Ishan Crawford

EDINBURGH — Scotland’s multibillion-pound nuclear decommissioning programme could deliver major long-term economic and social dividends, according to a new study that urges policymakers to seize the moment and ensure no communities are left behind in the process. Led by the UK’s National Decommissioning Centre (NDC) in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the research forecasts wide-reaching benefits in employment, household income, skills and regional resilience. The work forms part of a growing policy push in Scotland to align decommissioning with ‘just transition’ goals — particularly for rural areas hit hardest by the loss of high-value energy sector jobs. At…

Drivers in South Lanarkshire are being warned to brace for overnight disruption this month as vital resurfacing work gets underway on one of the area's busiest commuter routes. The A725 near Crossbaskets, East Kilbride, will see a full week of night-time lane closures and diversions starting Thursday, May 15. It’s all part of a £multi-million maintenance plan overseen by Amey on behalf of Transport Scotland. What’s Closing and When? The planned work isn’t a one-off—it's a carefully phased closure across several nights, and it’ll hit both directions of traffic at different times. Initial closures begin on Thursday 15 May and…

Edinburgh — The Scottish Parliament is preparing for a closely watched and deeply emotive vote on legalising assisted dying, as MSPs consider a landmark bill that would allow terminally ill adults to request medical help to end their lives. The stage one vote, scheduled to follow a debate in the chamber, will mark the third time in Holyrood’s history that legislation on assisted dying has been brought forward. But unlike previous attempts, supporters believe the growing public debate and cross-party backing give the latest proposal its strongest chance yet of success. A Free Vote, But a Split Parliament Tabled by…

Geologists have revealed a groundbreaking discovery that shifts the timeline of a significant meteorite strike in Scotland by 200 million years. This revised understanding promises to reshape the geological history of the region and its early land life. Revising Scotland’s Geological Timeline For years, researchers believed that a massive meteorite struck northwestern Scotland about 1.17 billion years ago, creating the Stac Fada Member rock formation. However, a new study has revealed that this event occurred around 990 million years ago, a full 200 million years later than initially thought. The discovery came after scientists studied ancient zircon crystals found within…

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – A dazzling piece of Persian heritage is taking centre stage at V&A Dundee this spring, as a rare 17th-century tile panel — once part of an Iranian royal palace — goes on public display for the first time in 20 years. The ornate tilework, stretching over 4.5 metres in width, dates back to the reign of Safavid ruler Shah Abbas II (1642–1666) and originally adorned the private bathhouse of the now-lost Haft Dast Palace in Isfahan, once the imperial capital of Persia. The panel, described as “stunning” by curators, is a centrepiece in a new exhibition exploring…

Starting this week, pupils at two high schools in Edinburgh will be required to store their mobile phones in lockable pouches during school hours, part of a new initiative aimed at reducing distractions and increasing focus in classrooms. Portobello High School and Queensferry High School will implement this phone-free policy, which has already gained widespread support from both students and parents. The initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the growing issue of mobile phone distractions in schools. A Step Toward Reducing Distractions in the Classroom Under the new policy, students will be issued with special pouches, designed…

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) has weighed in on the future of water regulation in England and Wales, responding to the Independent Water Commission’s call for evidence with a confident showcase of Scotland’s publicly owned model. While the Commission’s review is aimed at reforming water governance south of the border—where privatised companies have faced mounting criticism over sewage discharges, executive bonuses, and rising bills—WICS emphasised the benefits of Scotland’s distinct approach: public ownership, ethical regulation, and long-term investment. At the centre of Scotland’s system is Scottish Water, a publicly owned but commercially operated utility regulated independently by WICS.…

Scottish housing charities are pressing the First Minister, John Swinney, to include a crucial pledge in his Programme for Government aimed at tackling the ongoing housing crisis. With the number of people living in temporary accommodation reaching a historic high, charities are demanding that homebuilding be prioritized in the government's upcoming legislative agenda. As John Swinney prepares to unveil his proposals for Scotland's future, the pressure is mounting to address one of the country’s most urgent challenges. With homelessness numbers rising, there is no better time to commit to significant action. Record Numbers in Temporary Homeless Accommodation Scotland’s homelessness problem…

Scotland has allocated £3.4 million in public funding to 11 hydrogen infrastructure projects, supporting a nationwide push to scale up green hydrogen production, storage, and transport in line with its Net Zero 2045 goals. The funding—roughly $4.5 million USD—was awarded to a mix of feasibility studies and full-scale developments, with several high-profile companies among the beneficiaries. The largest single grant went to Green Cat Hydrogen for its Creca Hydrogen Facility in Dumfries and Galloway, which received £490,088. The plant, located beside the decommissioned Chapelcross nuclear site, is expected to produce over 4,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. “Hydrogen stands as…

Donald Trump’s ties to Scotland are both personal and professional, intertwining family heritage with high-profile business ventures. From his maternal roots in the Isle of Lewis to his controversial investments in Aberdeenshire, Trump’s connection to the Scottish Highlands runs deep. As he plans another visit to Scotland, the relationship between the former U.S. president and the country continues to attract both admiration and opposition. Family Heritage in the Isle of Lewis Donald Trump’s Scottish roots trace back to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born in Tong, a small village on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.…