Chris Muir

A Scottish musician is proving that bagpipes are more than just a relic of tradition. Anna Smart, a 24-year-old music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, is reimagining the instrument for modern audiences. A Childhood Passion Turned Global Phenomenon Originally from Fife, Smart first picked up the bagpipes at the age of six. What started as a childhood hobby quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Now, she is a key member of the Rollin' Drones, a bagpipe pop group that blends Scotland’s iconic instrument with contemporary music. Performing Across the World Smart’s musical journey has taken her…

As countries roll out their tax reforms for 2025, it’s interesting to see how India’s income tax rates stack up against those of other developed nations. With debates around tax fairness and the economic impact of such rates heating up, here's a look at the highest tax rates on personal income around the globe. US vs. India: Comparing Tax Brackets In the United States, the federal tax system is progressive, with the maximum rate of 37% levied on earnings above $609,000 (around ₹5.3 crore). The rates vary depending on income, with lower earners paying significantly less. For instance, those with…

A recent analysis from the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor has highlighted the significant economic impact Brexit trade barriers could have on Scotland, estimating a potential cost of £4 billion to the country's economy. This analysis, focusing on trade reductions alone, does not account for broader changes in productivity, investment, or migration. Trade Losses in Key Sectors The report from the Trade Modelling Report outlines how Scottish exports could experience a 7.2% reduction, equating to a loss of £3 billion compared to what might have been expected had Scotland remained part of the European Union (EU). Several key sectors…

Scotland is placing a significant bet on the future of renewable energy by investing in a £2 billion subsea cable factory, located in North Ayrshire. This project, set to begin construction on the site of a former coal-handling port, is a critical part of the country’s strategy to foster economic growth through the transition to net-zero energy. The factory will produce high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables that are crucial for transmitting renewable energy, and its success could shape Scotland's position in the global renewable energy supply chain. Regeneration and Jobs in Deprived Areas The factory, developed by manufacturing start-up XLCC,…

Scotland’s public finance watchdog, the Accounts Commission, has raised alarm over the growing financial pressures on local councils, urging them to accelerate reforms to avoid unsustainable losses. Financial Strain on Local Authorities In its latest report for the 2023-24 financial year, the Accounts Commission revealed that councils were facing a £759 million budget gap due to a real-terms decrease in revenue funding from the Scottish government. This shortfall is putting immense strain on local authorities, which are increasingly relying on reserves to meet their budgets and deliver essential public services. According to the report, a 3.3% reduction in total revenue…

Glenmorangie, the renowned Highland single malt Scotch whisky brand, has unveiled a captivating global campaign titled ‘Once Upon a Time in Scotland,’ featuring the iconic Harrison Ford. Directed by Joel Edgerton, the campaign is a cinematic exploration of Scotland's rich whisky-making traditions, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at Glenmorangie’s distillery in the northeast Highlands. The Campaign's Concept The ‘Once Upon a Time in Scotland’ campaign consists of a series of episodic films that delve deep into the art of whisky production. Throughout these films, Ford immerses himself in Scottish culture, learning about local pronunciation, the etiquettes surrounding kilts, and the…

A journey through the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park reveals some of the country’s most dramatic winter landscapes. Emma Gibbs and her friend Anna embarked on an unforgettable road trip in a red campervan, aptly named Rowan, through the snow-covered mountains, frosty trails, and charming villages of the Cairngorms. From snowy mountains to magical ziplining experiences, here's a look at their epic winter adventure. A Scenic Journey Through the Cairngorms The Cairngorms National Park, covering an impressive 1,748 square miles, is the largest national park in the UK, stretching from Perthshire in the south to Moray in the north.…

In a bold move to help communities better prepare for flooding, Scotland is introducing a new initiative aimed at improving property-level flood resilience. Flood Re, in partnership with the Scottish Flood Forum, will unveil a new mobile resource called the Flood Bus, which will travel across the country to educate residents, professionals, and communities at risk about flood resilience measures. A New Approach to Flood Preparedness The Flood Bus, named Flo, is a specially designed vehicle that will serve as a hands-on demonstration of Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures and Build Back Better (BBB) repairs. Flo will be officially launched…

Jack Mann’s journey to earning his first call-up to the Scotland rugby squad is a testament to resilience, as he emerges from a challenging period marked by two years of injury setbacks. The Glasgow back-row player has faced an uphill battle to return to top form, but his perseverance has paid off with a spot in Scotland's Six Nations squad. A Difficult Road Back Mann’s road to redemption began in December 2022 when he made his debut for Glasgow Warriors against Bath in the Challenge Cup. However, a series of injuries derailed his career, and he was sidelined until November…

Scotland's landscapes are endlessly captivating, offering a mix of rugged coastlines, tranquil lochs, and iconic landmarks. Between January 17 and 24, locals and visitors alike sent in breathtaking photographs, showcasing the raw beauty of the country. Here’s a look at some of the stunning shots that captured the essence of Scotland during these winter days. A Winter Sunset Over Stromness, Orkney Sophie Blanchard’s stunning photograph from Stromness, Orkney, paints a vivid picture of Scotland's winter magic. The image features three horses grazing calmly in a field as the orange hues of a sunset light up the sky. One horse, with…