Dumbarton Road, Scotstoun
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Local residents of a much praised Glasgow neighbourhood already know what it has to offer, a council meeting heard.
Scotstoun was featured in a Sunday Times guide recently earning praise as a desirable location and classed as one of the best places to live in Scotland.
Reacting to the news, council leader Susan Aitken said: “I think it reflects what local residents already know – Scotstoun offers a strong sense of community excellent amenities, excellent connectivity and a high quality of life.”
She said it provides a “nice mix of city living and neighbourhood character, which we have in actual fact in so many neighbourhoods in Glasgow”.
Pointing out the recognition reflects Glasgow’s wider strengths, as a place to live, work and invest, she added: “We keep continuing to receive national recognition for our quality of life, our cultural offer, the economic impact and growth that is taking place in the city.”
Speaking at yesterday’s full council meeting, local Garscadden and Scotstounhill SNP councillor Malcolm Mitchell asked if the “centre of gravity” in Glasgow is now back in the north side of the river after it was previously claimed the south side was eclipsing the west end in popularity.
The claim was made by councillor Sean Ferguson a couple of years ago when Newlands emerged as a favoured location to live in the Sunday Times.
SNP Councillor Aitken said: “I have been saying for quite a long time that the north west of the city’s time has come. It was a part of the city nine years ago when I started this job that had really waited a very long time for investment.
“We have seen in the last nine years an absolute transformation taking place and much more to come. ”
She told the council meeting “every corner” of the city “contains fabulous neighbourhoods.”
Cast of Trainspotting The Musical
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Thirty years on from the film that ‘changed everything’, and following its world premiere in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical will embark on a major UK tour opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 19 October. Written by Irvine Welsh (adapted from his best-selling debut novel) and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, coming to the Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Monday 15 until Saturday 20 March 2027.
In 1996 the “breakthrough British film” (The Guardian) Trainspotting was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year taking over $76 million worldwide and won a slew of awards including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. In 1999 it was ranked 10th in the British Film Institute’s ‘Top 100 Greatest British Films of the 20th Century’.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back, live on stage: Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly. Renton (played in the film by Ewan McGregor) will be played on stage by 26-year-old Scottish actor Robbie Scott. He will be joined by fellow Scots actors Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Rebecca McKinnis as Cathy Renton, Gordon Cooper as Davie Renton, Ashley J. Russell as Colleen, Rosie Dignan as Alison, Yana Harris as Kelly, and Sophie Hutchinson as Lizzie. The ensemble comprises Ally Kennard, Kieran Brown, Melanie Marshall, Lewis Kidd, Samuel Stewart, Finlay McKillop, Ciara Ennis, Victoria Nicol, Kyra Fyvie, and Chris O’Mara.
Irvine Welsh said: “I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
In 1996, CHOOSE LIFE sounded like a challenge. Now the landscape has shifted, but the hunger hasn’t. Addiction hasn’t disappeared – it’s shifted. It’s quieter now, more embedded. Less needle, more screen. Less escape, more repetition. The modern addiction to mobile phones, faces stuck to screens, the same restless search for something to fill the space.
Trainspotting The Musical highlights the world we see changing around us, the obscene concentration of wealth, economic and political power in the hands of so few people. It addresses the modern culture of powerlessness.
Image from the film
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
In his latest short film, From Ozarks to Delta Blues, filmmaker Markus Stitz journeys across Arkansas, exploring its landscapes and cycling culture by bike, foot and kayak.
Travelling from Bentonville and Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas to Hot Springs, Little Rock and the Arkansas Delta, the film captures the state’s striking diversity – from the rugged Ozark Mountains to Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita National Forest and the unique landscape of Crowley’s Ridge.
Markus comments: “Nine years after crossing the US on a singlespeed bike during my round-the-world trip, I was curious to discover what Arkansas had to offer. Exploring the state with local people gave me a real insight into its diversity, and I’m grateful to share their stories and connection to the places they call home. For me, Arkansas is one of the most intriguing places to ride a bike.”
Featured in the film is Ernie Lechuga, owner of the Scott Adventure Lab in Bentonville, who made the city his home after a career in professional cycling. He says: “There’s so much to explore. It’s so raw. It’s just beautiful. There are so many untapped country roads that you feel free in.”
Speaking about Bentonville, he adds: “You can ride all the bikes around here. But the like-minded people are what makes it the most special. Everybody’s curious about Bentonville because of a bike. Being able to go to a place where you feel at home in the cycling world, that’s what’s special about Bentonville.”
