2025 in Scotland

Events from the year 2025 in Scotland.

Incumbents

First Minister – John Swinney{{cite web |title=John Swinney's simple political strategy to save the SNP, as 2025 looms as the critical year |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/john-swinneys-simple-political-strategy-to-save-the-snp-as-2025-looms-as-the-critical-year-4907501 |website=The Scotsman |access-date=25 January 2025 |language=en |date=27 December 2024 |archive-date=5 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105220930/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/john-swinneys-simple-political-strategy-to-save-the-snp-as-2025-looms-as-the-critical-year-4907501 |url-status=live}}
Secretary of State – Ian Murray{{cite web |title=Ian Murray: From lone Scottish Labour MP to Scottish secretary |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxe2xyv13g3o |website=BBC News |access-date=25 January 2025 |date=5 July 2024 |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918075453/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxe2xyv13g3o |url-status=live}}

Events

=January=

1 January –
Ferry fares in Scotland increase by 10%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly40y40pq9o |title=Ferry fares in Scotland to increase by 10% next year |date=14 October 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125235127/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly40y40pq9o |url-status=live}}
Police Scotland release images of 19 people they wish to speak to in connection with violence and disorder which broke out in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Scottish League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on 15 December.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kvm8pxn66o |title=Police seek 19 people after Glasgow football chaos |date=1 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121152414/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kvm8pxn66o |url-status=live}}
Traditional Scottish singer Iona Fyfe takes up the post of Rector of the University of Aberdeen, succeeding Martina Chukwuma–Ezike.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lg9865vz8o |title=Scottish singer Iona Fyfe named University of Aberdeen rector |date=21 November 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 November 2024 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122190333/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lg9865vz8o |url-status=live}}
With temperatures set to drop overnight on 1–2 January, the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for ice covering all of Scotland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c786yq5zwleo |title=Travel caution urged as Scotland welcomes the New Year |date=31 December 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 January 2025 |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113115136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c786yq5zwleo |url-status=live}}
3 January – Public Health Scotland data released for the week ending 29 December shows the number of hospital admissions for flu has increased by 12% in a week, with influenza present in 52.6 per 100,000 people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj6z48p9wryo |title=Scottish hospital admissions due to flu rise by 12% in a week |date=3 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 January 2025 |archive-date=6 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106124110/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj6z48p9wryo |url-status=live}}
6 January – A 2.9 magnitude earthquake is recorded in Kinloch, 19 miles north west of Oban.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg95r2elyvo |title=Earthquake shakes homes on west coast of Scotland |date=6 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 January 2025 |archive-date=9 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109041157/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg95r2elyvo |url-status=live}}
7 January – A fresh yellow weather alert for snow and ice is issued for large parts of Scotland, starting from midday and lasting for 24 hours.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7ve287qqdlo |title=New snow and ice warning for Scotland issued |date=7 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 January 2025 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115084531/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7ve287qqdlo |url-status=live}}
8 January –
Police Scotland launch an investigation into the illegal release of two lynx in the Highlands, and warn the public not to approach them.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj6z61ylj40o |title=Police warning after two lynx illegally released in Highlands |date=8 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 January 2025 |archive-date=16 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116152301/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj6z61ylj40o |url-status=live}}
BBC News reports that plans are under way to create the UK's largest battery storage facility in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire.{{Cite web |first=Kevin |last=Keane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yd18q248jo |title=Former Lanarkshire coal mine to be turned into giant battery park |date=8 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121203152/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yd18q248jo |url-status=live}}
Details of Edinburgh's proposed tourist tax are unveiled, with the levy set at 5%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c708085k71ro |title=Edinburgh 'tourist tax' to be set at 5% |date=8 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 January 2025 |archive-date=11 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111105833/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c708085k71ro |url-status=live}}
Patrick Harvie, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, is to take time off from the Scottish Parliament because of a medical procedure.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj303n3xp7mo |title=Patrick Harvie to take time off from Scottish Parliament |date=8 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 January 2025 |archive-date=9 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109200947/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj303n3xp7mo |url-status=dead}}
9 January –
Following a trial at the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow, the members of a Romanian grooming gang, consisting of four men and one woman, are convicted of the rape of ten women between 2021 and 2022.{{Cite web |first=Graeme |last=Ogston |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8xj559g571o |title=Grooming gang convicted of raping women in Dundee |date=9 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117031003/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8xj559g571o |url-status=live}}
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf accuses Twitter owner Elon Musk of trying to inflame racial tensions after he posted about the murder of a Glasgow schoolboy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp838dxrxd2o |title=Yousaf accuses Musk of inflaming racial tensions |date=9 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 January 2025 |archive-date=11 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111130713/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp838dxrxd2o |url-status=live}}
A pair of lynx released illegally are recaptured in the Cairngorms National Park. A second pair are found in the same area the following day.{{Cite web |first=Catherine |last=Lyst |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7jpzr252o |title=Second pair of Lynx captured in Cairngorms |date=10 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117225355/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7jpzr252o |url-status=live}}
10 January – The UK records its coldest temperatures of the winter so far, with an overnight low of −14.5 °C (5.9 °F) in Altnaharra, northern Scotland.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j1jqxp026o |title=UK records coldest night of winter as snap to last into weekend |date=10 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=10 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121135214/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j1jqxp026o |url-status=live}}
11 January –
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland confirms that a lynx captured in the Cairngorms National Park the previous day has died overnight.{{Cite web |first1=Claire |last1=Diamond |first2=Jamie |last2=McIvor |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvge40jv4gjo |title=Lynx dies after being captured in Cairngorms |date=11 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117021648/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvge40jv4gjo |url-status=live}}
Temperatures continue to fall, becoming the coldest since 2010, with an overnight low of −18.9 °C in Roybridge, Scotland.{{Cite web |first1=Catherine |last1=Lyst |first2=Simon |last2=King |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7z903ll25o |title=UK weather: Lowest temperature of −18.9C in Altnaharra on winter's coldest night |date=10 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 January 2025 |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114164756/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7z903ll25o |url-status=live}}
Disappearance of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti: The search for twin sisters missing from Aberdeen since the early hours of 7 January]] is extended to the coast.{{Cite web |first1=Paul |last1=O'Hare |first2=Catriona |last2=Renton |first3=Orsi |last3=Szoboszlay |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgnj56d1j3o |title=Eliza and Henrietta Huszti: Search for sisters widens to coast |date=11 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117160425/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgnj56d1j3o |url-status=live}}
