Scotland

Scotland

Huge data centre planned instead of 450 homes at former IBM site

Sandy and James Easdale want to build four data centre blocks at Spango Valley as campaigners seek more detail on energy use and environmental impact

Headshot of Fergus Ewing, a man with gray hair, glasses, and a purple patterned tie.
THUNDERER | FERGUS EWING
Save us, Joe, from your boss’s bonkers food-price cap plan

The head of Scotland’s civil service Joe Griffin should do a ‘Sir Humphrey’ and warn John Swinney against his daft proposal

MAGNUS LINKLATER
Swinney must get a grip on civil servants working from home

The first minister’s programme for government looks five years ahead but action is needed now, starting with tackling union blockers

Loch Lomond in winter colors with snow-covered mountains reflecting in the still water.
Why that Loch Lomond dream home is more out of reach than ever

Average prices in the national park are £330,000 — outstripping those in Edinburgh or Glasgow and unaffordable for many locals

General view of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Patient on ‘liquids only’ diet died after being given roast dinner

Health board fined after Patrick Brogan suffered a fatal lung infection caused by inhaling food at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Collage of a woman with red hair and floral dress, and an urban landscape with skyscrapers.
Collage of a woman with red hair and floral dress, and an urban landscape with skyscrapers.
GABRIELLA BENNETT
Why I’m giving up on the garden I thought I wanted

Drought might be the new normal, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing colour and beauty

General view of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Patient on ‘liquids only’ diet died after being given roast dinner

Health board fined after Patrick Brogan suffered a fatal lung infection caused by inhaling food at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Collage of a woman with red hair and floral dress, and an urban landscape with skyscrapers.
Collage of a woman with red hair and floral dress, and an urban landscape with skyscrapers.
GABRIELLA BENNETT
Why I’m giving up on the garden I thought I wanted

Drought might be the new normal, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing colour and beauty

Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal

Courtney Gartshore was sentenced to six years in prison over the death of her three-month daughter, Dahlia-Rose

A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal

Courtney Gartshore was sentenced to six years in prison over the death of her three-month daughter, Dahlia-Rose

A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?

Official statistics reveal 16,500 crimes in a year, the highest since modern records began. A charity has delved into the details to understand why

Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?

As a member of the judging panel, here is my verdict on this year’s overall winner, Chris Cantrill

Comedy
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Photo of baby Dahlia-Rose in a yellow romper.
Mother who killed baby with hairdryer to lodge appeal
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
A street scene with a large mural of a woman with a magnifying glass on the side of a building, and a black garbage bag in the foreground.
Scruffy Scotland revealed: is your area one of the country’s dirtiest?
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Family members of 9-year-old murder victim Minnie Merriman grieving next to a vehicle.
Girl’s grieving mother praises ‘wonderful people of Arbroath’
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
Black and white silhouette of a young woman sitting in a dark room with her hand on her forehead, looking distressed.
What’s behind record rise in sexual offending in Scotland?
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Chris Cantrill sitting on a stool, wearing a brown suit and glasses, against a red background.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards: did the right person win top prize?
Comedy
Dalkeith Country Park with a historic mansion and flowing waterfall under a bridge on a sunny autumn afternoon.
Inside the grand vision for historic Dukes of Buccleuch palace

The exhibition PhotoDalkeith seeks to revive connections from the formative years of the Royal Society of Arts while showing modern artists

Editor's picks

A person with a shovel and a bag of bulbs stands in a field of yellow daffodils.
Andy Burnham rejects SNP pleas for new Scottish work visa

Ministers want new routes for rural workers and graduates to tackle skills shortages, but No 10 says the proposals will not be considered

A person with a shovel and a bag of bulbs stands in a field of yellow daffodils.
Andy Burnham rejects SNP pleas for new Scottish work visa
RECIPE
‘Summer in Spey’ highball recipe
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Comment

Alex Massie, a man with a beard and dark jacket over a blue shirt, looks forward.
Alex MassieInnovation is missing in our public service monoculture
Headshot of Kenny Farquharson.
Kenny FarquharsonTrams on an old railway line? Perfect, until the nimbys find out
Portrait of Magnus Linklater.
Magnus LinklaterUS trial of Lockerbie bombing suspect may finally bring closure

Edinburgh festivals 2026

Alba

An outdoor patio with light green cushioned furniture and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and islands.
The Greek island retreat fit for a Bond villain (with great taste)

Magnus Llewellin takes licence to lounge in Lefkada, amid secret coves, superyachts and suprising cheapness

Sam Jackson as Buffalo Bill from "The Silence of the Lambs" sewing in a dimly lit room.
What to see in Scotland: from Tam Cowan to Hebridean tipples
A person's hands holding a red plastic basket filled with tacos and a small metal cup of sauce.
Best places to eat and drink in Scotland
A person's hand using a fork to scoop Spinach & Paneer Curry with Gunpowder Potatoes and Raita from a black bowl, with a drink on the left.
RECIPE
Spinach and paneer curry with gunpowder potatoes
KT Tunstall leaning against a cabinet with a "Make Art Not War" sticker.
KT Tunstall: how my brother inspired my latest work
Collage of a woman in a green floral top and a person writing a letter outdoors.
How vintage postcards brought me back to earth
A hand reaching for a cocktail with mint and lime on a rustic wooden table, with a punch bowl and another cocktail in the background.
RECIPE
Berry smash cocktail
A person's hand using a fork to scoop Spinach & Paneer Curry with Gunpowder Potatoes and Raita from a black bowl, with a drink on the left.
RECIPE
Spinach and paneer curry with gunpowder potatoes
KT Tunstall leaning against a cabinet with a "Make Art Not War" sticker.
KT Tunstall: how my brother inspired my latest work
Collage of a woman in a green floral top and a person writing a letter outdoors.
How vintage postcards brought me back to earth
A hand reaching for a cocktail with mint and lime on a rustic wooden table, with a punch bowl and another cocktail in the background.
RECIPE
Berry smash cocktail
Sam Jackson as Buffalo Bill from "The Silence of the Lambs" sewing in a dimly lit room.
What to see in Scotland: from Tam Cowan to Hebridean tipples
A person's hands holding a red plastic basket filled with tacos and a small metal cup of sauce.
Best places to eat and drink in Scotland
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Sport

