Berwick Bank offshore wind farm project approved for Firth of Forth
Located about 23 miles (38km) off the Borders coastline at St Abbs, developers SSE Renewables want to construct up to 307 turbines.The Scottish government said the approval was subject to the company producing a detailed seabird compensation plan outlining how any adverse impact would be tackled.That plan will need to be approved by Scottish ministers ahead of the project proceeding.Kate Forbes said: "The decision to grant consent to Berwick Bank is a major step in Scotland's progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis, as well as supporting national energy security and growing our green economy."She said it was also an important decision for the renewables sector and the government would continue to work with developers to "balance the needs of people and nature".
'Huge step forward'
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "We welcome this decision which puts us within touching distance of our offshore wind targets to deliver clean power by 2030 – boosting our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower."He said it marked a "huge step forward in Britain's energy security and getting bills down for good".Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the project had the potential to make a "huge contribution to the UK government's growth and clean energy missions and create clean power jobs in Scotland".He said it underlined the "massive potential" clean energy had to "generate jobs, wealth and opportunity for Scottish families".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Plan to fly old burgh coat of arms in Johnstone 'not possible'
Provost Lorraine Cameron has confirmed the local authority encountered a 'problem' that effectively means it does not have the power to display that particular emblem at this time. The council had intended to fly the burgh flag in the town's Houstoun Square but could now fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club instead following their Scottish Junior Cup win in June. There are no such issues in the case of Renfrew, however, because the community council petitioned to matriculate its arms to the group in 1987. In an update to councillors, Provost Cameron explained: 'Unfortunately, we have uncovered a problem in respect of Johnstone. 'Following the council meeting, [the head of corporate governance] contacted the Lord Lyon's office to confirm what was the correct coat of arms for Johnstone Burgh and to confirm who had permission to fly it. 'The response received from the Lord Lyon's office was that under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, the status of 'Burgh' was abolished in 1975. 'They have stated that this makes the 1955 Grant of Arms to the Burgh of Johnstone redundant and therefore they may not be displayed. 'Unlike Renfrew, there has never been any such petition in Johnstone, so currently no one has the right to fly a flag bearing that coat of arms. 'Were the council to do so, the Lord Lyon has criminal enforcement powers. 'Accordingly, we will not be able to fly the old burgh coat of arms in Johnstone as envisaged in the council decision, unless a local group, like the community council, petitions the Lord Lyon. 'I have asked what this would involve and have been told that even if there is an organisation that could petition to matriculate the Johnstone coat of arms it could take 30 to 36 months to complete the process. 'So, in the absence of the power to fly the burgh flag in Johnstone, I am proposing, in honour of their recent success, that we fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club until April 2026 when the Renfrewshire Council flag will be raised in respect of the anniversary of the council. 'If a local Johnstone group decides to petition the Lord Lyon for matriculation of the flag, the council can revisit the issue if they are successful.' Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for the village, said he was 'hopeful' one of the community groups would pick up the mantle and petition the Lord Lyon for approval. 'That would be great if they wanted to do that,' he added. 'But I feel that it sticks in my throat that we're hidebound by these sort of medieval rules. 'I agree with the provost's suggestion, however, and I think it's wise under the circumstances. 'Johnstone Burgh Football Club did so well and everyone wants to recognise that.'
