Ishan Crawford

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.…

Fife, Scotland — Muir Homes, a longstanding Fife-based housebuilder, has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award for Customer Satisfaction by independent research firm In-house Research, following glowing feedback from its 2024 homebuyers. A 100% Satisfaction Milestone The accolade marks a significant achievement, as Muir Homes attained a perfect 100% score in the "Recommend a Friend" category—a powerful endorsement of the company’s dedication to quality and personal service. The award is based solely on verified feedback from customers who completed their home purchases in 2024, ensuring the recognition is rooted in authentic buyer experiences. The award highlights Muir Homes’ commitment to…

Scotland’s tourism industry could be set for an unexpected summer windfall as international travellers rethink plans to visit the United States following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, according to VisitScotland. Vicki Miller, the agency’s chief executive, said recent data signals a downturn in US-bound travel from multiple countries — including Canada, Germany, and France — as political uncertainty and policy volatility dampen its appeal. That, she argues, presents a timely opportunity for Scotland to position itself as an alternative long-haul destination for cautious yet experience-hungry tourists. Shifting Travel Sentiment Spurs Scottish Optimism “There’s no doubt that we’re seeing a…

The head of Scotland’s second-largest teaching union has publicly declared that the education system in Scotland is "broken," citing a combination of overwhelming bureaucracy, a rising number of children with additional support needs (ASN), and an unsustainable workload for teachers. Stuart Hunter, president of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA), told the BBC that the system had "passed the tipping point" and is heading toward a crisis. ASN Crisis and Teacher Workload Strain Hunter highlighted the explosion of children requiring additional support, such as those with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, as one of the main contributors to the strain…

The Ardersier Energy Transition Facility on the Moray Firth is undergoing a major transformation as DEME’s powerful cutter suction dredger (CSD) d’Artagnan spearheads critical dredging operations to expand the harbor and access channel. The works—led by Belgian marine contractor DEME—are designed to deepen and widen the port, making it capable of accommodating large vessels that will transport offshore wind components. The port is positioning itself as a strategic hub in the European clean energy supply chain, directly supporting Scotland’s fast-expanding offshore wind sector. “This project will enable Ardersier to serve as a critical staging post for offshore renewables,” DEME said…