Chris Muir

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…

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…