Scottish News

Zero Hours Reform Will Test Scotland’s Balance Between Security and Flexibility

Major changes to zero hours and low hours work are due to reshape employment law across Great Britain from 2027. For Scotland,

by Andrew Robertson

20 May 2026

Scottish News

West Lothian Study Day Opens Two of Scotland’s Great Historic Houses

The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland’s Strathclyde Group will visit the House of the Binns and Hopetoun House on 6 June 2026.

by James Stewart

20 May 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

Five Scottish Museum Collections Recognised as Nationally Significant

Five collections held outside Scotland’s national museums and galleries have been awarded National Significance status. The decision recognises the national value of

by John Campbell

20 May 2026

Community·Featured·Scottish News

New Ebola Emergency Is Distant From Scotland, but the Route In Is Clear

A new Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been declared a public health emergency of international

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

20 May 2026

Environment·Featured·Scottish News

Scottish Borders Council Tests Whether Weed Control Can Move Beyond Glyphosate

Scottish Borders Council is to consider a pilot comparing chemical free weed control with its current glyphosate based approach in Galashiels and

by Andrew Robertson

20 May 2026

Energy·Scottish News

North Star Contracts Show the North Sea Transition Still Depends on Scotland’s Offshore Safety Fleet

North Star has secured a major pipeline of emergency response and rescue vessel work across the North Sea, supporting hundreds of seafaring

by John Campbell

20 May 2026

Energy·Scottish News

SSEN’s New Flexibility Auction Shows How Scotland’s Electricity Grid Is Changing

SSEN Distribution is seeking up to 708MW of flexibility across 178 areas, in a market designed to pay providers for shifting electricity

by Andrew Robertson

20 May 2026

Policy and Government·Scottish News

Freedom of Information Awareness Reaches Record High in Scotland, but Confidence Has Not Kept Pace

Awareness of freedom of information rights in Scotland has reached its highest recorded level, two decades after the country’s access to information

by David McDonald

20 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

John Swinney Returns as First Minister With Promise of Cooperation and Constitutional Purpose

John Swinney accepted the Scottish Parliament’s nomination as First Minister today with a speech that sought to combine personal humility, post election

by Lisa Bruce

19 May 2026

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Google Fires a Warning Shot Over Scotland’s Digital Future

Google says its new Android developer verification rules are intended to make phones safer. Scotland should still pay attention, because a country

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

18 May 2026

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Twenty Eight Scottish Monuments in the Crosshairs of a New UK Power Corridor

A proposed 400kV overhead line from Caithness to Beauly has been presented as essential to Scotland’s net zero electricity system. But Historic

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

16 May 2026

Energy·Featured·Scottish News

The North Sea Is Scotland’s Constitutional Test

The question is no longer whether the North Sea can return to the past. The question is whether Scotland enters the next

by Lisa Bruce

14 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

The King’s Speech and Scotland: Where The Real Risks Lie

The King’s Speech set out a large Westminster programme on energy, Europe, immigration, housing, digital identity, public services and national security. Modern

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

13 May 2026

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Former Grampian Police Headquarters on Queen Street to be Demolished

The former Grampian Police headquarters on Queen Street is to be demolished as part of Aberdeen City Council’s wider plan to redevelop

by James Stewart

13 May 2026

Featured·Scottish News·Transport

Glasgow To Begin 20mph Rollout In Govan

Govan will be the first area of Glasgow to move to new 20mph speed limits, with almost 200 streets included in the

by Andrew Robertson

13 May 2026

Community·Featured·Scottish News

Edinburgh Flats To Receive Retrofit Works In Viewpoint Housing Project

Union Technical has been appointed to upgrade 34 flats across three Viewpoint Housing Association sites in Edinburgh, with works intended to make

by James Stewart

13 May 2026

Community·Featured·Scottish News

Logie Timber To Cut Energy Costs With Solar Panels At Moray Sawmill

Logie Timber, based near Forres, has secured support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise for a £71,000 solar project intended to reduce electricity

