Ishan Crawford

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…

Scotland has long been synonymous with creativity, craftsmanship, and a distinct sense of style. While many still associate the nation’s fashion with tartan and kilts, its influence extends far beyond tradition. A new documentary, led by broadcaster Kirsty Wark, delves into the rich history of Scottish fashion, proving that its legacy is alive and evolving. Redefining Tradition: Reinventing Tartan for a New Generation Tartan has never truly been a relic of the past, despite common misconceptions. Designer Samantha McCoach has made it her mission to modernize this iconic fabric through her brand, Le Kilt. Inspired by her grandmother, a kilt-maker…

Scotland's police force has welcomed 123 new recruits who took their oath of office in ceremonies across the country. The new constables, comprising 72 men and 51 women, will be ready for operational deployment on 16 June 2025. A Commitment to Community Safety Chief Constable Jo Farrell, along with senior police officials, expressed gratitude to the new officers for stepping up to serve. At a regional ceremony in Dundee, Farrell acknowledged the importance of their commitment. “Taking on the responsibilities and duties of a police officer is a deeply considered decision, and taking the oath of office is a significant…

Germany is set to strengthen its military space capabilities by launching rockets from Scotland’s SaxaVord Spaceport. The move marks a significant step in Europe’s bid for greater autonomy in defense intelligence, reducing reliance on U.S. assets amid global geopolitical tensions. A Strategic Alliance Takes Shape The UK and German space industries are ramping up efforts to establish a rapid-response vertical launch system. Announced at the SpaceComm expo in London, this collaboration between SaxaVord Spaceport and Germany’s Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) aims to deploy intelligence-gathering and commercial satellites into orbit. This follows the Trinity House agreement inked in October last year,…

Erin Cuthbert has committed her future to Chelsea, signing a new deal that will keep her at the club until the summer of 2027. The 26-year-old midfielder has been a key figure for the Blues since joining in 2017 and remains a vital part of their dominance in women's football. A Legacy in the Making Cuthbert’s impact at Chelsea has been profound. Over the years, she has played more than 250 games for the club, helping them secure 12 major trophies, including seven Women's Super League (WSL) titles. Her versatility, energy, and technical ability have made her one of the…

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…