Ishan Crawford

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…

The BBC has announced the cancellation of one of its longest-running shows in Scotland, River City, despite plans to inject nearly £100 million into Scottish drama over the next three years. The move has sparked backlash from industry unions, who argue it will severely impact local talent and the television industry. BBC Pulls Plug on River City After Two Decades For over 20 years, River City has been a staple of Scottish television, bringing gripping stories and beloved characters to audiences across the country. But by next fall, the show will air its final episode. The decision aligns with the…

New legislation in Scotland aims to hold social landlords accountable for fixing mould and damp in homes, following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak. If passed, the bill will set strict deadlines for repairs, ensuring tenants no longer suffer prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions. Government Pushes for Stricter Housing Standards Scottish ministers are preparing to amend the Housing (Scotland) Bill, introducing legally enforceable repair deadlines for social landlords. This move is in response to mounting public pressure after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, which was directly linked to mould exposure in his family’s home. The proposed changes…

Flights between Wick John O'Groats Airport and Aberdeen will continue for another 12 months after the Scottish government confirmed a fresh round of funding. The service, which operates under a public service obligation (PSO), has been deemed crucial for the economy and connectivity of Scotland’s northernmost communities. Government Steps In to Maintain Lifeline Service The Scottish government has pledged £1 million to keep the service running, with Highland Council adding a further £300,000. This funding ensures that scheduled flights, which were reinstated in 2022 after being scrapped during the Covid pandemic, will remain operational for at least another year. Raymond…

Expansion Plans for Scotland’s Commercial Property Market Matt Willcock, the new managing director of CBRE in Scotland, is setting ambitious targets for the company’s expansion north of the Border. Since stepping into the role on January 1, he has identified significant untapped potential for the real estate services firm, particularly in Scotland’s commercial property sector. In his first interview since taking the helm, Willcock highlighted the importance of leveraging Scotland’s dynamic property market to drive CBRE’s growth. He emphasized that the firm is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in office spaces, logistics, and investment markets. Confidence in Glasgow’s…