by Andrew Robertson

13 May 2026

Community·Scottish News

Highland Pupils Bring Gaelic Stories To Life On Screen

Schools, young filmmakers and Gaelic media students from across the Highlands have been shortlisted for FilmG 18, Scotland’s Gaelic short film competition,

by Lisa Bruce

12 May 2026

Community·Scottish News

Highland Councillors Approve Local Funding for Play Parks and Community Projects

More than £200,000 has been approved for play park improvements and community regeneration projects in Black Isle and Easter Ross, alongside decisions

by David McDonald

12 May 2026

Community·Scottish News

Orkney’s Norway Day Reflects a Friendship Rooted in History

Norwegian Constitution Day will be marked in Kirkwall this weekend, but in Orkney the annual celebration is more than a borrowed national

by James Stewart

12 May 2026

Community·Scottish News

Stirling Tests New Culture Night as Crowds Move Through City and Villages

Stirling’s first Culture Night brought more than 40 free events into the city centre and surrounding communities, offering an early test of

by Andrew Robertson

12 May 2026

Community·Featured·Heritage·Scottish News

Western Isles Tribute Marks Passing Of Gaelic Scholar Rev Dr Roderick Macleod MBE

Rev Dr Roderick Macleod MBE, a former member of the first Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and a noted Gaelic scholar, minister, writer

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

12 May 2026

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Scottish Musicians Appear Among Co Owners As Subvert Launches New Music Marketplace

Scottish artists are listed among the members of Subvert, a newly launched cooperative music marketplace owned by artists, labels, supporters and workers

by Lisa Bruce

12 May 2026

Environment·Scottish News

Forfar Recycling Trial Puts Angus At Front Of Scottish Waste Reform

A Forfar pilot described by Angus Council as the first of its kind in Scotland will be rolled out to other Angus

by Andrew Robertson

12 May 2026

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Peterhead Museum And Library Project To Begin As Former Building Plan Is Shelved

Construction of the new Museum of Aberdeenshire and Peterhead Library is due to begin in June, but Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed that

by James Stewart

12 May 2026

Community·Featured·Scottish News

Ayrshire Based King’s Foundation Turns To Quantum Technology In New Urban Planning Programme

The King’s Foundation has joined FormationQ in a three year programme intended to help fast growing Commonwealth towns plan more sustainably, extending

by Lisa Bruce

11 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scotland’s Complaints Watchdog Warns Some Cases May Wait 25 Weeks

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman says sustained demand has left some complaints waiting up to 25 weeks before allocation to a Complaints

by John Campbell

11 May 2026

Scottish News·Transport

Late Saturday Sailings Return for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre This Summer

Orkney Ferries will run five late Saturday sailings on the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre route during summer 2026, but only where services

by James Stewart

11 May 2026

Featured·Heritage·Scottish News

Brownings Carries Kilmarnock’s Baking Heritage Into a Wider Scotland

The family bakery founded in Kilmarnock in 1945 expanded its Asda range from early May 2026, but the larger story is one

by David McDonald

11 May 2026

Energy·Featured·Scottish News

Hollandmey Wind Farm Consent Leaves Caithness Facing a 2026 Construction Question

ScottishPower Renewables has consent for a wind, solar and battery project near Mey after a public inquiry. But in north east Caithness,

by Andrew Robertson

10 May 2026

Energy·Scottish News

Clean Heating Without Backup Leaves the Highlands Exposed

Scotland’s move to clean heating and electrification is intended to reduce emissions and modernise the energy system. But in the Highlands and

by Lisa Bruce

9 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scotland Returns the SNP, But Not the Old Political Map

The 2026 Holyrood election has returned the SNP as Scotland’s largest party, but not with the comfort of command. Beneath the headline

by Lisa Bruce

9 May 2026

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Scotland’s Energy Landscape Is Quietly Becoming Part of the Global AI Economy

