Ishan Crawford

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.…

Aviva-backed 100-year climate programme aims to stitch together rare temperate woodlands from Cornwall to the HighlandsBy [Staff Writer]Published: May 5, 2025 A £40 million climate restoration project is set to transform the UK’s Atlantic edge—and Scotland’s long-overlooked temperate rainforests are finally being brought into the fold. Insurance giant Aviva is funding the Wildlife Trusts’ new 100-year programme to restore and connect temperate rainforest habitat across Britain’s western coastline. The plan, now among the UK’s most ambitious nature-based climate strategies, will establish more than 1,700 hectares of coastal rainforest, stretching from Cornwall to the Highlands. Although no specific Scottish sites have…

A new discovery by researchers at the University of St Andrews has revealed that a meteorite strike in northwestern Scotland occurred 200 million years later than previously thought, changing the way scientists view the planet’s ancient geological history and its impact on the evolution of life on Earth. A Meteorite Strike 990 Million Years Ago For decades, it was believed that a significant meteorite impact, which formed the Stac Fada Member—a crucial layer of rock in Scotland—occurred about 1.2 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests the impact actually took place 990 million years ago, not only rewriting Scotland's…

Homes and businesses in rural Scotland are set to experience a digital renaissance, with significant investments in broadband and mobile connectivity. Thanks to a new government initiative, these communities, often left behind by traditional internet infrastructure, are finally getting the high-speed access they need. Major Broadband Investment for Rural Scotland A monumental £157 million contract with Openreach, the former BT business, aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to 65,000 homes and businesses across rural Scotland. This part of the Project Gigabit programme will transform connectivity in even the most remote regions of the country, including the islands and the rugged highlands.…