Chris Muir

Scotland’s offshore wind sector faces a critical moment as growing policy uncertainty threatens investor confidence and stalls major projects, the chief executive of Scottish Renewables has warned. The future of a sector that promises vast economic and environmental benefits now hangs in the balance amid delays and unclear government direction. Speaking at the All-Energy conference in Glasgow, Claire Mack laid bare the precarious position of the industry, urging swift action to secure the investment and policy clarity needed to keep Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions afloat. A Watershed Moment for Scottish Offshore Wind Claire Mack didn’t mince words. “Scotland’s offshore wind…

Scotland is stepping up alongside Japan, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and others by planning a new tourism tax aimed at cruise passengers. The move targets mounting pressures on infrastructure and local communities, particularly in hotspots like the Orkney Islands, where visitor numbers have surged far beyond what the small population can handle. This decision signals a shift in how popular cruise destinations deal with overtourism, focusing on sustainability and fairness as more tourists arrive by sea. Orkney’s Overwhelmed Streets Spark Urgent Calls for a Cruise Tax The Orkney Islands, off Scotland’s northeast coast, are famous for their rich history and stunning…

Scotland took a major step Tuesday by approving the initial stage of a bill to allow physician-assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The bill passed with 70 votes in favor and 56 against, signaling growing support for this sensitive and controversial issue. What the Bill Proposes and Who It Affects The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill aims to provide terminally ill adults the legal right to seek medical assistance to end their lives. Introduced in 2024 by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, this bill could change the way Scotland approaches end-of-life care. Eligibility rules are clear but…

Glasgow will play host to thousands of runners and walkers this weekend as the 2025 Race for Life returns to the city’s streets in a major charity event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The 5K event, scheduled for Sunday, 18 May 2025, is one of Scotland’s largest annual charity runs and draws participants of all ages and abilities — many of whom take part in memory of loved ones or in celebration of cancer survivors. A Run for Everyone Described by organisers as an “achievable distance for most people,” the 5-kilometre course is ideal for those looking for…

The issue of second homes in Scotland has become a focal point of policy discussions, with many residents and policymakers concerned about the impact of these properties on local communities and housing markets. In this blog, we will explore the facts and figures surrounding second homes in Scotland, the policy measures in place to manage them, and the ongoing debates about the future of second home ownership. What Are Second Homes? A second home is typically defined as a property that is not the owner’s main residence but is furnished and used for at least 25 days in a year.…

ORKNEY — A landmark report released today has set out a roadmap to reconcile Scotland’s vast tidal energy potential with pressing environmental considerations, especially concerns around possible collisions between turbines and harbour seals. The report, titled Managing the Consenting Risk of Harbour Seal Collision in the Scottish Tidal Energy Industry, outlines a framework to overcome one of the biggest regulatory hurdles facing the tidal stream sector: navigating uncertainty in wildlife impact assessments to gain project approvals. Funded by Crown Estate Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the initiative — part of the Tidal Industry Seal Project (TISP) — represents the…

ISLE OF SKYE — In a groundbreaking new study, archaeologists from the University of Glasgow have uncovered evidence of a Late Upper Paleolithic settlement on Scotland’s Isle of Skye — the most northerly presence of the Ahrensburgian culture ever found in Britain. Published in the Journal of Quaternary Science, the research presents a bold new picture of prehistoric life on Skye, suggesting that humans occupied this rugged island during the Younger Dryas, a dramatic cold snap that struck the Earth roughly 12,900 to 11,700 years ago. The findings not only extend the geographic boundaries of Ahrensburgian settlement but also challenge…

Glasgow — The debate around assisted dying in Scotland has ignited not only moral and medical disputes, but a growing backlash from voices who say the country’s liberal political class is waging war on its most vulnerable citizens. In a blistering column published hours after the Scottish Parliament opened its stage-one debate on assisted dying, commentator Kevin McKenna launched a broadside against what he described as Scotland’s “counterfeit liberals” — an elite class he accuses of promoting policies that systematically erode protections for the working class. “The shallowness of Scotland’s counterfeit liberals is never more evident than in their loathing…

Historic Environment Scotland is pulling the plug on several of its long-running digital services as it shifts focus to its new flagship platform, trove.scot. With Canmore, Scran and ScotlandsPlaces among those facing closure by June, the change marks a major digital overhaul for how the nation explores its past. The new centralised archive, launched in February 2025, is meant to streamline access to over 2 million records and growing. But for many researchers, educators, and heritage buffs, the shift also means saying goodbye to websites that have been part of their work and passion for years. Canmore, Scran and ScotlandsPlaces:…

MORAY, Scotland – A live-fire training incident involving Belgian Armed Forces personnel in Scotland has left three soldiers injured, with one expected to undergo surgery before returning home. Around 10 others suffered hearing damage, according to a statement from Belgium’s Ministry of Defence. The incident occurred during “Operation Red Condor,” a large-scale military exercise involving approximately 600 Belgian troops currently deployed in Moray, in northern Scotland. While officials declined to disclose the exact location of the mishap, multiple defence sources confirmed the troops were operating in a remote training area in Scotland’s rugged Highlands, widely used by NATO allies for…