Ishan Crawford

Scotland faces the fury of Storm Amy today, the first named storm of the season, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain to the north and west. Experts warn that the storm's intense low pressure could drop water's boiling point to 98 degrees Celsius in some areas, potentially ruining the flavor of that essential evening cup of tea. Storm Amy Builds Strength Over the Atlantic Storm Amy formed quickly as it crossed the Atlantic, drawing energy from remnants of a distant hurricane. Meteorologists track it heading straight for northwest Scotland, where it will peak late Friday into early Saturday. This rapid…

Archaeologists unearthed a rare 13th century hair styling tool at Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands during recent excavations. This gravoir, made from red deer antler, links remote Scottish communities to broader European grooming trends and reveals details about daily life in medieval times. Uncovering the Gravoir The gravoir is a thin pointed tool used to part hair and create elaborate styles popular among the elite in the 13th century. Experts from FAS Heritage found it while digging in the northwest tower of the castle, which sits on a small island where three sea lochs meet near the Isle…

Hundreds of thousands of UK homes may have an older electrical cut-out that links the mains power to indoor wiring and could overheat, sparking fire risks according to recent industry alerts. Experts warn that these black plastic units, installed from the late 1960s to early 1990s, degrade over time and pose dangers if not replaced promptly. Understanding Electrical Cut-Outs in UK Homes Every UK household relies on a small device known as an electrical cut-out to connect the external power supply to internal wires. This box, often found near the electricity meter, holds a fuse that controls the flow of…

A 75-year-old grandmother named Rose Docherty was arrested for the second time this year in Glasgow, Scotland, for holding a sign outside a hospital under new buffer zone laws. The incident happened on September 27, 2025, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where she offered talks to people facing tough choices, sparking debates on free speech and abortion rights. Details of the Latest Arrest Police approached Docherty while she stood silently with a sign reading "Coercion is a crime, here to talk, if you want." Officers cited the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024, which bans protests within…

A new report from Abertay University and the University of the West of Scotland uncovers major hurdles keeping many Scots from staying active. Released in 2025, the study calls for big changes in policy and funding to tackle these issues and boost public health across the nation. Key Findings on Physical Inactivity The report, titled "Getting the Inactive Active," draws from talks with 23 experts in government, sports, and health. It points out that 22 percent of Scottish adults get less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This low activity level raises risks for heart disease, diabetes, and…

Thieves are stripping apple orchards across Scotland bare, hitting community gardens and historic sites in areas like Stirling and Airth with bold raids using vans and tools. This wave of fruit thefts, reported just hours ago, endangers local harvests and the revival of rare apple varieties that volunteers have nurtured for years. Surge in Bold Apple Thefts Across Scotland Reports show that apple thefts have gone beyond kids grabbing a few fruits from trees. Organized groups now drive up in four wheel drive vehicles or large white vans, filling bags with entire crops or even digging up trees with spades.…

Scotland's parliament made a bold move on September 17, 2025, when it voted to scrap the controversial not proven verdict in criminal trials. This change, part of a major justice overhaul, aims to deliver better outcomes for rape survivors and other victims who have long faced uncertainty in the courts. The decision ends a centuries-old practice that many saw as a barrier to justice, especially in sexual offence cases where conviction rates remain low. Lawmakers approved the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill by 71 votes to 46, marking a victory for campaigners who fought for years to reform the…

A leading charity has launched a new app to warn swimmers and surfers in Scotland about sewage discharges in real time, highlighting a long standing issue of pollution in bathing waters. Surfers Against Sewage says this tool will help people stay safe while pushing for cleaner coasts, as concerns grow over health risks from raw sewage spills. Charity Launches App to Combat Hidden Pollution Risks Surfers Against Sewage rolled out the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app on September 15, 2025, aimed at giving users instant alerts on sewage discharges near Scotland's beaches. The group points out that swimmers have…

Edinburgh is buzzing as top video game industry leaders from around the world kick off the DICE Europe summit today. This three day event, running from September 15 to 17, 2025, brings together about 150 experts to discuss innovation, growth, and the future of interactive entertainment in Scotland's capital. Summit Highlights and Key Speakers The DICE Europe summit promises a mix of talks, networking sessions, and insights from major players in the video game world. Organizers describe it as a chance for the brightest minds to share ideas and build partnerships. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney praised the event for…

Travelers heading to England, Scotland, or Wales face strict new food import rules that ban many common items like meat and dairy to stop the spread of diseases such as foot and mouth. These changes, rolled out in April 2025 by the UK government, aim to protect local farms and public health amid rising cases in Europe, leaving many tourists confused and facing potential fines at borders. Why the Ban Started Now The UK ramped up these restrictions after reports of foot and mouth disease outbreaks across Europe earlier this year. Officials say the move protects British agriculture, which supports…