Chris Muir

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.…

As temperatures climb across the UK, Scotland is seeing a rise in mosquito populations, with some species now reaching as far north as Shetland. Once a climate more familiar with midges, Scotland is now grappling with the spread of mosquitoes due to the changing climate. Mosquitoes Reach Unlikely Northern Territories For many, Scotland’s summer is synonymous with the notorious midge, a tiny, biting insect that invades vulnerable skin, especially in the Highlands. However, the rise in temperatures is now bringing an unexpected guest to the northern reaches of the British Isles: mosquitoes. Twenty-one species have been identified across the country,…

Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMA) has officially launched a tender for ground investigations (GI) related to a large-scale project aimed at upgrading the ferry fleets and associated infrastructure along the west coast of Scotland. This marks a significant step in modernizing the region's vital ferry services, which are essential for both local communities and the tourism sector. Enhancing Ferry Services on the West Coast The west of Scotland is known for its rugged coastline and remote islands, which rely heavily on ferry services for transportation. The project, which focuses on upgrading both ferry vessels and the infrastructure supporting them, is expected…

As Scottish Widows prepares to launch its groundbreaking Long Term Asset Fund (LTAF) later this year, subject to regulatory approval, Aberdeen Investments has been named the initial manager for the growth sub-fund. This marks a significant step towards democratizing access to private markets for over four million workplace pension customers across the UK. Paving the Way for Private Market Accessibility Scottish Widows' upcoming LTAF is designed to unlock a new world of investment opportunities by providing access to the full universe of private market assets. This new vehicle will allow pension customers to invest in private markets, which have traditionally…

Eight years after landmark legislation committed Scotland to ending child poverty, more than 220,000 children still live with its consequences. That’s one in five kids — a number that continues to cast a long shadow over political promises and social ambitions. With just five years left until the 2030 legal target — to reduce child poverty to below 10% — campaigners say progress, while real, is nowhere near fast or far-reaching enough. A Promise Made, A Struggle Ongoing In 2017, the Scottish Parliament passed the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act, enshrining in law an ambitious pledge to transform the lives of…

Luxury Gold has unveiled an exciting new 10-day tour called Spectacular Scotland, set to depart in 2026. Developed in partnership with VisitScotland, this tour promises to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience while prioritizing sustainable tourism. A Blend of Luxury and Responsibility As the demand for sustainable travel grows, Luxury Gold’s new offering caters to discerning travelers who seek both indulgence and responsibility. The Spectacular Scotland itinerary is designed with a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while providing a rich, immersive experience that highlights the best of Scotland. The tour will take guests on a journey through some of Scotland's most…

As the world continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, one Scottish priest has publicly praised the late pontiff’s enduring legacy—particularly his deep impact on young adults seeking spiritual meaning in a secular world. Father David Stewart SJ of the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart in Edinburgh spoke on BBC Radio Scotland during a special Act of Worship aired on Sunday, offering heartfelt reflections on the Pope’s ministry and his call for a Church that engages with modern seekers. Fr Stewart told ICN shortly after the broadcast that Pope Francis had “left us pastoral ministers a big opportunity…

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has struck a major deal to offload half of its stake in a key Scottish battery project, just months before its massive energy storage system is due to come online. CIP confirmed on April 28 that it will sell 50% of its 500MW Coalburn 1 battery energy storage system (BESS) to AXA IM Alts. The deal will kick in once the site, located in South Lanarkshire, is up and running — which is expected in early 2026. The transaction comes as part of CIP’s broader strategy to rotate capital within its Copenhagen Infrastructure IV fund, while still…

As Police Scotland rolls out body-worn cameras for frontline officers by 2026, a recent review highlights a significant gap in understanding their real-world impact on policing and public trust. The $13 Million Gamble: A New Era for Police Scotland Police Scotland is set to introduce body-worn cameras for all frontline officers by the autumn of 2026, at a steep cost of over £13 million. This move makes Scotland one of the last UK regions to embrace this technology. Although armed officers in Scotland have used the technology since 2021, during the UN climate conference Cop26, the upcoming nationwide deployment is…