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It is no surprise that rural Scots are angry about public transport
A new survey has revealed that rural Scots are dissatisfied about public transport in their areas and it is little wonder. Ministers must act to improve it, argues Herald columnist Alan Simpson.

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When green power divides - inside the struggle for Scotland’s fair energy future
Our Power Shift investigation reveals how Scotland’s green energy boom brings prosperity for some communities, while others feel sidelined, unheard and left behind

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Motherhood hit harder than I expected - but something unexpected has saved me
The first weeks of motherhood brought exhaustion and doubt, but unexpected kindness from my island community helped me find strength in the hardest moments.

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Scientists warn Scotland’s ancient pinewoods face collapse unless action is taken now
Leading scientists and conservationists warn Scotland’s ancient Caledonian pinewoods are at risk from deer, invasive species and flawed forestry policy.

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Scotland’s energy future hangs in the balance after budget fails to deliver
Scotland’s energy sector warned that reforming the windfall tax was vital to secure investment in renewables and protect jobs. But the budget’s silence on the issue leaves the green transition – and the North Sea’s future – hanging in the balance, says Peter Hourston

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Five spectacular drives and scenic vistas that will make you proud to be Scottish
From Glen Coe to the Trossachs and Skye, discover five spectacular Scottish road trips with great walks, views and places to eat this St Andrew’s Day.

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Why were ancient red deer bones hidden in Orkney buildings? New study seeks answers
A new study of ancient deer bones placed inside Ness of Brodgar buildings aims to uncover the rituals and cultural shifts of Neolithic Orkney.

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'Billions investment.' Highlands agreement to bring energy wealth to communities
A landmark Highlands agreement aims to unlock billions in sustainable investment, support community-led projects and drive long-term regional transformation.

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Profits tumble at well-known Scottish car dealership group
The Scottish car dealership group has posted a tumble in profits, citing 'one of the most challenging periods for the UK retail motor industry in recent memory'

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Robertson rebukes officials as he clarifies HES evidence after email leak
Angus Robertson has rebuked civil servants after he told Holyrood they had not passed invitations to him to meet with the board of the Scottish Government's crisis-hit heritage agency.

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New cash boost to help stave off Scotland's salmon decline
Efforts to preserve and restore Scotland's dwindling stocks of wild salmon are being given a boost as a £230,000 conservation fund opens for 2026.

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Budget 'to kill off North Sea oil industry within five years'
North Sea oil industry leaders warned the Chancellor's decision to leave the windfall tax in place in the Budget could lead firms to slash investment and jobs.

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Almost 170 Scots jobs lost as 105-year-old firm goes under
Almost 170 jobs have been lost across Scotland following the collapse of the UK’s largest timber firm.

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Approval granted for controversial Highland electricity substation
Planning consent has been granted for a controversial electricity substation in Caithness.

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Please, SNP and Labour, spare us the hypocrisy over Mossmorran
The hypocrisy of Labour and SNP over Mossmorran is quite something to behold

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Why bright winter nights confuse nature - and what our gardens can do about it
Bright winter nights and festive garden lights are disrupting the natural rhythms that guide birds and plants. Here’s how to reduce the impact at home.

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‘Intolerably dangerous’: the tram plan safety issues that are worrying cyclists
When it comes to Edinburgh trams and cycling, the focus has been mainly on the Roseburn Path. But cyclists are worried about other dangers.

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Why should we allow civil servants to stay at home at our expense?
We read in The Herald that civil servants are "furious at new working rules". Who are these angry people? They do not work for "the Government", they work for us.

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'It paints a bleak picture': Peregrine numbers in decline in Cairngorms National Park
The first specific, Cairngorms National Park-wide survey of peregrine falcons in 20 years has revealed a continuing downward trend in numbers.

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I took a Voi into a Glasgow I don’t know and saw signs of hope and danger
A trip on one of Glasgow's new Voi bikes reveals where the city is starting to get things right, as well as its biggest challenges, says Mark Smith

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A lesson in basic economics… so take heed Rachel Reeves
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is ignoring one of the key truths of economics.

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It feels like we're back in the 1980s - and I don't mean that in a good way
It is a strange world we live in when the Scottish Greens are leading the fight against oil and gas jobs being lost in their thousands, argues Herald columnist Alan Simpson

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Rural Scotland is running out of people - and new research says migrants are needed
A new SRUC study warns rural Scotland faces deepening depopulation and failing services, urging expanded migration alongside better housing, transport and healthcare.

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‘Toothless’ sewage enforcement sparks calls for national clean-water plan in Scotland
Experts warn Scotland’s sewage enforcement is “toothless”, urging a national plan to fix pollution, improve monitoring and protect communities.

