Ishan Crawford

East Lothian in Scotland saw its tourism sector soar to a record £379 million in economic value during 2024, driven by more visitors and a focus on green travel. This growth marks a strong recovery from past challenges, with overnight stays and eco-friendly trends pushing the region into the spotlight for travelers seeking sustainable options. Record Economic Surge Fuels Local Growth Tourism in East Lothian pumped £379 million into the local economy last year, up nine percent from 2023. This boost came from a mix of day trips and longer visits, helping the area bounce back stronger than before the…

A hidden gem in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, St Columba's Cave draws visitors eager to explore its ties to early Christianity. This site, used by the Irish saint Columba in the 6th century, offers a glimpse into Scotland's religious past and remains a spot for quiet reflection today. The Saint Who Shaped Scotland's Faith St Columba, born in Ireland around 521 AD, fled his homeland after a dispute and arrived in Scotland in 563 AD. He aimed to spread Christianity among the Picts and Scots, founding a monastery on Iona that became a key center for learning and faith. Historians…

Scotland joined the nation in solemn tributes on August 15, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day with a lone piper at Edinburgh Castle and a two-minute silence at noon. These events honored the bravery of those who fought in the Far East during World War Two, bringing communities together to remember the end of the global conflict. Dawn Tribute at Edinburgh Castle A stirring start to the day came at dawn when Warrant Officer Class 1 and Senior Pipe Major Peter Grant played the bagpipes in full Highland dress at Edinburgh Castle. The performance set a…

A major overhaul of Scotland’s One Health AMR Register aims to make antimicrobial resistance research more visible and connected across sectors. Tackling a Growing Global Threat Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is projected to cause 1.91 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050, according to global health estimates. Scotland is taking a proactive approach, focusing on the “One Health” principle — coordinating action across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors. The updated Scotland One Health AMR Register (SOHAR) seeks to centralise research activity, making it easier for policymakers, funders, researchers, and industry to identify areas of expertise, ongoing projects, and gaps in knowledge.…

In a quiet Dumfries and Galloway village, Linda Galloway isn’t quite sure if she shares blood with one of the most talked-about politicians in America—but she’s leaning toward hoping not. The former Linda Vance has been fielding the same question since JD Vance took the vice-presidential oath: are they related? The Republican firebrand calls himself a “Scots-Irish hillbilly at heart,” and now that he’s vacationing in Scotland, the speculation has grown. Two Possible Ancestral Trails If the family tree lines up one way, Vance’s ancestors might have owned land where Donald Trump’s Menie golf course now sprawls along the Aberdeenshire…

Nicola Sturgeon’s new book has re-opened an uncomfortable conversation in Scottish politics: how a seemingly unstoppable independence movement hit the brakes — and whether the Scottish National Party’s own missteps are to blame. The former first minister’s memoir, Frankly, has attracted sharp reviews and awkward interview moments, offering both her version of history and fresh fodder for critics who say the SNP squandered its advantage. A Movement That Once Seemed Inevitable For years, independence was framed as a rising tide — the political equivalent of gravity. Polling regularly showed a near-even split, with support peaking in the aftermath of Brexit.…

EDINBURGH — In the heart of Leith’s historic harbor district, a stone-built time capsule from Scotland’s maritime golden age has been given a second life — and a price tag. Lamb’s House, one of the nation’s few surviving merchant homes from the early 1600s, is now on the market for £3.9 million ($5 million) after a meticulous restoration by its architect owners. A Harbor Landmark with Royal Connections Built in 1610, when Leith was a thriving, fortified port independent from Edinburgh, Lamb’s House stands as a rare example of the area’s once-flourishing trade architecture. Its crow-stepped gables, leaded windows, and…

The Royal Society’s prestigious science writing award has revealed its six-title shortlist at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, setting the stage for an autumn showdown in science storytelling. Edinburgh Hosts a Night of Science and Story It was a packed evening at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.Book lovers, scientists, and festival-goers packed the hall as the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize jury unveiled this year’s shortlist. From a pool of 254 initial submissions, six titles made the cut. Each one was published in the last 12 months, and each offers its own window into the wonders — and sometimes…

SANDAY, ORKNEY — What began as an ordinary run along a windswept Scottish beach turned into a remarkable brush with history for one local schoolboy, who stumbled upon the wreck of a ship that once sailed for the British Royal Navy nearly three centuries ago. The find — made in February 2024 after a violent winter storm battered Sanday, one of Orkney’s most remote islands — revealed the remains of a vessel that had lain hidden beneath the sand for over 200 years. A Race Against the Tide When the boy spotted the large section of timber jutting from the…

India’s Veer Ahlawat wrapped up his week at Trump International Golf Links with a gritty one-under 71 on Sunday, locking in a tied-25th spot at the Nexo Championship. A Solid Week in Testing Links Conditions The wind was no stranger in Aberdeen over the weekend. On a course that has broken the spirits of many seasoned golfers, Ahlawat found a way to stay in the fight. He carded three birdies against two bogeys — all before the turn — and then parred his way home on the back nine. It wasn’t fireworks, but it was steady. And sometimes, steady is…