Ishan Crawford

Scotland's prison population surged to a new record of 8,430 inmates on October 21, 2025, topping the previous peak from 2012 and straining the entire system. This crisis unfolds amid rising long-term sentences and persistent overcrowding, prompting urgent calls from officials for action to protect staff and prisoners alike. Record-Breaking Numbers Exceed Capacity The Scottish Prison Service reported that the number of people behind bars hit 8,430 last Tuesday, with figures staying above 8,400 for the full week. Prisons across the country, built to hold just 7,805 individuals, now house more than 600 extra people. This overflow equals the size…

In the quiet town of Laurinburg in Scotland County, North Carolina, a simple black binder filled with handwritten cocktail recipes has become the most thumbed through item at the local ABC store. Journalist Hanna Raskin uncovered this treasure while reviewing over 80 state run liquor outlets, highlighting how this community kept collection offers a glimpse into local drinking history and inspires home mixologists today. Uncovering the Binder in Laurinburg Hanna Raskin made her way through numerous ABC stores across North Carolina as part of a broader evaluation of these government operated spots. What stood out in the Scotland County location…

Scotland secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belarus in their World Cup 2026 qualifier at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. The win moves Steve Clarke's side to the top of Group C with 10 points from four matches, keeping their hopes alive for a direct spot or at least a playoff. Unconvincing Performance Secures Crucial Points The match started with Scotland taking an early lead through Che Adams in the 17th minute, but the home team struggled throughout. Belarus, ranked 100th in the world, created more chances and fired 22 shots at goal, compared to Scotland's nine. VAR played…

Zarah Sultana, co-leader of the new left-wing Your Party, voiced strong support for Scotland's right to self-determination during a rally in Glasgow on Friday. The former Labour MP, who runs the party alongside Jeremy Corbyn, stressed that the group's stance on Scottish independence will come from a democratic vote by its Scottish members, putting the power in local hands. Sultana's Glasgow Rally Sparks Independence Talk Sultana arrived in Glasgow to address a crowd at the Community Central Halls in Maryhill, where she outlined her views on Scotland's future. She made it clear that she believes in the core idea of…

A bold rebrand is transforming XSite Braehead into GRID, a fresh entertainment hub in Renfrew near Glasgow, Scotland. Backed by a 12.6 million pound investment from owners XPE Group, this change promises thrilling experiences like the world's longest indoor kart track, set to open in summer 2026, while honoring the site's historic roots as a former power plant. Origins of GRID and Its Timely Transformation The shift to GRID marks a significant milestone as the site nears its 20th anniversary in 2026. Once an electricity plant that powered Glasgow homes in the 20th century, the location has evolved into a…

Hundreds of trade unionists, community activists and anti-poverty campaigners gathered in Edinburgh today for the Scotland Demands Better demonstration, demanding improved jobs, housing and public services across the nation. The event, organized by over 240 groups including Unite and the Scottish Trades Union Congress, started with an assembly at 10am outside the Scottish Parliament and featured a march that ended in a family-friendly rally at The Meadows. Event Details and What to Expect The march kicked off at 11am from Horse Wynd near the Scottish Parliament, winding through the Royal Mile and George IV Bridge before reaching The Meadows for…

The National Galleries of Scotland completed a major relocation of Eduardo Paolozzis one tonne Master of the Universe sculpture on October 22, 2025, shifting it from Modern Two to the gardens outside the National Gallery in Edinburgh. This two day operation involved teams of experts and heavy equipment to ensure the bronze artwork arrived safely in its new spot overlooking Princes Street Gardens. Details of the Relocation Effort The move required careful planning over months to handle the sculptures size and weight. Curators and conservators worked alongside collections managers and specialist movers to transport the piece through city streets without…

Scotland's trade unions are pushing hard for the nationalization of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. This move aims to shield the NHS from skyrocketing drug prices driven by big pharmaceutical companies. Trade leaders say the current system lets profits trump public health needs. They want public control to cut costs and focus research on real patient issues. The Burden of Big Pharma on Public Health Big drug companies often chase high returns over vital treatments. They invest heavily in drugs that tweak existing ones to stretch patents. This leaves out diseases hitting poorer groups or places with less buying power. In…

Scotland's retail sector saw strong growth last month, with total sales up 1.3 percent from the year before. This marks the best performance since April and comes as shoppers gear up for the busy holiday season amid economic pressures. Sales Surge in September Breakdown Retailers across Scotland reported solid numbers for September. The data shows total sales rose by 1.3 percent compared to the same month in 2024, a big shift from the 0.5 percent drop back then. This uptick beat the three month average of 0.9 percent and the yearly average of 0.5 percent. Non food items led the…