From scenic greenways to rugged singletrack, the film highlights the many ways to explore Arkansas by bike. Routes range from the Razorback Greenway linking Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville to the quiet backroads of the Delta that stretch to the horizon. Martin Smith, who lives with his family in Birdeye, comments: ‘Crowley’s Ridge has really the only elevation in the Arkansas Delta. It’s canopy covered, shaded, and you just have this sense of being on these historic travel ways. Building a future starts with connecting to the past. Those historic and cultural assets, combined with the natural resources in our communities, tell the story of who we are.’
Traci Berry, trails coordinator at Visit Hot Springs, says: “Our title of the natural state describes us well. We have a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities, a lot of public land here in our state with two national forests, a national park, and a lot of our cities also have a lot of green space. In Hot Springs with a population of about 38,000 we are considered still rural with our city.”
With a mild four-season climate, bike-friendly communities and a deep connection to the outdoors, Arkansas offers a compelling destination for riders and explorers alike.
Sam Files, park interpreter at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock, concludes: “If I had to describe Arkansas in three words: breathtaking, hardworking and wild.”
The film is supported by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Tout Terrain USA.
Watch the full film, available on YouTube below.
RZSS conservationists releasing the pine hoverfly (credit: RZSS)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Conservationists at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) have celebrated releasing the 30,000th pine hoverfly into the Cairngorms National Park as part of the breeding programme for the species. This milestone follows the wildlife conservation charity’s release of nearly 7,000 larvae across four sites in March 2026.
The pine hoverfly is one of Britain’s rarest insects and is Critically Endangered in Scotland. It depends on complex woodland habitats which were once widespread in the UK but are now restricted to a few sites within the Cairngorms.
The team braved high winds and hail for the landmark release, undertaken as part of the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms (RIC) project and in collaboration with the Pine Hoverfly Steering Group.
RZSS field conservation manager Georgina Lindsay said: “The scale of our achievement really only struck me when we found out that 18,000 people live in the Cairngorms and we’ve now released almost twice as many flies.
“The reintroduction project is hugely important for the species, which is one of Britain’s rarest insects. This milestone is emblematic of so much hard work and dedication, and a tribute to collaborative work between organisations with a shared mission.”
Releases were conducted on land managed by the RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland and Anagach Woods Trust.
RIC Project Officer Gen Tompkins said: “It’s fantastic to be celebrating this massive milestone. Alongside the large number of hoverflies released, it’s exciting that we are now starting to record more wild bred individuals at release sites and in new areas too.
“This would not be possible without a lot of hard work from project partners, volunteers and land managers restoring diverse and dynamic pine forests that include flowering trees and shrubs that pine hoverflies and other wildlife depend on.”
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot and the Scottish Government’s zoos and aquariums fund, and relies on critical funding from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Forestry and Land Scotland, Marvelous Europe Inc., NatureScot, The National Geographic Society, Cheeky Panda, the John Swires Trust 1989 and players of the Postcode Lottery.
Motoring expert urges drivers not to overlook five visible defects that could cost an MOT pass
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
With an estimated 2.5 million MOTs set to take place across the UK in March[1] – typically one of the busiest months of the year for the legally-required annual check, drivers are being urged by a motoring expert to not overlook five defects that are often simple to spot, and quick and cost effective to fix before their vehicle goes on the ramp for the mandatory test.
The latest guidance comes as many of the nation’s repairers report that a growing number of motorists may struggle to afford routine maintenance this year against a backdrop of strained household budgets, resulting in easily preventable faults turning into more costly repairs and heavy fines if left to linger.
To help drivers prepare ahead of the MOT, which applies to cars once they reach three years of age, The Motor Ombudsman is highlighting five key areas that shouldn’t be ignored:
1. Tyres in poor condition
Tyres are often one of the biggest causes of MOT failures. Bulges, cuts, or tears, as well as sidewall damage and a tread depth below the legal limit of 1.6mm, are all frowned upon in the eyes of testers, meaning a fail is on the cards.
It’s not just the MOT that’s at risk, because driving on illegal tyres can also cost motorists up to £2,500 per wheel, and add three points to a licence if their vehicle is found to have defective rubber.
Typical time and cost to fix by a garage: From 30 minutes / Around £60 and upwards per new tyre.
