Chris Muir

Edinburgh – Scotland’s stroke care system is under growing scrutiny after fresh data revealed that only about half of patients last year received the critical package of treatment needed to give them the best chance of survival and recovery. The findings, published by Public Health Scotland (PHS), show that just 52.9% of the 11,341 Scots diagnosed with a stroke in 2024 were provided with the “stroke care bundle” – a set of rapid, evidence-based interventions designed to reduce disability and save lives. That figure falls far short of the Scottish Government’s own 80% target, which has now been missed for…

Nicholas Rossi’s life story reads like a plot stolen from a paperback thriller—complete with a fake name, international pursuit, and an unmasking in a Scottish hospital ward. Now, the man once calling himself “Arthur Knight” is preparing to stand trial in Utah on a rape charge. When I first met him, it was in the genteel surroundings of Glasgow’s West End, a place of leafy streets and understated cafés. He wore the persona of a flustered British aristocrat, complete with a wandering accent and a theatrical air. But there were cracks in the performance, and they showed quickly. The First…

A large blaze tore through Arthur’s Seat on Sunday, sending smoke over Edinburgh’s skyline and prompting warnings for the public to stay away from one of Scotland’s most-visited landmarks. Smoke Over the City Arthur’s Seat isn’t just a hill—it’s the extinct volcano that dominates the city’s horizon. At about 250 metres high, it offers panoramic views stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Firth of Forth. On Sunday, however, those views were obscured by thick smoke as flames spread across its slopes. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were at the scene tackling the blaze in Holyrood Park. Police…

A lightning bolt splitting a table, a poet emerging from under a silver platter, and a cutlery boat sailing towards the West Indies — this is Robert Burns as you’ve probably never seen him before. A Setting Steeped in History The Georgian House in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, with its refined symmetry and 18th-century elegance, might seem an unlikely venue for theatrical experimentation. Yet, under Cora Bissett’s direction, its Robert Adam-designed interiors have been transformed into a living, breathing stage for The Burns Project. Audience members don’t just watch; they share a table with Scotland’s national bard, here played by James…

Scotland’s biggest celebration of independent brewing is back in September, pouring pride into every pint — and not a faux-craft label in sight. No Multinationals, No Pretenders — Just Independent Scottish Beer The smell of hops, the sound of clinking glasses, and the unmistakable buzz of beer nerds and casual pint-lovers alike — Indie Beer Scotland is back. Set to take over the Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House in Glasgow on the 5th and 6th of September, the festival is promising exactly what its name suggests: 100% indie beer, 100% Scottish. And that’s not just a marketing gimmick. The event…

‘Not Enough Officers’: Mounting Workloads Drive Up Police Overtime Costs Scotland’s overstretched police force is racking up an eye-watering £85,000 a day in overtime payments, according to newly published figures that lay bare the growing strain on frontline services. The data, revealed by 1919 Magazine, shows Police Scotland spent £28.15 million on officer overtime in 2024/25, with an additional £3.4 million allocated for other staff—a 10% increase on the previous year. While the total is lower than the exceptional spending levels of 2022/23—when policing surged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II—the trend still paints a picture of a service…

Scotland has approved what could become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, giving the green light to the long-anticipated Berwick Bank Wind Farm, a major leap in the UK’s push for net zero and energy independence. The sprawling offshore site, to be developed by SSE Renewables, will sit approximately 38km off the Scottish Borders coast near St Abbs, with an expected generation capacity of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) — enough, using current technology, to power every household in Scotland more than twice over. A green light—but with environmental strings attached While the approval marks a significant boost for Scotland’s…

Scotland woke to chaos on Monday as Storm Floris swept in with hurricane-strength winds, downing power lines, disrupting transport, and prompting an urgent government plea: stay home if you can. With gusts reaching up to 90mph in the north and central belt, the Met Office issued a rare amber warning for most of Scotland from 10am to 10pm. Ferries were docked. Trains were pulled. Roads—especially for high-sided vehicles—turned treacherous. And it’s not over yet. Rail and Ferry Services Axed as Winds Roar In By 9am Monday, Scotland’s transport network was already in full retreat. Network Rail confirmed multiple route closures…

Scotland make six changes ahead of their final warm-up clash against Ireland, with 22-year-old stand-off Hannah Ramsay set to lead a fresh-look half-back partnership in Cork. The final test before battle begins. Scotland’s women’s rugby team head to Virgin Media Park in Cork this Saturday for their last dress rehearsal before the Rugby World Cup—and it’s a big one. Facing a physical Irish side away from home, head coach Bryan Easson has made six changes to the XV that beat Italy last weekend, with Hannah Ramsay earning her first international start at fly-half. First Start, Big Stage: Ramsay Steps Up…

After more than a decade of groundwork and regulatory wrangling, the Scottish Government has officially signed off on SSE Renewables' 4.1-gigawatt Berwick Bank offshore wind farm—pushing what could be the world’s largest offshore project into its final pre-construction phase. The green light comes with both Section 36 consent and key marine licenses, clearing the way for SSE to compete in the UK's next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction and move toward a final investment decision. If it all clicks into place, Berwick Bank could generate over 11.2 terawatt-hours of electricity per year. That’s enough to power about 17% of UK…