Ishan Crawford

Scotland faces a massive repair bill of hundreds of millions of pounds due to the growing crisis of damp and mould in homes, experts warn. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has urged ministers to launch a nationwide program to fix unfit houses, as the problem turns into a serious public health threat that could lead to deaths if not addressed soon. The Growing Scale of Damp and Mould Issues Reports of damp and mould in Scottish social housing have surged by 200 percent since 2019, hitting record levels across the country. In Glasgow alone, complaints jumped by 500…

In the remote Orkney Islands of northern Scotland, Loganair operates the world's shortest scheduled flight, a quick hop between Westray and Papa Westray that lasts just 90 seconds. This tiny journey covers only 1.7 miles and serves as a vital link for island residents while drawing curious travelers eager to experience one of aviation's quirkiest routes. A Brief History of This Quick Trip The flight between Westray and Papa Westray began in 1967 as a practical solution to connect the scattered Orkney Isles. Loganair, Scotland's largest regional airline, has kept this service running for decades, adapting to the islands' harsh…

The Scottish Parliament marks 25 years since its creation in 1999, a milestone that promised better governance for Scotland within the UK. A new survey reveals sharp drops in public trust toward the Scottish Government, alongside steady support for independence, highlighting evolving attitudes in the nation. Origins of Devolution and Early Expectations Devolution arrived in Scotland with high hopes back in 1999. Lawmakers aimed to address local needs through a new parliament in Edinburgh, keeping Scotland tied to the UK while giving it more control over key issues like health and education. Supporters believed this setup would prove the Union…

A new poll reveals that more Scots oppose assisted suicide for people with incurable but not terminal illnesses than support it, highlighting growing concerns over the issue. This comes as Scotland's parliament debates a bill that could legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults, sparking intense discussions on ethics and safeguards. Poll Highlights Opposition in Scotland The latest YouGov survey of Scottish residents shows a clear plurality against expanding assisted suicide to incurable conditions. Out of 156 respondents, 38 percent said no to allowing it for such cases, while 33 percent said yes. The remaining people either did not know…

Scotland's Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Lochhead, has outlined bold plans to position the nation as the world's premier FinTech hub. This push comes amid explosive sector growth and fresh legal reforms, highlighted during the recent National Innovation Week and FinTech Scotland Festival. Explosive Rise in Scotland's FinTech Landscape The FinTech scene in Scotland has transformed dramatically over recent years. What started with just 26 companies has ballooned to nearly 260 firms, creating over 11,300 jobs and drawing in £2.3 billion worth of investments. This surge underscores the sector's vital role, now contributing a whopping £14 billion to the…

Dumfries and Galloway Council plans to review the fate of Dalry Secondary School, Scotland's smallest secondary with just 13 pupils, in a meeting set for November. Parents in the rural Glenkens area fear this could lead to closure, threatening a key community hub amid ongoing rural depopulation challenges. School Faces Renewed Scrutiny Dalry Secondary School serves students from S1 to S4 in the quiet village of St John's Town of Dalry. After finishing there, pupils often move to Castle Douglas High School, about 16 miles south. The catchment area covers a wide stretch, reaching north to Carsphairn, another nine miles…

A charming new messenger bag with a cute cartoon Scotland cow design has quickly become a favorite among fashion lovers in 2025. This affordable crossbody option, priced at $13.59 after a discount from $16.99, offers style and practicality for both men and women in casual or business settings. Why This Bag Stands Out in 2025 Fashion The rise of playful animal prints has shaped bag trends this year, and this Scotland cow inspired piece fits right in. Highland cows, known for their fluffy fur and endearing looks, have inspired countless designs from cartoons to high end accessories. With cow print…

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…