2. A daytime running light not working
Daytime running lights (DRLs) found on the front of a car are another valuable safety feature, as they’re designed to make a vehicle stand out more during daylight hours. Cars fitted with DRLs from 1st March 2018 are the ones testers will look out for. If one of the two lamps isn’t working, and the light is not white in colour, this will be classed as a reason to fail the MOT. In fact, cars will also forfeit a pass for any other headlight or rear bulbs that have blown.
Typical time and cost to fix by a garage: Up to around 30 minutes / from about £60 for an investigation into a faulty daytime running light.
3. Damaged front wiper blades
Wiper blades performing at their very best are vital to keeping the windscreen clean and unobstructed. If testers see blades that are missing or not clearing the screen that a driver cannot see out of safely, this will be classed as a major defect.
Typical time and cost to replace by a garage: Around two minutes / From about £30 per pair of blades.
4. Cracks and chips in the front windscreen
Windscreens are divided into distinct ‘Zones’, and Zone ‘A’ is one of the most critical, as this is the area directly in the driver’s line of sight. If damage or a chip larger than just a centimetre is found in this section of the front screen, the chance of a pass quickly disappears, and a repair and retest will be needed to see the car be classed as roadworthy. A damaged windscreen can equally see owners incur a penalty of £2,500 and three points due to poor visibility.
Typical time and cost to fix by a garage: Around 45 minutes and about £60 for a chip repair, extending to in the region of 90 minutes / from about £250 for a full windscreen replacement.
5. A faulty windscreen washer system
A quick look under the bonnet before going for an MOT can quickly reveal whether the windscreen washer reservoir (often filled with a blue-coloured liquid) is topped up – essential for clearing away dirt and grime. Washer systems not working or providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, will result in an instant failure, and can also lead to a fine of £100 and three points if caught on the road.
Typical time and cost to top up windscreen washer fluid: Around five minutes and from £2.
Typical time and cost to fix by a garage: Around one hour, and from about £130 for a new windscreen washer pump.
“Spending just a few minutes walking around the car in advance of an MOT can help drivers quickly identify if something doesn’t look quite right”, says Rebecca Pullan, owner at The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage and MOT station.
“Nipping any issues in the bud is vital to preventing simple problems from becoming more serious and costly later on, and it can be the difference between a straightforward pass and an unexpected MOT failure, meaning unforeseen time off the road for drivers.”
To view the businesses that are accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Business-Finder.
Family waiting for a train
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
ScotRail is giving families the chance to enjoy unlimited rail travel across Scotland this Easter with the return of its popular Family Pass.
The £60 ticket offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children, helping families make the most of the holidays while keeping costs down.
For the first time, the Family Pass is available to purchase online, making planning and booking even easier.
Seven days of consecutive travel can start on any day between Thursday, 3 April and Sunday, 13 April 2026, giving families the flexibility to make the most of the Easter holidays.
The Family Pass provides excellent value-for-money and convenience compared to travelling by car, helping families avoid fuel costs, parking charges, and busy roads. Customers can relax together on the journey, enjoy Scotland’s stunning scenery, and arrive directly in the heart of cities, towns, and popular tourist destinations.
Whether it’s exploring country parks, visiting free attractions like the V&A Dundee, or heading for a seaside day out, ScotRail’s Family Pass is designed to help families enjoy a memorable Easter without stretching their budgets.
For journey planning and inspiration for days out, customers can visit the ScotRail Inspiration Hub.
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said:
“We’re pleased to bring back our popular Family Pass to help families make the most of the Easter holidays.
“With this limited time offer, families can enjoy unlimited travel for seven consecutive days, making it easier to explore Scotland together without worrying about the cost.
“With the option to buy online, it’s now even more convenient for customers to plan their Easter adventures by rail.”
Buchana Galleries
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scotland’s first free bookshop, GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries, is celebrating World Book Day (March 5) by encouraging the public to rediscover the joy of reading.
GET Free Books is operated by the Global Educational Trust, a charity dedicated to promoting literacy and reading skills for all, providing local communities to access free books through its network of over 20 bookshops around the UK.
Its first Scottish location opened at Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow in June 2025. The store offers a wide range of second-hand books across all genres, with guests able to take home up to three books to read and enjoy free of charge.
This World Book Day, GET Free Books is encouraging everyone to pop into store, pick up a free book, and experience the transformative power of reading. By removing financial barriers, the initiative ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access and enjoy books, regardless of their circumstances.
