News Archive

Nominations for new National Park

Five areas - in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest - are in the running to be Scotland's next National Park.   The Scottish Government committed to designating at least one new park by 2026, to join Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.  

Speeding Up Cancer Diagnoses

More than one in ten patients seen by new cancer diagnostic services have been referred for cancer treatment, helping to speed up treatment and improve outcomes.  Patients waited an average of 14 days from referral, to having cancer ruled in or out.  

SSEN Transmisson Events Regarding New Overhead Power Lines

In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed.   This will connect renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.  

Potassium In Our Soil Is Running Low, Threatening Global Food Security - New Study Proposes A Way Out

Soils around the world are running low on potassium, a key nutrient needed for plants to grow.  This ultimately means we may not be able to grow enough food for everyone.  

Home To Highland Programme For Young People Commended

Unanimous support by Highland Council members of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee has been given to the Council's Home to Highland Programme which works to return care experienced young people to the Highlands from out of authority residential placements.   Councillors have considered two evaluations of the ‘Home to Highland Programme' and the services being developed to prevent young people requiring moving out of the local authority area.  

Company Shut Down After Consumers Hit By Direct Debit Scam

The company deceived consumers into signing up to a subscription charging them almost £30 a month.   Paragrim Ltd tricked consumers into signing up to the Mediacraze.net website Consumers were charged a monthly direct debit without their permission and which they were unable to easily unsubscribe from Insolvency Service investigations found no evidence the website provided any actual services or that the company was trading legitimately A company which tricked people into signing up for monthly direct debits has been shut down following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.  

Satellites Could Become More Sustainable, Thanks To New UK Space Agency Funding

The UK Space Agency has announced funding for work which aims to prolong the life of satellites, as part of efforts to ensure space remains sustainable for future generations.   The package includes a £2 million upgrade to the Satellite Applications Catapult's In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) facility at the Westcott Space Cluster in Aylesbury.  

Unlocking The Potential Of Quantum: £45 Million Investment To Drive Breakthroughs In Brain Scanners, Navigation Systems, And Quantum Computing

The government is today investing a total of £45 million in the UK's quantum sector.  It comes as part of its commitment to transforming into a quantum-enabled economy by 2033 - seizing this technology's potential to overhaul healthcare, energy, transport and more.  

New Guidance To Enhance E-bike And E-scooter Safety

information issued for users, owners and transport operators guidance designed to ensure public safety and mitigate fire risk Information around how to safely purchase, charge and use e-bikes and e-scooters has been published by the government today (1 February 2024) to improve consumer safety.   Following extensive consultation with industry, guidance on battery safety for both e-scooters and e-bikes will raise awareness for owners on how to safely purchase an e-cycle or e-scooter.  

Nature Recovery To Be Accelerated As The Government Delivers On Measures To Protect Land And Sea

One year on since the publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan, the government launches new measures to halt and reverse nature's decline.   Puffins, porpoises, and pine martens are just some of the species set to benefit from new measures set out by the Government today (31 January) to boost nature recovery on land and at sea.