12 January – Police focus their search for missing sisters Eliza and Henrietta Huszti on the River Dee.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedn0v385geo |title=Eliza and Henrietta Huszti: Sisters search focuses icy on river |date=12 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=12 January 2025 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115005236/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedn0v385geo |url-status=live}}
13 January –
In a social media post, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that she and Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, have "decided to end" their marriage and have been separated for some time.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgpl37lez7o |title=Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell to end marriage |date=13 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=24 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124084326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgpl37lez7o |url-status=live}}
The CalMac ferry MV Glen Sannox begins timetabled sailings on the Arran route.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy9qn973vneo |title=Glen Sannox begins passenger service on 13 January |date=20 December 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 December 2024}}{{Cite web |first=Calum |last=Watson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mrdy0p104o |title=Glen Sannox: Scotland's ferries saga ship to finally set sail |date=12 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121083836/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mrdy0p104o |url-status=live}}
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland says that four lynx illegally released in the Cairngorms National Park showed signs of starvation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7xl8n0llo |title=Lynx illegally released in Cairngorms were starving, says RZSS |date=13 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121173700/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7xl8n0llo |url-status=live}}
Shell plc says it is investigating a "suspected unexploded ordnance" near the Far North Liquids and Associated Gas System (FLAGS) pipeline in the North Sea off Shetland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm21777l6y9o |title=Suspected unexploded device found near North Sea pipeline |date=13 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125130125/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm21777l6y9o |url-status=live}}
The Thistle, the UK's first drugs consumption clinic, opens in Glasgow.{{Cite web |first=Chris |last=Clements |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdekew421dgo |title=Inside the UK's first legal drug consumption room in Glasgow |date=10 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117052035/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdekew421dgo |url-status=live}} It is used more than 130 times in its first week.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy08y71n71no |title=First week figures revealed for Glasgow drug consumption room |date=21 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 January 2025 |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125144548/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy08y71n71no |url-status=live}}
20 January – The bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl, later identified as Mark Gordon and his daughter Hope, are discovered at a house in West Lothian.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxk1q995lqo |title=Bodies of man and six-year-old girl found in house in West Calder |date=21 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 January 2025 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122135621/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxk1q995lqo |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvg0ly07vo |title=Man and girl found dead in West Calder were father and daughter |date=22 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 January 2025 |archive-date=24 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124045336/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvg0ly07vo |url-status=live}}
21 January – Perthshire teenager James Maris, who attempted to construct a semi-automatic rifle using a 3D printer he received for Christmas, is sentenced to 300 hours community service, along with a three-year supervision order and a twelve-month night time curfew.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g74yey13go |title=Teenager who built gun in his home with 3D printer avoids jail |date=21 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 January 2025 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121141126/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g74yey13go |url-status=live}}
22 January –
The Scottish Government scraps its flagship policy of launching a National Care Service, although the Social Care Minister confirms that a proposed National Care Service Bill will still be presented to Parliament.{{Cite web |first1=Angus |last1=Cochrane |first2=James |last2=Delaney |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn01g7rz04do |title=Scottish government scraps plan for National Care Service |date=23 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=23 January 2025 |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125031332/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn01g7rz04do |url-status=live}}
MSPs pass the Welfare of Dogs Bill, requiring a code of practice for getting a dog to be drawn up in the next twelve months.{{Cite web |first=Phil |last=Sim |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceq9g31v88ro |title=New code of practice for getting a dog in Scotland |date=23 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=23 January 2025 |archive-date=24 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124091955/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceq9g31v88ro |url-status=live}}
23 January –
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) is activated by first minister John Swinney ahead of Storm Éowyn.
The Met office amber warning for wind is upgraded to a Red Warning in the Central belt and Northern Ireland
The Scottish Government issues an emergency alert to mobile phones across Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn.{{cite web |title=Emergency texts over Storm Eowyn will be sent tonight by Scottish Government |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/24880440.emergency-texts-storm-eowyn-will-sent-tonight/ |website=Glasgow Times |access-date=26 January 2025 |language=en |date=23 January 2025}} The alert was received by approximately 4.5 million people across Scotland.{{cite web |last1=Fulton |first1=Matthew |title=Emergency alert sees phones emit 'loud siren' ahead of Storm Eowyn |url=https://news.stv.tv/scotland/emergency-alert-will-make-phones-emit-loud-siren-ahead-of-storm-eowyn |website=STV News |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=23 January 2025}}
24 January – Storm Éowyn makes landfall in Scotland, causing significant damage and disruption to public services including transport networks and schools. Wind speeds as high as 102 mph are recorded on the Tay Road Bridge, and approximately 117,000 homes across the country are left without power.{{cite web |title='Once in a generation' Storm Éowyn leaves 117,000 Scottish homes without power |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c20pn7565v4t |website=BBC News |access-date=26 January 2025}}
25 January –
The railway line between East Kilbride and Glasgow Central closes for 16 weeks for electrification work to be carried out. It is scheduled to reopen on 18 May.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn01qk2jdr7o |title=East Kilbride: Busy commuter train line closes for four months |date=24 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 January 2025 |archive-date=24 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124233945/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn01qk2jdr7o |url-status=live}}
A 19-year-old man from East Ayrshire, Calum Carmichael,{{cite web |last1=Calder |first1=Simon |title=Storm Herminia live: Fresh rain weather warnings for UK as thousands still without power and homes evacuated |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/weather/storm-herminia-weather-warnings-met-office-eowyn-live-b2686795.html |website=The Independent |access-date=27 January 2025 |language=en |date=22 January 2025}} dies from complications following a tree falling onto his car during Storm Éowyn on 23 January.{{cite web |title=Storm Éowyn: Teenager dies after car hit by falling tree in Ayrshire |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98ylm26pzro |website=BBC News |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=26 January 2025}}
26 January – More than 14,000 homes across Scotland are still without electricity and power following Storm Éowyn.
27 January –
A notorious Glasgow paedophile gang of five men and two women are sentenced to lifelong terms in prison and warned they may never be released on parole.{{cite web |title= Notorious Scottish pedo gang jailed

|url=https://www.rtg.com/news/611728-scotland-pedophile-gang-sentenced/ |website= RT |access-date=27 January 2025 |date=27 January 2025}}{{Cite web |first=Catriona |last=Renton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2dxj570n21o |title=Glasgow child sex abuse gang given life sentences |date=27 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 January 2025}}

