Ishan Crawford

Nestled at the northern tip of Scotland, Orkney is a mystical archipelago comprising 70 islands, each with its own story to tell. Known for its rich prehistoric heritage and stunning natural beauty, the islands are a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From ancient stone circles to mysterious underground chambers, Orkney offers a captivating journey into Scotland's past. A Landing in the Wind and Rain The journey to Orkney begins with a bumpy flight from Aberdeen. As the Fairchild 340 touches down at Kirkwall Airport, the weather welcomes visitors with its characteristic winds and rain. It's early October,…

Scotland is taking significant strides towards increasing its green energy output with the release of the SOWEC Innovation Guide. This new report aims to highlight how cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects can help accelerate green energy production, particularly in offshore wind energy. Boosting Scotland's Offshore Wind Sector The Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC), in collaboration with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, has launched this guide to demonstrate how Scotland can capitalize on new advancements in offshore wind technology. The guide is focused on accelerating innovation and boosting Scotland’s supply chain for green energy. This initiative arrives at a…

Scotland's ambitious plan to establish a National Care Service (NCS) has been scrapped after years of delay, political dispute, and growing concerns over its feasibility. Initially presented as a flagship initiative by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the vision of a national network for care services has been significantly reduced to a non-statutory advisory board. Here's a breakdown of the events leading to the collapse of the National Care Service plans. The Original Vision When the National Care Service was first proposed, it was hailed as a groundbreaking reform that would address inequalities in social care access across Scotland. The…

The recent escalation of violence in Israel has left many students and families grappling with the emotional toll, particularly those who find themselves far from home. For some, the experience of social isolation while studying abroad has been exacerbated by the tragic events unfolding in their home country. A Divided Family, Separated by Distance Jonathan Jaffe, 56, and ReCheng Tsang, 57, live in Tel Aviv but also split time between the U.S. and Israel. Their children, Knoa Tsang Jaffe, 23, and Avi Tsang Jaffe, 20, have found themselves scattered across the globe—Knoa living in San Francisco and Avi studying in…

Dior continues its tradition of showcasing the creative process behind its cruise collections with the release of a new documentary, Dior in Scotland. This documentary gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of Dior's women’s collections, developed her Scotland-inspired designs for the Cruise 2025 show. The grand event took place in the stunning Italianate gardens at the historic Drummond Castle in June 2024. Chiuri's Creative Journey Through Scotland In Dior in Scotland, the documentary explores Chiuri’s deep engagement with Scotland’s rich cultural and historical landscape. The designer was particularly inspired by Clare Hunter, a…

A major milestone has been reached by Scotland’s pioneering online learning platform, SCHOLAR, which marks its 25th anniversary in 2025. With over a million learners registered, the platform continues to shape the future of education, evolving to meet the needs of both students and educators across the country. From Humble Beginnings to a National Educational Resource When SCHOLAR was first introduced, it was a small, STEM-focused initiative aimed at providing online learning resources to schools and colleges in Scotland. Fast forward to today, and SCHOLAR has become one of the most successful and widely used platforms in the country. Developed…

Scotland is gearing up for a significant reshuffle of its post-compulsory education funding framework, aiming for implementation by autumn 2026. The changes, announced after extensive consultations, address longstanding criticisms of fragmentation and inefficiency in the skills funding system, as highlighted by James Withers in his comprehensive review. Streamlining the Funding Structure Under the proposed reforms: Scottish Funding Council (SFC): Will assume responsibility for all post-school funding, including apprenticeships and training currently managed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS): Will take over student support for further education, relieving the SFC of this responsibility. SDS will continue to…

Friends of the Earth Scotland has raised serious concerns over mining companies’ lack of communication with local communities regarding transition mineral mining exploration. Research across Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Highlands reveals that residents have often been unaware of mining plans until exploration activities were already underway. This lack of transparency has led to widespread frustration, with communities feeling “kept in the dark” by both the companies involved and their political representatives. Mining for Transition Minerals: What’s at Stake? Transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are essential for the production of renewable technologies like electric vehicles and…

The CBI Scotland Business Lunch 2025 invites members and guests to an exclusive event, designed to foster high-level networking among Scotland's senior business leaders. This prestigious gathering presents a valuable opportunity to connect, share insights, and discuss the challenges facing businesses in the region. Why Attend the CBI Scotland Business Lunch? Meet and Engage with Senior Business Leaders The event brings together influential decision-makers and industry experts from across Scotland. It provides a unique opportunity to meet and engage with top business figures, allowing attendees to build and extend professional networks. Hear from a Guest Keynote Speaker Guests will have…

Scots from all corners of the country are gearing up to celebrate Burns Night, an annual tradition that honors Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns. On January 25th, people will gather for Burns Suppers, where they’ll recite poetry, enjoy haggis, and toast to the poet’s legacy. Do you think you know everything there is to know about Robert Burns and the history behind this celebrated event? Test your knowledge with our Burns Night quiz! When is Burns Night 2025? Burns Night falls on January 25 every year, marking the birth of Robert Burns in 1759. This tradition has been carried on…