At the same time, the charity is calling on the local community to donate any unwanted books to help keep the shelves stocked and stories circulating. Every donated book gives someone else the chance to discover a new author, explore a new world, or reignite a passion for reading.
Junaid Rahim, GET Free Books Trustee, said, “World Book Day is a powerful reminder of how books can inspire, educate and connect us. We encourage everyone to visit the shop, take a book, and if they can, donate one too. A book you’ve finished could be the start of someone else’s reading journey.”
Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries, said, “World Book Day is about celebrating the power of stories and the joy found in this timeless pastime, and we’re delighted to play our part by helping ensure books are freely available to everyone.
“Access to books should never be limited by financial barriers, which is why we’re proud to support the first GET Free Books shop in Scotland and its ongoing mission to make reading truly accessible.”
GET Free Books relies on donations from the community to keep its shelves stocked, inviting the public to donate their unwanted books and help prevent them from going to waste. Donations can be dropped off at the GET Free Books store on the first floor of Buchanan Galleries, next to Starbucks. The team welcomes second-hand books across all genres, helping prevent them from going to waste while supporting literacy in the local community.
For information about Buchanan Galleries, please visit www.buchanangalleries.co.uk.
Audience at GFF25 Industry Focus event (photo by Ingrid Mur)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Glasgow Film Festival’s 22nd edition opens tomorrow and includes an extensive programme of free and affordable screenings and events.
Based at Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) and venues across the city, Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) presents a wide range of free and low-cost activities as part of its 2026 programme, ensuring audiences of all ages and backgrounds can experience world-class cinema and be part of the festival.
GFF26 runs from 25 February to 8 March, and will screen 126 films from 44 countries with 16 World, European, and International premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres.
Continuing GFF’s long-standing commitment to accessibility, audiences are invited to start each day of the festival with a free screening from the 2026 retrospective strand, Truth to Power. The programme features 10 films spanning the 1930s to 2014 that confront systems of power or depict acts of resistance.
Highlights include Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers (1966), depicting the Algerian war for independence; Stanley Kubrick’s darkly comic Dr Strangelove (1964); the 50th anniversary screening of All the President’s Men (1976); and Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), screening on 35mm, directed by and featuring George Clooney.
The strand also features acclaimed biographical dramas including Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated Selma (2014), Steven Soderbergh’s Erin Brockovich (2000), starring Julia Roberts in her Oscar-winning role, and In the Name of the Father (1993), with Daniel Day-Lewis portraying a man wrongfully convicted of terrorism.
Truth to Power screenings take place at 10.30am at GFT. Tickets cannot be booked in advance and are available from the GFT Box Office on the morning of the screening.
Take 2 free family screenings take place every Saturday morning at 11.30am at GFT. This year’s festival screenings are The Eagle Huntress, an inspiring documentary following a Mongolian teenager defying gender expectations, and The Children of Bullerby Village, a joyful tale of childhood in rural Sweden. The latter also ties in with the festival’s Country Focus strand, Take a Chance on Me: Swedish Cinema. Every child attending Take 2 receives a free ticket for themselves and one for their accompanying adult. Free tickets are available on the day of the screening from GFT Box Office.
The Glasgow Film Festival Community Takeover Day returns as a free, community-led cinema celebration, created with and for the Garnethill community. Local residents will be invited to a Community Planning Meet-Up, they will select the film, food and activities for the wider community to enjoy.
GFF26 Youth Takeover, hosted by the Glasgow Film Young Ambassadors, will present a free pop-up screening of Rebuilding for under-25s. The programme, including screenings, activities, live music and food, is co-curated by the Young Ambassadors.
Rebuilding, is the mesmerising modern cowboy film, starring Josh O-Connor, as a sensitive rancher slowly putting his life back together. Americana will come to Glasgow as Adelaide Place will turn into the Colorado desert for one night only.
The screening will be followed by a special, one-off set from acclaimed singer-songwriter Kirsten Adamson, daughter of the legendary Stuart Adamson (Big Country, Skids).
The Youth Takeover programme is supported by The Glasgow 2026 Festival developed and delivered by Glasgow Life.
This event is free but ticketed. To book, see https://www.glasgowfilm.org/movie/rebuilding-gff26-youth-takeover/
The Behind the Scenes BFI Youth Industry Day returns to GFF for an action-packed day of workshops and talks featuring outstanding film industry talent. With topics ranging from Sound Design and SFX Makeup to Costume and Production Design in period films
Ed Sayers, will be speaking at the latest instalment of the In the Director’s Chair series in advance of the GFF Scottish Premiere of his extraordinary collaborative documentary, Super Nature.