Police Scotland say they have completed a search of the River Dee in Aberdeen and that inquiries are ongoing on the investigation into the disappearance of two sisters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c247q54e2j0o |title=River search for missing Huszti sisters in Aberdeen now finished |date=27 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 January 2025}}
28 January – Joe Fitzpatrick announces that he will not stand for re-election to the Scottish Parliament seat of Dundee City West at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3lk19w8p2o |title=Joe Fitzpatrick to stand down as Dundee MSP |date=28 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=29 January 2025}}
29 January – The Scottish Government announces the early release of around 390 prisoners beginning in February as the latest measure to reduce the prison population.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyv48jrggn1o|title=Up to 390 inmates to be released early in Scotland|date=29 January 2025|website=BBC News|access-date=30 January 2025}}
30 January – The Court of Sessions in Edinburgh rules that licences for the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields were granted illegally, and that their owners must seek fresh approval from the UK government.{{Cite web |first=James |last=Cook |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3e1pw7npklo |title=Consent for Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields was unlawful |date=30 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 January 2025}}
31 January –
Police in Aberdeen searching for two missing sisters announce the discovery of the bodies of two unidentified women near to where they were last seen.{{Cite web |first=Ken |last=Banks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vp1n20px6o |title=Huszti sisters: Woman's body found in search for missing women |date=31 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 January 2025}}{{Cite news |last=Lavelle |first=Daniel |date=1 February 2025 |title=Body of second woman found in search for missing sisters in Aberdeen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/feb/01/body-of-second-woman-found-in-search-for-missing-sisters-in-aberdeen |access-date=13 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
Transport for Scotland announces a 3.8% increase for train fares from April.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3lzz78djpo |title=ScotRail train fares to increase by nearly 4% |date=31 January 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 January 2025}}