For generations, Scotland’s energy story was associated with coalfields, hydroelectric dams and later the offshore oil and gas industry of the North

by Lisa Bruce

7 May 2026

Featured·Heritage·Scottish News

From a Highland Bakery to Animal Shelters Across America: Walker’s Shortbread Expands Its Scottie Dog Legacy

There are few Scottish food companies whose identity remains as closely tied to place as Walker’s Shortbread. Founded in the Speyside village

by James Stewart

7 May 2026

Economy·Featured

Scotland Is Trying to Rebuild Its Economy, Rewire Its Infrastructure and Save the Climate

Scotland is attempting one of the most complicated balancing acts in modern public policy: reducing emissions, modernising infrastructure, protecting households from rising

by David McDonald

7 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government

Biodiversity Is Becoming Law in Scotland

For years, biodiversity policy in Scotland largely existed in the language of targets, strategies and environmental ambition. Nature restoration was encouraged, discussed

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

6 May 2026

Economy·Scottish News

Grangemouth’s Next Industrial Test May Begin With The Chemicals Behind Medicine

Celtic Renewables has joined a UK consortium backed by more than £7 million to develop bio based solvents for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

5 May 2026

Policy and Government·Scottish News

Why The FOI On John Swinney’s International Affairs Speech Matters

A Freedom of Information release on John Swinney’s international affairs speech does not prove hidden wrongdoing. What it does show is something

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

5 May 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

Leith’s Custom House May Become A Town Square For The Digital Age

Plans for the Category A listed building would turn Scotland’s first purpose built Custom House into a digital led museum, creative hub

by David McDonald

5 May 2026

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Scotland’s Forest Argument Is About More Than Trees

A new report commissioned by Confor challenges a Royal Society of Edinburgh inquiry into public support for forestry. Behind the technical dispute

by Andrew Robertson

5 May 2026

Environment

Scotland’s Rarest Fern Returns To Glen Affric After A Victorian Obsession Nearly Erased It

Forestry and Land Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh have planted 250 oblong woodsia ferns on a Highland scree slope. The

by Lisa Bruce

4 May 2026

Energy

Scotland’s Energy Future Will Be Decided By The Grid, Not Just The Turbines

Jacobs has been appointed to an eight year framework supporting Murphy’s SSE portfolio. Behind the corporate language sits a larger Scottish story:

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

4 May 2026

Energy

A Royal Visit, A Working Port, And Scotland’s Energy Future

The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Montrose Port gave Angus a ceremonial moment. Behind it sits a more important question: whether one

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

4 May 2026

Energy

Scotland Has the Waves. Now Come the Hard Questions.

A new intervention from marine energy advocates argues that wave power should become one of the United Kingdom’s next major clean energy

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

4 May 2026

Featured·Heritage·Scottish News

Harrison Ford, Glenmorangie and the Quiet Confidence of Tain

A new Glenmorangie created with Harrison Ford has brought international attention to one of Scotland’s most graceful Highland whiskies. Yet the lasting

by Lisa Bruce

4 May 2026

Featured·Heritage·Scottish News

United States Removes Tariffs on Scotch Whisky in Move Welcomed by Industry

President Donald Trump has announced the removal of US tariffs on Scotch whisky, a development described by industry leaders as a significant

by David McDonald

1 May 2026

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

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

by John Campbell

1 May 2026

Energy·Scottish News

Matrix Renewables Secures £245m Financing for Large-Scale Battery Storage Project in Scottish Borders

Global energy platform backed by private equity firm TPG closes non-recourse financing deal for 500MW battery project in the Borders, with construction

by John Campbell

1 May 2026

Scottish News·Transport

ScotRail Outsources Customer Contact Services to Teleperformance in Three-Year Deal

State-owned rail operator awards contract covering complaints, delay compensation and sales support to global outsourcing firm, with services to be delivered from

by James Stewart

1 May 2026

Scottish News·Transport

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

by James Stewart

30 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Western Isles Warns Against Unlicensed Tour Drivers as Visitor Season Begins

