Chris Muir

Scotland is gearing up for a surge in landlords as tax incentives and relaxed rent controls create an attractive market for investors. With rent caps ending in April and new tax reliefs making bulk purchases more appealing, the country is poised for a wave of property acquisitions, particularly in the private rental sector. End of Rent Controls Opens the Door for Investors The removal of rent controls in Scotland is expected to trigger an influx of investors who previously hesitated to enter the market. Rent caps, which have limited increases in recent years, will be lifted, allowing landlords to set…

A 74-year-old woman has become the first person arrested under Scotland’s controversial abortion buffer zone law. The arrest, which took place outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, has sparked fresh debate over free speech and protest rights, drawing international attention and criticism. Arrest Outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital Glasgow police detained Rose Docherty on Wednesday for allegedly violating the recently enacted buffer zone law. A video posted by the Scottish Family Party showed Docherty standing outside the hospital, holding a sign that read: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” Officers reportedly informed Docherty that she was…

Around 11,000 homes and businesses across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian are set to gain access to ultra-fast broadband, as the UK and Scottish governments take a crucial step toward closing the digital divide. The initiative, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, is expected to bring substantial economic and social benefits to rural communities. Remote Communities to Gain Faster Internet Some of Scotland’s most isolated communities, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian, as well as St Abbs, Broughton, and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders, will be among the first to benefit. For residents, this means an…

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has denied accusations that a list of 12 school nurseries is set for closure this year. Concerned parents in Oxton have launched a campaign to save Channelkirk Nursery, fearing it may be made "inactive" due to low enrolment numbers. Parents Alarmed Over Closure Fears A meeting between local parents and council officials revealed that nurseries with fewer than eight pupils were being reviewed. Paul Fulton, a parent and member of the Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council, said they uncovered the potential closures "by accident." "We heard rumors in January about a review happening that we weren’t…

The debate over single-sex spaces in the UK has escalated as public bodies, legal experts, and advocacy groups struggle to navigate conflicting interpretations of gender laws. The Scottish government maintains that existing guidance is clear, yet disputes continue to emerge in workplaces, public services, and even courtrooms. A case involving NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie has reignited discussions around transgender rights and single-sex spaces. Peggie claims she was subjected to unlawful harassment by being required to share a changing room with Dr. Beth Upton, a transgender woman. NHS Fife disputes the claim, and the ongoing tribunal underscores the legal complexities…

Space-derived data is rapidly changing how financial institutions assess risk, track environmental impact, and optimize investments. With a growing number of space-tech firms in Scotland offering global solutions, the finance industry is poised for a transformation unlike any before. Satellites Are Revolutionizing Financial Data Analytics Financial institutions deal with immense amounts of data, but the unpredictability of climate change and market fluctuations make risk assessments more challenging than ever. Enter space technology. Scottish firms are leveraging satellite data and machine learning to offer real-time financial insights. Earthblox, a leading Scottish company in satellite analytics, provides insurance underwriters with geospatial data…

A groundbreaking partnership between Scotland and the United Arab Emirates is set to accelerate advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. The UAE’s first-ever Robotarium, modeled after the UK’s National Robotarium, will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and talent development. A Bold Step in AI Collaboration Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University and Expo City Dubai have joined forces to establish the UAE Robotarium, a cutting-edge research facility aimed at fostering innovation in robotics and AI. The initiative builds on the success of the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, which has become a key player in Europe’s automation landscape. The new center will…

A search is underway in Scotland to locate one of the country's tiniest and most elusive moths. The Highland nymph, a species so small it measures only a few millimeters in length, has become the focus of conservation efforts after being rediscovered following a two-decade disappearance. A Tiny but Tough Survivor At first glance, the Highland nymph might seem fragile. But ecologist Patrick Cook, from the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, describes it as "small but very tough." The species, also known as the Alpine coffee moth due to its brownish coloring, thrives in mountainous regions, including parts of the Alps…

Abertay University has officially launched a £9 million ($11.3 million) CoSTAR Realtime Lab in Dundee, aiming to supercharge Scotland's gaming, film, and performance industries. This major investment is part of a broader push to position the country as a leader in creative technology and innovation. A Huge Leap for Scotland's Creative Sector The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is more than just a research facility; it's a game-changer for Scotland's entertainment industries. The project is backed by a £75.6 million ($95.2 million) UKRI Infrastructure Fund grant, making it the largest investment in creative industries research and development (R&D) to date. Abertay University…

The long-awaited construction of the Eastern Green Link 1, a major subsea interconnector between Scotland and England, has officially begun. The £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) project aims to enhance the UK’s energy infrastructure by transmitting renewable energy, supporting a greener future, and addressing growing energy demand across the country. Eastern Green Link 1: A Vital Energy Corridor Eastern Green Link 1, a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will provide a direct link between the south-east of Scotland and the north-east of England. Spanning a distance of 190 kilometers, this subsea cable will transport renewable…