Chris Muir

As Scottish Widows prepares to launch its groundbreaking Long Term Asset Fund (LTAF) later this year, subject to regulatory approval, Aberdeen Investments has been named the initial manager for the growth sub-fund. This marks a significant step towards democratizing access to private markets for over four million workplace pension customers across the UK. Paving the Way for Private Market Accessibility Scottish Widows' upcoming LTAF is designed to unlock a new world of investment opportunities by providing access to the full universe of private market assets. This new vehicle will allow pension customers to invest in private markets, which have traditionally…

Eight years after landmark legislation committed Scotland to ending child poverty, more than 220,000 children still live with its consequences. That’s one in five kids — a number that continues to cast a long shadow over political promises and social ambitions. With just five years left until the 2030 legal target — to reduce child poverty to below 10% — campaigners say progress, while real, is nowhere near fast or far-reaching enough. A Promise Made, A Struggle Ongoing In 2017, the Scottish Parliament passed the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act, enshrining in law an ambitious pledge to transform the lives of…

Luxury Gold has unveiled an exciting new 10-day tour called Spectacular Scotland, set to depart in 2026. Developed in partnership with VisitScotland, this tour promises to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience while prioritizing sustainable tourism. A Blend of Luxury and Responsibility As the demand for sustainable travel grows, Luxury Gold’s new offering caters to discerning travelers who seek both indulgence and responsibility. The Spectacular Scotland itinerary is designed with a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while providing a rich, immersive experience that highlights the best of Scotland. The tour will take guests on a journey through some of Scotland's most…

As the world continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, one Scottish priest has publicly praised the late pontiff’s enduring legacy—particularly his deep impact on young adults seeking spiritual meaning in a secular world. Father David Stewart SJ of the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart in Edinburgh spoke on BBC Radio Scotland during a special Act of Worship aired on Sunday, offering heartfelt reflections on the Pope’s ministry and his call for a Church that engages with modern seekers. Fr Stewart told ICN shortly after the broadcast that Pope Francis had “left us pastoral ministers a big opportunity…

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has struck a major deal to offload half of its stake in a key Scottish battery project, just months before its massive energy storage system is due to come online. CIP confirmed on April 28 that it will sell 50% of its 500MW Coalburn 1 battery energy storage system (BESS) to AXA IM Alts. The deal will kick in once the site, located in South Lanarkshire, is up and running — which is expected in early 2026. The transaction comes as part of CIP’s broader strategy to rotate capital within its Copenhagen Infrastructure IV fund, while still…

As Police Scotland rolls out body-worn cameras for frontline officers by 2026, a recent review highlights a significant gap in understanding their real-world impact on policing and public trust. The $13 Million Gamble: A New Era for Police Scotland Police Scotland is set to introduce body-worn cameras for all frontline officers by the autumn of 2026, at a steep cost of over £13 million. This move makes Scotland one of the last UK regions to embrace this technology. Although armed officers in Scotland have used the technology since 2021, during the UN climate conference Cop26, the upcoming nationwide deployment is…

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed that a meteorite slammed into northwest Scotland 1 billion years ago — 200 million years later than previously believed — a recalibration that deepens our understanding of life’s early steps onto land. Published today in the journal Geology, the new findings suggest the colossal impact coincided with some of Earth’s earliest non-marine microbial ecosystems, offering fresh insight into how catastrophic space collisions may have influenced biological evolution on our planet. Scotland’s Rocky Time Capsules The dramatic landscape of northwest Scotland, particularly the Torridonian rocks, has long fascinated geologists. These ancient sediments once hosted…

Roy Keane’s move from Manchester United to Celtic remains one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. Yet, in a candid reflection, Keane has admitted that his decision to join Celtic was a "selfish" one, especially considering he had an opportunity to sign for one of the world’s biggest clubs: Real Madrid. The Fallout at Manchester United Keane’s final days at Manchester United were turbulent, marked by a breakdown in his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. For years, Keane had been a key figure at United—leading with his aggressive and demanding style, which became synonymous with Ferguson's pursuit…

Scotland's fight against poverty is at a crossroads. With a renewed focus on addressing child poverty, there's an opportunity to rethink how public services are structured. Can the country break free from the maze of disconnected policies and offer meaningful support for families in need? The Limits of Financial Support As the Scottish Government consults on its next child poverty strategy, there's much to applaud in its focus on increasing incomes and delivering holistic support for families. But while financial support is critical, it’s not the full answer. After decades of experience working alongside people in poverty, the Wise Group…

The pursuit of independence is a tale as old as time. For Wales, it may seem like a distant dream, but the movements of Scotland, Catalonia, and Kurdistan offer valuable lessons. If Wales is serious about independence, the path must be paved with strategy, unity, and hard work—far more than just passion. No Victory Without a National Elite A successful independence movement cannot thrive without the support—or at least the neutrality—of a nation's elite. This reality was evident in Scotland, where business, legal, and cultural leaders helped normalize the idea of independence. Unfortunately, Catalonia and Kurdistan’s struggles stemmed, in part,…