Four incidents reported to Police Scotland in first season under strengthened law
As fox hunts across Scotland prepare for the biggest day in the hunting calendar – Boxing Day – a leading animal welfare charity warns that the boundaries of the new ban are being tested by hunts since it came into force earlier this year.
Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, Robbie Marslandsaid: “It’s early days but there are signs that a number of hunts are testing the new ban.
“The good news is that Police Scotland and the Scottish Government are taking this seriously. I think we are all agreed that any early attempts to get round the new law should be nipped in the bud.”
The charity says since the first season under the new Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 got underway it has reported four incidents to Police Scotland which are currently being investigated.
The new legislation which passed through Parliament in January this year brought into force a number of measures which significantly curtail mounted hunting activity, including reducing the number of dogs which can be used to hunt a wild mammal to just two, instead of a full pack, and reducing the number of dogs which can be used below ground to just one.
The Act also includes a pre-emptive ban on trail hunting. Trail hunting is a sport which was created after hunting was banned in England and Wales following the passing of the Hunting Act in 2004. Its inclusion in the Act means trail hunting can not be established north of the border.
Public encouraged to propose festive traditions, such as Christmas pantomime and Hogmanay, for formal recognition alongside other mainstays of UK culture
Communities across Scotland will be able to nominate their most cherished traditions to be included in a new register of cultural heritage in the UK.
Festive favourites, such as pantomime, Hogmanay and pagan Yuletide traditions could all be formally recognised.
Seasonal celebrations taking place at St Andrew’s Day, Burns Night, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Up Helly Aa in the Shetlands could also be included.
Traditions that are central to Scottish culture, identity and communities, from Highland dancing to bagpipe playing, cèilidhs and commons riding are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory.
Artisanal crafts such as kilt-making, tweed-weaving and the art of making the perfect haggis, together with the practitioners of these traditions, will also be considered.
The selected Scottish traditions will sit alongside valued traditions from across the rest of the UK, from the male voice choirs of the Welsh Valleys to cheese-rolling and the art of basket-weaving.
It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts, practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities.
These practices are often also referred to as ‘intangible cultural heritage’ or ‘living heritage’ and are inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants.
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The UK is rich in traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation, and so many of those which are best known around the world – from bagpipe-playing to the Highland games – are Scottish.
“These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn.
“By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the country, support the people who practise them, and ensure that they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.”
By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to recognise Scotland’s most important crafts and traditions in the same way as we have considered physical heritage sites such as New Lanark, Edinburgh Old Town, and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said: “Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part of this international convention.
“I encourage communities across the country to nominate their local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them for generations to come.”
As intangible cultural heritage can only be considered as such when it is recognised by the communities, groups or individuals that create, maintain and share it, it will be these groups and people from across Scotland who will be able to nominate the UK’s favourite traditions to be formally recognised.
A public consultation launched today will seek the public’s views on the UK Government’s proposed approach to implementing the Convention across the UK to safeguard valued traditions. This will include the approach to how people will be able to nominate traditions, how they will be adjudicated, and any criteria that the nominated practices will need to meet before they are considered.
The UK Government has been working closely with the Devolved Administrations, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories in the run up to this decision and will continue to do so in order to implement the Convention and collate the UK-wide inventory, which is expected to launch for nominations next year.
New research from RoSPA shows that Scotland’s water safety collaboration is at a high, but more local councils need to develop water safety policies
Water safety collaboration in Scotland reaches record high, but more policy commitment from Local Government is needed. That’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), following the release of its 10-year review of water safety policy in the country.
Supported by Water Safety Scotland, RoSPA’s research set out to understand the current picture of Scotland’s water safety at local government level to develop policies and programmes that better tackle drowning.
Encouragingly, RoSPA saw responses from all 32 Scottish local authorities, with91 per cent of local authorities ranking water safety as an important issue in relation to other service demands, and 68 per cent having a named person or department responsible for water safety.
Compared to 2013 when only 44 per cent of respondents had a named water safety lead, this shows an overall improved awareness of water safety, and an increasing commitment to its improvement in the region.
Crucially though, only 25 per cent of Scotland’s local authorities have a water safety policy in place.
According to data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), the number of drownings in Scotland is disproportionate to the rest of the UK. Scotland’s rate of accidental drowning is 0.82 per 100,000, which is triple the rate of England and nearly double that of Northern Ireland.