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
UK student bank accounts: the best perks, from railcards to cheap meals
This month, hundreds of thousands of students across the UK will receive some life-changing news that will determine where they spend the next few years of their lives. However, amid all the celebrations, as sixth-formers find out if they got into their first-choice university, and the (hopefully temporary) sorrows, as those whose exams did not go to plan scramble for a place through clearing, there are some important financial matters to think about. One of these is sorting out a student bank account. If you are heading to university, this account will be your constant companion over the next few years, so it is vital to pick one that works well for you. Many people select a student bank account after the A-level or Scottish highers results day, when they know where they are going. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, results day is 14 August, while in Scotland it is this coming Tuesday (5 August). At this time of year, high street banks and building societies dangle various tempting goodies in front of young people, knowing full well that some will stay on as customers for years – or even decades – after they have finished their studies and entered the world of work. However, for many, the most-important feature will be the size of the interest-free overdraft on offer. You are not required to have a student bank account – you could opt for a standard current account. However, those aimed at university-goers typically offer features you cannot get elsewhere. 'Students may be enticed by the free perks, but it is essential they compare the whole bundle alongside the 0% overdraft in the first instance,' says Rachel Springall, a finance expert at the website Interestingly, this year Martin Lewis's and the Save the Student website have chosen the same providers when it comes to their top four student accounts: Santander, NatWest and its Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) brand, and Nationwide. Once again, NatWest and RBS have been highlighted as the banks offering the most generous interest-free overdraft deals – up to £3,250 in the third year of study. That's assuming you are eligible for that amount. Santander is not as generous but it scores highly. That is partly because, with most banks, the quoted overdraft amounts are 'up to' and may only be available in your final year at university or only to those with a decent credit rating, whereas with Santander you are guaranteed the full £1,500 in years one to three, provided you meet the basic criteria, explains the Save the Student money advice website. Santander's free four-year young person's railcard is also a big draw. Here we look at the perks and interest-free overdrafts on offer from the main players. The freebies: £85 cashback (although down from £100 last year) and a free tastecard, valid for four years and offering two-for-one meals out and other dining discounts. NatWest and RBS say the tastecard is worth £79.99 a year, although at the time of writing, annual membership was available for £29.99. Interest-free overdraft: up to £2,000 from year one (limited to £500 in your first term). Up to £3,250 from year three onwards. Anything else? NatWest and RBS again came top in Save the Student's banking survey earlier this year, with student satisfaction scores of 4.34 and 4.32, respectively, out of five. The freebies: the Edge student account comes with a free four-year 16-25 railcard that the bank says is worth £115, offering students up to a third off most rail fares. There's a prize draw for those who open, or transfer to, the account before 17 October this year, with prizes ranging from £20 to £100,000. Also, you can pay into a regular savings account paying 5%, and get access to cashback and offers via the bank's Santander Boosts rewards programme. Interest-free overdraft: £1,500 for the first three years, provided you meet the basic criteria (registering for online banking and paying in a certain amount). This can increase to £1,800 in year four and £2,000 in year five if students continue with their studies. Anything else? Santander was once again the most commonly used bank among those surveyed by Save the Student, although its market share has dropped slightly to 18% from 21% last year. 'Even when I was at university, Santander were very popular,' says Tom Allingham, the communications director at Save the Student. 'They definitely make a conscious effort in that space.' However, in terms of overdrafts, NatWest and RBS 'are offering more than £1,000 more at the maximum level', he adds. The freebies: the building society offers £100 cashback and £120 worth of Just Eat vouchers, paid out as £10 a month over the first year. Interest-free overdraft: provided you meet the basic criteria, you are guaranteed a £1,000 0% overdraft in year one. It is then up to £2,000 in year two, and up to £3,000 in year three (and beyond, if applicable). Anything else? If you have, or open, a savings account with Nationwide as well, you could get an annual Fairer Share scheme payment. For the last three years running it has paid out £100 to eligible members. Some students will like the fact that Nationwide is a mutual (owned