The season is about to begin, and with it comes a quieter concern. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has issued a reminder that

by David McDonald

30 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

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

by David McDonald

30 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

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

by James Stewart

30 April 2026

Policy and Government·Scottish News

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

by James Stewart

30 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

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

by David McDonald

29 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

Aberdeen Launches Scheme to Lower Cost of Opening City Centre Shops

A quiet obstacle has persisted in Aberdeen’s city centre: the cost of turning an empty unit into a functioning shop. On Monday,

by John Campbell

29 April 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

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

by David McDonald

29 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

Scotland’s Growth Edges Forward, But Momentum Remains Thin

There is movement in the numbers, but it is slight, and it arrives without force. Official figures released this morning show Scotland’s

by John Campbell

29 April 2026

Environment·Featured·Scottish News

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

by Andrew Robertson

29 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

Short-Term Lets Pass 32,000 as Licensing System Begins to Take Shape

The numbers are now large enough to notice, but not yet stable enough to compare. Official statistics published on 28 April show

by John Campbell

29 April 2026

Environment·Scottish News

Borders Awards Narrow Focus to Biodiversity and Sustainability

There is no shortage of activity across the Scottish Borders, but less of it has been entering formal competition. A revised approach

by Andrew Robertson

29 April 2026

Scottish News·Transport

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

by James Stewart

21 April 2026

Scottish News·Transport

Corran Ferry Fares to Rise from May as Council Presses Ahead with Budget Plan

Crossing costs on a key Highland route will increase from 1 May, with higher charges for cars, commercial vehicles and multi-journey users.

by James Stewart

21 April 2026

Environment·Scottish News

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

by Andrew Robertson

21 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

Investment, Spending & Growth: Scotland’s Economic Direction

Recent government funding decisions, investment programmes and business signals point to a clear direction, though the pace of delivery remains under examination

by John Campbell

20 April 2026

Scottish News·Transport

Distance, Cost and Access: Transport Remains Uneven Across Rural Scotland

Longer journeys, fewer services and rising costs continue to shape daily life beyond the central belt, where mobility depends less on networks

by James Stewart

20 April 2026

Energy·Scottish News

Scotland Produces the Energy. Rural Scotland Still Pays the Price.

A nation exporting surplus power continues to rely on imported fuel in its most exposed communities, where costs remain volatile and support

by John Campbell

19 April 2026

Energy·Scottish News

Scotland’s Electric Heating at Risk as Radio Signal Switch Off Forces Shift to Smart Meters

Scotland Faces Uneven Impact as Ageing Radio Meter System Is Switched Off A largely invisible piece of Britain’s energy infrastructure is approaching

by John Campbell

11 April 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

Galston Town Hall Reopens After £3.45 Million Restoration

A prominent Galston landmark has been brought back into public use after a £3.45 million restoration project by East Ayrshire Council, with

by James Stewart

11 April 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

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

by David McDonald

11 April 2026

Economy·Energy·Scottish News

Who Decides What Gets Built: Scotland’s Quiet Shift in Energy Planning

A recent consultation issued by the Scottish Government has raised a question that, while technical in form, carries wider implications for how

by John Campbell

10 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

Ambulance Service Introduces Search Dogs for Water Rescues in Central Scotland

Specialist dog teams are being deployed to assist in locating missing people near rivers and lochs, with initial operations focused on the

by James Stewart

9 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Injured Beaver Rescued After Shooting Found to be Thriving in the Wild

A beaver rescued after being shot in Perthshire has been successfully rehabilitated and is now living in the wild, according to animal

by David McDonald

7 April 2026

Energy·Scottish News

North Sea Carbon Storage Push Extends into Scottish Waters as Licensing Bids Exceed 2 Million Acres

