Scottish council area; part of Scotland’s local government landscape
Scottish exam results show pass rates rising across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, with record numbers of passes and a narrowing but persistent attainment gap between deprived and better-off pupils. Education Secretary McAllan describes the day as positive and pledges further action.
The new prime minister has indicated a pragmatic approach to North Sea drilling in talks with the US president, while Labour maintains its manifesto stance not to issue new licences. Consultations on Jackdaw and Rosebank are under way, with potential policy shifts looming as industry pressure grows.
The 2018 Masters champion has joined a strong Scottish lineup for the Nexo Championship in Aberdeenshire, with defending champion Grant Forrest and a host of locals in the mix. Reed has led the Race to Dubai and is chasing a return to PGA Tour events, while Scotland’s own Ewen Ferguson and David Law are among the starters.
Through two weeks, home teams have won about 29% of games, the worst start in 30 years. New York is the only team with a winning record at home. Attendance is up 6%, and scheduling may be a factor. Chicago has started 3-1 on the road, defying the trend.
Export growth across Scotland is being driven by mid‑market industrial and manufacturing firms, with energy, subsea services, engineering and food supply chains posting strong international sales. The latest Export 100 rankings show firms expanding through global demand and long‑term contracts, not domestic expansion, while defence and aerospace are among the advanced markets seen.
Scottish supporters are converging on Providence, Rhode Island, for Scotland’s World Cup games in the United States. Organizers have arranged affordable transport and lodging as fans navigate record-high World Cup costs, leveraging local partnerships to host events and shuttle groups to the stadium.
BrewDog’s founder James Watt has tabled a bid to reacquire the Scottish craft beer business he co-founded, via a new firm, Second Best. The move follows Tilray’s rescue of BrewDog earlier this year and the company’s subsequent administration, which closed bars and left investors out of pocket. The ICO is reviewing potential GDPR concerns over shareholder data.
Ayrshire golfer has secured a second Open appearance after final qualifying at Dundonald Links. He has decided to pursue PGA qualification and is aiming to compete again at The Open, even as he prepares to return to PGA training. The Open week at Royal Birkdale has brought him personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
The US has removed tariffs on Scotch whisky following the King and Queen’s state visit, a move hailed as a boost for Scotland’s whisky industry and its jobs. The move also sees US bourbon and casks entering the UK tariff-free, while ministers warn other UK goods face new levies. Readers are updated on the latest shift in transatlantic trade relations.
Public access to rivers remains severely limited across large parts of England and Wales, despite calls for a right of responsible access. New data shows vast riverbanks lack access within 100m of water, while authorities warn that drought conditions and heatwave risk intensifying shortages. Scotland also tightens water-use rules as abstractions face temporary limits.
The new Prime Minister has indicated a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil, with discussions in the US about potential licensing changes. Labour’s manifesto bounds remain a factor, as consultations on Jackdaw and Rosebank proceed while officials weigh existing licences.