Ishan Crawford

Distillery workers across the north and northeast of Scotland, along with warehouse staff in Lanarkshire, have voted in favor of strike action after rejecting a proposed 3% pay increase. The dispute, involving employees at Inver House Distillers, signals potential disruption in Scotland’s whisky industry if negotiations fail to progress. Sites Impacted by Potential Strike The ballot covered multiple key sites, including: Warehouse staff in Airdrie Distillery workers at Balblair, Balmenach, and Old Pulteney in the Highlands Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire Speyburn distillery in Moray A single sentence for emphasis. Union Demands a Higher Pay Increase GMB Scotland has been pressing…

LS Productions faced a formidable challenge: delivering 21 editorial shoots across central Scotland in just three days, all while managing logistics for the DIOR Cruise 2024 Collection runway show at Drummond Castle Gardens. The task required an intricate balance between creativity and practicality, ensuring the grandeur of Scotland's landscapes and heritage seamlessly merged with high fashion. A Vision Rooted in History and Aesthetics When DIOR's creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri envisioned the 2025 Cruise Collection, she sought to weave a narrative deeply tied to Scotland’s past. Drawing inspiration from the country’s rich fashion heritage, the collection embraced tartan, intricate craftsmanship,…

A newborn baby is fighting for his life after being given a dangerous overdose of paracetamol during a routine procedure at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. The eight-week-old, Zohan Ul Hassan, was mistakenly administered ten times the recommended dose, leaving his parents devastated and questioning their trust in the hospital. Routine Surgery Turns Into Nightmare Zohan Ul Hassan, born seven weeks prematurely on January 24, was initially in good health despite his early arrival. His parents, Ahad and Hira Ul Hassan, were relieved when doctors at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock identified a hernia on the left side of…

Outlander fans, rejoice! After months of anticipation, the second half of season 7 is set to premiere later this month, bringing Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian back to Scotland. A newly released exclusive clip offers a sneak peek into their emotional return to Lallybroch, the Frasers' ancestral home, setting the stage for high drama and deep nostalgia. A Homecoming Filled with Memories The last time viewers saw the Frasers, they were preparing to fulfill General Simon Fraser's dying wish—to be laid to rest in Scotland. Now, the new preview clip reveals Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) at Lallybroch,…

The last remaining bank in North Berwick will continue operating for a few more months, giving locals additional time before the town loses its only in-person banking service. Closure Pushed Back Once Again North Berwick’s Bank of Scotland branch was initially set to close on April 2, following a decision made last summer. This came after an earlier postponement, as the branch was originally scheduled to shut its doors on February 19. Now, Bank of Scotland has confirmed that the closure has been delayed once again, with operations continuing until July 2. The latest extension aims to provide time for…

Scotland has set its sights on becoming a global leader in green hydrogen, a vision built on the back of the nation’s immense offshore wind potential. But that ambition is walking a tightrope, tethered precariously to the fate of ScotWind. If ScotWind falters, the entire hydrogen strategy faces an uncertain future—taking with it economic growth, investment, and climate goals. Scotland’s Hydrogen Bet Hinges on Offshore Wind The blueprint for Scotland’s green hydrogen revolution is simple yet ambitious: harness the power of offshore wind to generate clean electricity, then use that to produce hydrogen at scale. This hydrogen could then be…

The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped the lives of millions, but for teenagers caught in the middle of their formative years, the effects linger in unexpected ways. Now, five years since the first lockdown, young people reflect on how Zoom classes, isolation, and uncertainty changed their education, mental health, and outlook on life. Disrupted Learning and Academic Setbacks For many, school became a screen. Overnight, classrooms transformed into virtual grids of faces, with lessons reduced to Zoom calls and Google Classroom assignments. The transition was anything but smooth. "I was never really fully engaged with any of my learning, so I definitely…

Significant changes are needed to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill if the Scottish Government wants to meet its policy goals, according to Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee. While the majority of committee members support the Bill’s general principles, they argue that the current version won’t deliver as intended without substantial amendments. Concerns Over Bureaucracy and Burdensome Processes The committee’s latest report highlights concerns about the Bill’s first section, warning that its approach may end up being too complex and overly bureaucratic. They stress that while reform is necessary, the execution must be practical and efficient. The committee calls…

Scottish voters are deeply divided over the nation’s long-standing policy of free university tuition, as mounting financial pressures push institutions to the brink. A new poll commissioned by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland reveals that up to 48% of voters believe students who can afford it should pay, while 29% oppose any fees. Another survey question produced an even closer split, with 43% supporting means-tested tuition and 44% advocating for universal free education. Universities Face Severe Funding Shortfalls Scottish universities are grappling with financial instability, with Dundee University set to become the first to receive a share…

Scotland is home to over 150 whisky distilleries, each offering something special. Some boast breathtaking landscapes, while others focus on time-honored traditions. With so many choices, picking where to go can be overwhelming. Whether you're a whisky aficionado or a curious traveler, these six distilleries deserve a spot on your itinerary. Port of Leith Distillery – A Vertical Marvel in Edinburgh Perched on Whisky Quay in Leith, Edinburgh, Port of Leith Distillery reimagines whisky-making with a striking vertical design. This setup utilizes gravity to streamline production, from milling at the top to maturation at the base. I visited in August…