=February=

1 February – Police confirm that a second woman's body has been discovered close to where two sisters disappeared in Aberdeen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9w5xrvnn72o |title=Second body found in river in search for missing sisters in Aberdeen |date=1 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 February 2025}}
3 February –
Nurse Sandie Peggie starts to give evidence at an employment tribunal into her claims that being forced to change in the same changing room as a doctor who was born male but self-identified as female amounted to harassment under the Equality Act.{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8p41z972vo |title=Changing room trans row nurse 'felt intimidated' |date=3 February 2025 | access-date=9 March 2025}}
First Minister John Swinney says there will be no ban on cats in Scotland after the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission suggested restricting them in some areas because of a potential "significant risk to wildlife populations".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0m1g8p4yy0o |title='No cat ban in Scotland' First Minister John Swinney confirms |date=3 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 February 2025}}
4 February –
Teachers in Glasgow belonging to the Educational Institute of Scotland vote to strike over planned cuts to education funding.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vp6k7w9rpo |title=Glasgow teachers vote to strike in cuts protest |date=4 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 February 2025}}
Aberdeen councillor Kairin van Sweeden of the SNP is cleared by the Ethical Standards Commissioner of breaching the code of conduct after describing Labour's Deena Tissera as a "new Scot" during an Aberdeen City Council meeting in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cnvq613yvmdo |title=Councillor's 'New Scot' comment was not a conduct breach |date=4 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 February 2025}}
6 February –
BBC News reports the case of a woman from the Highlands who, after being assaulted by her husband, was unable to find a divorce lawyer to represent her through legal aid despite approaching 116 different law firms.{{Cite web |first=David |last=Cowan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpdx5qjyw25o |title=Woman's divorce case was turned down by 116 legal aid lawyers |date=5 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 February 2025}}
Nickolas Chenier becomes the first person to be convicted under the Hunting With Dogs (Scotland) Act after pleading guilty at Wick Sheriff Court. He is fined £750 and banned from keeping a dog for five years after the animal attacked a deer while he was using it for illegal hare coursing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7e0lp252o |title=Wick deer attack leads to first hunting with dogs sentencing |date=6 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 February 2025}}
Chris McEleny is suspended as general secretary of the Alba Party following allegations of gross misconduct.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qj3gzxzp2o |title=Alba general secretary suspended over gross misconduct claim |date=6 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 February 2025}}
7 February –
First Minister John Swinney rules out the legal reintroduction of lynx into the wild in Scotland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yv985xz17o |title=John Swinney rules out reintroduction of lynx to Scotland |date=7 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 February 2025}}
Teachers in Glasgow schedule a strike for Thursday 20 February.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn57p936de9o |title=Glasgow teachers announce strike date over cuts |date=7 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 February 2025}} The strike is subsequently called off after Glasgow City Council agrees to drop its plans to go ahead with job cuts.{{Cite web |first=Lucy |last=Adams |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9w5zlgn705o |title=Teacher strikes halted as council drop job cuts |date=13 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 February 2025}}
Deaf teenager Niamdh Braid wins a legal case against Fife Council to have a British Sign Language interpreter in her class for school lessons.{{Cite web |first=Hope |last=Webb |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3d5lzyry14o |title=Deaf pupil wins legal fight for sign language interpreter in class |date=6 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 February 2025}}
11 February – Police confirm that two bodies found in a river in Aberdeen are those of missing twin sisters Henrietta and Eliza Huszti.{{Cite web |first=Ken |last=Banks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93ljgngg12o |title=Huszti sisters: Bodies found in Aberdeen were missing women |date=11 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 February 2025}}
13 February –
The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill is introduced into the House of Commons in order to lift the ban on Roman Catholics becoming the King's representative at the Church of Scotland's annual assembly, after Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Catholic, was appointed to be Lord High Commissioner of the 2025 general assembly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3e1lvw95gxo |title=New law to lift ban on Catholics in Church of Scotland role |date=13 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 February 2025}}
Historic Environment Scotland grants Glasgow Central Mosque Category A listed status.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgkjvj4v1vlo |title=Glasgow Central Mosque given category-A listed building status |date=13 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 February 2025}}
Three 20-storey tower blocks in Motherwell are to be destroyed in a controlled explosion later in the year to make way for new development.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglywydwz2eo |title=Motherwell tower blocks to be demolished in 'controlled blowdown' |date=13 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 February 2025}}
Nigg, a port owned by Global Energy Group, and part of the new Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, is given permission by the UK government to have some of its own customs arrangements.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxkl57y5ylo |title=Special customs area set up at Port of Nigg in Highlands |date=13 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 February 2025}}
14 February – In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J D Vance criticises Scotland's Safe Access Zones Act, which provides buffer zones around abortion clinics, claiming people who live within safe access zones have been sent letters by the Scottish Government warning them about praying within their homes.{{Cite web |first=Emily |last=Atkinson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceve3wl21x1o |title=JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration |date=14 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=15 February 2025}} In response, the Scottish Government accuses Vance of "spreading misinformation" and says that no such letters have been sent out, while the Act would only cover "intentional or reckless behaviour". Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who drew up the legislation, describes the Vice President's comments as "shocking and shameless misinformation".{{Cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Geddes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87d9j17pjqo |title=JD Vance abortion buffer zone comments branded 'dangerous' by MSP |date=15 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=15 February 2025}}
