Chris Muir

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.…

A prop who defied the odds and defined an era, Ian McLauchlan’s passing at 83 leaves behind more than memories — it leaves a legacy of grit, loyalty, and unyielding pride in Scottish rugby. A Giant in a Small Frame: The Birth of ‘Mighty Mouse’ At just 14 stone 6 pounds when he first donned the thistle in 1969, McLauchlan was hardly the biggest man on the pitch. And yet, those who faced him in the scrum knew the truth — size wasn’t everything. His nickname, ‘Mighty Mouse,’ stuck for good reason. A single line here: He was relentless. Former…

One DJ, one dream, and 15,000 ravers ready to dance. Hannah Laing has turned a hometown ambition into Dundee’s biggest one-day party with her debut Doof in the Park festival. For the Scottish DJ, it’s proof that the girl who once mixed tracks between dental appointments is now a mainstage star in her own right. From Local Bars to Global Beats Hannah’s story reads like a clubland fairy tale — a teenager spinning pop bangers in local bars, long before viral edits and platinum plaques were even on her radar. One line here. She first caught major attention after lockdown…

A game once seen as the pride of everyday Scots is starting to feel out of reach. From St Andrews’ storied links to the windswept fairways along the Lothian coast, the spirit of golf as a people’s game is clashing with big money from across the Atlantic. And folks aren’t shy to say it stings. For decades, golf here wasn’t about who you knew or how much you could drop on green fees. Now, with dollars flooding in, that old image feels like it’s slipping through Scottish fingers. Where Golf Began — But at What Cost? They call Scotland the…

A fresh lifeline is being offered to Scotland’s historic churches as a new project gets underway to map out their heritage and find ways to keep their stories — and doors — open. Backed by a £229,015 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Finding Futures for Scotland’s Churches project aims to gather vital information on the value these buildings hold for local communities before they disappear. Hundreds of Churches at Risk of Shutting for Good Scotland is home to nearly 3,000 churches, scattered across cities, towns, and tiny villages. But the numbers tell a stark story. Since 2020,…

Scotland’s skate scene is about to get a major boost. For the first time ever, the World Rookie Tour is rolling into the UK — and it’s landed on Dumbarton’s legendary Unit 23 Skatepark to make it happen. Young shredders, mark August 23 on your calendars. This one’s going to be huge. Unit 23: A Homegrown Icon Ready for the World Stage Unit 23 isn’t just any old skatepark. It’s a rider-built, rider-run cathedral of concrete, wood, and pure skate energy. Opened back in 2002, it’s grown into the UK’s largest indoor skatepark — and a beating heart for the…

The royal grapevine has been buzzing this week — from Meghan Markle’s surprise apology to King Charles and Queen Camilla’s heartfelt stops across Scotland. And if that wasn’t enough, Princess Anne’s got her boots on the ground too. Let’s unpack the headlines, the soft diplomacy, and the side of bubbly that’s got everyone talking. King and Queen’s Emotional Return to Scotland King Charles and Queen Camilla are deep into their visit north of the border — and it’s not just ceremonial ribbons and photo ops. This week’s agenda has been packed with moments that tug at the heartstrings. On one…