Chris Muir

Scottish households have been warned that the days of taking plentiful water for granted are over, as climate extremes push the nation toward serious shortages. Why Scotland’s “Plenty of Water” Myth Is Cracking It sounds odd at first, doesn’t it? A country famous for its mist, lochs and soggy football pitches now facing a water crunch. But Scottish Water’s chief, Alex Plant, says there’s a big myth that needs busting — that water in Scotland is endless. Turns out, the average Scot uses 40% more water than someone in Yorkshire. Why? Plant says people assume the rain and rivers mean…

Consumer Scotland says Ofcom’s latest decision to reform the Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation leaves Scottish customers in the lurch. Island communities and low-income households could feel the pinch first. Reliability Down, Prices Up — A Bitter Pill For many in Scotland, reliable post isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. Grace Remmington, Consumer Scotland’s Head of Post, didn’t mince her words when she called out Ofcom’s ruling this week. She pointed out that Scots have already weathered shoddy delivery reliability and soaring stamp prices. Now, they’re being asked to accept even less for more money. Is that fair? Hard…

Work has officially begun on one of Scotland’s latest battery storage sites — a move that could ease grid pressures and help households save on soaring energy bills. Building Big Batteries in South Ayrshire Field, the energy storage developer, has broken ground on its Holmston site near Keith in South Ayrshire. This is no small project. The Holmston battery site will deliver 50 MW / 100 MWh of capacity — enough to power up to 26,000 homes for two hours when fully charged. One line here. Construction should wrap up in the first half of 2026, with sister site Drum…

A major digital revamp is coming for Scotland’s health and care services, as BJSS lands a multi-million pound contract to deliver the first phase of a new ‘digital front door’ app. The ambitious plan aims to reshape how Scots access health and social care — from GP records to vaccination schedules — all at their fingertips. A Big Step for Digital Health Access Think of it like this: one app, countless connections. NHS Education for Scotland (NES) picked BJSS, now part of CGI, to get the ball rolling with £27.8 million backing the deal. This isn’t just another health portal…

Scotland’s police force is quietly gearing up for a major security operation this month as speculation mounts that Donald Trump will fly in to open a new 18-hole golf course named after his mother. And if history repeats itself, he won’t be the only one making headlines — demonstrators are already expected to show up in force. A Long-Rumoured Return Trump’s rumored trip has been circulating for weeks, but it now looks more likely than ever. The former US president — who still owns two golf resorts in Scotland — is tipped to open the new course at his Menie…

As dawn broke over the Scottish Highlands, a lone bus wound its way through misty fields and rolling hills, carrying a man torn between family duty and spiritual hunger. For one traveller, the road to Inverness wasn’t just a scenic ride — it was a lifeline. Family Ties and a Tangle of Plans For many, a family reunion in Scotland sounds like a dream — castles, clan histories, the rugged Isle of Skye. For the writer behind the Arise from the Dust blog, it was all that and more: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with his wife’s ancestral roots. But…

A packed Walsall Campus buzzed with energy as the best of British judo took centre stage at this year’s National Team Championships — and it was Scotland’s young stars and London’s seasoned fighters who left everyone talking. Scotland’s Golden Sweep Leaves Rivals in the Dust What a day for Scottish judo! From the first bout to the final throw, Scotland’s teams brought grit and glory home. The Minor & Pre-Cadet Boys squad edged past a strong London side 4–3 in a nail-biting final. Thomas McCall and Jude Buchanan lit up the tatami with textbook throws, while Toby Ofakansi sealed the…

Scotland’s busiest airport has just given travellers something to cheer about. Starting July 7, Edinburgh Airport became the first in the country to scrap the 100ml liquid rule for carry-ons — a security measure that’s frustrated fliers for nearly two decades. A New Era for Security and Convenience If you’ve flown anywhere in the last 20 years, you know the drill: toiletries crammed into tiny bottles, last-minute bag checks, plastic bags that never seal properly. It all stems from the 2006 liquid explosives plot that forced airports worldwide to clamp down on what you could pack. One line: Now, Edinburgh…

School’s out, the sun’s (sometimes) shining, and parents across Scotland are hunting for ways to tire out the kids — and maybe themselves too! Luckily, Scotland has no shortage of epic days out that promise adventure, giggles, and a good night’s sleep for everyone afterwards. From zipping through treetops to splashing in tropical lagoons, here’s a peek at six of the best family-friendly adventure spots to make this summer one to remember. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park: Rollercoasters and Rainforest Magic One of Scotland’s long-time favourites, M&D’s in Motherwell, is still a sure-fire winner for kids of all ages. You’ll find…

A Scottish initiative aimed at saving lives through digital support just got a big vote of confidence — and a fresh cash injection — from the government. Digital Lifelines Scotland, which helps people who use drugs stay safe and connected, will get £783,150 to keep its work going next year. Started back in 2021, the programme has become a quiet lifeline for thousands who’d otherwise slip through the cracks. With overdose deaths still among the highest in Europe, some say this digital thread is more vital than ever. Funding Boost Brings Fresh Hope The latest funding package isn’t pocket change.…