Ishan Crawford

Scotland's high streets are plunging into a death spiral, with hundreds of small retailers shutting down amid soaring vacancies and shifting shopping habits. As of late 2025, the number of retail businesses has hit a 15-year low, sparking urgent calls for government action to save local economies. The Alarming State of Scottish Retail Recent data shows a sharp drop in active retailers across Scotland. More than 900 businesses have vanished over the past decade, leaving town centers dotted with empty storefronts. The national vacancy rate for shops now stands at 11.4 percent, a figure that masks even worse conditions in…

The leader of the Church of Scotland has spoken out against protests at an asylum hotel in Falkirk, calling them hate filled and a source of shame for the nation. In a Christmas message, Rt Rev Rosemary Frew described the scenes as distressing and urged people to show more compassion toward those seeking refuge. Background on Falkirk Asylum Protests Protests have erupted outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk, where asylum seekers are housed. These events started earlier this year and have drawn crowds from both anti immigration groups and counter demonstrators. Local residents have voiced concerns about safety after reports…

An Australian company, Breathe Life Sciences, plans to open a new facility in the Scottish Borders for making medicinal cannabis products. This move will create up to 100 jobs by 2030, starting with 36 positions next year, as the UK market for these medicines grows fast. The announcement comes at a time when demand for cannabis-based treatments surges across Europe. With support from local agencies, the firm aims to boost the region's economy and meet rising patient needs. Company Steps into UK Market Breathe Life Sciences, based in Sydney, already runs sites in Manchester, Prague, and Nagoya. Now, it sets…

French renewable energy firm Qair has submitted its offshore consent application for the 1 gigawatt Ayre floating wind project to Scotland's Marine Directorate. This move, filed on December 12, 2025, marks a key step toward building the farm off Orkney's east coast, aiming to boost clean energy and create jobs amid Scotland's push for net zero goals. Project Details and Location The Ayre project plans to install floating turbines in waters deeper than 70 meters off Orkney. This setup allows the farm to tap into strong winds in areas where fixed foundations would not work. Developers expect the farm to…

A historic railway bridge in Moray, Scotland, has collapsed into the fast-flowing River Spey, shocking locals and prompting safety warnings. The 140-year-old Garmouth Viaduct, a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, partially gave way on Sunday morning, with emergency services rushing to secure the area. What Led to the Sudden Collapse Recent heavy rains and severe weather warnings across Scotland likely played a key role in the incident. Reports indicate the bridge, built in 1886, had been under strain from flooding in the region, which has seen record rainfall this winter. Engineers from Moray Council arrived quickly to assess the…

A deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach has sparked global concern, leading several nations to issue travel warnings and boost security. The attack on December 14, 2025, killed at least 15 people, including a child, and injured dozens more, with authorities labeling it an act of antisemitic terrorism carried out by a father and son. This tragedy has raised fears of copycat attacks worldwide, prompting governments to advise caution for travelers, especially those attending Jewish events or visiting sites linked to Jewish communities. Officials point to a surge in antisemitic incidents in recent years as a…

Scotland has launched its first cross-border operations team at the Rail Control Centre in Glasgow. This move brings together train operators to boost performance on routes between Scotland and England, starting just before the new December 2025 timetable. Team Setup and Goals The new team includes service managers from major operators like LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and CrossCountry. They work around the clock in a modern control room that handles over 2,000 trains daily. This setup aims to fix issues faster during disruptions. It builds on existing teamwork with groups like ScotRail and the British Transport Police. Leaders…

German energy company Uniper has revealed plans to build its first solar power project in Scotland, a major 68.8MW facility set to boost renewable energy in the region. The Berryhill Solar Farm, located north of Dundee, will start construction in early 2026 and aims to generate power for thousands of homes by year's end. Project Overview and Key Details Uniper, a leading player in the global energy sector, is expanding its renewable portfolio with this groundbreaking initiative. The Berryhill Solar Farm marks a significant step for the company, as it ventures into solar development in Scotland for the first time.…

Scotland has made history with a groundbreaking test of a 3-in-1 clean energy system. The European Marine Energy Centre completed the world's first demonstration that combines tidal power, battery storage, and hydrogen production into one working unit on the island of Eday in the Orkney Archipelago. What Happened in the Landmark Test This innovative trial took place at a research site known for pushing clean energy boundaries. Experts integrated three technologies that had never worked together before in a real-world setup. The system used a tidal turbine to capture energy from ocean currents, batteries to store extra power, and equipment…

Retail groups in Scotland are raising alarms over potential investment losses if the government fails to match business rate discounts offered in England. Twelve industry bodies have sent a joint letter to Finance Secretary Shona Robison, urging a permanent discount for all retail sites ahead of the Scottish Budget on January 13, 2026. Groups Demand Action on Business Rates The push comes as retailers face rising costs and competition. The letter highlights how England's new permanent discount, announced in the UK Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, gives stores south of the border a clear edge. Without similar relief in Scotland,…