Ishan Crawford

Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) has unveiled an advanced automated packaging system that has significantly streamlined operations for an online-only retailer. The new setup has enhanced throughput while cutting the number of pack benches from 15 to six, leading to substantial cost savings. Key Components of the Automated System YPS provided a full automation package, integrating multiple stages of the packaging process. The new system ensures a more efficient workflow and faster processing times. An 8m-long staged infeed conveyor, fed by six pack benches arranged in two rows of three. A Flexo E-com automated bagging machine, forming secure mailing packs around…

A long-awaited landmark at the Scotland-England border is a step closer to reality. The Star of Caledonia, a 33-meter-high steel structure featuring LED lights, has seen fresh plans submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council. The project, first conceived over two decades ago, aims to serve as a symbolic gateway between the two nations and an economic boost for the region. Revised Design and Funding Backing After years of delays, the Star of Caledonia Trust has secured financial backing from wind energy company CWP Energy. The project, now estimated to cost around £10 million, has undergone modifications, including a reduction in…

Anatolii and Lidiia Kyrylov spent nearly their entire lives in Mariupol, a once-thriving trading port in southeastern Ukraine. They never imagined they'd have to leave, let alone start over in a foreign land at their age—69 and 73, respectively. But when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, their city quickly became one of the war’s deadliest battlegrounds. Mariupol was besieged, bombed, and reduced to ruins. Survival was a daily struggle. "The bombings were horrible," Lidiia recalled. "We had no water. We were collecting the snow, melting it, and drinking it one sip at a time. We were trying…

A new report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has laid bare the stark reality of racism within NHS Scotland, with the majority of ethnic minority doctors reporting discrimination in their workplaces. The findings paint a troubling picture of daily prejudice, career barriers, and institutional shortcomings that continue to impact medical professionals across the country. "Harsh Reality" of Racism in NHS Scotland The report, produced by the BMA’s Race Equality Forum, is based on testimonies and surveys conducted with ethnic minority doctors. It reveals that racism is not only prevalent but often goes unchallenged, creating an environment of fear and…

A wave of social media posts has sparked concern among pet owners, claiming Scotland has banned domestic cats. The claim, however, is entirely false. The Scottish government has made no such announcement and has explicitly stated it will not impose any ban on pet cats under any circumstance. Misinterpretation of a Report Fuels Misinformation The controversy stems from a misreading of a report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC). Published in January 2025, the report assesses the welfare of both domestic and feral cats and examines their impact on local wildlife. The report discusses various policy options for responsible…

A quiet cemetery in Oban, a picturesque town on Scotland's west coast, has become a stark symbol of a worsening crisis. Among the gravestones, fresh markers bear the names of those lost too soon—victims of a relentless drug epidemic. The numbers are staggering, the losses personal, and the grief immeasurable. A Growing Cemetery, A Shrinking Generation James McMillan and Lisa McCuish were childhood neighbors. They played on the same streets, attended the same schools, and now, in death, lie side by side at Pennyfuir Cemetery. Their graves are among at least eight recent burials linked to drug misuse in this…

The Investment Fund for Scotland has completed a milestone first year, delivering significant financial support to businesses across the country. Launched by the British Business Bank with an initial budget of £150 million, the initiative has already backed 26 companies, fueling expansion, innovation, and job creation in multiple sectors. As it enters its second year, the fund is set to widen its reach and address long-standing financial challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Supporting Business Growth Across Scotland From tourism ventures in the Highlands to biotech firms in Edinburgh, the fund's influence has been both wide-ranging and impactful. Companies…

LONDON, Feb. 19, 2025 — Construction has commenced on a £2.5 billion subsea electricity superhighway that will link Scotland and England, providing power to two million homes across the UK. The project, known as Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1), is being developed through a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid, following regulatory approval from Ofgem last year. A 190-Kilometre Energy Corridor The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable will extend over 190 kilometres, running predominantly under the North Sea to connect Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England. The ambitious infrastructure upgrade is…

A fight involving several students at Scotland High School in Laurinburg was swiftly halted by school staff Monday morning, ensuring the situation was quickly under control. Incident Details The altercation, which occurred early on Monday, involved around five to six students, according to Laurinburg Assistant Police Chief Chris Young. Thanks to the prompt action of the school's faculty and staff, the situation was contained before it could escalate further. Despite the disturbance, the school administration has reassured the public that classes are continuing as usual. "The situation was handled effectively, and the school day proceeded without any further disruptions," said…

Janice Forsyth, a beloved BBC Radio Scotland presenter, has announced her decision to step down from her broadcasting role after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Forsyth, 65, has been a key figure in the BBC for over 30 years, presenting shows across BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Four, and Radio Three. Her decision to step back from her on-air duties follows a challenging period where she struggled with certain tasks, including navigation, and faced increasing anxiety. Forsyth shared that her symptoms first appeared in 2022, and while she initially attributed them to exhaustion after a long career in broadcasting and…