Ishan Crawford

Anas Sarwar’s party seizes central belt strongholds as SNP loses 39 seats in one night—shattering a decade of dominance. In one of the most dramatic political realignments in Scottish electoral history, the Scottish Labour Party stormed to victory across the central belt, toppling the SNP from nearly every major urban seat and effectively ending the party’s grip on Westminster representation. The SNP, which once held 56 of Scotland’s 59 Westminster constituencies, suffered a catastrophic collapse—surrendering 39 seats in a single night, its worst-ever electoral performance. “A complete collapse”: Labour dominates Scotland again The result was as symbolic as it was…

Scotland’s university sector is under intense pressure, with financial challenges prompting job losses and sparking a wider debate about the future of higher education. Both the Scottish and UK governments are now grappling with the question: how can Scotland build a sustainable model for its world-renowned universities? A Sector in Trouble Appearing before the Scottish Parliament on 24 April, Graeme Dey, Scotland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, confirmed that work has begun on developing a "sustainable long-term model" for higher education. “It is a piece of work in its early stages, but it is underway," Dey said, promising further…

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,500-year-old chariot wheel at a planned golf course near Inverness, Scotland, offering a glimpse into ancient life in the Scottish Highlands. This find is turning heads and reshaping the story of the region’s prehistoric past. A Surprising Discovery in Inverness While digging for the Old Petty Championship Golf Course, a new development by the renowned Cabot firm, something unexpected was uncovered—an ancient chariot wheel. The wooden relic was found in a cremation pit, buried deep within the earth, suggesting its significant ceremonial role. The find is a rare one. Experts believe it could be several thousand…

Scotland’s First Minister to represent nation at Vatican ceremony for pontiff remembered as voice of justice and peace EDINBURGH / ROME – Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney will travel to Rome on Friday to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, joining heads of state and dignitaries from across the globe in honouring one of the most influential religious leaders of the modern era. Swinney said he was “deeply honoured” to represent the people of Scotland at Saturday’s ceremony, which will take place in St Peter’s Basilica following days of emotional tributes and record public turnout in Vatican City. Global…

A report recommending widespread closures of public facilities has sparked anger and uncertainty across the Scottish Borders, with council leaders now promising extensive public consultation before any decisions are made. The situation blew up after consultants brought in to assess the future of Live Borders—the charitable trust managing many of the area’s leisure and cultural venues—warned of deep financial trouble. Over 50 jobs could go. Several beloved pools, libraries and community halls could follow. Financial cracks widen behind the scenes Scottish Borders Council says the current model is simply not working anymore. It’s costing more than anyone’s comfortable with. In…

A cozy, elegant retreat awaits at Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, where 19th-century heritage meets 21st-century luxury. For those seeking a place that feels as much like a home as it does a haven, this hotel checks every box—and then some. But it’s the restaurant, The Spence, that truly steals the show. A Restaurant Fit for a Movie Set Nestled within the heart of the hotel, The Spence feels like it was ripped from the pages of a novel. It’s a lively, vibrant space—complete with a central bar aglow in warm light and 60-foot ceilings that reach up to a stunning…

In a world where cultural cachet has eclipsed industrial might as a marker of soft power, countries are increasingly telling their stories through cinema and television—and being seen on screen has never mattered more. Just ask Italy. Its recent global Netflix hit The Leopard, a lush and fiery adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel, has lit up screens from Palermo to Pasadena. With its sweeping Sicilian landscapes, historical upheaval, and smouldering aristocratic drama, The Leopard has not only captivated viewers but burnished Italy’s global image, making culture a tool of diplomacy. Scotland, too, has wielded this tool with success.…

The royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are set to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary in style, with a romantic escape to the scenic town of Tobermory, Scotland. A Meaningful Anniversary Trip As they prepare to mark 14 years of marriage, Prince William and Kate Middleton have decided to make their anniversary extra special by returning to Scotland, where their love story began. The couple met in 2005 while studying at St. Andrews University, making this destination even more meaningful. On April 29, the pair will head to the picturesque Isle of Mull, located off the northwest coast of…

As the global demand for data centres grows exponentially, Scotland is emerging as a key player in hosting the next wave of these energy-hungry facilities. With an increasing reliance on data for everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to public service reform, Scotland's renewable energy strengths are set to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand while ensuring sustainability. Data Centres and AI: A Growing Need Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent announcement that data centres would be considered critical national infrastructure has sparked a flurry of activity in the tech sector. These facilities, which house rows of servers storing and…

An elderly man who was struck and fatally injured while crossing the road days before Christmas was killed by a truck driver who had taken a significant amount of cocaine, the High Court in Glasgow has heard. Edward Feelie, 54, from Blantyre, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after he ran a red light and hit 84-year-old Robert Shirra-Gibb on Glasgow Road in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, on the evening of December 19, 2023. Mr Shirra-Gibb was rushed to hospital with catastrophic injuries but died the following day. Red Light Ignored, Victim Struck The court heard that Feelie, driving…