WAID data shows there were 45 accidental drowning fatalities in Scotland and a further 37 water related suicides in 2022. Although there have been small decreases in accidental fatalities, it is clear that drowning fatalities and water-related harm remains a serious issue in Scotland.
Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager at RoSPA, said:“This 10-year comparative research shows an improved picture of water safety in Scotland, demonstrating that the issue is further up the radar of local councils.
“Furthermore, most local authorities were aware of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, and in many cases, work closely with Water Safety Scotland.
“However, it is also clear that there is a clear need for policy-level commitments to water safety – and we believe all local authorities should aim to have a water safety policy no later than 2026, in line with Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Policy.
“We encourage all of Scotland’s local authorities to take water safety seriously by creating thorough water safety policies that help protect people in our communities.”
Results of this year’s Big Butterfly Count revealed
Wetter summer was good for butterflies, with average number of butterflies spotted highest for four years
However, new 13-year trend figures show a worrying long-term decline
Habitat loss biggest driver of decline; people urged to take action by creating a Wild Space
Results of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2023 have been released today, revealing a better picture for butterflies than had been feared.
Overall, participants of the Big Butterfly Count enjoyed seeing more butterflies this year than in the previous four summers. In total, over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded from 14 July – 6 August. After an all-time low in 2022 of just nine individual butterflies spotted per Count, this year saw an increase to 12 butterflies recorded on average per Count.
However, this good news is in contrast with what the long-term trends are revealing. Released for the first time this year, these show that since the Big Butterfly Count started 13 years ago, many species have significantly decreased.
It is a further warning sign that nature everywhere is in crisis – butterflies, as well as forming a vital part of the food chain, are considered significant indicators of the health of the environment.
Following last summer’s heatwave and drought, scientists at Butterfly Conservation called on the public to help them understand the effect the extreme weather had on the UK’s butterflies. People responded in their thousands, with almost 95,000 citizen scientists taking part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, conducting 136,719 15-minute Counts in gardens, parks, school grounds and the countryside.
Dr Zoe Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “It’s wonderful that so many people have been out enjoying spotting butterflies. We had huge support for the Big Butterfly Count this year, and thanks to the many people who went out during those sunny intervals, we now know that the effects of last year’s drought were not as bad for butterflies as we had feared.
“The mixed weather this year has helped as there has been an abundance of green food plants available for caterpillars, and plenty of nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies. However, while the number of butterflies recorded this summer has been the highest since 2019, the longer-term trends show worrying declines for some of the UK’s most common butterfly species.”
The most-seen species this year was the Red Admiral, with 248,077 recorded – an increase of 338% on last year’s Count and the first time the species, which is increasing in the UK as a result of climate change, has taken the top-spot.
Gatekeeper was next, with 222,896 sightings. This represents a 12% increase on last year and is a small, but welcome, boost for a species that has decreased by 28% since the Count began.
The Whites took the third and fourth spot, with 216,666 sightings of Large Whites and 190,506 of Small Whites, an 11% and 15% increase on 2022 respectively. Holly Blue had another good summer, with numbers up 66% on 2022, in keeping with its longer-term Big Butterfly Count trend of a 41% increase.
Species that saw a decline from last year include Ringlet, Common Blue and Speckled Wood, all of which also show long-term declines.
Although its numbers hardly changed compared to summer 2022, Green-veined White has the most severe Big Butterfly Count trend in the longer term, a decrease of 61%.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, explained: “One of the biggest threats butterflies in the UK face is habitat loss. While the weather certainly has an impact on numbers from year to year, butterflies, moths and many other species can generally cope with variable weather. What they can’t cope with is habitat destruction.
“Butterflies need a place to live. If they can feed, breed and shelter, they can thrive. By creating a Wild Space in your outdoor area you can help to reverse the massive losses of wildlife-friendly habitat and start to turn around the fortunes of our declining butterflies.”
Anyone, anywhere, can create a Wild Space. Whether it’s leaving a patch of long grass in your garden or planting a small selection of nectar rich plants on a balcony, the opportunities are vast and everyone can make a difference.
Dr Richard Fox concluded: “Nearly 137,000 Big Butterfly Counts were recorded this summer and if every single person who helped with the Count creates a Wild Space, we can build a UK-wide network of spaces for butterflies to feed, breed and shelter. By creating a Wild Space everyone can make a difference and help butterflies and moths thrive.”