by its members rather than shareholders), gives 1% of its profits to charities, and has made a pledge to keep branches. The freebies: £100 cashback (down from £110 last year), plus £90 in Deliveroo vouchers (£15 a month for six months) provided they make a minimum number of transactions. Interest-free overdraft: up to £1,500 in years one to three, and then up to £2,000 in years four to six (if applicable). Anything else? With Lloyds's Everyday Offers scheme, students can earn up to 15% cashback at selected retailers. If they sign up to Deliveroo Students at the start of term, they will pay no delivery charges with Deliveroo Plus Silver on takeaway orders above £15 (restaurants) or £25 (grocery and retail shops). The freebies: no major freebies for new student account customers at the time of writing. Interest-free overdraft: up to £1,000 when you open the account. You can ask for an increase to up to £2,000 in year two and up to £3,000 in year three. Anything else? Students can access the bank's home&Away scheme, which offers discounts on matters such as shopping, dining and travel. They are also able to put money into an HSBC regular savings account paying 5%. The freebies: no major freebies on offer at the time of writing. Interest-free overdraft: up to £1,000 in year one (up to £500 during the first term), then up to £1,500 in year two and beyond. Anything else? Barclays has been the subject of demonstrations by anti-war activists and others. It has been criticised by some for providing financial services to defence companies supplying Israel. It says: 'Barclays provides a range of financial products and services to UK, US and European defence companies that supply Nato and its allies … Barclays does not directly invest in these companies.' The freebies: £100 cashback (down from £110 last year), plus £90 in Deliveroo vouchers (£15 a month for six months) provided they make a minimum number of transactions. Interest-free overdraft: up to £1,500 in years one to three, and then up to £2,000 in years four to six (if applicable). Anything else? With Halifax's Cashback Extras and Bank of Scotland's Everyday Offers, students can earn up to 15% cashback at retailers including Costa Coffee, Just Eat and Sainsbury's. The freebies: no major freebies on offer at the time of writing. Interest-free overdraft: £500 in the first six months, rising to £1,000 in months seven to nine, and up to £1,500 from month 10. Anything else? Students can earn 5% interest on account balances up to £500. They can access offers and discounts via the bank's My Rewards portal. As a student there will be many mornings where you stare lamentably at your bank balance. So you might as well pick an account that can offer some respite. In my case it was the Santander Edge student current account. I was sold on the free four-year 16-25 railcard. Throughout each year at university my railcard has come up trumps in a variety of ways. In my first year at university, it made home feel just that little bit closer. With a 33% saving on each fare, I was constantly spotted on platform 1 with a big bag of laundry. In my second year, my railcard served as a gateway to explore more of the country. I've ticked off new sporting venues, as well as Bristol and Stansted airports. Moving into my final year, as the crunch begins, my railcard will act as an enabler to complete valuable internships and work experience. My account also comes with a 0% overdraft, which is a reassuring presence should any part of university life catch up with me. There were a variety of options that didn't quite capture my eye. NatWest offered a tastecard letting you take advantage of restaurant deals and food discounts. In my case I found that after the first semester, the likelihood of eating out quickly diminishes. Student finance only stretches so far! Other accounts offered cashback at certain retailers, which, considering my limited record of high street spending, would have been wasted on me. Talking of the high street, the fact that there's a Santander branch in my university town was also a factor. My family is still wedded to the chequebook, so a place to deposit cheques, even in 2025, is greatly appreciated. Alfie Howlett is studying a three-year BA journalism degree at the University of Gloucestershire
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
This is the week Scotland was forced to confront its role in slavery, and say: ‘Yes, that was us'
As a child growing up in Edinburgh, I was taught this was a city built on the genius of the Scottish Enlightenment. That story was sunk deep into our bones and passed between us as our treasured inheritance. It formed our sense of ourselves and our belief in Scotland's good and worthy contribution to the world. We walked past statues of David Hume and Adam Smith. We celebrated their intellect and claimed it as our own. Yet no one spoke of what lay beneath that brilliance – of whose labour built their wealth, whose bodies were stolen, dispossessed and abused as a consequence of their 'thinking'. Edinburgh was framed not as a city of complicity but of genius. That silence shaped us. Now, the University of Edinburgh's review of its legacies of enslavement and colonialism joins a wider reckoning that has been building across Scotland. It confronts