Discover uplifting stories from Scotland this January, showcasing hope and progress.
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January can feel really long, right? Especially in Scotland with those short days and long nights.
This month, I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather. I think it’s from my time with Covid-19. Or maybe it’s because I keep forgetting to take my Vitamin D. My dad reminds me every time we chat!
But despite that, I’m feeling pretty hopeful about 2025. It’s been a surprisingly positive month.
For instance, the Glen Sannox ferry started service on January 13. It’s a big deal for the busy route between Troon and Brodick. Proof that good things can happen!
Also, Scotland’s population is expected to grow. More people are moving here from other parts of the UK. That’s great news!
Even better, child poverty rates in Scotland are set to fall over the next four years. That’s something to celebrate!
Let’s talk about Rebecca Young, an S2 pupil at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow. She won a UK-wide engineering competition with her solar-powered blanket for the homeless. Amazing work!
In business news, the historic Belmont Cinema in Aberdeen is reopening after getting some funding. That’s a nice change from hearing about closures.
In conservation, a seal colony in Scotland had a record count of 2039 pups this month. That’s the third-highest ever! It’s crucial since 40% of the world’s grey seals live in the UK, and 90% of them are in Scotland.
NatureScot called it a success story. They said, “Grey seals are one of the rarest seals in the world. It’s rare to see a species thriving amid climate change and overfishing.”
And here’s something exciting: Octopus Energy is bringing its Zero Bills tariff to Scotland. Soon, people can live in homes with no bills for at least 10 years!
Lastly, while this is a Scotland-focused newsletter, I want to mention the ceasefire in Gaza. It’s a fragile situation, but it’s a chance for many to breathe and start rebuilding.