16 February – The Crown Office takes over the management of post mortem examinations in Aberdeen due to a shortage of qualified personnel in the city.{{Cite web |first=Ken |last=Gibson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0y03l7r6xo |title=Crown Office move to manage Aberdeen post mortems 'unprecedented' |date=16 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=16 February 2025}}
17 February – BBC Radio Scotland presenter Janice Forsyth announces she is stepping down from presenting after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.{{Cite web |first=Megan |last=Bonar |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3n32de92qo |title=BBC broadcaster steps down after Alzheimer diagnosis |date=17 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=17 February 2025}}
18 February –
Scotland begins the early release of a further 390 prisoners in an attempt to reduce overcrowding in the country's prisons.{{Cite web |first1=James |last1=Cook |first2=Paul |last2=Ward |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7ygy1pdzo |title=Early release of hundreds of prisoners begins in Scotland |date=17 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=18 February 2025}}
East Lothian Council becomes the first Scottish council to confirm a double-digit council tax increase, after announcing it will rise by 10% from April.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2rl874zdko |title=East Lothian first in Scotland to confirm 10% council tax hike |date=18 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=18 February 2025}}
19 February – A 74-year-old woman becomes the first person to be arrested and charged under a Scottish law banning protests outside abortion clinics following an incident at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.{{Cite web |first1=David Wallace |last1=Lockhart |first2=Angus |last2=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39vky8wr0do |title=Woman, 74, charged under abortion protest law in Glasgow |date=19 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 February 2025}}
20 February – Five local authorities in Scotland confirm the largest council tax increases in two decades; they are North Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders (10%), Fife (8.2%), Edinburgh (8%) and Glasgow (7.5%).{{Cite web |first=Calum |last=Watson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2n3j4d3xlo |title=Biggest council tax rises in 20 years confirmed |date=19 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 February 2025}}
21 February –
The West Coast Main Line is closed between Carstairs and Lockerbie following a landslip at Beattock.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0l1w3l1zdwo |title=Landslip closes West Coast Main Line near Beattock |date=21 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 February 2025}}
A 17-year-old boy who idolised the teenagers who carried out the Columbine High School massacre and planned to replicate it at his school in Edinburgh pleads guilty to an offence under the Terrorism Act.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w1pg65wz7o |title=Teenager plotted mass shooting 'like Columbine' at Edinburgh school |date=21 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 February 2025}}
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says he will deliver the "biggest reform of the NHS in decades" if his party wins the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05mg3z6ljyo |title=Sarwar pledges 'biggest reform of NHS in decades' |date=21 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 February 2025}}
22 February –
Scotland's first slap fight contest, scheduled to take place at Glasgow University Union, is cancelled following a health warning from a leading brain injury expert.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg1lj5qx42o |title=Scotland's first 'slap fight' event in Glasgow cancelled |date=22 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 February 2025}}
A 40-year-old man dies after he is hit by an ambulance responding to an emergency call on the outskirts of Elgin in the early hours of the morning.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2yz1n5ej0o |title=Pedestrian dies after being hit by ambulance near Elgin |date=22 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 February 2025}}
23 February – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announces a further £200m investment in the Grangemouth Refinery site, which is scheduled to close later in the year, with the money aimed at repurposing the site for other industrial use.{{Cite web |first=James |last=Delaney |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g0xnnwkppo |title=PM announces £200m Grangemouth site support fund |date=23 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=23 February 2025}}
24 February –
BBC News Scotland reports the official cause of death of twin sisters Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, whose bodies were found in the River Dee, as drowning.{{Cite web |first1=Ken |last1=Banks |first2=Louise |last2=Hosie |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c778j3gvkd0o |title=Huszti sisters: Cause of death of missing women was drowning |date=24 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 February 2025}}
The body of Scottish businessman Campbell Scott, who disappeared while on a business trip to Kenya on 16 February, is found dumped in a sack. A murder investigation is launched by the country's police.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lpnz30deqo |title=Scottish businessman Campbell Scott found dead in Kenya |date=24 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 February 2025}}{{Cite web |first=Mary |last=McCool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78ew94l6ggo |title=Campbell Scott: Murdered businessman's body found in sack in Kenya |date=25 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=25 February 2025}}
26 February –
Kevin Booth, a man who tortured vulnerable women in an underground dungeon at his home in the Highlands, becomes the first person to be given a worldwide travel ban by a court in Scotland.{{Cite web |first=Steven |last=McKenzie |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy9dld3jgx8o |title=Travel ban for man who abused women in Highland dungeon |date=26 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=26 February 2025}}
A wall collapses following an explosion at an electricity sub-station in Dundee city centre.{{Cite web |first=Graeme |last=Ogston |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rk5248l6vo |title=Wall collapses after Dundee city centre explosion |date=26 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=26 February 2025}}
28 February –
Around 70 passengers and crew are rescued from a train near the Tay Bridge in Dundee following a fire in a power car.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewkkw10vd9o |title=Disruption after Dundee train fire shuts rail line |date=28 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 February 2025}}
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC orders a fresh investigation into the death of Demi Hannaway, a woman who was abused by her partner, and who died in May 2021.{{Cite web |first1=Paul |last1=O'Hare |first2=Steven |last2=Godden |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxqq32wvw7o |title=Demi Hannaway: New investigation ordered into abuse victim's death |date=28 February 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 February 2025}}

