Ishan Crawford

David Hume, the Scottish philosopher whose influence spans centuries, didn’t always embody the social, intellectual figure we know today. In his youth, the renowned thinker was once on a path of intense isolation, a decision that nearly derailed his promising future. The Early Years: A Rebel Against Academia In the early 1730s, Hume, still a teenager, shocked his professors and peers at Edinburgh University. Convinced that there was more to learn in books than in the classroom, he abandoned formal education. He embarked on an ambitious solitary journey through Edinburgh’s libraries. However, this pursuit of knowledge, devoid of social interactions…

As Edinburgh becomes the first city in Scotland to approve a tourist tax, Perth and Kinross is now considering whether to implement a similar levy, potentially following in the footsteps of its larger neighbor. Discussions are already underway among council officials, local businesses, and residents to assess the feasibility of a visitor tax aimed at managing the costs of tourism in the region. Edinburgh’s Model and Potential Impact on Perth and Kinross Edinburgh, which is set to introduce a tourist tax by summer 2026, will charge visitors an additional 5% on their accommodation costs. This levy is expected to generate…

Plans for a Talgo train factory at the former Longannet Power Station site, situated on the banks of the River Forth in central Scotland, have officially been scrapped. Once seen as a potential economic boost for the area, the dream of a state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility is no longer a reality. This marks the end of a long-running saga tied to the future of the Longannet site, which has witnessed significant change in recent years. The Disappointment for the Region The Longannet site, located between Edinburgh and Stirling, has been at the center of various proposals for regeneration since the…

Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to shut down 136 of its high street branches, marking a significant change for customers. The closures, spanning across Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland brands, will unfold between May this year and March 2026. The move comes as part of a larger shift in how customers interact with their banks. Branches Across Three Brands to Be Affected The closures will affect 61 Lloyds branches, 61 Halifax locations, and 14 Bank of Scotland sites. This restructuring is part of Lloyds' broader strategy to adapt to changing customer behavior. With more and more customers turning…

E.ON Drive, the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure arm of the global energy supplier E.ON, has unveiled plans to install 42 ultra-rapid EV charging points across six locations in Scotland. This ambitious project aims to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and efficient, particularly in key areas like Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling, and Dunfermline. Each of these new chargers will be capable of adding up to 150 miles of driving range in just ten minutes, addressing one of the primary concerns of EV owners: charging time. This move comes as part of a broader effort to expand Scotland’s EV infrastructure, contributing to…

Scotland’s premier trade event for the food, drink, hospitality, and retail industries, ScotHot 2025, is fast approaching, and there’s just under a month left to register. Set to take place on February 26-27, 2025, at the SEC in Glasgow, the two-day showcase promises an exciting lineup of exhibitors, networking opportunities, and trend-focused seminars. What to Expect at ScotHot 2025 In its 52nd year, ScotHot remains Scotland’s only dedicated trade event for the food and drink industry, offering invaluable opportunities for delegates to meet with suppliers, explore new trends, and share innovative ideas. With over 7,500 visitors expected, it is the…

More than 2,000 households across Scotland remain without power following the destructive impact of Storm Éowyn. Despite efforts from energy companies, the damage to infrastructure continues to disrupt services, including power supplies and transportation. Ongoing Power Restoration Efforts Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) reported that 1,908 customers in central and southern Scotland are still experiencing outages. Engineers from both SPEN and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are actively working to restore electricity to affected areas. SSEN has confirmed that 240 customers remain without power, and efforts are underway to reconnect them. The storm caused extensive damage across Scotland, with…

Travel across Scotland remains disrupted, and many are still without power as the aftermath of Storm Éowyn continues to affect the country. With emergency teams working around the clock, the public is being asked for patience as recovery efforts continue. Widespread Travel Disruption In the wake of Storm Éowyn, Scotland’s transport network is experiencing major disruptions. Train and ferry services remain suspended, and most roads, although cleared, still pose a threat to travelers. With damaged infrastructure and ongoing repair work, it's unclear when normal service will be restored across the country. Train Services: Although Network Rail Scotland has cleared tracks…

Scotland has always been a place of storytelling magic, but recently, the country has become the backdrop for some of the most intriguing TV series around. From heart-wrenching dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of unmissable shows coming straight out of Scotland. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated titles on screen this year. A Thrilling Lineup of Scottish Talent Scotland’s impressive landscape and rich culture are helping to power a new wave of television hits, both homegrown and international. The country’s top actors and directors are catching the eye of…

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,…