Butterfly Conservation has free resources and guidance on creating a Wild Space available, including accessible, tailored, simple advice for anyone to have a go.
Species results in the UK – Big Butterfly Count 2023
Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12th July – Sunday 4th August 2024.
BBC 2023: UK
Abundance
Average per count
% change from 2022
13 year trend (bold significant)
1
Red Admiral
248,077
1.96
338
77.7
2
Gatekeeper
222,896
1.77
12
-28.01
3
Large White
216,666
1.72
11
26.86
4
Small White
202,029
1.60
15
2.46
5
Meadow Brown
162,396
1.29
6
-16.52
6
Peacock
149,179
1.18
172
-7.24
7
Comma
49,173
0.39
26
5.22
8
Small Tortoiseshell
45,364
0.36
11
-29.82
9
Holly Blue
34,655
0.27
68
41.37
10
Common Blue
30,009
0.24
-13
-43.8
11
Speckled Wood
29,708
0.24
-11
-37.88
12
Green-veined White
24,093
0.19
0
-60.87
13
Ringlet
23,048
0.18
-37
-40.88
14
Small Copper
19,367
0.15
11
66.2
15
Brimstone
17,694
0.14
73
-9.53
16
Painted Lady
11,893
0.09
3
113.08
17
Six-spot Burnet
9,271
0.07
-23
–
18
Marbled White
8,611
0.07
12
-2.61
19
Silver Y
5,650
0.04
171
–
20
Jersey Tiger
4,748
0.04
5
–
21
Scotch Argus
1,234
0.01
-11
–
Totals
1,515,761
12
34
–
This year, the Big Butterfly Count was sponsored by the DFN Foundation, a commissioning charity focused on influencing sustainable change in special needs education, supported employment, healthcare and conservation.
Small White most spotted Butterfly in Scotland
Results of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2023 have revealed that Small White takes the top spot in Scotland this year, and a better picture for butterflies than had been feared has emerged.
Following last summer’s drought, scientists at Butterfly Conservation called on the public to help them understand the effect the extreme weather had on the UK’s butterflies. People responded in their thousands, with 3,295 citizen scientists in Scotland taking part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, conducting 5,087 15-minute Counts in gardens, parks, school grounds and the countryside.
This year, those participants recorded more than 28,000 butterflies and day-flying moths between 14 July – 6 August. On average, people in Scotland spotted six individual butterflies per Count, very similar to the 2022 event.
However, UK wide long-term trends, revealed for the first time this year, show that since the Big Butterfly Count started 13 years ago, many species have significantly decreased.
It is a further warning sign that nature everywhere is in crisis – butterflies, as well as forming a vital part of the food chain, are considered significant indicators of the health of the environment.
Dr Zoe Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “It’s wonderful that so many people have been out enjoying spotting butterflies. We had huge support for the Big Butterfly Count this year, and thanks to the many people who went out during those sunny intervals, we now know that the effects of last year’s drought were not as bad for butterflies as we had feared.
“The mixed weather this year has helped as there has been an abundance of green food plants available for caterpillars, and plenty of nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies. However, while the number of butterflies recorded across the UK this summer has been the highest since 2019, the longer-term trends show worrying declines for some of the most common butterfly species.”
The top five butterfly species spotted in Scotland were Small White, Large White, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Meadow Brown.
Comma also did well, showing an increase of 41% and experiencing its best summer in Scotland since the Big Butterfly Count began. This species suffered a severe decline in the twentieth century and has subsequently made a comeback, and has expanded its range rapidly northwards.
Holly Blue also had its best ever Big Butterfly Count results in Scotland this summer and increased by 118% on 2022 levels. This species is a relatively recent arrival, becoming established in Edinburgh in 2006 and in Ayr in 2008.
However, Scottish sightings of Common Blue, Ringlet and Six-spot Burnet were down compared to 2022. Speckled Wood recorded its lowest numbers in Scotland since the Big Butterfly Count began, and dropped 49% on 2022 levels.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, explained: “One of the biggest threats butterflies in the UK face is habitat loss. While the weather certainly has an impact on numbers from year to year, butterflies, moths and many other species can generally cope with variable weather. What they can’t cope with is habitat destruction.
“Butterflies need a place to live. If they can feed, breed and shelter, they can thrive. By creating a Wild Space in your outdoor area you can help to reverse the massive losses of wildlife-friendly habitat and start to turn around the fortunes of our declining butterflies.”
