Chris Muir

In an exclusive interview, Katie Milligan, Chief Commercial Officer and Scotland Board Chair at Openreach, discusses the importance of fibre broadband for Scotland's future. She outlines the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025, stressing how fibre can drive a significant economic boost, despite competition from newer technologies like Starlink. Full Fibre: A Key Driver for Scotland’s Digital Economy "I make no secret of the fact fibre cables in the ground can be a tougher 'sell' than rockets and satellites," says Katie Milligan, acknowledging that technologies like Starlink may capture more headlines. "But what fibre enables is 100 percent essential to…

Lee Jack, a former prisoner, is experiencing his first festive season at home in years, all thanks to an opportunity that helped him rebuild his life and earn his freedom. After serving time for his involvement in drugs and organised crime, Jack was granted parole earlier this month, marking a significant turning point in his life. A New Beginning at Rascals Café Before his release, Jack worked at Rascals Café in Perth, a social enterprise dedicated to helping individuals with troubled pasts reintegrate into society. The café provides a unique opportunity for those who have struggled with the justice system,…

The debate over assisted dying, often referred to as assisted suicide, has reached a critical juncture in Scotland and Westminster as legislative proposals undergo scrutiny. With emotions running high on both sides, the intervention by Rt Rev Dr. Shaw James Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, offers a timely reminder of the importance of respectful discourse. A Measured Approach In an interview with The Scotsman, Dr. Paterson emphasized the deeply personal nature of the issue. He acknowledged the pain and discomfort often associated with end-of-life experiences, which shape many individuals’ views. “It’s OK to have…

This Christmas marked an extraordinary milestone as Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced their mildest Christmas morning on record. The unseasonably warm temperatures provided a stark contrast to traditional festive expectations, with no snow in sight. Record-Breaking Temperatures According to the Met Office, Kinloss in Moray recorded 11.9°C on Christmas morning, the highest temperature in Scotland for the day. Meanwhile, Killowen in County Down, Northern Ireland, saw temperatures peak at 11°C. Dyce in Aberdeen reported a daytime high of 14.2°C, further emphasizing the unusually warm conditions. Expert Analysis Meteorologist Kathryn Chalk described the day as "mild and cloudy," with occasional sunny…

Scotland’s bid to appoint its first Patient Safety Commissioner has hit another roadblock, as efforts to fill the £89,685-a-year post have failed for a second time. The position, established following legislation passed by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in September 2023, remains unoccupied despite two recruitment rounds. Failed Recruitment Attempts The initial search in April 2024 concluded without a suitable candidate being identified. A subsequent round in November did result in a preferred candidate, but the individual ultimately declined the offer. More than 20 applicants have expressed interest in the role across the two recruitment phases. However, the challenges…

West of Scotland FC, founded in 1865, is a historic rugby club that helped establish the Scottish Rugby Union in 1874. Today, the club faces a unique challenge in the football-dominated West of Scotland region, where rugby requires continuous effort to stay relevant and grow. Despite not being the dominant force in senior rugby that it once was, West of Scotland FC is on a mission to rebuild itself by focusing on youth development and promoting the sport from the grassroots level. From History to Youth Development Though the club has experienced a shift from its former glory days, when…

A tragic crash near Fife Airport has claimed the life of a 50-year-old pilot, who died at the scene after his light aircraft crashed into a field. The incident, which occurred just before 11:40 on December 23, is under investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Emergency Response and Immediate Actions The crash, which took place near Kinglassie, sent shockwaves through the local community. Authorities responded quickly, with a rescue helicopter and several specialist units from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) dispatched to the scene. The SFRS confirmed the call came in at 11:38 AM, and they…

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Scotland, where researchers uncovered a fragment of “lost” music embedded in the pages of the country’s first full-length printed book. This 500-year-old musical score is shedding light on the sounds of pre-Reformation Scotland and providing new insights into the country’s rich religious and musical traditions. A Rare Find in The Aberdeen Breviary The discovery was made in The Aberdeen Breviary, a book first printed in 1510. This book, a collection of hymns, psalms, prayers, and saintly biographies, was used for daily worship in Scotland. The music fragment was found in a copy of…

Scotland’s rural areas have always been home to a wide variety of bird species, and 2024 has proven no different. A recent charity-led survey has revealed the top five most commonly spotted birds on Scotland’s farms, giving a snapshot of the state of our countryside’s birdlife. The 2024 Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), led by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), gathered data from 1,721 surveys across the UK. This unique citizen science project is the only UK-wide initiative of its kind, engaging land managers in monitoring the state of farmland birds. The results have brought both celebration and…