Chris Muir

A new study has found that a simple change in the invitation letter for colorectal cancer screening in Scotland significantly improved test return rates. Researchers say adding a suggested deadline for returning the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) led to a measurable increase in participation, providing a cost-effective way to boost early detection efforts. Study Finds Deadlines Encourage Timely Test Returns The trial, known as TEMPO, involved 40,000 adults aged 50–74 who were eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of eight different invitation formats, with varying combinations of suggested deadlines and a planning tool to…

Scotland’s countryside is open for exploration like few other places in the world. Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, people have a legal right to access most land and inland water for recreation, education, and passage. This “right to roam” is fundamentally different from laws in England, offering more freedom—but it comes with responsibilities. The Legal Foundation of the Right to Roam This law, which came into force in 2005, grants people the ability to walk, cycle, ride horses, and even camp on most land in Scotland. It applies to hills, forests, riversides, and much more. However, it…

Scotland has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the opening of its first dedicated fridge and small domestic appliance (SDA) recycling facility in Perth. The multi-million-pound investment by Enva aims to set new standards in e-waste processing while supporting the country’s push towards a circular economy. A Game-Changer for Scottish Recycling Located in Perth, Enva’s newly launched plant is the only facility of its kind in Scotland, capable of processing up to 4,000 fridges and 300 tonnes of small appliances every week. Barry Phillips, Managing Director of Enva, emphasized the importance of this project. “This facility…

Scotland is set to expand its renewable energy capacity as Oakes Energy Services submits plans for two major solar projects totaling 33 MW. The projects, developed in partnership with AMPYR Distributed Energy (ADE), align with the UK’s broader push towards sustainable energy solutions. Project Details The two proposed sites will bring a significant boost to Scotland’s solar infrastructure: Primary Site: Designed to host 80,352 solar panels with a combined capacity of 25 MW, this installation will also include a battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid stability and maximize efficiency. Secondary Site: A smaller 8 MW project, featuring 16,334…

IHG Hotels & Resorts is making a bold move into Scotland’s hospitality market with the upcoming opening of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh. The 195-room property, slated for launch in late 2025, will mark the brand’s first foray into Scotland, further expanding its footprint across Europe. Partnering with Palm Holdings, IHG aims to provide travelers with an attractive blend of affordability and quality, catering to both business and leisure guests. Expanding the Garner Hotels Footprint Garner Hotels debuted in 2023, focusing on midscale accommodations that deliver on comfort and convenience without excess frills. The Haymarket Edinburgh property will be the latest…

The resignation of Neil Findlay from Scottish Labour has sent ripples through the party’s left flank. His departure highlights deep frustrations with the leadership, but not all socialists within the party are ready to follow him out the door. Some, like Vince Mills, believe the battle is far from over. A Heavy Loss for the Left Neil Findlay’s exit from Labour on March 19 was more than just a resignation—it was a scathing indictment of the party’s direction. His letter to the leadership lambasted decisions that, in his view, prioritized corporate interests over working-class needs. For many on the left,…

Forest Whitaker’s chilling portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland earned him an Academy Award, but the film’s impact went far beyond individual accolades. With gripping performances from James McAvoy and Kerry Washington, the 2006 war drama remains one of the most intense and harrowing historical films of the 21st century. Now, audiences can relive its brutality on Hulu. A Story of Power, Manipulation, and Fear Bringing to life the chaotic and terrifying reign of Amin, The Last King of Scotland unfolds through the eyes of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a Scottish physician lured…

The Scottish Government is facing mounting opposition over its controversial tourist tax, with concerns that it could severely impact visitor spending and undermine local businesses. Critics warn that the levy, set to be implemented by local councils, may result in millions lost from the tourism economy. Tourism Industry Sounds Alarm Over Financial Blow Hospitality leaders and business owners have voiced their fears that the tourist tax will discourage overnight stays, cutting deep into Scotland's lucrative tourism sector. The legislation, passed in 2024 by the SNP-led government, grants councils the power to impose a nightly charge on accommodations. Unlike similar taxes…

Stargazers in Scotland could be in for a breathtaking sight as the Northern Lights may appear over parts of the country this weekend. The Met Office has issued a space weather alert, warning of potential geomagnetic activity that could make the aurora borealis visible. Met Office Warns of Geomagnetic Storm A 'geomagnetic storm watch' has been posted on the Met Office website, indicating an increase in solar activity that could impact Earth's magnetic field. The alert, which began at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. Experts have identified a…

A former Miss Scotland has been convicted of assaulting two security guards and racially abusing one of them during a drunken altercation at a rugby event, a court has heard. Incident at Edinburgh City 7s Tournament Lucy Thomson, 26, was attending the Edinburgh City 7s rugby tournament in June 2023 when she was involved in a physical confrontation with security staff. According to testimony at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, she bit security supervisor Andrew Okpaje and used a racial slur against him while being escorted out of the venue. Another security guard, Alasdair Doolan, was also bitten during the altercation. Thomson,…