Scottish councils still owe £100M for national insurance. Despite government aid, a funding gap endures, impacting public services. Councils Face £100M National Insurance Bill Local councils face a big bill that covers rising national insurance costs, totaling almost £100 million, according to an organization representing councils. The Scottish Government plans to help by covering 60%…
Homelessness soars. Minister urged to resign amid rising figures, children in temporary housing, and funding concerns. Minister Faces Sack Call as Homelessness Rises Last year, over 20,000 people sought homeless aid. This covered just six months, from April to September. Over 10,000 children were in temporary housing. That’s the highest number in 20 years. The…
A planned Nettly Burn Renewable Energy Park near Saline will combine solar panels and battery storage to produce up to 80MW of energy benefiting the community. Renewable Energy Park Planned for Fife with Solar and Battery Storage A solar farm is planned near Saline. It will be 4.5km northeast of the town. The project is…
Officials informed a committee about possible delays for Glen Rosa, nearing £400M after Glen Sannox launch; new schedule soon. MSPs Hear Ferguson Marine Ferry On-Time Delivery Faces Potential Delays Hey, so there’s this ferry mess in Scotland. Officials went to a committee meeting recently just after one ferry, Glen Sannox, finally started working. The other…
The replacement for Barlinnie, HMP Glasgow, now totals £998.4m due to inflation, Brexit and Covid impact. The project promises economic benefits. HMP Glasgow to Cost One Billion Pounds Replacing Barlinnie Prison The new HMP Glasgow prison’s cost increased. Early estimates were around £170 million. The Justice Secretary said it would likely cost £400m in late…
HMP Glasgow is set to open in 2028, replacing Barlinnie after 143 years. The £998.4 million project aims to reduce reoffending rates. Contract Signed: New HMP Glasgow to Replace Barlinnie Prison After 143 Years Glasgow will get a new prison named HMP Glasgow. It’s scheduled to open in 2028. This new jail is replacing the…
After a £1.1M grant and delays for accessibility, Preston Tower in Prestonpans is poised for its first full opening in over 40 years. Preston Tower Nears Full Public Reopening After Extensive Restoration Work Preston Tower had a “soft opening” last March. It sits in Prestonpans and dates to the 1400s. A grant of £1.1 million…
Concerns rise over a proposed battery site in Cockenzie, with worries about potential acid leaks and fire risks near residential areas. Warnings About Flesh-Dissolving Acid at Cockenzie Battery Storage Site A new battery site is planned for Cockenzie. Some people worry about it and have asked the council to object to the plan because Homes…
The Scottish Government’s budget secured support after deals with the Greens and Lib Dems, sparking debate over independence spending and priorities. MSPs Back SNP Budget Amid Row Over Independence Spending and Opposition Deals The Scottish Government secured support for its budget. It negotiated with three opposition parties, these parties are the Scottish Greens and Lib…
An 8% council tax increase is proposed to combat a £37.6M budget shortfall. Funding cuts are coming to social services, and more. Edinburgh Set for Record Council Tax Rise as Services Face Significant Cuts Edinburgh residents might pay more in council tax. Band D properties could see an extra £115 per year. Councillors will decide…
New rules make it simpler and cheaper for residents to rent rooms during events. The council aims to boost accommodation availability in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Council Simplifies Room Rentals for Fringe Performers, Concertgoers Edinburgh councillors changed some short-term rental rules. These rules affect people renting rooms during events. They want it easier and cheaper for residents.…
A new YouGov poll reveals widespread dissatisfaction in Scotland, with significant disapproval of both the SNP and Labour governments performance. Majority of Scots Unhappy with Both Labour and SNP Governments: New Poll Hey, guess what I just read? A new poll shows Scots are pretty bummed. They aren’t happy with either government right now. This…
A battery storage site in East Lothian raises concerns over potential acid release, prompting councillors to seek safety assurances and community input. East Lothian Battery Warnings Flesh Dissolving Acid Disaster Safety concerns A battery storage site could cause a disaster, potentially releasing dangerous acid that could harm nearby people. Councillors heard these warnings regarding a…
The A96 dualling project between Inverness and Nairn will take a year to finalize its timeline, causing frustration among local leaders. Nairn Bypass and A96 Dualling Scheme Faces Year-Long Wait for Timeline Inverness: The timeline for the A96 dualling project is delayed. It will take at least a year to publish. The SNP has promised…
Sheku Bayoh’s family reacts to police backing down from a judicial review, calling it a humiliating climbdown amid ongoing inquiries into his death. Sheku Bayoh’s Family Criticizes Police for ‘Humiliating Climbdown’ Edinburgh: Kate Forbes is being urged to expand the public inquiry into Sheku Bayoh’s death. The inquiry is looking into whether race played a…
CalMac’s hybrid ferries will wait until 2027 for new batteries, impacting operations and increasing costs Port Glasgow Built CalMac Ferries Face Two-Year Wait for New Batteries Port Glasgow: CalMac’s hybrid ferries are facing a long wait for new batteries. The MV Hallaig has been running on diesel since its battery broke in September 2023. It…
Child poverty targets have raised awareness, but experts urge stronger actions to meet goals and support local authorities effectively Child Poverty Targets Spark Focus, Yet More Action Is Essential Edinburgh: The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act was passed in 2017. It set targets to reduce child poverty to under 18% by 2023-24 and below 10% by…
Critics slam the First Minister for repeating past NHS promises without action First Minister Faces Criticism for ‘Old Promises’ on NHS Edinburgh: The First Minister, John Swinney, is facing backlash. Critics say he’s repeating old promises about the NHS. This week, he promised to cut waiting lists and improve GP access. But many feel these…
The Scottish Government denies claims of budget changes for independence spending, asserting no dedicated funds exist. Scottish Government Maintains No Change in Independence Spending Plans Edinburgh: Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton recently claimed the SNP Government promised no spending on independence. He said this was a key point for his party to support the minority…
Biffa aims to recover losses from its failed Deposit Return Scheme investment as legal action proceeds. Biffa’s Legal Battle with Scottish Government Moves Forward After Court Ruling Edinburgh: Biffa is taking legal action against the Scottish Government. This follows a recent court ruling by Lord Clark. The company wants to recover money lost from its…