the stories we were told – that we continue to tell. That we love to tell. Scotland has long positioned itself as a nation on the margins of empire. We speak of being oppressed, victimised – or as a benign participant in the British imperial project. But many of us, through our family histories, have always known that's not the whole truth. It's a lie of omission. One that has excluded us, exiled us from a national story in which we also have histories to contribute, and in which we have a claim. Edinburgh University's recent inquiry into its history is sobering. It focuses on the institution's financial gains from plantation slavery, its intellectual support of racial pseudoscience and its memorialisation of colonial figures. It names how Enlightenment thinking in Scotland justified racial hierarchies. These aren't revelations for many Black and Brown Scots, or for those involved with Scotland's anti-racism movements – they're confirmations of truths long lived and denied. And still, we are met with denial, minimisation and the defensive recoil of a nation uncomfortable with the truth of itself. There's a reflex to preserve pride at all costs within our society – even when the cost is exclusion and erasure of fellow Scots; of their histories and their story of Scotland. The work of uncovering Scotland's pivotal role in enslavement and colonialism has been led by individuals such as the academics Geoff Palmer and Stephen Mullen, Zandra Yeaman at the Hunterian Museum, Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Black History Walk, and the poet Shasta Hanif Ali, who explores the stories of the Indian ayahs who lived and worked in Edinburgh. Their work has helped us understand long-denied histories and given many of us a stronger sense of belonging as a result. The University of Edinburgh's report adds further weight to their labour. But what comes next? Race is a social construct. But we must now confront the fact that it was constructed, in part, here, by so-called 'great men' – our great men – whose legacy continues to shape our country and institutions. And their legacy still causes us harm. This harm is not abstract. In 2024 alone, Police Scotland recorded 4,794 hate crimes under the new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act. Black and minority ethnic people are 60% more likely to live in the most deprived parts of Scotland than their white counterparts. Black and minority ethnic workers have poorer outcomes than white workers when applying for jobs in our public sector organisations. These are reverberations of a legacy born in Enlightenment philosophies that theorised racial hierarchies – ideas presented as science, later used to justify enslavement and colonialism. These narratives of white supremacy negatively affect us all, and they continue to endanger and blight the lives of Black and Brown people. What happens next must therefore go beyond apology and symbolism. It must be structural, sustained and fiercely imaginative. Education is key. Not just to correct the record, but to transform how we imagine and create a better nation. Within our schools, reform is under way – initiatives such as Education Scotland's Building Racial Literacy programme and collectives such as The Anti-Racist Educator provide vital resources and training. Such efforts must be scaled, funded and politically backed if they're to meaningfully reshape how we understand ourselves, how we embed anti-racism within our institutions and how we teach Scotland's history. Edinburgh council's Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review, endorsed by councillors in 2022, included a public apology and the creation of an implementation group, chaired by Irene Mosota, to guide reparative action. This included initiatives such as the Disrupting the Narrative project, which has formed the main body of my work as Edinburgh makar (the city's poet laureate). The meetings of the Scottish BPOC Writers Network's writers group at the University of Edinburgh, and the important work of mentorship and support from We Are Here Scotland are also living examples of this reparative work. This work is not symbolic – it is foundational. It allow us to rebuild from the margins, and write ourselves back into the story of Scotland, and into the story we tell. This is a live, unfinished conversation – one that must embrace intersectionality, mobilise solidarity and resist the far right's weaponisation of pseudoscience and historical denial. Opposition to anti-racism is often framed as resistance to 'political correctness', and calls for decolonisation are frequently mocked or deliberately misunderstood. Silence, however, is complicity. History is not settled. Our story is not finished. We are capable of confronting ourselves honestly and critically. We can take pride in our history of social justice movements – but this pride must also own and acknowledge the truth of what and who built this nation. That means interrogating our past and the reasons for our collective amnesia. It means listening to voices long silenced. The time has come, Scotland. The time has finally come. Hannah Lavery is a Scottish poet and playwright. She will be appearing in Disrupting the Narrative – a Performance, at the Edinburgh international book festival
