolonged Digital Isolation
In the far reaches of Scotland’s northern archipelagos, where geography has always dictated the terms of daily life, a modern dependency has been abruptly exposed. Since mid-March, the North Isles of Orkney—among them Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and North Ronaldsay—have found themselves thrust into an uncomfortable reminder: in the 21st century,
Govan’s Regeneration Enters New Phase with £3 Million Heritage Investment
Govan’s long-running regeneration is set to enter a significant new
Gas Network Upgrade to Bring Temporary Disruption to Forfar Town Centre
A key section of Forfar is set to undergo essential
Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Set for Burghead as Moray Council Tests Managed Tourism Approach
A new pilot scheme permitting overnight stays for campervans and
Greenock Primary School Secures Rare Full “Excellent” Inspection Across All Measures
There are inspection reports that confirm standards, and then there are those that stand apart. Whinhill Primary School in Greenock has been awarded the highest possible grading across all four core areas
Forty Years at Danestone: A School Marks Its Past While Quietly Defining Its Future
Photo shows: L-R George Roberts (former HT) Elaine Page (former HT), Angela Corser (current HT) ,Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services convener, Councillor Lee Fairfull, Education and Children’s
Borders Awards Narrow Focus to Biodiversity and Sustainability as Community Entries Open
There is no shortage of activity across the Scottish Borders, but less of it has been entering formal competition. A revised approach to the region’s
Angus Maps Climate Risks as Warmer Winters and Stronger Storms Loom
A new council assessment sets out how climate change is expected to reshape Angus, identifying key hazards, vulnerable groups and practical steps for adaptation. Angus Council has published a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment,
Perth & Kinross Test the Limits of Street Performance with Consultation on Busking Rules
There is no ban proposed, but there is a question being asked about how far informality can go. Perth and Kinross Council has opened a
Heritage Grants Raised for the First Time in Decades as Costs Reshape Conservation Work
There is a small change in the figures, but it arrives after a long period without movement. Historic Environment Scotland has confirmed that the maximum grant available to individual heritage projects will increase from £500,000 to £750,000. The new ceiling applies to applications from 1 April 2026 and marks the first adjustment to the upper limit since it was introduced in 1990. The decision reflects a shift in the conditions under which conservation work is now carried out. Construction costs
Aberdeen Art Gallery Marks 80th Birthday of Engraver Malcolm Appleby
A new display and forthcoming talk in Aberdeen celebrate the career of engraver Malcolm Appleby, whose work has spanned more than six decades and is held in collections across the United Kingdom.
Rhynie Research Recasts Pictish Scotland as Centre of Power and International Exchange
A decade of archaeological work in a quiet Aberdeenshire village has led researchers to conclude that Rhynie was once a major royal centre of Pictish power, challenging long-held assumptions about early medieval
Iconic Glasgow Restaurant Granted Listed Status for Cultural and Artistic Significance
One of Glasgow’s most storied dining institutions, The Ubiquitous Chip, has been awarded Category B listed status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), recognising both its architectural character and its deep cultural ties
Chain-Bar Relic of Scotland’s Industrial Dawn Secures Lifeline for Restoration
Along a quiet stretch of the River Teviot, a slender survivor of Britain’s early industrial ambition has been granted a reprieve. The Kalemouth Suspension Bridge, a rare chain-bar structure approaching its bicentenary,
Mountain Bothies Association
Bothies are a great way for groups of 5 or less to seek shelter from the elements while visiting remote areas and enjoying the
Scotland’s Lost Country Houses
Have you ever taken a drive through the Scottish countryside and come upon a dilapidated structure and wondered what led to its demise? Or
Buchanan Bespoke Shoemaking
Buchanan Bespoke stands as a paragon of Scottish craftsmanship, rooted deeply in the proud heritage of traditional shoemaking. Their website offers a seamless gateway
Scottish Brick History
The Roman occupation of Scotland in first century AD brought brick-making skills to the Scots. Before the industrial revolution all bricks in Scotland were
Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA)
If you’re keen on delving into the dynamic world of Scottish theatre or simply looking for a cultural deep dive from the comfort of
Walk Highlands
Founded by Helen and Paul Webster in 2006, the Walk Highlands website features more than 2,200 awe-inspiring, spectacular walking routes all over Scotland. In
The Scottish Yarn Festival
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Scottish Culture at the Scottish Yarn Festival In the heart of Perthshire, the Scottish Yarn Festival, previously known as
Scots Words and Place-Names
Do you know the difference between a skellie and a skerrie or a smiddie and a souter? Or that wast is west and waster