Ishan Crawford

Scotland has long been the setting for mysterious tales of big cats roaming its hills and forests. Despite official reports dismissing most sightings, the legend of these elusive creatures endures, with fresh sightings continuing to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike. One of the most famous cases occurred nearly 45 years ago, when a puma was caught in the Highlands, raising questions about the true nature of Scotland's big cat sightings. The Case of Felicity the Puma In 1980, a female puma, nicknamed Felicity, was captured in the Highlands after a series of livestock killings that had shocked…

Large areas of Scotland are facing the risk of being “cut off” due to a significant decline in bus services across the country. Research conducted by the Labour party revealed that the total number of registered bus routes has decreased by a staggering 44% since 2006, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 routes. In just the past year alone, 190 bus routes were cut, marking a 10% drop in services. Challenges Faced by Local Councils Local councils are struggling to bring bus routes back under public control amidst rising passenger dissatisfaction. Many communities, particularly in rural areas, are increasingly…

Scotland's fishing industry is sounding the alarm, warning that without immediate and drastic changes to government policies, the sector could be "crushed." The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) has raised serious concerns over the future of the industry, citing risks to jobs and the livelihoods of hundreds of skippers and crew members across the country. Offshore Wind Power Threatens the Future of Fishing One of the primary issues highlighted by the SFF is the rapid expansion of offshore wind power. While the transition to green energy is necessary to combat climate change, industry leaders argue that the fishing sector is being…

The Scottish Government has granted pilotage powers to the Port of Ardersier, enabling significant advancements in its transformation into a major hub for Scotland’s offshore wind industry. A Key Investment in Renewable Energy The decision supports a £400 million (US$500 million) investment by the port's owner, Haventus, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and positioning the facility as a leader in Scotland’s offshore wind sector. The initiative is aligned with the country’s renewable energy goals, particularly in the heavily subsidized offshore wind industry. Government Support for a Just Transition Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop signed the harbour order, granting the port…

In the post-pandemic era, staycations have soared in popularity, offering travelers unique and charming alternatives to international trips. For those seeking a whimsical escape, Craighead Howf, nestled north of Dunblane, provides an enchanting retreat like no other. A Hidden Gem in the Scottish Hills Just a short drive from Edinburgh, Craighead Howf is set amidst rolling hills, offering a tranquil haven far removed from the hustle of daily life. This glamping site features a collection of extraordinary accommodations, including treehouses perched high among the trees and Hobbit holes with vibrantly colored doors, straight out of a fantasy novel. Accommodation Highlights…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing for an intriguing reunion with fellow Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester City visit Anfield. The two previously clashed in the Eredivisie when Slot managed Feyenoord and Van Nistelrooy led PSV Eindhoven. Despite Slot’s mixed results against his counterpart during that period, Feyenoord triumphed in the league, finishing seven points ahead of PSV. Feyenoord vs. PSV: A Rivalry Revisited Slot humorously acknowledged the past meetings. “I was expecting you to tell the people over here that I lost once and drew once, but you made it positive saying we won the league title, which…

A new opinion poll in Scotland has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, showing significant shifts in voter preferences and a dramatic decline in Labour's support. According to Norstat UK Political Polling, Labour’s support in Scotland has plummeted to just 20%, a 3-percentage-point drop from previous figures. Meanwhile, both the SNP (Scottish National Party) and Reform UK have seen small increases, rising by 1 percentage point each to 31% and 15%, respectively. Labour's 'Wipeout' in Seat Projections The polling data paints a dire picture for Labour’s prospects in Scotland. When translated into Westminster seat projections, Labour is on track to…

Scotland is positioning itself as a major player in the global hydrogen market, aiming to leverage its renewable energy resources and historical energy expertise to become a leading producer and exporter of low carbon hydrogen. The recent publication of the Hydrogen Sector Export Plan outlines the country's strategy, which includes collaborations with industry leaders and a focus on developing the Scottish Hydrogen Innovation Network (SHINe) as a key enabler. Scotland’s Hydrogen Potential Scotland is well-placed to become a top producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen, primarily focusing on electrolytic hydrogen. This growth is supported by the country’s rich renewable energy…

A notable retail presence in Cumbernauld will come to an end today as TJ Hughes shuts its doors for good, marking a sudden exit after just five years in the Antonine Shopping Centre. The department store, which opened in 2019, will close its Cumbernauld location on December 23, leaving many shoppers and local residents surprised. While the specific reasons for the closure remain unclear, a sign in the store's window advertises a closing-down sale, indicating the end of its retail journey in the area. The End of TJ Hughes in Cumbernauld TJ Hughes was a staple for many in Cumbernauld,…

Scotland, Connecticut, is grappling with ongoing challenges surrounding its mail delivery system, further complicated by a new policy affecting package deliveries this holiday season. The town's unique postal system, which involves sorting mail not only through the Scotland Post Office but also through five neighboring towns' post offices, is creating significant issues. The Roots of the Problem Historically, Scotland's mail delivery system was organized under a framework that predates the standardized Address Management System (AMS). This system, while functional at the time, has shown major flaws as technological advancements have highlighted inconsistencies. The primary issue stems from common road names…