Ishan Crawford

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…

A fierce storm is set to slam the UK and parts of Europe with heavy snowfall, freezing winds, and severe travel disruptions. The latest weather models indicate that winter will make an unexpected return, bringing hazardous conditions across multiple countries. Snowfall Expected Across the UK Forecasters warn that snow could begin falling as early as 6 a.m. on Friday, 28 March. The worst-hit areas are expected to be in Scotland, while England and Wales will face widespread rain. By Saturday, 29 March, the situation will intensify: Temperatures will plummet, with wind chills making much of the UK feel like 0°C…

A groundbreaking study led by the University of Nottingham and Peatland Action is using satellite technology to assess the susceptibility of peatlands in Scotland to landslides. The research, which previously analyzed large peat failures in Ireland, offers new insights into peatland stability and could shape future restoration and risk assessment strategies. Satellites Reveal Peatland Movements Satellite Earth observation data has uncovered critical patterns in peat movement. The study, which tested interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) monitoring across 20 Scottish peatland sites, found that areas with natural drainage exhibit higher chances of displacement. One key discovery: the phenomenon known as "bog…

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed relief after being officially cleared of any wrongdoing in the long-running police probe into the Scottish National Party's finances. The announcement comes as her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared in court facing embezzlement charges. Investigation Ends Without Charges for Sturgeon and Beattie After nearly four years of scrutiny, Police Scotland confirmed that both Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie are no longer under investigation. Neither has been charged, and authorities have closed their inquiries into the pair. Speaking outside her Glasgow home, Sturgeon said, "For almost two years,…

I spent a decade working toward one goal: becoming a doctor. The long hours, the studying, the pressure—it was all part of the plan. But then, life threw a curveball. I moved to Scotland for two years with my husband, and everything I thought I wanted started to shift. A One-Way Ticket to the Unknown In 2021, I bought a one-way ticket to a country I'd never set foot in. Scotland wasn't part of my life plan. Medical school was. But when my husband was awarded a Marshall Scholarship to study in the UK for two years, I had a…

A proposed extension of the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle has reignited a heated debate over its economic justification, with critics arguing that low population densities and existing transport options make the project an expensive misstep. A Costly Study with Uncertain Returns The UK and Scottish governments have allocated £10 million under the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to assess the feasibility of the expansion. While railway enthusiasts celebrate the possibility of reviving the historic Waverley Route, skeptics warn that the project could be a burden on taxpayers without delivering meaningful economic benefits. “This is a project driven by nostalgia…

Doctors across Scotland are warning that many general practices cannot afford to recruit new GPs, even as the government pushes for better access to primary care. With rising costs and limited funding, some surgeries are scaling back on temporary staff and freezing new hires, leaving patients facing longer waits and fewer available appointments. Practices Forced to Cut Back Due to Rising Costs Three-quarters of Scotland’s GP surgeries are run by independent partners who cover the costs of running their practices before being reimbursed by the NHS. But with increasing expenses, many are finding it hard to balance the books. Dr.…

Scotland has long been a land of deep musical heritage, but in recent years, a new genre has been making waves across the country. Country and western music, once seen as an American staple, has found an enthusiastic audience in Scotland, with major stars selling out venues and western-inspired culture taking hold in unexpected ways. A Longstanding Connection to Country Music The bond between Scotland and country music isn't new. In fact, it goes back centuries. Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States played a crucial role in shaping what would become country…