Chris Muir

Jack Mann’s journey to earning his first call-up to the Scotland rugby squad is a testament to resilience, as he emerges from a challenging period marked by two years of injury setbacks. The Glasgow back-row player has faced an uphill battle to return to top form, but his perseverance has paid off with a spot in Scotland's Six Nations squad. A Difficult Road Back Mann’s road to redemption began in December 2022 when he made his debut for Glasgow Warriors against Bath in the Challenge Cup. However, a series of injuries derailed his career, and he was sidelined until November…

Scotland's landscapes are endlessly captivating, offering a mix of rugged coastlines, tranquil lochs, and iconic landmarks. Between January 17 and 24, locals and visitors alike sent in breathtaking photographs, showcasing the raw beauty of the country. Here’s a look at some of the stunning shots that captured the essence of Scotland during these winter days. A Winter Sunset Over Stromness, Orkney Sophie Blanchard’s stunning photograph from Stromness, Orkney, paints a vivid picture of Scotland's winter magic. The image features three horses grazing calmly in a field as the orange hues of a sunset light up the sky. One horse, with…

Cricket Scotland's CEO, Trudy Lindblade, has been invited to join the newly formed World Cricket Connects Advisory Board, a prestigious body designed to shape the future of global cricket. This announcement marks an exciting milestone for Lindblade and the Scottish cricket community. New Advisory Board Replaces MCC World Cricket Committee The World Cricket Connects Advisory Board, which replaces the former MCC World Cricket Committee, aims to serve as a key forum for the discussion of strategic issues in cricket. It brings together prominent figures from across the global cricket landscape, including former international players, cricket executives, and influential figures from…

Leslie Jamison reflects on an unforgettable trip to the Isle of Jura in the Hebrides, where she and her daughter ventured to connect with their Scottish heritage. The adventure, which included a luxurious stay at Glenapp Castle followed by days of exploration on remote islands, brought the pair face-to-face with the rugged beauty and history of Scotland. Waking Up in the Wild At the break of dawn, far from civilization, the sounds of nature were the only things to break the silence. The rain drummed against their tent on the Isle of Jura, wind howled between the ropes, and the…

The U.K. and Ireland are bracing for a fierce weather event as Storm Éowyn, an explosive "bomb cyclone," approaches, bringing heavy snow, rain, and potentially life-threatening winds. Forecasters are warning that the storm could bring wind speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h), making it a significant threat to both countries. A Powerful Force of Nature Storm Éowyn, named after a character from The Lord of the Rings, is predicted to impact the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland on Friday, January 24. This powerful storm is expected to create hazardous conditions, including heavy snow in some areas,…

Scotland is stepping up its role in the global climate conversation with the launch of the SAGES Climate Science Podcast. Produced by researchers at the University of St Andrews and supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund 2024/2025, the podcast aims to engage the public with cutting-edge climate science. A Broad Range of Climate Topics Covered The SAGES Climate Science Podcast delves into a wide array of climate-related topics, with 11 episodes designed to inform and inspire action. Topics range from blue carbon and peatlands to environmental justice and flooding. The goal is to present scientifically accurate discussions while…

Plans for a new fee to use small boats on the River Clyde have sparked widespread anger among boat owners, leisure groups, and politicians. Peel Ports Clydeport, the harbour authority managing the waters, is proposing an annual charge of £100 for leisure craft between 6m and 24m in length, but the reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Fee Proposal: What’s Being Suggested Peel Ports Clydeport, responsible for managing over 450 square miles of the Clyde and nearby waters, has introduced a plan called the "leisure vehicle conservancy fee." The proposal outlines an annual fee structure: £100 + VAT for boats regularly…

Actor Victory Venkatesh, who is basking in the phenomenal success of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, is taking a well-deserved break in Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka. Known as the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green hills, and sprawling coffee plantations. Celebrating Success Directed by Anil Ravipudi, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam has emerged as a massive box office hit, grossing over ₹200 crore globally. The film, a lighthearted family entertainer, struck a chord with audiences and marked another milestone in Venkatesh’s illustrious career. The actor's active involvement in the movie’s promotional campaigns has been widely acknowledged as one of the factors…

The highly anticipated second season of the award-winning podcast Tape Letters is set to debut in January 2025. Titled Tape Letters Scotland, the new season delves into the practice of sending personal messages through cassette tapes, a unique form of communication used by Pakistanis who migrated to Scotland between 1960-1980. The Tape Letters Scotland project is an extension of the pioneering Tape Letters initiative by Modus Arts, which began in 2018 with the goal of preserving the stories of Pakistani families who used cassette tapes to maintain connections with loved ones. The project focuses on the lives of Scottish-Pakistani families,…

President Trump's second term could have significant impacts on Scotland, especially in the areas of trade and tariffs. His previous use of tariffs, particularly on Scotch whisky, has raised concerns about the potential for more economic pressure as his administration moves forward. Trade Wars Loom as Trump Resumes Tariffs During his first term, President Trump used tariffs as a tool to challenge countries he believed were undermining American industries. China, for example, faced hefty penalties on steel and aluminum. Trump’s efforts weren’t limited to China, however; his trade policies also targeted the European Union, including the UK, and industries such…