All events take place at Adelaide Place on Saturday 28 February 2026. Sessions are free but ticketed. Early booking is advised. We will reserve a small number of tickets for “sale” on the door.
These events are especially recommended for 15-25 year olds, but open to all members of the public, with the exception of the SFX Makeup workshop, which is exclusively for 15-25 year olds due to limited capacity.
Tickets and details at https://www.glasgowfilmfest.org/bfi-youth-industry-day/
New for 2026, GFF launches its first Film Club, ticketed on a sliding-scale basis where audiences can select the price that best reflects their circumstances. The club will host three feminist discussion events inspired by Carrie, Marie Antoinette and Born in Flames, all screening at the festival. Sessions will be facilitated by Dr Hannah Granberry, a Film Studies academic specialising in nostalgia, horror and cultural studies. With archive material from Glasgow Women’s Library available, audiences are invited to engage critically with the films in a discursive, participatory format. See glasgowfilm.org for tickets and details.
To mark 100 years since the birth of Marilyn Monroe, GFF26 will present a special selection of her films, with tickets priced at £7. Screenings include Niagara (1953), Some Like It Hot (1959), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Don’t Bother to Knock (1961), and The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), screening on 35mm.
BFI National Archive: ‘Inside the Archive’
26 February – 5 March
Edward House
12pm – 6pm daily
As part of this year’s festival, GFF will host the British Film Institute’s exhibition Inside the Archive, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the work of the BFI National Archive. One of the largest film and television collections in the world, the archive preserves the UK’s screen heritage and the people behind it. GFF is displaying the work as part of the exhibition’s nationwide tour.
Through interactive digital content, the exhibition explores how film and television are collected, preserved and restored. Visitors can engage with the exhibition via two touchscreen digital kiosks, alongside a display case and a large pop-up installation, making this a free, accessible and immersive experience for festival audiences.
On the weekend of 28 February and 1 March there will be a free and interactive family activity. The exhibition and activities are drop in with no booking necessary.
Berlinkys will be open for a range of social events, hosted in conjunction with GFF, every night of the festival. Our partnership with the popular entertainment venue on Sauchiehall Street will run with events open to the public from Thursday 26 February to Sunday 8 March. Events include live music, entertainment, stage performances and bandaoke. Two special events just for GFF are the GFF Film Quiz and GFF Movie Karaoke.
GFF Film Quiz and GFF Movie Karaoke are free to attend, with entry on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend you arrive early to guarantee your seat. Attendees must be aged 18 or over.
A firm favourite with GFF audiences, teams of six can compete on film trivia for some excellent prizes. This is a free event, with a suggested donation of £3 encouraged on the night. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Actor and musician Tom Urie will host the special movie-themed smartphone quiz.
The much-loved GFF Movie Karaoke returns for another year. This will be a night of musical madness, adding a certain ‘twist’ to your film related favourites. Perform solo or with your pals until the early hours.
This year’s event will be hosted by performer Craig Manson. There may even be a surprise appearance from up-and-coming starlet Bunny 9unless she finds something better to do…).
GFF Movie Karaoke is free to attend, with entry on a first come-first served basis so we recommend you arrive early to guarantee your seat.
Information on how to access GFF’s free or discounted screenings and buy tickets for events is available at the GFT Box Office, online at glasgowfilm.org or by calling 0141 332 6535.
Paul Gallagher, Head of Programme at Glasgow Film Festival, said:
“I’m so pleased that GFF can offer free and low-cost events that ensure the festival remains open to the community. Our free morning retrospective screenings, free family screenings and Inside the Archive exhibition all ensure people can access Scotland’s biggest film festival without having to spend any money on tickets.
“The community and youth takeovers also reflect an essential aspect of Glasgow Film Festival: creating an inclusive, collaborative space where audiences participate in and shape the experience of the festival.
“Everyone is welcome at GFF and everyone is included. That commitment is at the heart of what we call ‘Cinema For All’ and I can’t wait for people across Glasgow to experience the breadth of experiences on offer at the festival.”
GFF is Scotland’s flagship film festival and is run by Glasgow Film, a charity which also runs Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT). The festival is made possible by support from Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, both awarding National Lottery funding, and Glasgow Life, the charity which delivers culture, events and active living in Glasgow.