=March=

3 March – SNP MSP and deputy presiding officer Annabelle Ewing announces she will not seek re-election to Holyrood in 2026.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g029l2j49o |title=SNP veteran Annabelle Ewing will not stand in next election |date=2 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=15 March 2025}}
4 March –
Former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard announces he will not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament at the next election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e74d9plrwo |title=Former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard to stand down as MSP |date=4 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 March 2025}}
Scottish Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal, detained in India since 2017 on terror charges, is cleared in one of nine cases against him.{{Cite web |first1=Calum |last1=McKay |first2=Katie |last2=Hunter |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq5z3zw7q8no |title=Jagtar Singh Johal acquitted in India terror case |date=4 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 March 2025}}
5 March – SNP ministers Shona Robison and Fiona Hyslop announce they will stand down from Holyrood at the next Scottish election.{{Cite web |first=Paul |last=Hastie |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw2nppn12qo |title=Shona Robison and Fiona Hyslop to stand down as MSPs |date=5 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=5 March 2025}}
6 March – Falkirk Council sets Scotland's largest council tax increase after councillors agree a 15.6% rise.{{Cite web |first1=Steven |last1=McKenzie |first2=Nichola |last2=Rutherford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2jzmd07n3o |title=Falkirk sets Scotland's largest council tax increase of 15.6% |date=5 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 March 2025}}
8 March – The activist group Palestine Action have vandalised parts of Donald Trump's Turnberry Golf Resort and posted pictures on social media.{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Williams |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr52q7l6drdo |title=Trump Turnberry vandalised by pro-Palestine group |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=8 March 2025 |access-date=8 March 2025}}
9 March – Following an unseasonably warm weekend, the highest temperature of the year so far is recorded at Threave in Western Scotland, with a high of 17.3 °C.{{Cite web |first1=Hollie |last1=Cole |first2=Simon |last2=King |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cddymq71zq5o |title=UK weather: Warmest weekend so far but cold conditions forecast to return |date=8 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 March 2025}}
10 March – Carol Beattie is appointed chief executive of the Scottish National Party after taking on the post in an acting role following the resignation of her predecessor, Murray Foote.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c241l2el3dro |title=SNP appoints Carol Beattie as permanent chief executive |date=10 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=10 March 2025}}
11 March –
The University of Dundee announces plans to cut 632 jobs in an attempt to address a £35m deficit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8yzvmjzy6o |title=Dundee University to cut 632 jobs to plug £35m deficit |date=11 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 March 2025}}
The Scottish Government announces it is scrapping plans to require homeowners to switch to greener heating shortly after purchase, and will take the measures out of its Heat in Buildings Bill.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3e40pe9185o |title=Scottish government scraps green heating plans for new homes |date=11 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 March 2025}}
12 March – Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces she will stand down from the Scottish Parliament at the 2026 election.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg5j74ld9lo |title=Scotland's former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to step down as MSP at 2026 Holyrood election |date=12 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=12 March 2025}}
13 March – First Minister John Swinney holds talks with Eric Trump, the son of US President Donald Trump, at Bute House.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgw118nlkeo |title=John Swinney meets Donald Trump's son Eric at Bute House |date=13 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 March 2025}}
14 March – Arran ferry MV Glen Sannox is taken out of service after the discovery of a crack in its hull.{{Cite web |first=Claire |last=Diamond |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cddyny75q8lo |title=New Arran ferry Glen Sannox out of service due to cracked hull |date=14 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=14 March 2025}}
16 March – The MV Glen Sannox resumes sailing following repairs to its hull.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7218d50m0o |title=Glen Sannox sailings resume after crack repair |date=16 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=16 March 2025}}
17 March – Following a trial at Glasgow Court of Justiciary, Dionne Christie is convicted of the murder of her drug dealer boyfriend, Jevin Haig, who she stabbed with a hunting knife at their flat in June 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3yl3kw96yo |title=Woman killed drug dealer boyfriend with hunting knife |date=17 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=17 March 2025}}
18 March –
A fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of three newborn babies at two hospitals in Lanarkshire concludes that "reasonable precautions" could have prevented the deaths.{{Cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Geddes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8vp3z5p79o |title=Precautions could have stopped baby deaths, inquiry finds |date=18 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 March 2025}}
BBC Scotland announces its flagship soap, River City, will end in Autumn 2026 after 24 years on air.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crlxp03pxlyo |title=BBC Scotland to scrap flagship drama River City |date=18 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 March 2025}}
19 March –
During a hearing at Stirling Sheriff Court, 26-year-old Shaazia Arshad pleads guilty to the assault of a one-month-old baby boy, who suffered injuries that have been compared to those that would be sustained in a car crash. She will be sentenced on 16 April.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89y2vn1n2vo |title=Woman admits assaulting one-month-old baby boy |date=19 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=19 March 2025}}
It is announced that the UK is to host the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France for both the men's and women's races, with the men's race starting in Edinburgh.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/articles/c4gpyqp4g1zo |title=Tour de France 2027: UK to host historic dual Grand Departs |date=19 March 2025 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |accessdate=19 March 2025}}
20 March – Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell appears before Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement, while his estranged wife, former Nicola Sturgeon, is told she will face no further action in the police investigation into SNP finances.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y2z4qq6zzo |title=Nicola Sturgeon no longer a suspect in SNP finances investigation |date=20 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=20 March 2025}}
21 March – SNP MSP Fergus Ewing announces he will not stand for the party at the 2026 Holyrood election, but may run as an independent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz9n7plg1pzo |title=SNP veteran Fergus Ewing may run as independent at next Holyrood election |date=21 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 March 2025}}
22 March – Flights between London Heathrow Airport and airports in Scotland resume after Heathrow was closed the previous day following a a fire at an electricity substation supplying power to the airport.{{Cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Geddes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1kj1y11j1ro |title=Heathrow flights to Scotland resume after fire |date=22 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=22 March 2025}}
23 March – Three 26-storey tower blocks in Wyndford, Glasgow, are demolished in a controlled explosion to make way for the area's redevelopment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93n44x473go|title=Glasgow tower blocks demolished by controlled explosions|date=22 March 2025|website=BBC News|accessdate=25 March 2025}}
25 March – Douglas Ross, the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, announces he is standing down from Holyrood at the 2026 election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1kjd0wp9dro|title=Douglas Ross: Former Scottish Tory leader to stand down as MSP|date=25 March 2025|website=BBC News|accessdate=25 March 2025}}
26 March – The Alba Party leadership election is held, with Kenny MacAskill elected to succeed Alex Salmond as party leader following his death in October 2024.{{cite web |title=Kenny MacAskill succeeds Alex Salmond as Alba leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74k2lnrkzmo |website=BBC News |access-date=13 April 2025 |date=26 March 2025}}
29 March – Part of the M8 motorway in Renfrewshire is closed for several hours following a bus crash near Bishopton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g0gnnx2keo |title=Bus crash shuts part of M8 near Glasgow |date=29 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=29 March 2025}}
31 March –
Elizabeth Ann Sweeney is sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years for the June 2023 murder of Neil Jolly, who she beat to death with a kettle at a block of high rise flats in Aberdeen.{{Cite web |first=Ken |last=Banks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvge09d9990o |title=Woman who beat man to death with kettle jailed for 18 years |date=31 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=31 March 2025}}
An ocean-going submarine being tested in Loch Ness has found an underwater camera set up on 1970 in an attempt to photograph the Loch Ness Monster. The camera has no images of the creature, but one of the submarine's engineers was able to develop a few images of the loch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20g82y1k8o |title=Camera set up to catch Loch Ness Monster unearthed |date=31 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=31 March 2025}}

