Chris Muir

Beavers from Scotland have been released into the wild in England for the first time under new regulations introduced last week. Conservationists hope their return will boost biodiversity, while some farmers remain skeptical about potential damage to farmland. Beavers Make a Comeback in England A group of beavers was released along a riverbank in Dorset, marking a historic moment for wildlife restoration efforts in the country. These animals, captured from Scotland, were relocated under newly relaxed rules designed to reintroduce species that once thrived in England's waterways. The project, backed by environmental groups, aims to restore the beaver population and…

Scotland is advancing its push for marine renewables with a groundbreaking wave energy cluster concept. Wave Energy Scotland (WES) has introduced a design for a multi-megawatt cluster of wave energy converters (WECs), aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce offshore energy costs. A New Approach to Wave Energy Deployment The WES proposal focuses on clustering multiple WECs into a single moored and electrically connected unit. This setup could optimize offshore energy generation by improving capacity density, minimizing infrastructure needs, and streamlining operations. According to WES, key benefits include: Fewer moorings and shorter tethers, reducing environmental impact Decreased dynamic cabling, cutting down…

Standing in the heart of Lower Largo, a quaint Scottish seaside village, a weathered plaque catches the eye. Above it, a lone figure is carved in stone—one hand shielding his gaze, the other clutching a staff. Dressed in tattered rags, a flintlock pistol tucked in his belt, he stares out to sea. This is Alexander Selkirk, the mariner who inspired Daniel Defoe’s famous castaway, Robinson Crusoe. A Walk Through Literary History Selkirk was born here in 1676, and his remarkable survival story became the foundation for one of the most celebrated novels in English literature. The Fife Coastal Path, a…

The haunting wail of keening, an ancient Irish vocal tradition once nearly silenced, is finding new life. Singer Rose Connolly is reshaping the practice, blending it with synthesisers, distortion, and drone sounds, creating an auditory bridge between past and present. The Ancient Art of Keening For centuries, keening was an integral part of Irish mourning rituals. Women, known as keeners, would sing over the dead, their voices carrying raw grief in unstructured melodies. But by the early 20th century, the Catholic Church had largely suppressed the tradition, considering it too pagan, too unruly. Now, Connolly is not just reviving keening—she’s…

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its findings on the fatal capsizing of the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose in Scotland. The report highlights critical safety risks tied to single-handed fishing operations, urging greater caution in the industry. Tragedy at Sea: The Lexi Rose Capsizing On September 21, 2023, at approximately 11:09 AM local time, the Lexi Rose ran aground near Melrose Point, northeastern Scotland. The vessel lost propulsion, capsized in shallow waters, and left its lone skipper fighting for survival. Despite efforts to escape, the fisherman sustained a head injury and drowned. The incident underscores the…

A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being struck by a car in Glasgow. The accident occurred on Tantallon Road in the Shawlands area around 9:00 AM, involving a BMW X1. Emergency services quickly arrived, and the child was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children, where she remains in critical condition. Police Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage Investigators are piecing together the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officers are urging anyone who may have seen what happened to come forward. Sgt Ally Wright emphasized the importance of eyewitness accounts. "We are keen to speak to any drivers…

US President Donald Trump has been invited to meet King Charles in Scotland to discuss the possibility of an unprecedented second state visit to the UK. The invitation, delivered personally by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his trip to the White House, suggests a meeting at either Dumfries House or Balmoral Castle. If Trump accepts, it would mark his first visit to Scotland since 2023. A Rare Offer from the British Monarch Traditionally, US presidents serving a second term do not receive a full state visit. Instead, they are typically invited for a more modest meeting at Windsor…

A major offshore wind project is one step closer to reality as Vargronn and Flotation Energy apply for a marine licence. The 1.35 GW Cenos floating wind farm could bring a significant boost to Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Large-Scale Floating Wind Development Moves Forward Norwegian offshore wind company Vargronn and Scotland-based Flotation Energy have officially submitted a marine licence application for the construction of the Cenos floating wind farm. The request, filed with the Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT), marks a critical milestone for the ambitious renewable energy project. The Cenos wind farm is expected to feature up…

For five years, the congregation of Scotland AME Zion Church found themselves worshipping in a dance studio, two different churches, and even their own parking lot. A powerful flood had lifted the historic building off its foundation, but the spirit of the community remained unshaken. Now, after a multimillion-dollar effort, the church is ready to welcome its members home. A Historic Landmark Restored The Scotland AME Zion Church is more than just a place of worship—it is a symbol of resilience. Built by hand by formerly enslaved individuals, the church has stood for nearly a century as a pillar in…

The mystery surrounding the tragic disappearance of twin sisters in Aberdeen has come to a somber conclusion, as official reports confirm the cause of death. Drowning Confirmed as Cause of Death Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, both 32 and originally from Hungary, were found in the River Dee weeks after they vanished. Their death certificates officially list drowning as the sole cause of death, and authorities have reiterated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the case. The confirmation, learned by BBC Scotland News, closes a chapter on a case that gripped the local community and sparked an extensive search operation…