Anyone, anywhere, can create a Wild Space. Whether it’s leaving a patch of long grass in your garden or planting a small selection of nectar rich plants on a balcony, the opportunities are vast and everyone can make a difference.
Dr Richard Fox concluded: “Nearly 137,000 Big Butterfly Counts were recorded across the UK this summer, if every single person who helped with the Count creates a Wild Space, we can build a UK-wide network of spaces for butterflies to feed, breed and shelter.
“By creating a Wild Space everyone can make a difference and help butterflies and moths thrive.”
Butterfly Conservation has free resources and guidance on creating a Wild Space available, including accessible, tailored, simple advice for anyone to have a go.
The number of games development studios operating in Scotland and the size of the workforce they employ grew by 10.2 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, between December 2021 and April 2023, according to new figures released today by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.
Annually, Scottish games development companies are estimated to invest £161 million in salaries and overheads, contribute £133 million in direct and indirect tax revenues to HM Treasury, and make a direct and indirect contribution of £357 million to the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The number of discrete, active, verified Scottish games development companies increased from 147 to 162, compared to an 11.9 per cent increase for the UK industry in its entirety over the same period.
Scotland has 2,338 permanent and full-time equivalent creative staff working on games development. This is up from 2,269 development staff in December 2021.
Scotland is now the fifth largest games cluster in the UK in terms of headcount (after London, the South East, the North West and the West Midlands).
The findings come from TIGA’s definitive report on the state of the UK video games industry Making Games in the UK 2023 (TIGA, 2023) which is based on an extensive survey of UK games businesses, with analysis by Games Investor Consulting.
Additionally, TIGA’s research shows that in the period from December 2021 to April 2023:
Scotland is home to 7.7 per cent of the UK’s total games companies and 9.8 per cent of its developer headcount.
Scotland’s games development sector supports an additional 4,275 indirect jobs (up from 4,148 in December 2021).
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “Scotland is one of the world’s most important games development clusters. It’s home to world leading and successful studios, including Rockstar, as well as over 2,300 creative staff in 162 studios. It has a number of excellent universities, whose courses includes TIGA Accredited degrees from Abertay University and the University of the West of Scotland.
“It has one of the best funding environments supported by Scottish Enterprise and Dundee’s UK Games Fund. Dundee is also a centre of excellence for collaboration between academia and industry, in particular the outstanding R&D work carried out by InGAME, which is led by Abertay University, in partnership with the University of Dundee and the University of St Andrews.”
Professor Gregor White, Dean of the School of Design and Informatics at Abertay University added: “The continued growth of the games sector in Scotland, and across the UK more widely, once again demonstrates how integral this fast-moving and ever-evolving industry has become to the digital economy, but also the need for continued R&D and innovation support at both Scottish and UK Government level, in order to keep pace with overseas competitors.
“The success of InGAME, which has catalysed an estimated £84.7m GVA for the UK economy, is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a shared games cluster ecosystem designed to bring industry and academia together.”
In June 2023, there were 116,244 attendances at major (Type 1) Emergency Departments across Scotland.
69% of patients were seen within four-hours at major Emergency Departments.
This is an increase of 1.8 percentage points from the previous month.
36,015 patients waited over four-hours in major Emergency Departments, this is a decrease of 7.7% from the previous month and an 3.8% decrease from June 2022.
It is encouraging to see performance improving but it is still well below the target to see 95% of patients in four-hours or less. This is the second worst June on record. The number waiting more than four hours was an increase of 296% compared with June 2021.
9,489 (8.2%) patients waited eight-hours or more in an Emergency Department
This is a decrease of 16.5% from the previous month, and a 0.9% decrease compared with June 2022.
2,991 (2.6%) patients waited more than 12-hours before being seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred
This figure has decreased by 24.2% from the previous month, and an increase of 30.6% compared with June 2022.
Responding, RCEM Scotland Vice President Dr John-Paul Loughrey, said:“A&E performance in Scotland is slowly trending in the right direction. Our members continue to work hard to reduce delays, mitigate dangerous overcrowding and improve patient care and these figures are in no small part thanks to them.
“To capitalise on these improvements, we hope to have continued engagement with the Health Secretary and support from Scottish Government. Now is the time to plan and prepare for winter and provide adequate resources and beds as well as measures to retain staff.
