Ishan Crawford

A routine flight from Tenerife to Iceland turned into an eight-hour ordeal when fierce winds forced a Boeing 737 Max to abandon multiple landing attempts and divert more than 800 miles away to Glasgow, Scotland. Failed Landing Attempts in Iceland Flight NO4925, operated by Italian airline Neos, departed from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, bound for Akureyri in northern Iceland. The flight, expected to take approximately five hours, extended into an exhausting journey due to severe weather conditions. As the aircraft approached Akureyri, it descended as low as 700 feet but was unable to land due to strong wind gusts,…

A breathtaking sunrise over a historic ruin, a whimsical look at love in Ayr, and a contemplative pheasant—these are just some of the standout images captured across Scotland this past week. From coastlines to wildlife, Scots and visitors alike have showcased the country’s raw beauty through their lenses. A Dramatic Sunrise at Dunskey Castle The rugged coastline of Portpatrick set the stage for an awe-inspiring morning scene. John Cuthbert managed to capture what he calls a "stunning sunrise" at Dunskey Castle. The ancient ruins, bathed in golden hues, stand against the early morning sky, a striking reminder of Scotland’s layered…

Over £34 million has been spent on planning delayed NHS treatment centres in Scotland, aimed at addressing the backlog of operations. However, the future of these centres remains uncertain, as construction was put on hold in February 2024, and a decision on their progress is not expected until later this year. The £34 Million Investment The National Treatment Centres (NTCs), designed to perform 40,000 additional surgeries, diagnostics, and procedures per year by 2026, have faced multiple delays. Figures from the Scottish Government reveal that £34.2 million has been spent on developing plans for the centres in Livingston, Perth, Aberdeen, Ayr,…

A fascinating study from the University of Aberdeen reveals that people living in Scotland, 400 years apart, experience similar seasonal declines in vitamin D levels despite drastic lifestyle and dietary changes over the centuries. This discovery highlights the enduring challenges posed by Scotland’s low levels of winter sunlight and offers valuable insights into how vitamin D impacts health both in the past and present. Groundbreaking Research Methods In a joint effort with Ireland's Atlantic Technological University and Boise State University, archaeologists and nutrition scientists analyzed vitamin D levels in human hair samples using a new technique. This innovative method is…

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Scottish Government has announced plans to lift rent controls in the country, a decision being widely criticized as "deeply irresponsible" by housing advocates and political opponents. The policy change, which will take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Scotland's housing landscape, leaving many to question its potential impact on renters across the nation. Rent Control Measures to Be Lifted The Scottish Government's decision to remove the current rent control measures has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those who view the policy as essential for protecting tenants from rising rents…

Scotland's future is increasingly under scrutiny as the question of independence versus remaining within the United Kingdom gains traction. With voices from both sides of the political spectrum weighing in, the argument has never been more heated. Many, like Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, suggest that Scotland has been treated as a subordinate, a region rather than an equal nation. But what does this mean for Scotland's future? Is it time to show some real backbone and push for full independence? A Nation Under Siege? Jill Stephenson’s recent attempt to define Scotland as a “region” highlights a deepening sense of…

"Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine" Highlights Global Collaboration and Innovation A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland is shedding light on the monumental global effort to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Titled "Injecting Hope: The Race for A COVID-19 Vaccine," the exhibition explores the scientific, logistical, and human aspects of one of the most significant health achievements of the 21st century. A Deep Dive into the Vaccine Development Process The exhibition takes visitors through the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, looking at the UK-wide efforts and the scientific principles behind the innovative research. It also…

Scotland's National Health Service (NHS) is facing increased scrutiny over its ability to meet its reform goals, with a recent public audit committee session highlighting gaps in the current metrics used to assess progress. Key issues include the ability to track the full scope of NHS activities and how that impacts patient care and waiting times. The lack of comprehensive monitoring is seen as a barrier to properly understanding the extent of improvements made and the effectiveness of new strategies. Audit Scotland’s Urging for Clearer Metrics Audit Scotland, the national public sector watchdog, has long called for the Scottish government…

In a notable turn of events, Police Scotland has withdrawn its legal challenge concerning the terms of reference for the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. This decision comes after the 31-year-old father-of-two died on May 3, 2015, following an intervention by police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The shift marks a significant moment in the inquiry, which has faced growing pressure to expand its investigation to include potential racial factors in Bayoh’s death. A Strained Legal Battle The death of Sheku Bayoh after being restrained by officers led to an ongoing inquiry, which has drawn significant public and…

In recent weeks, several key court rulings have highlighted the growing influence of legal challenges in addressing climate change. These lawsuits are not only challenging the development of new fossil fuel projects but are also pushing for more sustainable energy solutions, like wind farms, to be prioritized. The most recent legal developments in Scotland and Ireland show how courts are playing a significant role in shaping both the future of oil and gas extraction and renewable energy projects. Legal Setback for Major Oil Projects in Scotland In a landmark ruling, the Court of Session in Scotland declared that the UK…