=April=

1 April –
Six men are taken to hospital following a large fire on the Blairlinn Industrial Estate in Cumbernauld.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cde2n5rr9x0o |title=Six in hospital after industrial estate fire in Cumbernauld |date=1 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=1 April 2025}}
Stephen Flynn, the Scottish National Party's leader at Westminster, confirms his intention to stand for the party in the 2026 Holyrood election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce92j4l193zo |title=Stephen Flynn confirms bid to win seat at Holyrood |date=1 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=1 April 2025}}
2 April – Patrick Harvie announces he is standing down as co-leader of the Scottish Greens, but will stay on until an election is held in the summer.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly1jjpr8m8o |title=Patrick Harvie to stand down as Scottish Green co-leader |date=2 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2 April 2025}}
4 April –
Jamie Greene, an MSP who left the Scottish Conservatives the previous day, joins the Scottish Liberal Democrats, blaming his decision to leave the Conservative on them becoming "Trump-esque in both style and substance" in an attempt to win the support of right-wing voters.{{Cite web |first=Katy |last=Scott |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yp8gee2peo |title=Former Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene defects to Liberal Democrats |date=4 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=4 April 2025}} He subsequently says there is "growing disquiet" among former colleagues about the party's direction.{{Cite web |first=James |last=Delaney |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8epdyl166wo |title=Ex-Tory MSP says 'growing disquiet' in party over move to right |date=6 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=6 April 2025}}
Malcolm McNee, described as an associate of the Glasgow-based Daniel organised crime gang, is sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 22 years for the August 2021 murder of John Quinn McGregor, who was shot in the chest following a chase.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg23l2w1gzo |title=Man jailed for life for gangland murder |date=4 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=4 April 2025}}
6 April – A number of properties are evacuated in the Dumfries and Galloway area as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire that broke out two days earlier.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jznpepyn6o |title=Evacuations as wildfire spreads north through Galloway forest |date=5 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=6 April 2025}}
8 April –
Nurses, midwifery and healthcare staff are offered an 8% pay rise over two years by NHS Scotland.{{Cite web |first1=Graeme |last1=Ogston |first2=Hugh |last2=Pym |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj9e28kj9meo |title=NHS Scotland staff offered 8% pay rise |date=8 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=8 April 2025}}
The Scottish Government is to provide NHS Grampian a loan of £67m to help it deal with a financial shortfall due to overspending.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm24n7kn7pzo |title=NHS Grampian given £67m government loan to tackle its overspend |date=8 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=8 April 2025}}
9 April – The death occurs of John Hanson, 84, who was on remand at HMP Edinburgh awaiting trial accused of causing the death of his wife, Margaret, at their home in Galashiels in December 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89g11p9zqjo |title=Man, 84, charged with murder of wife in Galashiels dies in jail |date=18 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 April 2025}}
10 April – Scotland experiences its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 22.7°C at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2wwwl73reo |title=Scotland experiencing hottest day of the year so far as wildfires continue |date=10 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=10 April 2025}}
11 April –
Work begins on demolishing the derelict Clune Park Estate in Port Glasgow, a housing estate known as Scotland's Chernobyl because of its ghost town-like appearance.{{Cite web |first=Calum |last=Watson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c337plzvnm1o |title=Bulldozers to move in on 'Scotland's Chenobyl' in Port Glasgow |date=10 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=11 April 2025}}
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urges the public to "act responsibly" as an extreme wildfire warning remains in place across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdxzz442m9o |title=Wildfire battles continue with 'extreme' warning in place |date=11 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=11 April 2025}}
Four members of a gang who attacked an off-duty police officer at Blantyre railway station in March 2024, leaving him with lifechanging injuries, are sent to prison. Robert Faulds and Lauren Neary receive eight and six years respectively after pleading guilty to attempted murder, while Alec Fallon and an unnamed 16-year-old boy receive four years and thirty months respectively after admitting assault.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy5rep53y6xo |title=Gang jailed for attacking off-duty police officer at Blantyre station |date=11 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=11 April 2025}}
12 April –
Lomond School in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, announces it is to start accepting fee payments using Bitcoin.{{Cite web |first=Paul |last=O'Hare |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg9p589vro |title=Lomond boarding school to accept tuition fee payments in Bitcoin |date=12 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=12 April 2025}}
Captain Cody wins the Scottish Grand National at Ayr Racecourse, but the race is overshadowed by the deaths of two horses.{{Cite web |first=Frank |last=Keogh |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/articles/c62j62864g7o |title=Scottish Grand National 2025: Captain Cody wins but MacDermott and The Kniphand die at Ayr |date=12 April 2025 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |accessdate=12 April 2025}}
Three teenagers are injured following a stabbing incident near Portobello Beach in Edinburgh.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxg5zvykleo |title=Three teenagers injured in Edinburgh stabbing at Portobello beach |date=13 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=13 April 2025}}
14 April – The Scottish Government partially lifts a voluntary pay freeze after 16 years, meaning ministers will receive a £19,000 annual pay rise. Junior ministers will receive a salary of £100,575, while cabinet secretaries will receive £116,125.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgenrjxj05lo |title=Scottish ministers to get £19k pay rise as freeze eased |date=14 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=14 April 2025}}
16 April –
In a defeat for the Scottish Government, the Supreme Court rules that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvgq9ejql39t |title=UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex |date=16 April 2025 |website=BBC News|publisher=BBC |accessdate=16 April 2025}} and that only biological and not trans women meet the definition of a woman under equality laws.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-highest-court-rule-definition-woman-under-equality-laws-2025-04-15/ |title=In landmark ruling, UK's top court says legal definition of woman refers to biological sex |website=Reuters |date=16 April 2025 |accessdate=16 April 2025}}
Shaazia Arshad, who shook a one-month-old baby boy so violently that he suffered "car crash like" injuries, is sentenced to three years in prison.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj45ye9q7pvo |title=Woman jailed for three years for violent attack on baby |date=16 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=16 April 2025}}
17 April – Bailey Dowling is found guilty of the February 2023 murder of Lewis McCartney, a teenager who was stabbed during a night out in Edinburgh.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr4n30nqzvlo |title=Man found guilty of murdering teenager Lewis McCartney in Edinburgh |date=17 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=17 April 2025}}
18 April – Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, says he will not attend a forthcoming anti-far-right summit being chaired by First Minister John Swinney, claiming the event is "not required" and is being used to "deflect from the SNP's dismal record".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8dgry4v750o |title=Scottish Conservative leader will not attend anti far right summit |date=18 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 April 2025}}
22 April –
The Scottish Government says it has no plans to bring back the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill following the Supreme Court ruling on what defines a woman.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/22/scottish-government-gender-recognition-law |title=Scottish government has 'no plans' to bring back gender bill after court ruling |first1=Libby |last1=Brooks |date=22 April 2025 |accessdate=22 April 2025 |work=The Guardian}}
The Dean of the Faculty of Advocates criticises Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman for her comments about "bigotry, prejudice and hatred coming from the Supreme Court", following its judgement on the definition of a woman.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-22 |title=Lawyers criticise MSP's attack on gender ruling |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx25xzy4eggo |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
Former nurse Adele Rennie, who was sentenced to prison in 2024 after posing as a man on dating app Tinder to target women, is returned to custody after contacting one of her victims within days of her release.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4grwglgnxvo |title=Adele Rennie: Tinder catfish nurse jailed for messaging victim |date=22 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=22 April 2025}}
23 April –
The Scottish Government drops a key climate commitment to reduce car usage by 20% by the end of the decade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1jxk9949e5o |title=Scottish government drops key climate target to cut car use by 20% |date=23 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=23 April 2025}}
Dorothy Bain KC, the Lord Advocate, launches a prosecution against Sodexo Ltd, operators of HM Prison Addiewell and NHS Lothian over the treatment of Calum Inglis, a prisoner who died in custody 12 days after contracting COVID-19 in October 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwvz9vwwyzo |title=Calum Inglis: Private prison to face prosecution over Covid death |date=23 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=23 April 2025}}
Following a legal case brought against Scottish Borders Council by parents of children at Earlston Primary School, which had installed gender neutral toilets, schools in Scotland have been ordered to provide single sex toilets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jz5ed7lv5o |title=Judge orders Scottish schools to provide single-sex toilets |date=23 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=23 April 2025}}
24 April –
It is announced that First Minister John Swinney will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on 26 April.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg6yggkdno |title=John Swinney to attend Pope's funeral in Rome |date=24 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=24 April 2025}}
Stars of Scottish soap River City stage a protest against its cancellation outside the Scottish Parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g9vp2j8x8o|title=River City stars protest soap's cancellation at Scottish Parliament|date=24 April 2025|website=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=25 April 2025}}
26 April – First Minister John Swinney is among international dignitaries to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r5xdpz2zvo |title=Swinney 'very moved' after Pope's funeral in Rome |date=25 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 April 2025}}
27 April – Eilish McColgan sets a new Scottish marathon record after completing the 2025 London Marathon in two hours 24 minutes and 25 seconds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/c1wd2y25jgro |title=Eilish McColgan sets new Scottish marathon record in London, surpasses mother Liz's PB |date=27 April 2025 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |accessdate=27 April 2025}}

=June=

1 June – The sale of disposable vapes will be banned in Scotland.{{Cite web |first1=Christy |last1=Cooney |first2=Amy |last2=Walker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7n3zyp114o |title=Disposable vapes to be banned from June |date=24 October 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 October 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115205516/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7n3zyp114o |url-status=live}}
5 June – The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election is scheduled to take place following the death of Christine McKelvie.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8dge8rqv05o |title=June by-election date set in McKelvie's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat |date=15 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=15 April 2025}}

