Chris Muir

The response to the impending closure of Scotland’s only oil refinery at Grangemouth has been slammed as insufficient, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stating there has been "nowhere near enough progress" in supporting affected workers. The facility, operated by Petroineos, is set to shut down by summer, eliminating over 400 jobs. Political Leaders Voice Concerns Sarwar criticized the UK government’s handling of the situation, insisting that Labour ministers were "looking robustly" at ways to support the site and ensure a just transition for workers. He acknowledged efforts such as Project Willow, a feasibility study aimed at developing new industry…

Scientists in Scotland have devised a groundbreaking method to analyze the intensity and heat of wildfires stretching back millions of years. This new technique could provide critical insights into fire behavior amid worsening climate conditions. Unlocking Fire Histories with Advanced Charcoal Analysis A team of geoscientists from the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with fire engineers from the University of Edinburgh, has pioneered a technique to measure wildfire energy release by analyzing charcoal remains. Their research, published in Scientific Reports, introduces a novel approach using Raman spectroscopy to assess fire intensity in both historical and contemporary settings. The significance of…

A groundbreaking study in Scotland has revealed new insights into historical vitamin D levels using an innovative hair analysis technique. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen examined a 400-year-old hair sample, comparing it with modern samples to better understand seasonal variations in vitamin D intake. The findings could reshape how we interpret past diets, health, and environmental adaptations. Unlocking Secrets from Centuries-Old Hair The research focused on a human hair sample recovered from a burial site in Aberdeen. Scientists employed a cutting-edge method to measure vitamin D levels, revealing seasonal fluctuations similar to those observed in present-day Scots. Vitamin D…

Construction workloads in Scotland remained largely unchanged through the final quarter of 2024, but industry professionals are expressing optimism about the coming year, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor. Workloads Remain Flat Across Key Sectors A net balance of -3% of Scottish survey respondents reported a fall in construction workloads. While infrastructure and private industrial projects saw marginal growth, private commercial workloads remained stagnant. The rest of the sub-sectors registered declines: Public housing: -22% Private housing: -4% Other public works: -15% Despite these figures, sentiment is shifting. A net balance of 23% of Scottish…

In her recent article for The Scotsman, Kelly Hardman, Director, explores the critical role of immigration in shaping Scotland’s future economic landscape. With the country facing a projected population increase, Hardman argues that a well-thought-out immigration strategy is essential to managing the expected changes and ensuring continued economic growth. Addressing Skills Shortages and an Aging Population Scotland, like many developed nations, grapples with an aging population and significant skills shortages across various sectors. Hardman emphasizes that without a steady influx of skilled workers, key industries may struggle to maintain growth. She advocates for immigration reform that can attract global talent,…

The site of a former BT data center in Glasgow, Scotland, is set to undergo a significant transformation with plans for a new residential-led mixed-use development. The final proposals have been submitted for the land at 145 Elliot Street, a location that has seen a history of telecommunications use and is now poised to cater to a variety of urban needs. A Vision for a Revitalized Area The former data center building, which has already been demolished, is part of the Lancefield Quay area, a section of Glasgow that is undergoing significant regeneration. The plot, described as a vacant brownfield…

The Scottish Greens have hailed their role in negotiating a transformative budget that promises significant improvements for both people and the planet. Thanks to their tireless efforts, vital investments have been secured in climate action, public services, and child poverty reduction, marking a major step forward in tackling Scotland’s most pressing challenges. Key Wins for the Green Party The Scottish Greens' negotiations have secured numerous significant gains for the country, including: Climate Action: A record level of investment to tackle the climate crisis, ensuring Scotland remains on track for its environmental commitments. Public Services: Additional funding for local services, including…

Scotland’s universities have long been recognized for their outstanding contributions to education, culture, and society. From the historic institutions that have stood for centuries to the modern universities that shape future leaders, Scotland's higher education scene is nothing short of magnificent. A Personal Journey of Transformation Reflecting on his own transformative experience, Martin Roche recounts his journey to Aberdeen University, which began 46 years ago. At 26, after missing out on higher education earlier in life, Roche ventured from his hometown in west central Scotland to study politics and international relations at the University of Aberdeen. Founded in 1495, the…

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has been forced to clarify the Scottish government’s position on domestic cat ownership after widespread online misinformation led to public outrage. Speculation about a potential national ban on cats followed media coverage of a report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC), which proposed new guidelines for responsible cat ownership, particularly in areas sensitive to wildlife conservation. The Misinformation About a Cat Ban The initial report, which was published last Monday, recommended that the government consider various measures to address the environmental impact of domestic cats. Among the proposals was the idea of "containing" cats…