Chris Muir

The Scottish Medicines Consortium made a key decision on November 10, 2025, to approve mercaptamine, sold as Procysbi, for treating cystinosis in Scotland. This rare genetic disorder affects about one in every 100,000 to 200,000 newborns, and the new option gives patients their first real choice in managing it. Cystinosis leads to harmful crystal buildup in the body, starting in the kidneys and eyes before spreading to other organs. Families have long pushed for better treatments, and this approval comes after years of effort by patient groups and experts. Understanding Cystinosis and Its Challenges Cystinosis is a tough condition caused…

Scotland's Finance Secretary Shona Robison has warned that she might need to rethink a key promise not to increase income tax rates before the next Holyrood election in 2026. This comes as she braces for a potential one billion pound shortfall in funding from the UK government due to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decisions in the upcoming Budget on November 26, 2025. Robison described the scenario as a nightmare for Scottish finances, where changes to UK wide taxes could hit devolved budgets hard. She has called for an urgent meeting with UK officials to clarify the impacts and protect Scotland's public…

In 1975, a country diary highlighted how the new Aviemore Centre's concrete buildings clashed with the stunning Highland landscape near Cairn Gorm. Fifty years later, in 2025, Aviemore has grown into a key tourism spot in the Cairngorms National Park while facing calls for better balance between visitors and nature. Roots of the Aviemore Centre The Aviemore Centre opened in the late 1960s as Scotland's first all-weather resort. Developers aimed to draw families with features like hotels, an ice rink, a dry ski slope, and even a cinema. This bold project turned a quiet village into a busy hub for…

Police in Fife stopped a major threat to public safety by seizing a tonne of fireworks worth 42,000 pounds just days before Bonfire Night on November 5. The haul, with 163 kilograms of explosive material, came from a van in Rosyth during an intelligence led operation to curb planned disorder in nearby Edinburgh. Details of the Major Seizure Officers acted swiftly on Monday when they pulled over the vehicle based on tips from detectives. The fireworks included rockets and bangers set for distribution across the capital to fuel violence during the holiday celebrations. This recovery marks a key win in…

A dead red squirrel discovered in a Kirkbean garden has raised alarms over a possible squirrel pox infection on Scotlands Solway Coast. Experts from Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels group confirmed they sent the remains for testing on October 30, 2025, as the deadly virus threatens local populations. Understanding Squirrel Pox Virus Squirrel pox spreads easily among wildlife and poses a major risk to Scotlands native red squirrels. Grey squirrels often carry the virus without harm, but it proves fatal for reds, leading to quick declines in affected areas. The disease first appeared in Scotland back in 2007 near Lockerbie, marking…

Halloween 2025 falls on a Friday, drawing thrill seekers worldwide to spots rich in ghost stories and eerie vibes. These eight haunted destinations offer chills from ancient castles to forgotten islands, perfect for those chasing supernatural adventures this spooky season. Europe's Timeless Castles of Spirits Europe holds some of the oldest haunted sites, where history and hauntings blend in grand stone walls. Visitors flock here for guided tours that mix facts with folklore, especially as Halloween ramps up the atmosphere. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland tops many lists for its bloody past of battles and executions. Guards and guests report seeing…

Susan Smith, a key figure in the women's rights group For Women Scotland, faces a police recorded warning after an alleged umbrella damage during a rally outside the Scottish Parliament. The incident on September 4, 2025, at Holyrood sparked a confrontation with a counter protester and has now drawn sharp criticism toward Police Scotland's handling of the event. The Holyrood Protest and Umbrella Confrontation The rally, called Women Wont Wait, brought together supporters urging the Scottish Government to speed up changes based on a recent Supreme Court decision about gender definitions. Dozens gathered to voice concerns over delays in protecting…

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, will dazzle viewers in 2025 thanks to the sun's solar maximum, which boosts displays across the Arctic. Travelers seeking this bucket list sight should head to spots under the auroral oval from late September to early April, where dark skies and clear weather offer the best chances. This year marks a peak in solar activity, making sightings more frequent and vivid than in recent cycles. Experts predict stronger shows due to increased coronal mass ejections, drawing crowds to northern destinations worldwide. Why 2025 Stands Out for Aurora Chasing Solar cycles run about 11 years,…

The Paisley Halloween Festival 2025 lit up the streets of Paisley, Scotland, on October 24 and 25, drawing over 45,000 visitors for a mix of spooky parades, fun rides, and family activities. This free event, organized by Renfrewshire Council and partners like Cirque Bijou, celebrated its 10th year by blending Halloween thrills with local culture, giving a big lift to tourism in the area. The Grand Parade Captivates Thousands The star of the show was the evening parade at 7 p.m. each night, featuring more than 400 performers from professional groups and community teams. Crowds lined the streets to watch…

A powerful winter storm will strike Scotland on November 13, bringing heavy snow and freezing temperatures that could disrupt daily life across the northern UK. This event, driven by cold Arctic air, threatens areas like Inverness and Aberdeen with up to 3 centimeters of snow per hour, while northern England faces lighter flurries. Snowstorm Targets Northern Scotland Weather models show the storm arriving between midnight and 6 AM on November 13. Snow will fall heavily in key spots such as Inverness, Wick, and Aberdeen, with rates reaching 3 cm per hour. Accumulation could hit 3 to 4 cm in these…