Chris Muir

Scotland's economy has taken a direct hit following the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, with official figures showing GDP contracted in the second quarter, effectively erasing earlier growth. A Brutal Reversal After a Positive Start to the Year After showing signs of modest recovery in early 2025, Scotland's economic growth has stumbled backward. According to the latest figures released by the Scottish Government, GDP fell by 0.4% in the three months leading to May. That number exactly offsets the 0.4% rise in the first quarter—putting the economy right back where it started at the turn of the year. May…

Public Health Scotland flags rising presence of nitazenes, as drug deaths spike and testing struggles to keep up. Scotland’s fight against drug-related deaths has taken a grim turn. A sharp rise in suspected fatalities between March and May this year is being linked to the growing presence of potent synthetic opioids — specifically, a class of drugs known as nitazenes. The latest figures released by Public Health Scotland (PHS) show 312 suspected drug deaths in just three months. That’s a 15% jump from the previous quarter. Behind that rise, experts say, could be substances most people have never even heard…

Scotland’s Southern region is gearing up for a cleaner, warmer future—and it’s got expert backing. Natural Power, a leading renewable energy consultancy, has helped launch a new regional heat network prospectus that could transform how homes and businesses stay warm across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. It’s a big leap forward, and people are starting to pay attention. First-of-its-Kind Prospectus Targets Local Energy Revolution Unveiled by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) in partnership with both regional councils, the new South of Scotland Heat Network Prospectus lays out 19 potential heat network sites across the area. These aren't just…

Scotland’s student accommodation market is caught in a policy tug-of-war just as the demand for housing hits boiling point. A surprise parliamentary twist has sent developers and universities scrambling, as new rent controls threaten the future of purpose-built student housing across the country. Growing Demand, Shrinking Options The housing crunch facing students isn’t new, but it’s becoming more brutal by the year. In cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, university students are being pushed to the edges—sometimes literally. Competition for flats near campuses is fierce. Students often find themselves settling for rentals miles away from lecture halls, or paying premium…

Scotland might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of snorkelling. But for those who’ve braved the kelp-rich coastlines and chilly tides, it’s a full-on love affair with some of the UK’s most spectacular marine life—and it’s a lot warmer than you’d think. Elouise Dalziel, who works with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, spends her days building snorkel trails around the country. Yet even off the clock, she finds herself back in the water, mesmerised by everything from sea urchins to soaring raptors overhead. Turns out, wetsuits and woolly hats make quite the adventure pairing. Not…

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding a full cessation of hostilities in Ukraine before the U.S. presidential election in November. The declaration came during a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Victoria Atkins at Balmoral Castle, where both leaders are meeting to discuss European security and global trade. “Enough is Enough” Standing against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, President Trump struck a stern tone as he addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year. “President Putin has until November to wrap it up. This war needs to…

Viral Video Shows Shouting, Chaos Onboard London-to-Glasgow Flight A man has been arrested after shouting alarming threats mid-flight on an EasyJet service from London Luton Airport to Glasgow on Sunday evening, triggering panic among passengers and prompting a swift police response upon landing. Footage circulating on social media shows the 41-year-old man loudly shouting, “I am going to bomb the plane,” while other passengers look on in shock. He was also heard yelling, “Death to America, death to Trump,” and the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” — which translates to “God is great.” Fellow Passenger Tackles Suspect Mid-Air In the video,…

A major leap in how people across Scotland connect with healthcare services is officially underway — and it begins in Lanarkshire. NHS Scotland has teamed up with IT giant CGI to roll out a new digital platform that could eventually redefine access to the country’s entire health and care system. The so-called “Digital Front Door” — a project years in the making — will first launch in select NHS Lanarkshire outpatient specialties, with dermatology among the first areas to go live. If it works as planned, the rest of Scotland won’t be far behind. One platform, many doors This isn’t…

Scotland has issued official slaughter guidelines to ensure more humane treatment of farmed salmon, aiming to eliminate pain and distress during slaughter and related activities. The new framework mandates measures like stunning, CCTV monitoring, trained personnel, and legal compliance. Released under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, the guidance is stirring debate among charities, industry groups, and government agencies. Welfare Laws Meet Fish Farming Three key facts, laid out fast: The guidance is issued under Section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. It covers the lawful requirement to spare farmed fish from avoidable pain at slaughter The Times+5Scottish…

284-year-old Dunphail kirk on the market for £40,000 — but potential buyers face tricky restrictions and zero loos A centuries-old stone church nestled in the Moray countryside is now looking for a new owner, as the Church of Scotland continues its widespread sell-off of underused buildings. Edinkillie Church, built in 1741 and perched by the River Divie, has been listed for sale with an asking price of just £40,000. That price, though, doesn’t tell the full story. From sacred space to something else entirely This isn’t just any old village kirk. The B-listed Edinkillie Church comes packed with 284 years…