“Our #ResuscitateEmergencyCare campaign lays out the necessary steps we need to take to ensure the health service is equipped to deliver effective, high-quality care and prevent another catastrophic winter.”
Prime Minister visits North East Scotland, highlighting the central role it will play in defending the UK against disrupted global energy supplies.
There he will also meet with key figures in the energy sector and will visit critical infrastructure projects which will help grow the economy, reach Net Zero, and deliver the next generation of highly skilled jobs for young people in the region.
The Prime Minister will today confirm that Scotland will continue to be at the forefront of UK Government plans to strengthen the UK’s long-term energy security.
During a visit to the North East of Scotland, the Prime Minister will highlight the crucial role that the region will play in enhancing and delivering on the UK Government’s commitment to reaching Net Zero in 2050 and enhancing long term energy security for generations to come.
The UK is leading international efforts by setting ambitious net zero commitments, ramping up the transition to clean energy, reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 32% since 2010, whilst bringing down energy bills and supporting households.
It is expected that the UK Government and energy authorities will go further than before in announcing continued decisive action to:
Boost the capability of the North Sea industry to transition towards Net Zero;
Strengthen the foundations of the UK’s future energy mix;
And create the next generation of highly skilled green jobs.
The Prime Minister will also meet with key energy industry figures and companies at the forefront of delivering the UK’s energy needs, as well as the next generation of highly skilled people who are working on the projects of tomorrow.
The UK Government says the package ‘will also underpin that Scotland remains a cornerstone of government plans for an energy-independent UK, as well demonstrating what can be achieved due to the strength and scale of UK collective action, in defending the public against global energy supplies which have been disrupted and weaponised by Putin’.
Environmental campaigners have condemned the plans, however. Friends of the Earth Scotland regards carbon capture and storage (CCS) as an attempt to ‘greenwash’ the oil industry and pointed to the long history of failure of the technology.
They say that instead of giving more public money to oil firms it should be invested in climate solutions that work today and can improve people’s lives such as public transport and home insulation.
Shell is a key partner in the Acorn project. Last week the fossil fuel giant announced profits of £3.9billion for just the last 3 months, on top of the £32.2 billion profit in 2022. Despite this vast wealth, the Acorn project appears to be totally reliant on further public subsidy to progress.
Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaign Mary Church said: “Carbon capture is a greenwashing tactic by profit obsessed fossil fuel companies to try and keep their climate-wrecking industry in business.
“CCS has a long history of over-promising and under-delivering yet politicians have fallen for the spin rather than face reality that the only solution to the climate crisis is a fast and fair phase out of oil and gas.
“Funding for the Acorn project would be yet another massive public subsidy to oil companies who have been making billions in profits, while ordinary people are struggling to pay the bills.
“Instead of handing more money to polluters, it is time to redirect that investment to climate solutions that we know can deliver emissions cuts and improve peoples’ lives today – such as improving public transport and insulating people’s homes to help with energy bills.”
A £190 (43%) annual increase means drivers in Scotland are now paying £624, on average, for their car insurance
Prices have increased across the country, but drivers in Central Scotland are likely to be paying some of the most expensive prices. The average cost in this region is now £691, following an annual increase of £214 (45%).
Despite the Scottish Highlands and Islands being one of the cheapest regions, drivers in Shetland are seeing their prices increase by almost half. That’s as a 49% (£212) annual increase means prices are now £641, on average.
But drivers in Glasgow could be facing the most expensive prices overall. A £234 (45%) annual increase means the average price of car insurance is now £757.
The rapid growth in prices is reflected across other parts of the UK too. According to the latest data, record-breaking figures mean car insurance is one of the highest household bills.
But drivers are still seeing savings – £63, on average. Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance shares advice around how driver’s can try to keep costs down at renewal.
The price of car insurance in Scotland has reached record-breaking levels, according to new data.
Drivers are now paying around £624 for their car insurance, an increase of £190 (43%) compared to this time last year. That’s according to the latest (Q2 2023) car insurance price index, powered by WTW.
Based on more than 6 million quotes over the quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for comprehensive policies. According to the data, prices over the last 3 months have also soared too. That’s as the average price has increased by £103 (20%) alone since April this year.
Increases across all regions of Scotland mean that prices are the highest on record since the Confused.com price index began in 2006. Central Scotland is the most expensive, with prices now £691, on average. That’s an increase of £214 (45%) compared to this time 12 months ago.