Bids to develop carbon storage sites across more than 2 million acres of the North Sea include multiple areas in Scottish waters,

by John Campbell

7 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

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

by James Stewart

7 April 2026

Environment·Scottish News

Call for Stronger Action to Protect Scotland’s Rainforests as Election Approaches

A campaign to restore and expand Scotland’s temperate rainforest has intensified ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, with environmental groups urging ministers

by Andrew Robertson

7 April 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

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

by David McDonald

7 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Highland Communities Invited to Apply for £1m Rural Fund

Rural organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for a funding programme worth more than £1 million, aimed at improving

by David McDonald

7 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

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

by John Campbell

5 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Newbyres Returns: From Demolition to New Energy Efficient Homes in Gorebridge

In Gorebridge, a site once cleared of homes is approaching a very different moment. New housing at Newbyres is now nearing completion,

by David McDonald

5 April 2026

Scottish News·Transport

Night Closures Planned for Tay Road Bridge as Essential Maintenance Begins

There are few pieces of infrastructure in Scotland that carry both the symbolic and practical weight of the Tay crossing. Since its

by James Stewart

5 April 2026

Energy·Scottish News

Marine Survey Work Begins Off Shetland Coast for Proposed Second Energy Link

Survey vessels are set to begin work off the north west coast of Shetland in the coming weeks, as early stage plans

by John Campbell

5 April 2026

Energy·Scottish News

A North Sea Alliance: Scotland and Ireland Bet on Talent to Power Offshore Wind Future

In the race to command Europe’s offshore wind frontier, Scotland and Ireland have turned—not to turbines or transmission cables—but to people. A

by John Campbell

4 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

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

by James Stewart

4 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Community Diners Pilot in Midlothian Shows Early Promise in Tackling Cost of Living Pressures

A network of community diners launched across Midlothian earlier this year is already showing encouraging signs of success, offering affordable meals and

by David McDonald

3 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

Govan’s Regeneration Enters New Phase with £3 Million Heritage Investment

Govan’s long-running regeneration is set to enter a significant new phase following the approval of almost £3 million in heritage funding to

by James Stewart

3 April 2026

Environment·Scottish News

Scotland’s Climate Intelligence System and the Quiet Rise of Data Led Governance

Across Scotland, a new layer of decision making infrastructure is taking hold inside local government. It does not campaign, it does not

by Modern Scot Editorial Team

3 April 2026

Economy·Scottish News

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

by John Campbell

3 April 2026

Infrastructure·Scottish News

Gas Network Upgrade to Bring Temporary Disruption to Forfar Town Centre

A key section of Forfar is set to undergo essential infrastructure work, with a temporary road closure planned in the town centre

by James Stewart

3 April 2026

Scottish News·Transport

Traffic Lights Planned to Improve Safety at Historic Clachan Bridge

A traffic management scheme is to be introduced at Clachan Bridge, as officials move to address long standing safety concerns at one

by James Stewart

3 April 2026

Environment·Scottish News

Argyll and Bute Records Strong Air Quality Results in 2025 Report

Air quality across Argyll and Bute remained well within national limits throughout 2025, according to the council’s latest annual progress report. The

by Andrew Robertson

3 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Aberdeen’s Next Generation Called to Sea for 2026 Tall Ships Adventure

A new voyage is calling — and for young people across Aberdeen, it promises salt air, towering sails, and the kind of

by David McDonald

3 April 2026

Policy and Government·Scottish News

Inverurie Service Point to Close as Council Shifts to Digital Services

Residents in Inverurie are being urged to prepare for a significant change in how they access local authority services, as Aberdeenshire Council

by James Stewart

2 April 2026

Community·Scottish News

Western Isles Communities to Share £1 Million Boost from Coastal Fund

Island communities across Scotland’s Outer Hebrides are set to benefit from a substantial new round of funding, as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

by David McDonald

2 April 2026

Heritage·Scottish News

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),

by David McDonald

1 April 2026