More Scotland

Aug 30, 2026
A Matthew Algie staff member wearing a hairnet and black uniform, standing next to an industrial coffee roasting machine full of coffee beans.
Victorian coffee-maker grabs big contract with its green outlook

Gorbals-based Matthew Algie convinced its owner to allow it to produce an additional 330 tonnes of beans each year

The Times
a man in a blue suit and white shirt looks at the camera
IAIN MACWHIRTER
Are you ready for your close-up, Ms Sturgeon?

The first script for the Murrell affair TV dramatisation promises a gripping tale of political intrigue, fast cars and kitchen essentials

The Times
Robert MacIntyre, the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Champion, holding his trophy next to his golf bag.
Golfer MacIntyre doubles value of own company with big wins

Lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals helped the world-ranked No 18 player bank a £6m profit last year

The Times
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill wearing glasses with his hand on his chin.
O’Neill: Celtic should turn down 300 Old Firm tickets offer

The Northern Irishman has his say on Rangers’ ticket allocation for the Premier Sports Cup meeting on September 13, in the wake of the SFA’s recent punishment

The Times
Wei Wang performing ballet in a gold bodysuit, with other San Francisco Ballet dancers in matching bodysuits standing behind him.
FIRST NIGHT
Mere Mortals — a rollercoaster ride for the senses

It’s a case of spectacle over substance as the San Francisco Ballet presents the European premiere of its acclaimed AI ballet at the Edinburgh International Festival

The Times
Aug 29, 2026
A large, bright sun rises behind a silhouetted oil platform in the sea, with orange clouds above.
Labour contender backs Norway plan to approve more oil fields

Joe Fagan, who is competing to lead Scottish Labour, has urged Andy Burnham’s government to give the green light to the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects

The Times
Aerial view of tourists walking on the colorful Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It’s not all vapes and bookies: the best spots for independent shops

Revealed: ten top high streets, from Brighton to Inverness, based on their customers’ reviews

The Sunday Times
Collage of an illustration of a man, a bus on a street, and political messaging.
Has struggling economy curbed Swinney’s enthusiasm?

Now 100 days into his second term, the SNP leader’s pre-election fervour seems to be wearing off

The Sunday Times
Illustration of a school crossing sign and silhouettes of children walking, with a red rectangular block and grid background.
Revealed: Why Scotland’s primary schools will be forced to shut

Primary pupil numbers are forecast to fall by 15 per cent in the next decade, forcing ministers to consider closures and teacher cuts unless the trend reverses

The Sunday Times
Richard Girvan and his wife Tessa sitting on a bench.
How to make the world’s greatest school: yoga, mindfulness and AI

New headteacher Richard Girvan promises to modernise Fettes by embracing new technology and setting an example to students by eating less red meat

The Sunday Times

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Aug 30, 2026
Victorian coffee-maker grabs big contract with its green outlook

Gorbals-based Matthew Algie convinced its owner to allow it to produce an additional 330 tonnes of beans each year

The Times
Aug 30, 2026
IAIN MACWHIRTER
Are you ready for your close-up, Ms Sturgeon?

The first script for the Murrell affair TV dramatisation promises a gripping tale of political intrigue, fast cars and kitchen essentials

The Times
Aug 30, 2026
Golfer MacIntyre doubles value of own company with big wins

Lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals helped the world-ranked No 18 player bank a £6m profit last year

The Times
Aug 30, 2026
O’Neill: Celtic should turn down 300 Old Firm tickets offer

The Northern Irishman has his say on Rangers’ ticket allocation for the Premier Sports Cup meeting on September 13, in the wake of the SFA’s recent punishment

The Times
Aug 30, 2026
FIRST NIGHT
Mere Mortals — a rollercoaster ride for the senses

It’s a case of spectacle over substance as the San Francisco Ballet presents the European premiere of its acclaimed AI ballet at the Edinburgh International Festival

The Times
Aug 29, 2026
Labour contender backs Norway plan to approve more oil fields

Joe Fagan, who is competing to lead Scottish Labour, has urged Andy Burnham’s government to give the green light to the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects

The Times
Aug 29, 2026
It’s not all vapes and bookies: the best spots for independent shops

Revealed: ten top high streets, from Brighton to Inverness, based on their customers’ reviews

The Sunday Times
Aug 29, 2026
Has struggling economy curbed Swinney’s enthusiasm?

Now 100 days into his second term, the SNP leader’s pre-election fervour seems to be wearing off

The Sunday Times
Aug 29, 2026
Revealed: Why Scotland’s primary schools will be forced to shut

Primary pupil numbers are forecast to fall by 15 per cent in the next decade, forcing ministers to consider closures and teacher cuts unless the trend reverses

The Sunday Times
Aug 29, 2026
How to make the world’s greatest school: yoga, mindfulness and AI

New headteacher Richard Girvan promises to modernise Fettes by embracing new technology and setting an example to students by eating less red meat

The Sunday Times
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Plan your perfect holiday to Scotland with our expert advice on the best hotels, cottages, things to do, beaches, restaurants, bars and places to visit in destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, the Shetland Islands, the Isle of Mull and more. Whether you’re planning a city break, beach holiday or walking trip, our Scotland travel guide has you covered.