Chris Muir

Scotland's parliament is poised to vote this week on ending the unique not proven verdict, a move that could reshape the nation's criminal justice system. The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, debated in Holyrood, aims to boost support for rape and sexual violence survivors while addressing long-standing flaws in trials. The vote comes amid growing calls for change, with the bill tackling issues like low conviction rates in sexual assault cases. If passed, it would mark the biggest reform in decades, focusing on victim rights and fairer processes. History of the Not Proven Verdict The not proven verdict has…

Scotland's food industry faces rising costs from climate change, known as climateflation, affecting everything from strawberries to whisky. As of September 2025, experts warn that erratic weather is pushing up prices and straining supplies across the nation. This trend hits farmers and consumers hard, with predictions of even bigger impacts by 2050. Recent data shows how changing climates disrupt agriculture and the food chain in Scotland. What Is Climateflation? Climateflation refers to the way climate change drives up food costs through extreme weather and supply issues. It combines climate effects with inflation, creating higher prices for everyday items. In Scotland,…

Scotland is seeing a surge in tiny forests, small patches of greenery planted using a Japanese method that promises quick growth and big environmental wins. These miniature woodlands, inspired by botanist Akira Miyawaki, are popping up in urban spots across the country, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, as part of a push for more green spaces in 2025. The Rise of Miyawaki Forests in Scotland Communities in Scotland have planted hundreds of these tiny forests since 2020, with the trend accelerating this year. Local groups and universities lead the charge, turning unused urban land into dense native woodlands that grow fast…

Scotland has launched a fresh road safety push, urging tourist drivers in the Highlands to display special "T plates" after a sharp rise in accidents linked to unfamiliarity with left-side driving. The initiative, backed by Transport Scotland, aims to alert locals and cut down on collisions, with crashes from wrong-side driving jumping 46 percent in recent years. Why the T-Plates Campaign Started Road experts noticed a troubling pattern in the Scottish Highlands, where narrow, winding roads challenge even seasoned drivers. Tourists from countries that drive on the right, like the United States and much of Europe, often struggle with the…

Scotland has seen a major drop in vacant and derelict land, with the total area shrinking by more than a quarter since 2016. The Scottish Government's latest survey for 2024 shows that efforts to reuse these sites, especially for new homes, are paying off amid the ongoing housing shortage. Key Findings from the 2024 Survey The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey for 2024 reports a total of about 10,000 hectares of such land across the country. This marks a 27 percent decrease from 2016 levels, driven by targeted government programs and local initiatives. Out of 335 sites reclaimed last…

Albert Yeung, a consultant in dental public health at NHS Lanarkshire, has been elected president of the British Dental Association's West of Scotland Branch. This appointment comes at a key time for Scottish dentistry, as professionals push for better NHS services amid growing concerns over access to care. The branch represents dentists in areas like Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfriesshire, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire, Wigtownshire, and Lanarkshire. Yeung steps into the role with a focus on building stronger ties across dental services and promoting public health efforts. Background on Albert Yeung's Career Yeung brings years of experience to this position.…

Scotland's healthcare innovators are set to gain fresh insights into using NHS procurement to drive new technologies. A free webinar hosted by InnoScot Health on September 24, 2025, will explore how smart buying strategies can boost patient care and cut costs across the National Health Service. Event Details and Key Speakers This online session, titled "Accelerating Healthcare Innovation Readiness Through the Vital Procurement Process," runs from noon to 12:45 p.m. It targets NHS staff, innovators, and anyone interested in Scotland's health tech future. Frances Ramsay, Innovation Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, leads the talk. She brings years of experience in…

Climate change is hurting truffle farms in Europe with drier conditions, but scientists say it creates ideal wetter summers for growing this luxury food in Scotland. Researchers at the University of Stirling have found success on Bute island, where truffles are thriving and fetching high prices from chefs. Climate Change Hurts European Truffle Farms Truffle production in places like Spain and France faces big threats from global warming. Hotter, drier summers dry out the soil that truffles need to grow. A study from 2018 warned that Mediterranean truffle farms could vanish by 2071 if trends continue. Farmers there report lower…

The Scottish Government has just awarded £6.3 million to eight local councils to expand public electric vehicle charging points in the south of Scotland. This move, announced on September 4, 2025, aims to add 1,770 new chargers and draw in private investment to support the shift to greener transport. Funding Details and Project Scope This funding comes from the final round of the Scottish Government's £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. It targets areas where private companies might not invest on their own, especially in rural spots. The project is led by the City of Edinburgh Council. It partners with…

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations turned heads in Scotland and Germany this year, with vibrant public processions drawing crowds and online buzz. On September 4, 2025, videos of these events went viral, sparking debates about cultural respect and public displays abroad. Celebrations Go Global People of Indian origin in Scotland organized a lively procession in Edinburgh, complete with drums, dances, and chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya." Similar scenes unfolded in Berlin, Germany, where participants carried colorful idols through city streets. These events marked the start of the 10-day festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. In both places, locals joined in,…