Chris Muir

The release of hundreds of prisoners in Scotland is underway as part of a new attempt to ease the strain on overcrowded jails, but the move is generating mixed reactions from all sides. Emergency Legislation Passes Amid Prison Overcrowding Scotland's prisons are facing an unprecedented crisis, with the population surpassing the target operating capacity of 8,007 by reaching 8,344 inmates by the end of last week. In response, the Scottish government has passed emergency legislation that allows prisoners sentenced to less than four years to be released after serving just 40% of their sentence, instead of the usual 50%. This…

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled a massive new digital archive, trove.scot, offering public access to over three million records that paint a vivid picture of Scotland’s past. The platform consolidates decades of historical data, images, videos, and more, making it easier than ever to explore the country’s rich heritage in one place. A Unified Digital Archive for Scotland’s History For the first time, Scotland’s vast historical records have been brought together under one roof. Trove.scot merges multiple HES collections, spanning archaeology, built heritage, designation records, and educational resources. Whether it’s ancient standing stones or contemporary urban landscapes, the site…

“Mere Husband Ki Biwi” is set to be more than just a captivating storyline; it promises to be a visual delight, drawing audiences into a world that spans from the vibrant streets of Delhi and Mumbai to the serene beauty of Haridwar and the majestic landscapes of Scotland. A Journey Across Diverse Locations The film seamlessly blends the charm of Indian locales with the allure of international settings, offering a cinematic experience that is as much about the visual journey as it is about the narrative. From the bustling, colorful streets of Delhi and Mumbai to the spiritual calm of…

A gripping new true crime documentary is on its way. BBC Scotland has officially commissioned The Hunt for Peter Tobin, a two-part series exploring the chilling case of one of the UK’s most notorious serial killers. The show will take an in-depth look at how three missing persons cases, spanning over three decades, ultimately led to Tobin’s capture. A Haunting Investigation Unfolds The series, produced by Firecrest Films, marks the third installment in the critically acclaimed The Hunt for… franchise, following The Hunt for Bible John and The Hunt for the World’s End Killers. Both previous series were widely praised…

The Scottish Government has committed to implementing 44 recommendations aimed at addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the nursing and midwifery workforce. These proposals, outlined in the final report of the Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, focus on improving staffing conditions, career progression, and workplace flexibility. Key Areas of Reform Identified The taskforce’s recommendations span eight broad categories, each addressing critical issues affecting nursing and midwifery staff. From work-life balance to career development, the report provides a framework for meaningful change. Safe staffing levels to ensure breaks and manageable workloads. Flexible working policies to accommodate diverse needs. Education reforms, including…

Ithaca College students have a chance to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Edinburgh, Scotland, this coming August. The short-term study abroad program, organized by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, is open to students from all disciplines. Applications are due by February 15, making this an exciting yet time-sensitive opportunity. Edinburgh in August: A Cultural Extravaganza August is the peak of festival season in Edinburgh, offering an unmatched cultural experience. The world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival brings exceptional theatre, opera, dance, and music performances to the city. But it's not just about the official festival—Edinburgh’s famed Fringe Festival started…

A major step forward for political transparency has arrived in Scotland. Open Access, a web platform dedicated to tracking UK ministerial meetings and lobbying interactions, has now expanded to include Scottish lobbying data. The update, supported by the Waverley Street Foundation, marks a significant shift in how political influence is monitored across Britain. The expansion was officially unveiled at The Gathering, an annual event hosted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in Edinburgh. Transparency advocates, including investigative news outlet The Ferret and environmental justice campaigners from Friends of the Earth Scotland, participated in a panel discussion highlighting the…

Canadian astronaut and author Chris Hadfield has described Scotland’s growing space sector as both “exciting” and “inspiring.” As the nation prepares for its first vertical launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst later this year, Hadfield emphasized the importance of independent satellite launch capabilities. Scotland’s Space Ambitions Gain Momentum Scotland’s space industry has been expanding rapidly, with SaxaVord Spaceport leading the charge. Located in the Shetland Islands, the facility is gearing up for a historic moment with German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) set to conduct a test flight from the site in July. Hadfield, speaking to STV’s Scotland Tonight…

A new report has sparked optimism in Scotland’s renewable energy sector, highlighting a potential $10 billion boost from wave and tidal power by 2050. Industry leaders are embracing the findings, which point to thousands of jobs and substantial economic growth tied to marine energy. A Bold Vision for Scotland’s Marine Energy A study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) subsidiary Wave Energy Scotland (WES) and Scottish Enterprise, and conducted by the University of Edinburgh’s Policy and Innovation Group, projects that Scotland could develop up to 8.8 GW of marine energy capacity within the next 25 years. The report envisions…