Chris Muir

Scotland is pushing the boundaries of plant breeding in 2025, with the James Hutton Institute at the forefront of creating crops that fight climate change and boost food security. As the Euroseeds Congress kicks off in Edinburgh this year, experts highlight how Scottish research on potatoes, barley, oats, and flax is driving sustainable farming across Europe and beyond. Legacy of Scottish Crop Research Scotland has a rich history in plant breeding that dates back centuries, but today's efforts build on that foundation with modern science. The James Hutton Institute, formed in 2011 from two key research centers, now employs over…

Scotland's tourism sector is booming, bringing billions in revenue but overwhelming popular spots like Glenfinnan Viaduct and the North Coast 500. Residents face daily struggles with overcrowding, traffic jams, and strained infrastructure as visitor numbers surge in 2025. This rapid growth highlights the need for balance between economic gains and community well-being. With tourism employing over 250,000 people and contributing more than 11 billion pounds annually, experts call for sustainable solutions to manage the influx without harming local life. Rising Visitor Numbers Strain Resources Tourism in Scotland has exploded in recent years, driven by social media and famous attractions. In…

The A83 road in Argyll, Scotland, has reopened after heavy rain triggered 11 landslides that blocked the route near the Rest and Be Thankful area. The closure started early Monday morning, forcing drivers onto a long detour, but cleanup crews finished their work by Tuesday morning, allowing traffic to flow again. Heavy Rain Sparks Multiple Landslides Torrential rain hit the Argyll region hard in the early hours of September 1, with about 76 millimeters falling in just five hours around Butterbridge and Glen Kinglas. This intense downpour caused slopes to give way, leading to 11 recorded landslides along a short…

The Perth Advertising and Design Club has named local artist Ross Scotland as its 2025 Artist in Residence in partnership with North Metro TAFE. This selection lets Scotland design the gold skull trophy for the upcoming Skulls Awards in November, boosting ties between education and creative industries in Western Australia. Program Background and Goals This new artist residency builds on years of teamwork between the club and the technical college. It aims to spotlight local talent and blend art with commercial design. Leaders from both groups saw a chance to grow skills and create lasting works. The program gives artists…

Derek Thomson, the Scottish secretary of Unite, Scotland's largest trade union, has been suspended following claims of inappropriate behavior toward women. The suspension, announced recently, stems from historic allegations now under internal investigation, drawing attention to workplace conduct in union leadership. Background on Derek Thomson and Unite Derek Thomson took over as Scottish secretary of Unite in 2023. He has been a key figure in labor rights, often speaking out on issues like the Grangemouth refinery closure and fair work practices. Before this role, Thomson served as a senior organizer and was known for his support of Unite's general secretary,…

The BBC has unveiled the cast for its new legal drama Counsels, with filming now underway in Glasgow. This eight-part series, set in Scotland's bustling courtrooms, follows five young lawyers navigating their careers and personal lives after training together at an elite law school. Plot Details and Series Overview Counsels centers on a group of twentysomething lawyers who once studied together but now find themselves on opposite sides in Glasgow's courts. The show explores their professional rivalries and personal struggles at a key point in their early careers. Created by Bryan Elsley, known for Skins, and Gillian McCormack, the drama…

Edinburgh's historic landmark, The Edinburgh Grand, has reopened as Scotland's first Luxury Collection Hotel after a major refurbishment. This move by Marriott brings upscale stays and local charm to the heart of the city's New Town, drawing travelers eager for luxury blended with Scottish heritage. Historic Building Gets Fresh Life The Edinburgh Grand sits in a stunning 1942 neoclassical structure that once served as the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters. Located on St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed New Town, the building keeps its original charm with features like dark wood paneling, fireplaces, and brass door handles. This reopening marks…

Scottish police ramped up preparations for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland in July 2025, marking his first trip to Britain since winning the election last year. The operation involved thousands of officers and drew attention due to high costs and mixed public reactions, as Trump visited his golf courses amid ongoing security concerns. Security Measures in Place Police Scotland launched a massive operation to ensure safety during Trump's stay. Officials coordinated with U.S. Secret Service teams for sweeps, sniper placements, and crowd control at key sites. The effort pulled in about 5,000 officers from across the UK, working…

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 match between Namibia and Scotland was abandoned without a single ball bowled on August 29, 2025, at Maple Leaf North-West Ground in King City, Canada. Heavy rain and a wet outfield forced officials to call off the game, leaving both teams to share points in this crucial qualifier series. This decision came after multiple inspections failed to improve the playing conditions. Fans and players waited in vain as ground staff used super soppers to dry the field, but persistent moisture made it unsafe to start. Reasons Behind the Match Cancellation Rain hit…

Scotland has rolled out a fresh pilot program to help more people charge electric vehicles at home, even without a driveway. The Cross Pavement Charging Grant scheme, backed by the Scottish Government, targets households in East Lothian, Renfrewshire, and Perth and Kinross, offering up to 3500 pounds per home for safe charging setups. What the Pilot Scheme Offers This new effort focuses on breaking down barriers for electric vehicle owners who lack off-street parking. Many people in urban and suburban areas face challenges with public chargers, which can be scarce or costly. The program provides grants to install solutions that…