Chris Muir

Belgium started strong, but Ukraine had other plans. Despite an early setback, the Ukrainians turned the game on its head with three unanswered goals, putting themselves in a commanding position for Nations League promotion. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring for Belgium in the 40th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed Kevin De Bruyne free kick. However, Ukraine responded with force. Oleksiy Hutsulyak equalized early in the second half, igniting the comeback. Vladyslav Vanat and Ilya Zabarnyi then sealed the victory, leaving Belgium stunned. Belgium Struggle in Rudi Garcia’s Debut Belgium’s new coach, Rudi Garcia, had a rough start. His side looked…

Scotland’s frigid waters don’t typically come to mind as a prime diving destination. But beneath the waves, hidden among rocky crevices and seabeds, lies one of the ocean’s most endangered yet overlooked creatures—the flapper skate. Unlike the more famous basking sharks that draw divers from across the globe, this ancient species remains largely in the shadows, despite being in more danger than the giant panda. The Elusive Giant of Scottish Waters Most people have never heard of the flapper skate, yet it is the largest skate species in the world, reaching up to three meters in length. These prehistoric-looking fish…

The world's most famous cycling race is set to make history in 2027 as both the men's and women's Tour de France will begin in Britain. Edinburgh has been chosen to host the prestigious Grand Depart for the men's race, marking a significant milestone for UK cycling. A Landmark Moment for British Cycling For the first time, both the men's and women's editions of the Tour de France will begin in the same country outside of France in the same year. Scotland, Wales, and England will each host a stage, bringing elite-level cycling back to British roads. The full route…

Campaigners and experts are calling for stricter environmental scrutiny of large-scale tree-planting projects in Scotland, citing concerns over ecological impacts and sustainability. At the center of the debate is the 700-hectare Stobo plantation near Peebles, where critics argue existing policies fail to adequately assess potential consequences. Calls for Stricter Environmental Impact Assessments Environmental groups and scientists have raised alarms over Scotland’s approach to woodland expansion. According to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), only four conifer plantations in the past eight years have undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), despite significant growth in afforestation projects. The RSE is now pushing…

The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB Scotland) highlights renewed confidence in Scotland’s construction industry. Project starts have increased slightly from the previous quarter, signaling a steady market recovery amid anticipated legal reforms and infrastructure improvements. Government Reforms Provide Clarity The arrival of a new government has injected fresh optimism into the sector. Industry experts are closely watching proposed legal changes and planning reforms, which could streamline development approvals and accelerate stalled projects. A national planning hub set to launch this year aims to: Speed up the approval process for new housing developments.…

An "extreme" wildfire risk warning has been issued for all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) urging the public to exercise caution. The warning comes as temperatures are forecast to climb to 18°C after a prolonged period of dry, sunny weather. Rising Temperatures and Dry Conditions Increase Risk Scotland has experienced a week of unseasonably warm and dry weather, creating conditions that significantly heighten the risk of wildfires. The latest warning follows a "very high" risk alert already in place for central and south-west Scotland. Officials have stressed that even small sparks…

An electrifying showdown between India and Scotland in the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 ended in a dramatic 64-64 draw, putting a stop to India's early dominance in the tournament. The match, held in Wolverhampton, saw both teams refusing to back down, delivering a spectacle for fans worldwide. India Starts Strong but Faces Resilient Scotland India entered the match with confidence after a dominant victory over Italy. They kicked off the game with an early lead, capitalizing on Scotland's defensive gaps. At one point, India surged ahead 12-8 after executing a successful all-out. Scotland, however, was quick to respond. Their defense…

Scottish builders are voicing their expectations for 2025 as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland Board convenes for its first meeting of the year. With workforce challenges and industry conditions at the forefront, the meeting provided a platform for key discussions on the future of construction in Scotland. FMB Scotland Board: Who They Are and What They Do The FMB Scotland Board consists of 13 elected members, each representing building firms from across the country. From Glasgow to Glenrothes, Lerwick to Lewis, members traveled to Stirling for the first in-person gathering of 2025. Led by Scotland President Pam Wilson,…

Right Medicine Pharmacy has named Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as its charity partner for 2025, marking the second consecutive year of collaboration between the two organizations. The independent pharmacy group, which operates 43 locations across Scotland, raised £10,000 for CHSS last year through various fundraising events. This year, it aims to surpass that total with an expanded commitment to charitable initiatives. Continued Support for a Vital Cause Richard Stephenson, director of operations at Right Medicine Pharmacy, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership: “We thought the partnership with CHSS was fantastic last year. We had a brilliant year of raising…

Dumpit Scotland, a leading SEPA-registered waste management company, is expanding its services across Scotland. With over 15 years of experience, the Glasgow-based firm is doubling down on its commitment to efficient, eco-friendly waste disposal. By prioritizing recycling and charitable donations, the company is reducing landfill contributions while serving both residential and commercial clients. A Growing Presence in Scotland For years, Dumpit Scotland has been a trusted name in waste management across several key locations. Customers in Hillhead, Shawlands, Partick, Paisley, East Kilbride, and Cumbernauld have relied on the company for seamless waste removal. Now, with an expanded reach, more communities…