Ishan Crawford

Newly released figures have revealed an alarming gap between reported cases of livestock worrying and actual convictions, sparking outrage among farmers and rural communities. Shocking Conviction Rates Amid Rising Incidents Despite nearly 60 charges being referred to the courts in the last year, only two people have been convicted for livestock worrying across Scotland. The data, disclosed by the Scottish Government, underscores a significant gap in the enforcement of laws meant to protect farmers and their animals. Sheep farmer and MSP Tim Eagle voiced his frustration, stating, "Farmers are being robbed of their livelihoods while those responsible face little to…

Five years have passed since Covid-19 made its quiet entry into Scotland. The country, arriving late to the pandemic, met the unfolding crisis with an almost eerie calm. Perhaps the full weight of what was coming hadn’t quite sunk in. That week in March 2020, the Scottish Parliament went about its usual business. Then-Health Secretary Jeane Freeman assured MSPs that Scotland was in the "containment phase" and that there was "no community transmission." Life carried on. A legislative vote took place. But the virus was already settling in, and within days, nerves in the chamber began to fray. A Government…

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has given the green light to Pfizer’s Talzenna (talazoparib) in combination with enzalutamide for treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in patients for whom chemotherapy is not an option. This decision marks a significant step in expanding treatment choices for men battling advanced prostate cancer. A New Hope for Patients The approval means eligible patients in Scotland now have access to a novel therapy that combines a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor with an established treatment. Talazoparib works by disrupting cancer cell DNA repair mechanisms, ultimately leading to their destruction. Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate…

A long-lost dinosaur fossil, first spotted in 1973, has finally been excavated from a remote sea cliff on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. The discovery, now confirmed to be a pony-sized ornithopod, is the most complete Middle Jurassic dinosaur find in the country, offering a rare glimpse into a crucial period of prehistoric evolution. A Fossil Hidden in Plain Sight for Five Decades Back in 1973, fossilized remains were noticed embedded in a sea cliff at Elgol, a rugged and difficult-to-reach coastal area. Given the challenges of excavation at the time, the fossil was left untouched, its significance unknown for over…

A truly independent Scotland would need a careful balance between public and private interests. While the private sector has a role to play, relying too heavily on it could undermine the goal of a wellbeing economy. A pragmatic approach is key to ensuring state control over essential infrastructure and services. The Case for a Mixed Economy Scotland’s economic future would depend on a blend of state and private-sector involvement. The government could use fiscal, monetary, and regulatory tools to guide resource allocation while ensuring that fundamental rights and social needs are met. Having a Scottish currency would be crucial to…

The UK Government has allocated a $71 million grant to the Port of Cromarty Firth, paving the way for a groundbreaking expansion project aimed at supporting floating offshore wind farms. This investment marks the first phase of a program designed to enhance port infrastructure critical to the future of wind energy. Cromarty Firth to Become Key Offshore Wind Hub Located near Inverness, the Port of Cromarty Firth has long been a vital player in offshore industries. Originally serving oil and gas operations, it has since pivoted to renewable energy, leveraging its deep, sheltered waters to accommodate large vessels and offshore…

The UK Government is under increasing pressure to cut welfare spending, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly planning reductions in health and disability-related benefits. The goal? To bring down borrowing ahead of the next Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts. But what does this mean for people who rely on these benefits? Here’s a breakdown of what’s being considered and how it could impact claimants across Great Britain and Scotland. Which Benefits Could Face Cuts? For working-age people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, there are two main types of benefits that could be affected: incapacity benefits and disability benefits. Each…

A picturesque seaside town in Scotland has been recognised as one of the most "charming" coastal destinations in the UK, earning a spot in a prestigious travel ranking by Lonely Planet. Tobermory, the vibrant capital of the Isle of Mull, joins the ranks of top British seaside locations, standing alongside Devon's Salcombe and Whitby in North Yorkshire. Known for its postcard-perfect waterfront and rich history, the town has long been a favourite among visitors seeking natural beauty and a taste of authentic Scottish culture. A Town Straight Out of a Storybook Tobermory’s brightly coloured buildings lining the harbour look like…

The skies over Scotland are set to dazzle this weekend, as the Northern Lights make a rare and brilliant appearance. The Met Office has confirmed that the Aurora Borealis will be visible on March 8 and 9, offering stargazers a chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Best Time to Spot the Northern Lights Timing is everything when it comes to catching a glimpse of the aurora. The Met Office reports that the best chances for sightings will be later in the evening on March 8 and into the early hours of March 9. Cloud cover and light…

Pilot projects to allow alcohol sales at Scottish football matches could be on the table, with Police Scotland reportedly open to discussions. However, the Scottish government remains cautious, with no immediate plans to change the decades-old law. Government Considers Limited Trials A briefing prepared for First Minister John Swinney ahead of Scotland's match against Croatia in November revealed that "a limited number of pilot projects" could be considered. These trials would gather evidence on how alcohol sales impact football crowds. The document, released under the Freedom of Information Act, acknowledged that Police Scotland was open to discussions. Despite this, the…