In the East and North East of Scotland, prices are around £570, following a £171 (43%) rise, on average. Meanwhile, in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the cost of car insurance is £560, on average.
This follows an annual increase of £166 (42%). And the least expensive region of Scotland is the Scottish Borders. Prices grew by £146 (40%), on average, but drivers were likely to still pay less than others overall. That’s as the average price of car insurance was £512.
Despite being one of the cheapest regions, some drivers in the Highlands and Islands may have had a shock when renewing their car insurance. In Shetland, data shows how prices have increased by almost half.
A 49% increase means that drivers could be paying £212 more, on average, compared to this time last year. That puts the average price at £641. And drivers in Paisley are seeing similar changes. Car insurance prices have increased by £184 (42%) in 12 months, meaning the average price is now £625.
For drivers in Glasgow, they could expect to be paying the highest prices overall. The latest figures show that a 45% (£234) annual increase now puts average prices at £757. The cheapest prices seem to be for drivers in Kirkwall. Despite a 33% (£115) annual increase, prices are around £461. That’s almost half in comparison to the most expensive.
Here’s a full look at the current prices across each region:
*prices are the highest on record
Central Scotland:
Area
Average price
Annual increase (£)
Annual increase (%)
Edinburgh
£626*
£194
45%
Glasgow
£757*
£234
45%
Kilmarnock
£613*
£195
47%
Motherwell
£699*
£209
43%
Borders:
Area
Average price
Annual increase (£)
Annual increase (%)
Dumfries
£510*
£139
38%
Galashiels
£514
£154
43%
Highlands and Islands:
Area
Average price
Annual increase (£)
Annual increase (%)
Falkirk
£573*
£172
43%
Hebrides
£464
£111
31%
Inverness
£519*
£155
43%
Kirkwall
£461*
£115
33%
Paisley
£625*
£184
42%
Perth
£524*
£165
46%
Shetland
£641*
£212
49%
East and North East:
Area
Average price
Annual increase (£)
Annual increase (%)
Aberdeen
£571*
£174
44%
Dundee
£587*
£177
43%
Kirkcaldy
£557*
£164
42%
And other drivers across the UK are seeing similar pricing trends when it comes to their car insurance. According to the data, the UK average now stands at £776. This is an annual increase of £222 (40%) and the highest price ever recorded on the Confused.com price index.
These steep increases mean that drivers across the UK are potentially paying more than ever before. In fact, research by Confused.com showed that the cost of car insurance is almost as high as household electricity and council tax costs. And as a result, makes it the third highest household bill.
That’s according to a survey of 2,000 UK drivers(1), which found that the average council tax bill is now £984 per year, and £964 for energy. And that’s in addition to other expensive essentials, such as food and home entertainment.
That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending:
£1,022 on food shopping
£690 on home entertainment services such as broadband and TV subscriptions.
Are all drivers seeing price increases?
Although some UK drivers saw some savings, most are feeling the effects of these price hikes. While this may look bleak, especially during a financially turbulent time, research also shows that there are savings to be made.
According to the additional research, only 9% of UK drivers had a cheaper renewal price last quarter (April – June). This proves that myths surrounding the regulations implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority in January 2021 aren’t true.
Following the changes, many drivers believed they wouldn‘t get a more expensive renewal price. But as the research proves, this isn’t the case. In fact, almost 2 in 3 (59%) saw their price increase, by £52, on average. This is despite almost a third (31%) having no driving convictions, and a further third (32%) having at least 1 year’s no-claims bonus on their policy.
However, many people trusted that they could find a better price, with almost half (46%) going on to switch providers. Of these, almost 2 in 3 (64%) used a price comparison site and saved £63 on their original price, on average.
It’s a similar picture for those who saw a cheaper price, which averaged at just £34 less than the previous year. Two in 5 (40%) went on to buy with another provider, with 1 in 2 (50%) using a price comparison site and also saved £63, on average.
It seems buying a new car insurance policy right now may sound unaffordable. But figures prove that drivers can still save money compared to the renewal price their current insurer is offering.
Why are prices increasing?
It’s clear from the data that prices are increasing for all drivers, whether they choose to renew or buy a new policy. But why are prices rising so significantly?
