Scotland trending: Today’s most talked-about stories

SNP MP Mhairi Black has been named one of the NME's people of the year. Picture: Getty

Orkney voted ‘best place to live’ in Scotland

Orkney has been named the best place to live in Scotland for the third year in a row, scoring on low unemployment, lack of traffic - and even its dry weather.

However, Scotland’s capital city has slumped in the ratings, ranking 21st out of 32 council areas of Scotland, according to the 2015 Bank of Scotland Quality of Life Survey.

Meanwhile, other more remote areas also scored well. Shetland retained its No2 spot for the third year running, while the Western Isles moved up to third from seventh place in 2014.

Orkney ‘best place to live in Scotland’ for third time

Royal High School hotel bid rejected by Edinburgh Council

A controversial plan to turn the old Royal High School building in Edinburgh into a luxury hotel has been narrowly rejected by city councillors.

But developers later vowed they would not “give up at the first hurdle” and said they would be pushing ahead with a fresh bid to secure the building.

Mhairi Black makes NME People of the Year list

SNP MP Mhairi Black has been named one of NME’s People of the Year.

Joined in an eclectic list alongside the likes of Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, Black is included because she is an ‘atypical politician’.

Still only aged 21, Ms Black’s maiden speech in the House of Commons on Tory austerity became a viral hit, surpassing 10 million views online.

Daniel Craig cameos as stormtrooper in latest Star Wars

After initially denying his involvement, Craig owned up to being a foot-soldier of the evil First Order in the latest movie.

Craig’s cameo in the latest instalment of the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, is so well-hidden that you could easily miss it.

Celtic give Leigh Griffiths huge contract extension

The 25-year-old’s previous deal wasn’t set to expire until 2017, but the club have acted swiftly to secure their asset for the long-term, tying up the player until 2021.

The Scottish international has been in terrific goalscorer form in 2015, netting 35 goals in 52 games in all competitions.