Chris Muir

Historic Environment Scotland is pulling the plug on several of its long-running digital services as it shifts focus to its new flagship platform, trove.scot. With Canmore, Scran and ScotlandsPlaces among those facing closure by June, the change marks a major digital overhaul for how the nation explores its past. The new centralised archive, launched in February 2025, is meant to streamline access to over 2 million records and growing. But for many researchers, educators, and heritage buffs, the shift also means saying goodbye to websites that have been part of their work and passion for years. Canmore, Scran and ScotlandsPlaces:…

MORAY, Scotland – A live-fire training incident involving Belgian Armed Forces personnel in Scotland has left three soldiers injured, with one expected to undergo surgery before returning home. Around 10 others suffered hearing damage, according to a statement from Belgium’s Ministry of Defence. The incident occurred during “Operation Red Condor,” a large-scale military exercise involving approximately 600 Belgian troops currently deployed in Moray, in northern Scotland. While officials declined to disclose the exact location of the mishap, multiple defence sources confirmed the troops were operating in a remote training area in Scotland’s rugged Highlands, widely used by NATO allies for…

Scotland is in the grip of a worsening housing crisis that demands radical change rather than the patchwork policies currently on offer, according to a new report from leading economist Professor Duncan Maclennan. In a sharply worded opinion piece, Maclennan — an adviser to governments across the UK, Canada, and Australia — warns that the country’s outdated approach to housing is now actively undermining national prosperity, productivity, and wellbeing. The report, Prosperity Begins at Home, commissioned by the David Hume Institute, argues that housing should no longer be seen solely as a social issue or shelter concern, but instead as…

The West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 60th anniversary, commemorating six decades of providing homes and supporting communities across the region. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of Scotland's largest social landlords, WSHA's journey has been driven by innovation and a deep commitment to improving lives. A Legacy Built on Community Values Founded on May 10, 1965, as the Christian Action Glasgow Housing Trust by Rev. Richard Holloway, WSHA initially managed just three tenement flats in Pollokshields, Glasgow. Today, the Association is responsible for over 4,500 properties across the West…

Colonsay, a small and remote Scottish island, is making waves with a remarkable business offer—one that could change the life of anyone brave enough to take it on. Richard Irvine, the owner of Colonsay Smokery, has announced he’s willing to hand over his thriving business to the right person, free of charge. But, there’s a catch: the new owner must commit to living on the island, a community of only 125 people. It's an intriguing proposition that has captured attention worldwide. The Business Opportunity on Colonsay Richard Irvine, a serial entrepreneur, is no stranger to risk. His latest venture, the…

The ongoing election of a new pope marks the second conclave in a row without a Scottish cardinal, a void that stems from the scandal surrounding Cardinal Keith O'Brien. Despite Scotland’s prominent history in the Catholic Church, the country’s reputation has been deeply affected by O'Brien's abrupt resignation in 2013, following allegations of sexual misconduct. A Seismic Blow to Scotland’s Church Standing In the spring of 2013, Cardinal Keith O'Brien was poised to take part in the election of Pope Francis. But just days before the conclave began, O'Brien resigned as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh after multiple allegations…

Celtic’s Emma Lawton has capped off a transformative year in professional football by claiming the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award — a fitting final flourish to a 12-month spell that has propelled the 23-year-old from part-time obscurity to international recognition. In a season of turbulence for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side, Lawton emerged as a beacon of consistency and excellence. Her reward: the top individual honour in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, as voted for by fellow professionals. “It’s a real honour when it’s voted by the people you play against every week — it’s special,” Lawton said…

Bollywood’s beloved actor Varun Dhawan is back with another charming post that has left fans guessing, this time from the scenic landscapes of Scotland. Known for his playful demeanor and infectious charm, Varun has captured the hearts of many with his social media updates while shooting for his upcoming comedy film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. What started as a simple post has now become the subject of fan speculation, with many wondering whether his co-star Mrunal Thakur played a role in the sweet gesture. The film, directed by David Dhawan, is currently in production with Varun Dhawan, Mrunal…

LONDON, May 4 (Reuters) – Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has confirmed plans to significantly increase his visits to Scotland in the coming months, aiming to capitalise on his party’s success in England’s recent local elections. Reform UK gained over 600 seats and secured control of 10 local authorities, in addition to a victory in the Westminster by-election for Runcorn and Helsby. Farage’s visits are part of the party’s broader strategy to gain momentum ahead of Scotland's Holyrood elections in 2026, where Reform UK is forecast to perform strongly. The party’s leader aims to secure Reform’s first Members…

Ten years on, Charles Jencks’ Crawick Multiverse turns an industrial scar in Dumfries and Galloway into a living monument to space, science, and community In the rolling hills of southern Scotland, between the towns of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel, an unlikely portal to the cosmos winds through the Earth. Here, spiralling mounds represent galaxies, standing stones echo the building blocks of the universe, and families picnic beneath a sun that warms what was once the cold, barren bed of a depleted open-cast coal mine. This is the Crawick Multiverse, the late Charles Jencks’ final and perhaps most ambitious land art installation.…