Latest News

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone - Zone Declared In Scotland And England

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.   This means that from 12:00 noon on Saturday 25 January, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.  

Better Protection For Victims Thanks To New Law On Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

Malicious predators who create sexually explicit deepfakes without consent can expect to face the full force of the law under a new amendment to legislation.   New offence to be introduced as part of Data (Use and Access) Bill Law targets artificial images showing someone naked or engaging in sexual acts.  

Highland Council Highlights Commitment To Net Zero And Energy Investment

The Highland Council has released a short in-house video to highlight how it is delivering on its Net Zero ambitions.  It also reaffirms the Council's vision as a centre for global renewable energy, by capitalising on natural resources to deliver alternative energy solutions, including developing solar, wind and wave solutions.  

Record Numbers Complete Nhs Couch To 5k App

The free running app has been downloaded over 7 million times since it launched in 2016, with 9.3 million NHS Couch to 5k runs started this year.   Record numbers of people put on their running shoes and got fit-for-free this year with 8.7 million NHS Couch to 5k runs completed in 2024, new data revealed today (31 December 2024).  

Salmon Fishing - Proposed River Gradings For 2025 Season: Consultation Analysis

The number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs) being carried out across Scotland and the UK has risen considerably over the years and continues to do so[1].  Alongside the growth of this industry there has been increased concern about the safety of these procedures, especially, but not only, where they take place outwith a traditional healthcare setting.  

Empty And Second Homes In September 2024

In Scotland there are 21,606 second homes and 43,538 properties empty for more than 6 months.   The latest council tax data (in September 2024) shows there were 21,606 second homes, 43,538 properties that had been empty for more than 6 months, of which, 73% (31,596) were categorised as long-term empty homes (i.e.  

English Classes For New Scots

Refugees, people seeking asylum and other forced migrants in Glasgow are benefitting from English classes to help them integrate into communities, supported by £500,000 in Scottish Government funding which will help 800 learners.   The classes are helping people who have been forced to flee their country gain the language skills needed to rebuild their lives in Scotland, communicate confidently with people in their new communities and establish and strengthen their social connections.  

Progress On Scottish Government Workforce Reform

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee has responded to the publication of the Scottish Government Workforce September 2024 statistics.   Mr McKee said:  "There has been a 2.3% reduction to the total Scottish Government workforce between March 2022 and September 2024.  

Scottish Government Workforce Statistics September 2024

The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician.  These statistics cover the numbers of workers, staff sickness rates, and the diversity of staff up to the most recent quarter ending September 2024.  

AI Was Supposed To Make The Uk Benefits System More Efficient. Instead It's Brought Bias And Hunger

A freedom of information request has revealed that an AI system used by the UK government for assessing benefits cases is apparently getting it wrong by a "statistically significant" amount.  The admission to journalists at the Guardian emerged after a fairness analysis into universal credit claimants in February 2024.