Chris Muir

A damaged cargo ship involved in a fiery collision earlier this month has arrived in Scotland for assessment. The Portugal-flagged Solong, which crashed into a US oil tanker in the North Sea, was towed into Aberdeen on Friday after a prolonged journey assisted by tugboats. The collision, which occurred on March 10, sparked explosions and a fire that burned for nearly a week. While all but one crew member were rescued, a 38-year-old Filipino sailor remains missing and is presumed dead. Captain Faces Manslaughter Charges Authorities have charged the Solong's Russian captain, Vladimir M., with gross negligence manslaughter. The 59-year-old…

Prince William is ramping up efforts to combat homelessness with a visit to Aberdeen, Scotland. Teaming up with TV personality Gail Porter and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the Prince of Wales, 42, spent the day showcasing key developments in his five-year Homewards initiative. A Hands-On Approach to Change During his visit, Prince William viewed some of the first homes constructed under Homewards, a nationwide project trialing new ways to address homelessness. Aberdeen is one of six pilot locations, each testing unique, location-specific solutions. Scotland-born Porter, 54, has been instrumental in amplifying the initiative’s reach. She and Prince William visited the Innovative…

A patient dies by suicide in Scotland's mental health hospitals nearly every five weeks, according to newly released research. Many of these patients were previously assessed as low or no short-term risk before their deaths, raising serious concerns about safety measures in psychiatric wards. Families of victims are calling for urgent reforms, while official bodies have issued multiple warnings to healthcare institutions failing to address risks. Disturbing Trends in In-Patient Suicides A study by the University of Manchester, which tracks suicide rates and safety trends for mental health patients across the UK, uncovered troubling statistics. Between 2012 and 2022, an…

A new study has found that a simple change in the invitation letter for colorectal cancer screening in Scotland significantly improved test return rates. Researchers say adding a suggested deadline for returning the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) led to a measurable increase in participation, providing a cost-effective way to boost early detection efforts. Study Finds Deadlines Encourage Timely Test Returns The trial, known as TEMPO, involved 40,000 adults aged 50–74 who were eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of eight different invitation formats, with varying combinations of suggested deadlines and a planning tool to…

Scotland’s countryside is open for exploration like few other places in the world. Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, people have a legal right to access most land and inland water for recreation, education, and passage. This “right to roam” is fundamentally different from laws in England, offering more freedom—but it comes with responsibilities. The Legal Foundation of the Right to Roam This law, which came into force in 2005, grants people the ability to walk, cycle, ride horses, and even camp on most land in Scotland. It applies to hills, forests, riversides, and much more. However, it…

Scotland has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the opening of its first dedicated fridge and small domestic appliance (SDA) recycling facility in Perth. The multi-million-pound investment by Enva aims to set new standards in e-waste processing while supporting the country’s push towards a circular economy. A Game-Changer for Scottish Recycling Located in Perth, Enva’s newly launched plant is the only facility of its kind in Scotland, capable of processing up to 4,000 fridges and 300 tonnes of small appliances every week. Barry Phillips, Managing Director of Enva, emphasized the importance of this project. “This facility…

Scotland is set to expand its renewable energy capacity as Oakes Energy Services submits plans for two major solar projects totaling 33 MW. The projects, developed in partnership with AMPYR Distributed Energy (ADE), align with the UK’s broader push towards sustainable energy solutions. Project Details The two proposed sites will bring a significant boost to Scotland’s solar infrastructure: Primary Site: Designed to host 80,352 solar panels with a combined capacity of 25 MW, this installation will also include a battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid stability and maximize efficiency. Secondary Site: A smaller 8 MW project, featuring 16,334…

IHG Hotels & Resorts is making a bold move into Scotland’s hospitality market with the upcoming opening of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh. The 195-room property, slated for launch in late 2025, will mark the brand’s first foray into Scotland, further expanding its footprint across Europe. Partnering with Palm Holdings, IHG aims to provide travelers with an attractive blend of affordability and quality, catering to both business and leisure guests. Expanding the Garner Hotels Footprint Garner Hotels debuted in 2023, focusing on midscale accommodations that deliver on comfort and convenience without excess frills. The Haymarket Edinburgh property will be the latest…

The resignation of Neil Findlay from Scottish Labour has sent ripples through the party’s left flank. His departure highlights deep frustrations with the leadership, but not all socialists within the party are ready to follow him out the door. Some, like Vince Mills, believe the battle is far from over. A Heavy Loss for the Left Neil Findlay’s exit from Labour on March 19 was more than just a resignation—it was a scathing indictment of the party’s direction. His letter to the leadership lambasted decisions that, in his view, prioritized corporate interests over working-class needs. For many on the left,…

Forest Whitaker’s chilling portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland earned him an Academy Award, but the film’s impact went far beyond individual accolades. With gripping performances from James McAvoy and Kerry Washington, the 2006 war drama remains one of the most intense and harrowing historical films of the 21st century. Now, audiences can relive its brutality on Hulu. A Story of Power, Manipulation, and Fear Bringing to life the chaotic and terrifying reign of Amin, The Last King of Scotland unfolds through the eyes of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a Scottish physician lured…