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A new dawn in environmental regulation is here: here's why it matters
A once in a generation shift in environmental regulation, simplifies and streamlines, explains SEPA CEO, Nicole Paterson

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‘We know there’s crap out there’: Sewage fears grow on the Water of Leith
Campaigners say pathogens and sewage are polluting the Water of Leith, accusing regulators and government of failing to act despite years of warnings.

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SNP U-turns on heat pumps and burning logs leave Scots householders out in the cold
As the Scottish government drops legislation for greener heating for the second time in a year, Herald columnist Rosemary Goring asks what policy U-turns tell us about how the country is run.

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From bonfire nights to baby cuddles: a year of change on the Isle of Rum
A year ago I was hauling logs on Rum for our first island winter. This birthday, I held my newborn son on the mainland and wondered how life changed so quickly, says Elle Duffy

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Robbie the Pict warns Skye is being 'ridden roughshod' by windfarm expansion
Robbie the Pict says Skye’s windfarm and grid plans are riding roughshod over communities, raising fears about roads, consultation and cumulative impacts.

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MSPs demand answers from Robertson over evidence after bombshell email leak
MSPs are demanding to know why they were not told of key evidence when Angus Robertson appeared before them to answer questions on Historic Enivronment Scotland.

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Inside the bold expansion that’s redefining speciality coffee in Scotland
Discover how Dear Green’s ambitious Glasgow expansion is transforming Scotland’s speciality coffee scene, boosting capacity, sustainability and community impact.

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The last building left. But the change at Govan Docks has finally started
It is the last building left standing at Govan Docks but it's now the centre of ambitious plans for change, says Mark Smith

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Five of Scotland’s best Christmas tree farms for festive fun and winter walks
When it comes to winter magic, few things spark joy like a stroll among glistening firs, spruce and pine trees. Many Christmas tree farms across Scotland open their doors over the next couple of weekends.

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Bring colour to your patio with Scotland’s favourite flower
A rose adds beauty and joy to any garden from adorning a tree to enhancing a patio. You can buy and plant a container-grown rose at any time but a bare root one should be ordered and planted over the next few weeks.

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COP30 has shown us that water efficiency is essential for all
COP30 — the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference — has shown that water efficiency is an opportunity and not an obstacle, argues Deirdre Michie, Chair of Scottish Water .

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Trust starts work on next phase of major infrastructure project on Staffa
The National Trust for Scotland has commenced the next phase of its major infrastructure project on Staffa as it continues to invest in the visitor experience on the beloved island.

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Why forestry in Scotland is a stable and sustainable investment choice
In today’s climate of economic uncertainty and market volatility, investors are searching for assets that offer stability, growth, and increasingly green credentials.

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What does land reform really mean for commercial forestry in Scotland?
Lizzie McFadzean, Partner, Land & Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew looks at the implications for Scottish forestry contained in the newly passed Land Reform Bill

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Want a smarter democracy? Then use your smart phone
Advances in technology mean we can improve how we practice democracy.

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'Huge step forwards': Famous Highland glen joins UK’s largest rewilding landscape
A famous Highland glen managed by Scotland’s forestry agency has joined the UK’s largest rewilding landscape

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Scotland’s oldest solar firm is booming as demand for clean energy surges
AES Solar, Europe’s longest-running solar panel maker, is expanding fast as demand for PV, storage and heat pumps grows, securing its future with new investment.

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North Sea giant posts $1.5bn profit amid acquisition spree
North Sea heavyweight Ithaca Energy has increased its exposure to the West of Shetland basin as it works on plans for big oil field developments in the area.

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Western Isles face wind energy boom but communities question who really benefits
As major wind projects surge across the Western Isles, community groups warn they’re being priced out of grid access and left without support for urgent local services.

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What's just about a transition that sees work exported to China?
There is nothing just about shutting down Scottish and UK industries before replacement jobs exist

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Ignore the myths: it's time to make the rich stump up
The obvious solution to many of our economic woes is to tax wealth rather than put yet more pressure on struggling household budgets

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Highland communities say renewable rollout is overwhelming local democracy
Highland residents warn that rapid wind, solar and BESS expansion is outpacing local democracy.

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Salmon return to small river near Glasgow for first time in 170 years
Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). 

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Major whisky makers join forces to return 'precious' Islay peatland back to health
A landmark conservation partnership has been announced between RSPB Scotland and major whisky distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo and The Glenmorangie Company to restore peatland on one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

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How Shetland transformed a divisive wind farm into a £72m community benefit fund
Shetland’s once-divisive Viking wind farm now delivers a £72m community benefit fund, supporting local projects, jobs and long-term island development.

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SNP Government hopes for floating windfarm boom sunk by North Sea oil giant
The SNP Government's hopes of a green jobs bonanza are fading after an oil giant scrapped plans to develop a pioneering windfarm off Aberdeen.

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