One of the biggest expenses for insurers is claims. During the pandemic, fewer cars were on the road. As a result, the industry saw a reasonable drop in prices to reflect the reduction in claims being made. But now, research suggests normal driving habits have resumed. This could mean insurers are having to pay out for more claims than they were 2 years ago.
But the important fact here is that the cost of these claims has increased significantly for insurers. Like with many other businesses, this is arguably down to the shift in inflation rates reported over the past 18 months.
And this, as a result, has driven up the cost of repairs and maintenance, which in the event of a claim, is covered by the insurer. This is especially true for newer cars, and many used cars that are in high demand. In fact, the Association for British Insurers (ABI) reported a 33% uplift in the cost of vehicle repairs last quarter(2).
We’re also seeing that used cars are holding their value more in the current climate. This means that payouts for write-offs or total losses are costing insurers more to cover. Similarly, new cars as well as electric vehicles are much higher in value than before due to more expensive features and upgrades coming as standard. This means paying out to replace a new car is costing insurers more.
How can drivers save money?
With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit Brits in the pocket, it’s clear car insurance is quickly becoming another hefty expense for drivers. It’s no surprise, then, that 2 in 5 (40%) motorists are calling on insurers to do more to make the cost of car insurance more affordable.
In fact, 1 in 4 (25%) claim they’re having to drive less due to the rising costs. And 1 in 5 (20%) are finding the overall cost of driving too difficult to manage. With the average car insurance price now £776, the overall cost of motoring has reached almost £2,000. That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending an additional £720 on fuel per year, and £455 on other car maintenance costs.
However, according to Confused.com’s fuel price index, the average price of petrol dropped to 143.3p in June, from 174.5p in August last year. Similarly, the price of diesel is just 145.5p compared to an eye-watering 187.1p, which drivers were paying last November. This goes to show that there are still some areas of motoring where drivers are saving money.
But just because car insurance prices are increasing, doesn’t mean that motorists have to pay more than they need to for their policies.
Experts at Confused.com have identified some key ways for drivers to take a few pounds off their insurance price, without making any significant changes to the way they drive:
Be accurate with your mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance, but you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, paying for your insurance in one go rather than monthly is one way to get cheaper car insurance. That’s because insurance companies always charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance. There are several ways to improve your car security including:
Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock.
Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park.
For more advice on how to reduce costs, visit Confused.com’s guide on how to get cheaper car insurance.
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance comments, “Car insurance has quickly become one of the biggest expenses for drivers. If prices continue at this rate then there’s no doubt drivers could be priced off the road, as they battle with other rising costs too.
“But what we do know is that many drivers were able to save some money when it came to renewal. And shopping around was the key to this. Even if prices were cheaper for them, the price they saw online was still significantly cheaper.
“Although this isn’t all drivers can do to save money. We always advise drivers to take a look at the details of their policy and make sure they’re accurate before committing to a price. Updating your mileage, or considering additional security could easily bring your price down.
“In the current climate we want to help drivers do all they can to make their insurance more affordable. But we know the key to this will be shopping around and seeing what the best price out there is.
“It’s a competitive industry and we’re confident that switching will result in savings. This is why we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20(4). In this scenario, you don’t pay more, and you gain more cash!”
– As Harry Potter arrives on Netflix, experience its iconic locations in real life with a beautiful Highlands road trip
– There are six magical locations to explore, including Glen Etive, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Morar
– The Harry Potter road trip takes 7 hours 54 minutes to complete by car
As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over the last few decades.
Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.
And, as this franchise has arrived on Netflix and reignited the nation’s love for all things Potter, fans can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.
Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.
The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.
The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.
Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.
The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.
A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented:““Whether for a bank holiday weekend or a week in the Summer holidays, finding the perfect holiday destination for the entire family is always a tricky task.
“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.
“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”
For more filming location road trips around Scotland and to find the Google Maps route for this road trip, visit the Macklin Motors blog.
Lochs, castles, iconic monuments, and stunning towns and cities from across Scotland will provide the perfect backdrop for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships as further details of the road routes are unveiled.
This announcement builds on the initial overview of road routes revealed last September during the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. It includes new details and full routes for the road races (Men Elite, Women Elite and Men Under 23), Individual Time Trials (all categories) and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.
Tuesday’s announcement also unveils the first details of the route for the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships that will take place in Dumfries and Galloway, including the Road Race, Individual Time Trial and Team Relay.