Deaths

6 January – John Douglas, 90, Scottish rugby union player (Barbarian, British & Irish Lions, national team).{{Cite web|url=https://www.theoffsideline.com/john-douglas/ |title=Former Scotland cap and Grand National winning owner John Douglas dies, aged 90 |first=David |last=Barnes |date=6 January 2025 |website=Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line |access-date=6 January 2025}} (death announced on this date)
11 January – Bobby Kennedy, 87, Scottish football player (Manchester City, Kilmarnock) and manager (Grimsby Town).{{Cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/club/former-city-defender-bobby-kennedy-passes-away-63872199 |title=Bobby Kennedy: 1937–2025 |first=Rob |last=Pollard |website=Manchester City FC |access-date=15 January 2025}}
12 January – Peter Brown, 83, Scottish rugby union player (Glasgow, national team).{{Cite web|url=https://www.theoffsideline.com/pc-brown/?srsltid=AfmBOophfd_boZAF-udY2mSc66IHZoJrrtcXg9CRbai30NII3SXGh7Co |title=Scotland loses another giant with the death of Peter 'PC' Brown |first=David |last=Barnes |date=12 January 2025 |website=Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line |access-date=15 January 2025}}
17 January – Denis Law, 84, Scottish footballer (Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, national team), Alzheimer's disease.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/denis-law-legendary-manchester-united-192908742.html |title=Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland goalscorer, dies aged 84 |date=17 January 2025 |website=Yahoo Sports |access-date=17 January 2025}}
19 January – Jimmy Calderwood, 69, Scottish football player (Birmingham City) and manager (Dunfermline Athletic, Aberdeen), complications from dementia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalworld.com/sport/jimmy-calderwood-former-aberdeen-and-dunfermline-manager-dies-aged-69-4949891 |title=Legendary football manager dies aged 69 after dementia battle |date=19 January 2025 |website=NationalWorld |access-date=22 January 2025}}
6 February – Gordon Marshall, 85, English-Scottish footballer (Heart of Midlothian, Newcastle United, Arbroath).{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/hearts-saddened-by-death-of-legendary-league-title-winner-who-also-played-for-hibs-celtic-and-newcastle-4979352 |title=Hearts saddened by death of legendary league title-winner who also played for Hibs and Newcastle |date=6 February 2025 |website=The Scotsman |access-date=8 February 2025}} (death announced on this date)
17 February – Jamie Muir, 82, Scottish painter and musician (King Crimson).{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/king-crimson-percussionist-jamie-muir-has-died-aged-82 |title=King Crimson percussionist Jamie Muir has died, aged 82 |first=Jerry |last=Ewing |date=18 February 2025 |website=louder |access-date=18 February 2025}}
18 February – James Martin, 93, Scottish actor (Still Game).{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24945071.tributes-paid-still-game-eric-star-jimmy-martin-passes-away/ |title=Tributes paid to Still Game's 'Eric' star following his death |date=18 February 2025 |website=The Herald |access-date=18 February 2025}}
19 February – Cammy Murray, 80, Scottish footballer (St. Mirren, Motherwell, Arbroath).{{Cite web|url=https://www.stmirren.com/all-news/5776-st-mirren-football-club-saddened-by-passing-of-cammy-murray |title=St Mirren Football Club saddened by passing of Cammy Murray |website=www.stmirren.com |access-date=22 February 2025}}
20 February – Evan Williams, 81, Scottish footballer (Wolverhampton Wanderers, Celtic, Clyde).{{Cite web|url=https://democratonline.net/2025/02/20/death-of-former-celtic-goalkeeper-evan-williams-aged-81/|title=Death of former Celtic goalkeeper Evan William |date=20 February 2025 |website=The Democrat |access-date=22 February 2025}}
1 March – Jack Vettriano, 73, Scottish painter.{{Cite web |first=Rachel |last=Grant |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y02wxgrzlo |title=Scottish painter Jack Vettriano dies aged 73 |date=3 March 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=15 March 2025}}
9 March – Dick McTaggart, 89, Scottish boxer, Olympic champion (1956).{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5197803/dick-mctaggart-dies-dundee-boxing-hero/ |title=Dundee boxing legend Dick McTaggart dies aged 89 |first1=Ellidh |last1=Aitken |first2=Andrew |last2=Robson |date=9 March 2025 |publisher=The Courier |location=Scotland |access-date=10 March 2025}}
17 March – John Fraser, 88, Scottish footballer (Hibernian, Stenhousemuir).{{Cite web|url=https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/march/17/john-fraser--/ |title=John Fraser, 1936 – 2025 |date=17 March 2025 |website=Hibernian FC |accessdate=17 March 2025}} (death announced on this date)
27 March – Christina McKelvie, 57, Scottish politician, MSP (since 2007), minister for culture (2023–2024) and drugs and alcohol policy (since 2024), breast cancer.{{Cite web |first=Angus |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7e10p4nr1o |title=Christina McKelvie: John Swinney leads tributes to SNP minister |date=27 March 2025 |website=BBC |accessdate=27 March 2025}}
4 April – Paul Karo, 89, Scottish-born Australian actor (Quiet Night, The Box, Prisoner).{{Cite web|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/04/vale-paul-karo.html |title=Vale: Paul Karo |publisher=TV Tonight |date=5 April 2025 |accessdate=5 April 2025}}
14 April – Paddy Higson, 83, Scottish film producer (The Magdalene Sisters) and production supervisor (Gregory's Girl).{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mepgp14pyo |title='Mother of Scottish film' Paddy Higson dies aged 83 |date=14 April 2025 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=14 April 2025}} (death reported on this date)
16 April – Bill Aitken, 90, Scottish-born Indian travel writer, complications from a fall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspost.live/en/mussoorie-bids-farewell-bill-aitken/ |title=Mussoorie bids farewell to Author Bill Aitken |date=17 April 2025 |accessdate=20 April 2025 |website=News Post Live}}
23 April –
David Clunie, 77, Scottish footballer (Heart of Midlothian, Berwick Rangers, St Johnstone).{{Cite web|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/hearts-mourn-the-passing-of-former-player-david-clunie-5095247 |title=Hearts mourn the passing of former player David Clunie |date=23 April 2025 |website=Edinburgh News |accessdate=23 April 2025}} (death announced on this date)
Jim Herriot, 85, Scottish footballer (Dunfermline Athletic, Birmingham City, national team).{{Cite web|url=https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/26/rip-jim-herriot--1939-2025/ |title=RIP Jim Herriot, 1939-2025 |date=26 April 2025 |website=Hibernian FC |accessdate=26 April 2025}}

References

*Scotland

Category:2020s in Scotland

Category:Years of the 21st century in Scotland