Ishan Crawford

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Scottish Government has announced plans to lift rent controls in the country, a decision being widely criticized as "deeply irresponsible" by housing advocates and political opponents. The policy change, which will take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Scotland's housing landscape, leaving many to question its potential impact on renters across the nation. Rent Control Measures to Be Lifted The Scottish Government's decision to remove the current rent control measures has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those who view the policy as essential for protecting tenants from rising rents…

Scotland's future is increasingly under scrutiny as the question of independence versus remaining within the United Kingdom gains traction. With voices from both sides of the political spectrum weighing in, the argument has never been more heated. Many, like Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, suggest that Scotland has been treated as a subordinate, a region rather than an equal nation. But what does this mean for Scotland's future? Is it time to show some real backbone and push for full independence? A Nation Under Siege? Jill Stephenson’s recent attempt to define Scotland as a “region” highlights a deepening sense of…

"Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine" Highlights Global Collaboration and Innovation A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland is shedding light on the monumental global effort to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Titled "Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine," the exhibition explores the scientific, logistical, and human aspects of one of the most significant health achievements of the 21st century. A Deep Dive into the Vaccine Development Process The exhibition takes visitors through the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, looking at the UK-wide efforts and the scientific principles behind the innovative research. It also…

Scotland's National Health Service (NHS) is facing increased scrutiny over its ability to meet its reform goals, with a recent public audit committee session highlighting gaps in the current metrics used to assess progress. Key issues include the ability to track the full scope of NHS activities and how that impacts patient care and waiting times. The lack of comprehensive monitoring is seen as a barrier to properly understanding the extent of improvements made and the effectiveness of new strategies. Audit Scotland’s Urging for Clearer Metrics Audit Scotland, the national public sector watchdog, has long called for the Scottish government…

In a notable turn of events, Police Scotland has withdrawn its legal challenge concerning the terms of reference for the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. This decision comes after the 31-year-old father-of-two died on May 3, 2015, following an intervention by police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The shift marks a significant moment in the inquiry, which has faced growing pressure to expand its investigation to include potential racial factors in Bayoh’s death. A Strained Legal Battle The death of Sheku Bayoh after being restrained by officers led to an ongoing inquiry, which has drawn significant public and…

In recent weeks, several key court rulings have highlighted the growing influence of legal challenges in addressing climate change. These lawsuits are not only challenging the development of new fossil fuel projects but are also pushing for more sustainable energy solutions, like wind farms, to be prioritized. The most recent legal developments in Scotland and Ireland show how courts are playing a significant role in shaping both the future of oil and gas extraction and renewable energy projects. Legal Setback for Major Oil Projects in Scotland In a landmark ruling, the Court of Session in Scotland declared that the UK…

David Hume, the Scottish philosopher whose influence spans centuries, didn’t always embody the social, intellectual figure we know today. In his youth, the renowned thinker was once on a path of intense isolation, a decision that nearly derailed his promising future. The Early Years: A Rebel Against Academia In the early 1730s, Hume, still a teenager, shocked his professors and peers at Edinburgh University. Convinced that there was more to learn in books than in the classroom, he abandoned formal education. He embarked on an ambitious solitary journey through Edinburgh’s libraries. However, this pursuit of knowledge, devoid of social interactions…

As Edinburgh becomes the first city in Scotland to approve a tourist tax, Perth and Kinross is now considering whether to implement a similar levy, potentially following in the footsteps of its larger neighbor. Discussions are already underway among council officials, local businesses, and residents to assess the feasibility of a visitor tax aimed at managing the costs of tourism in the region. Edinburgh’s Model and Potential Impact on Perth and Kinross Edinburgh, which is set to introduce a tourist tax by summer 2026, will charge visitors an additional 5% on their accommodation costs. This levy is expected to generate…

Plans for a Talgo train factory at the former Longannet Power Station site, situated on the banks of the River Forth in central Scotland, have officially been scrapped. Once seen as a potential economic boost for the area, the dream of a state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility is no longer a reality. This marks the end of a long-running saga tied to the future of the Longannet site, which has witnessed significant change in recent years. The Disappointment for the Region The Longannet site, located between Edinburgh and Stirling, has been at the center of various proposals for regeneration since the…

Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to shut down 136 of its high street branches, marking a significant change for customers. The closures, spanning across Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland brands, will unfold between May this year and March 2026. The move comes as part of a larger shift in how customers interact with their banks. Branches Across Three Brands to Be Affected The closures will affect 61 Lloyds branches, 61 Halifax locations, and 14 Bank of Scotland sites. This restructuring is part of Lloyds' broader strategy to adapt to changing customer behavior. With more and more customers turning…