Glasgow University (photo by UofG)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The proportion of full-time degree entrants coming from Scotland’s most deprived areas has increased to the highest level on record.
Newly published Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures for 2024-25 show 17.4% of entrants came from the 20% most deprived areas – up from 16.7% the previous year.
This is the highest proportion recorded, and shows progress towards the Commission on Widening Access’s target that one in five students entering university will come from the 20% most deprived areas by 2030.
The report also shows a 3.1% decrease in total university enrolments on the previous year, including a 2.7% reduction in Scottish domiciled students and a 22% reduction in students from the European Union.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson said:
“These figures show remarkable progress in widening access to university, and towards ensuring that, if they want to, everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and study for a degree at a Scottish university, regardless of their background.
“The Scottish Government has a mission to eradicate poverty, and enabling people to take advantage of education and training opportunities – regardless of their personal circumstances – is a key part of that work, whether that’s enabling people to go to university, or college, or undertake an apprenticeship.
“More widely, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s universities, the Scottish Government is working pro-actively, including creating a new Framework for Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities – an important collaborative partnership with the sector and key stakeholders to explore solutions.
“Of course, we are also conscious of the issues around declining international student numbers, brought about through nonsensical UK Government immigration policies. To try to mitigate this, we have proposed a Scottish Graduate Visa as an idea that the UK Government could implement, to encourage more international students to study in Scotland by enabling them to stay in Scotland after graduation.”
New Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, Charandeep Singh BEM
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Board of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has appointed Mr Charandeep Singh BEM as its new Chief Executive.
Following a UK-wide recruitment process led by SCC President Rodney Ayre, Mr Singh was the unanimous choice of the SCC Board to take over from Dr Liz Cameron CBE, who is stepping down after 21 years.
He will officially begin as CEO on 1 February 2026, signalling an exciting new era for the national business network and its 12,000 members.
Key prioritise as new CEO have been explained as, amplifying the voice of business during the upcoming Scottish Elections, delivering international trade programmes to the USA and India, and working closely with the Scottish Chambers Network to build a strong policy platform to grow Scotland’s vibrant business community.
Rodney Ayre, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Charandeep Singh to the prestigious role of Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
“During the rigorous UK-wide recruitment process, we sought a high-calibre leader with the experience and dynamism to propel Scotland’s business community on the national and global stage.
“We were impressed by Charandeep’s vision, innovative thinking, and strategic ambition to strengthen SCC’s role as the voice of business for our 12,000 members.
“This is a role of national significance; Charandeep brings deep insight, commercial experience, and a proven record of delivery for Scotland’s Chamber Network. His ability to unite the private sector with government and international partners will enable SCC to play an influential role in shaping Scotland’s economic future.
“The Board has complete confidence that Charandeep – as a forward-thinking leader – will champion Scottish business in an increasingly competitive global environment. Together, we will ensure that business priorities are firmly embedded at the heart of decision-making at both Holyrood and Westminster.”
Charandeep Singh BEM, incoming Chief Executive, said:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive at a defining moment for Scotland’s business community. My top priority is to work in close partnership with our entire Chamber Network to represent our members and create meaningful economic growth opportunities.
“My ambition is to place Scotland at the forefront of global trade, harness digital transformation, and build a future-ready workforce. By fostering the right environment for start-ups, scale-ups, and established businesses, we can enhance competitiveness and deepen trade connections on the world stage.
“As the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approach, SCC will offer a clear economic vision to drive innovation and support investment that delivers sustainable, long-term growth across the country. We will engage constructively with governments at all levels to advocate for a competitive business landscape and secure new investment opportunities.
“With our members and partners at the heart of our work, SCC will celebrate enterprise and promote an economy that is resilient, innovative, and open to the world.”
John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), added:
“Charandeep’s appointment is a strong signal of Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s commitment to global trade and the vital role chambers play in shaping the international economy.
“His knowledge of the International Chamber of Commerce and its World Chambers Federation network and his understanding of the importance of open, rules-based trade will ensure Scottish businesses remain connected to trading opportunities worldwide.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, outgoing Chief Executive, commented:
“I am delighted that Charandeep Singh has been appointed CEO of SCC. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and passion in dealing with some of the most challenging issues of our age. From the Scottish Independence Referendum to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been a formidable advocate for Scotland’s hard-working entrepreneurs and businesses. His energy, creativity, and awareness of the challenges and opportunities ahead make him the ideal person to lead SCC. I wish him and the organisation tremendous success.”
