Chris Muir

Campaigners and experts are calling for stricter environmental scrutiny of large-scale tree-planting projects in Scotland, citing concerns over ecological impacts and sustainability. At the center of the debate is the 700-hectare Stobo plantation near Peebles, where critics argue existing policies fail to adequately assess potential consequences. Calls for Stricter Environmental Impact Assessments Environmental groups and scientists have raised alarms over Scotland’s approach to woodland expansion. According to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), only four conifer plantations in the past eight years have undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), despite significant growth in afforestation projects. The RSE is now pushing…

The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB Scotland) highlights renewed confidence in Scotland’s construction industry. Project starts have increased slightly from the previous quarter, signaling a steady market recovery amid anticipated legal reforms and infrastructure improvements. Government Reforms Provide Clarity The arrival of a new government has injected fresh optimism into the sector. Industry experts are closely watching proposed legal changes and planning reforms, which could streamline development approvals and accelerate stalled projects. A national planning hub set to launch this year aims to: Speed up the approval process for new housing developments.…

An "extreme" wildfire risk warning has been issued for all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) urging the public to exercise caution. The warning comes as temperatures are forecast to climb to 18°C after a prolonged period of dry, sunny weather. Rising Temperatures and Dry Conditions Increase Risk Scotland has experienced a week of unseasonably warm and dry weather, creating conditions that significantly heighten the risk of wildfires. The latest warning follows a "very high" risk alert already in place for central and south-west Scotland. Officials have stressed that even small sparks…

An electrifying showdown between India and Scotland in the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 ended in a dramatic 64-64 draw, putting a stop to India's early dominance in the tournament. The match, held in Wolverhampton, saw both teams refusing to back down, delivering a spectacle for fans worldwide. India Starts Strong but Faces Resilient Scotland India entered the match with confidence after a dominant victory over Italy. They kicked off the game with an early lead, capitalizing on Scotland's defensive gaps. At one point, India surged ahead 12-8 after executing a successful all-out. Scotland, however, was quick to respond. Their defense…

Scottish builders are voicing their expectations for 2025 as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland Board convenes for its first meeting of the year. With workforce challenges and industry conditions at the forefront, the meeting provided a platform for key discussions on the future of construction in Scotland. FMB Scotland Board: Who They Are and What They Do The FMB Scotland Board consists of 13 elected members, each representing building firms from across the country. From Glasgow to Glenrothes, Lerwick to Lewis, members traveled to Stirling for the first in-person gathering of 2025. Led by Scotland President Pam Wilson,…

Right Medicine Pharmacy has named Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as its charity partner for 2025, marking the second consecutive year of collaboration between the two organizations. The independent pharmacy group, which operates 43 locations across Scotland, raised £10,000 for CHSS last year through various fundraising events. This year, it aims to surpass that total with an expanded commitment to charitable initiatives. Continued Support for a Vital Cause Richard Stephenson, director of operations at Right Medicine Pharmacy, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership: “We thought the partnership with CHSS was fantastic last year. We had a brilliant year of raising…

Dumpit Scotland, a leading SEPA-registered waste management company, is expanding its services across Scotland. With over 15 years of experience, the Glasgow-based firm is doubling down on its commitment to efficient, eco-friendly waste disposal. By prioritizing recycling and charitable donations, the company is reducing landfill contributions while serving both residential and commercial clients. A Growing Presence in Scotland For years, Dumpit Scotland has been a trusted name in waste management across several key locations. Customers in Hillhead, Shawlands, Partick, Paisley, East Kilbride, and Cumbernauld have relied on the company for seamless waste removal. Now, with an expanded reach, more communities…

A growing financial squeeze on general practice in parts of Scotland is pushing GPs into private work, overseas opportunities, and even non-medical jobs like Uber driving. The situation has raised alarm among medical leaders who fear the trend could spread nationwide. Locum Opportunities Drying Up Doctors in affected regions report that locum sessions have become almost non-existent due to budget pressures on GP practices. With fewer available shifts, many are being forced to explore alternative sources of income, including working in private healthcare or relocating abroad. One sentence here. A Worrying Trend for Scottish Healthcare The financial strain on GP…

A confident France will host Scotland at the Stade de France on Saturday, knowing that a victory with four tries or more will secure them the Six Nations title. For head coach Fabien Galthie, this match represents a chance to claim his second championship in charge, marking a high point amid an otherwise turbulent tenure. France’s Title Hopes Hang in the Balance Les Bleus are in a strong position, but the margin for error remains slim. Sitting at the top of the standings, they control their own fate, a position Galthie relishes. "It's our supreme objective, it's what we wanted…

BayWa r.e. has submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish government for its proposed 500MW Redshaw battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Lanarkshire. If approved, this would mark the largest project of its kind in the company's UK portfolio, reinforcing Scotland's push toward a net-zero future. Strategic Location and Grid Stability Benefits The proposed Redshaw BESS is set to be located just 3km south of Douglas, adjacent to Scottish Power Transmission’s planned 400kV Redshaw substation. This strategic placement will enable the facility to store surplus renewable energy and release it during peak demand, ensuring greater grid stability and…