Chris Muir

A dramatic shift in the weather is set to hit the UK as snow, heavy rain, and a sudden drop in temperatures are expected to sweep across parts of England and Scotland in early May. Meteorologists are warning the public of potentially hazardous conditions, including freezing temperatures, as the unpredictable weather pattern unfolds. Temperature Drop and Snow Forecasted for Scotland The upcoming change in weather is set to bring a sharp chill, with parts of Scotland bracing for freezing temperatures. Areas like Inverness could see nighttime lows drop as low as -3°C, signaling a sudden and severe cold snap for…

Thousands living with disabling pain conditions feel forgotten as Scotland’s NHS backlog turns deadly—some die before they ever see a specialist. Scotland is facing a quiet emergency. Patients with chronic pain are reporting delays of months—sometimes years—just to get basic treatment. Some are dying in the queue. Others say they’re being slowly stripped of the therapies that once gave them a shot at living normally. And trust in the Scottish Government’s new consultation process is hanging by a thread. “We’ve been warning them for decades” Ask Dorothy-Grace Elder, and she'll tell you straight—this didn’t come out of nowhere. The former…

The Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the most powerful natural phenomena on Earth, lies between the Scottish isles of Jura and Scarba. With its massive currents and eerie roar, it has earned the nickname "the raging cauldron," a fitting title for a whirlpool with such a potent history and folklore. A Fearsome Natural Wonder The Corryvreckan whirlpool is no ordinary body of water. With currents reaching speeds of 8.5 knots, it's considered one of the largest whirlpools in the world. Its roar is so powerful that it can be heard from as far as 10 miles away, sending shivers down the…

A new tartan designed to honor those accused under Scotland’s notorious witchcraft laws is making waves. Named the Witches Tartan, it symbolizes the countless women who faced persecution and execution between 1563 and 1736. The tartan not only marks a painful chapter in Scotland’s history but also represents the ongoing fight for justice and recognition for the victims of these historic trials. A Tribute to the Victims The Witches Tartan was created with deep symbolic intent by Prickly Thistle Scotland, a company known for its creative approach to traditional tartan designs. The design itself incorporates a rich array of colors,…

How a national shift toward responsible tourism is shaping the visitor economy and redefining the travel experience Scotland’s rugged landscapes, storied castles, and warm hospitality have long drawn millions of visitors from across the globe. But as footfall grows, so does the responsibility to ensure tourism leaves a legacy not just of memories—but of care, preservation, and positive impact. Now, a bold new chapter is unfolding. Scotland is placing responsible tourism at the centre of its visitor economy strategy—with a renewed commitment to sustainability, community benefit, and long-term business resilience. The goal is to position the country as not only…

Lecturers and support staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are preparing to vote on potential strike action after ongoing disputes over compulsory redundancies and the university’s financial struggles. Tensions Rise Over Proposed Redundancies Unions representing staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have opened ballots for strike action, raising concerns about the future of jobs amid the university's ongoing financial challenges. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Unison launched their indicative ballots on Thursday, following a dispute that began in March over UWS’s organisational changes. The key issue at the heart of…

In a quiet corner of East Renfrewshire, UK energy firm Apatura has secured another brick in its growing battery empire. With unanimous approval and zero objections, the company received planning consent for a 40-MW/80-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near the village of Eaglesham—its eighth successful project nod in just 16 months. That approval now brings Apatura’s total consented capacity across the UK to a staggering 1.5 gigawatts, as the race to stabilise Britain’s renewables-heavy energy system intensifies. A silent approval for a major step forward The site, dubbed the Glasgow Road project, will span eight acres and store enough…

The Scottish government has officially dropped its ambitious target to reduce car use by 20% by the year 2030, a goal that had been a key part of the SNP's climate change manifesto. The original objective aimed to cut the number of kilometers traveled by car across the country to reduce harmful emissions and combat climate change. However, car usage in Scotland has only decreased by 3.6% since the Covid pandemic, signaling significant challenges in meeting the target. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the review of this target during a session with MSPs, citing that the goal was "not realistic"…

Investor and occupier interest in Scotland’s commercial property sector is picking up pace — and fast. The first quarter of 2025 saw demand spike to levels not seen since 2022, according to new data from the RICS Commercial Property Monitor. The sharpest jump came from occupier demand across offices, industrial sites, and retail units — with expectations now rising for rental growth and capital value increases across the board. But while optimism is growing, caution still lingers beneath the surface. Occupiers Drive the Momentum There’s real movement again in Scotland’s commercial property sector, especially on the occupier side. Demand rose…

The French label with the crocodile logo is back in Scotland — and this time, it's walking the talk. Lacoste has relaunched its only standalone Scottish store with a major upgrade at Livingston Designer Outlet, betting big on bricks-and-mortar at a time when many are scaling back. The new space isn’t just about size. It’s a signal. A shift. A statement. Livingston gets the Lacoste makeover If you visited the old Lacoste store, forget what you knew. This one's built different. With a fresh design that merges sporty roots and high-end aesthetics, the store now boasts a bigger footprint and…