Road races and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay
Throughout these events, the world’s best cyclists will savour some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, with racing taking place across the country.
The Balmoral Hotel clock tower and Princes Street seen from Calton Hill
The Men Elite road race takes in Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat from its start in the capital on Sunday 6 August, before heading north across the Firth of Forth via the iconic Queensferry Crossing, then heading west through Fife towards Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, passing near world-renowned landmarks including the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, Carron Valley and the Crow Road, before turning towards Glasgow and the specially designed finishing circuit, looping through the west end to the city centre for a spectacular finish alongside George Square.
The Helix, Home of the Kelpies. Scotland
The Women Elite and Men Under 23 road races will also finish on the Glasgow city circuit, though starting on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond at Balloch, weaving through West and East Dunbartonshire en route via the Crow Road to the finish line in George Square.
The Men Under 23 road race takes place on Saturday 12 August with the Women Elite road race, which includes the Women Under 23 category, closing this inaugural and history making competition on Sunday 13 August.
In addition, the Men and Women Junior road races and the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay will start and finish on the Glasgow city circuit on Saturday 5 August and Tuesday 8 August respectively.
Individual Time Trials
Stirling and its surrounding area will host the Individual Time Trials for all categories, with competition beginning on Wednesday 9 August and continuing across three days until Friday 11 August.
Riders will set off from the King and Queens Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle on a fast course that will take them, through the flats of the River Forth to the west across the countryside, before heading back towards Stirling city centre, and finishing on Stirling Castle esplanade.
Para-cycling road
Dumfries and Galloway will welcome the world’s best para-cyclists for four days as they host the para-cycling road competition at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. Part of the South West Coastal 300 route.
The region, which lays claim to introducing the first pedal-driven bicycle to the world in 1839, will see athletes competing on single bikes, tandems, tricycles and hand-cycles for the UCI World Championship titles across the varied para-cycling sport classes and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.
Competition will start with Individual Time Trials on Wednesday 9 August and will finish with road races on Saturday 12 August. The routes, which take advantage of Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning cycling terrain, have been designed in conjunction with local partners to showcase the region and present a fitting challenge to the athletes.
Teams will then travel to Glasgow for the Team Relay, which will take place on Sunday 13 August.
Full details for each event, including routes and technical information can be found in the Notes to Editors alongside links to course maps on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website. Please note the full course details for the Gran Fondo will be announced in due course.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will bring together 13 existing UCI World Championships into a new mega event in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 – 13 August.
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com 10/08/2019 Cycling – Women’s Tour of Scotland 2019 – Stage 2 Glasgow to Perth – The peloton roll out of George Square, Glasgow.
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair Paul Bush OBE said: “The announcement of further details for road races and the unveiling of the para-cycling road routes for the first time is another exciting milestone as we continue the final countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this August.
“The routes will take in some of the country’s most iconic cities and countryside, providing a spectacular backdrop to the action taking place on road and showcasing why Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”
David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationalesaid:“Today’s announcement detailing the road and para-cycling road routes confirms that the competitions will be spectacular.
“Challenging from a sporting point of view, the routes will also highlight Scotland’s wonderful scenery and rich history. We have all the ingredients for intense and sensational racing, and I cannot wait to witness the action unfold as the athletes battle for glory at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:“It’s fantastic to see just how many communities across Scotland will play their part by hosting the road races for this year’s UCI Cycling World Championships.
“The routes showcase the best of Scotland to both visitors and those watching from home. Scotland’s breath-taking views and iconic landmarks will provide a great backdrop for the drama of the races. I would encourage all those who can do so to get out and see this world-class sporting action right on your doorstep.”
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com – 12/08/2018 – Cycling – Glasgow 2018 European Championships Road Race – Glasgow, Scotland – Matteo Trentin of Italy celebrates.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said:“We are excited to see the full road race routes now announced for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
“Glasgow’s iconic George Square, in the heart of the city centre, will provide the exciting, fast finishing straight for most of the Elite races, and before that the athletes will take in laps of the city centre circuit designed to be technically challenging, while showcasing the city to the global tv audience.”
“These races will be a real highlight of our sporting calendar with stars from across the world competing, and of course including these events as part of the competition schedule gives local, national and international sports fans and visitors a fantastic opportunity to see elite riders race past their doorsteps, this summer – for free.”
With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland.
Tickets are on sale now from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the Championships.
