Chris Muir

Bollywood star and businessman Vivek Oberoi has just taken a bold leap into the Scottish spirits industry. He's picked up a 21% stake in Rutland Square Spirits—best known for its tea-infused gin—and he’s not stopping there. There’s also a plan on the table for a zero-emission luxury hotel in Edinburgh, complete with Ayurvedic treatments and hydrogen-powered infrastructure. Yes, really. An Actor, an Investor, and a Scottish Distillery Walk into a Bar… Oberoi’s involvement isn’t just a celebrity endorsement. He’s a co-owner now—owning more than a fifth of Rutland Square Spirits, a boutique label founded by Indian-origin entrepreneur Nishant Sharma. The…

The body of a man was recovered from the waters of Finnich Glen, a scenic location known for its appearance in the TV series Outlander and other productions. Emergency services responded after concerns were raised around 1:30 pm. The grim discovery happened at the Devil’s Pulpit, a striking rock formation within Finnich Glen, where the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances, and the matter has been referred to the procurator fiscal. Known for its dramatic beauty, Finnich Glen has also been featured in Netflix’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and the…

Government hopes new assistive tech funding will reduce hospitalizations and long-term care costs, especially for ageing population New Tech, Old Problem: Ageing Population Spurs Investment Scotland has announced a substantial increase in funding for digital care solutions within social housing, more than doubling its support for a programme aimed at helping older tenants live independently. The Registered Social Landlords (RSL) Adaptations Programme will receive £20.9 million over the next year—up from £8.2 million—according to an announcement by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville during a visit to the Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow. The funding boost reflects a shift…

Zero-emission aviation pioneer ZeroAvia has chosen Scotland as the site for a flagship Hydrogen Centre of Excellence and manufacturing facility, promising a game-changing boost for the country’s green economy. The new site will rise near Glasgow Airport in Renfrewshire and is expected to create up to 350 skilled jobs, supported by a £9 million grant from Scottish Enterprise. This strategic expansion is part of the company’s global push to scale production of its hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, with nearly 3,000 orders already locked in from airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Those deals translate into a future revenue pipeline of more than $10…

Scotland’s climate ambitions suffered a major blow on Wednesday after the UK’s official climate watchdog warned that the country will miss its 2030 emissions target by up to six years unless there is urgent and large-scale policy intervention. In a damning assessment, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said Scotland had repeatedly failed to meet its legally binding annual targets and is now falling behind on its legally enshrined commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2045. The report confirmed what many climate policy observers have feared: Scotland’s pledge to slash emissions by 75% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels is…

Thousands of homes across Scotland are officially not fit for human habitation — and the problem is far worse than many believed. A dramatic rise in homes falling below legal standards has exposed what campaigners now call an “endemic of disrepair,” with damp, mould, and unsafe conditions plaguing both public and private housing stock. While the Scottish Government is preparing new legislation to fix the crisis, The Herald can reveal that nearly 100,000 privately rented homes will remain untouched by proposed reforms — leaving some of Scotland’s most vulnerable tenants behind. The Shocking Scale of the Crisis According to the…

Balance Power has secured unanimous planning approval to develop a 29.9-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) in East Ayrshire, Scotland, marking a significant step forward in the UK’s energy transition and local energy resilience. The Coylton-based facility, slated to go online by summer 2026, will be comprised of 18 battery units across a 2.67-hectare site and has been designed to store surplus renewable electricity during periods of peak generation, discharging it when demand is highest. Approved by East Ayrshire Council following what the company described as “extensive community consultation,” the project underscores growing momentum behind battery storage as the UK…

Global Airline has kicked off its ambitious transatlantic venture, introducing a luxurious Airbus A380 route from Glasgow Airport to New York’s JFK. This debut signals the airline’s bold move to recapture the sophistication and grandeur of the Golden Age of Travel, promising passengers a lavish experience well beyond the usual flight. A New Chapter for Transatlantic Travel The inaugural flight offered a glimpse into the airline’s commitment to blending classic luxury with modern comfort. From the moment passengers stepped aboard the spacious double-decker A380, the atmosphere was a mix of elegance and innovation. The cabin design balanced style and functionality,…

As luxury travel tilts toward immersive experiences, whisky lovers are swapping airport duty-free shelves for distillery tasting rooms in the Highlands, Himachal, and the Japanese Alps. Not Just a Drink — A Destination Until recently, Indian travelers would return from foreign trips with bottles of Scotch tucked into their checked luggage. Now, many are going straight to the source. From the mossy trails of Pitlochry to the slopes of Yamanashi, whisky is no longer just a souvenir — it’s the centrepiece of a holiday. SkyScanner’s 2024 Travel Trends revealed a notable shift: 63% of Indian respondents said they budgeted more…

Washington, D.C. — May 15, 2025 — Washington Spirit’s goalkeeper Sandy MacIver has been named to the Scotland Women’s National Team roster for the concluding matches of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League group stage. The Scottish Football Association announced the call-up as Scotland prepares to face Austria and the Netherlands in their final Group A1 fixtures. MacIver’s Journey and Impact Originally hailing from Winsford, England, Sandy MacIver has already made an impact for Scotland with five senior international appearances. During those outings, she has recorded two clean sheets, demonstrating her skills and reliability in goal. MacIver joined the Washington…