Chris Muir

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has struck a major deal to offload half of its stake in a key Scottish battery project, just months before its massive energy storage system is due to come online. CIP confirmed on April 28 that it will sell 50% of its 500MW Coalburn 1 battery energy storage system (BESS) to AXA IM Alts. The deal will kick in once the site, located in South Lanarkshire, is up and running — which is expected in early 2026. The transaction comes as part of CIP’s broader strategy to rotate capital within its Copenhagen Infrastructure IV fund, while still…

As Police Scotland rolls out body-worn cameras for frontline officers by 2026, a recent review highlights a significant gap in understanding their real-world impact on policing and public trust. The $13 Million Gamble: A New Era for Police Scotland Police Scotland is set to introduce body-worn cameras for all frontline officers by the autumn of 2026, at a steep cost of over £13 million. This move makes Scotland one of the last UK regions to embrace this technology. Although armed officers in Scotland have used the technology since 2021, during the UN climate conference Cop26, the upcoming nationwide deployment is…

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed that a meteorite slammed into northwest Scotland 1 billion years ago — 200 million years later than previously believed — a recalibration that deepens our understanding of life’s early steps onto land. Published today in the journal Geology, the new findings suggest the colossal impact coincided with some of Earth’s earliest non-marine microbial ecosystems, offering fresh insight into how catastrophic space collisions may have influenced biological evolution on our planet. Scotland’s Rocky Time Capsules The dramatic landscape of northwest Scotland, particularly the Torridonian rocks, has long fascinated geologists. These ancient sediments once hosted…

Roy Keane’s move from Manchester United to Celtic remains one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. Yet, in a candid reflection, Keane has admitted that his decision to join Celtic was a "selfish" one, especially considering he had an opportunity to sign for one of the world’s biggest clubs: Real Madrid. The Fallout at Manchester United Keane’s final days at Manchester United were turbulent, marked by a breakdown in his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. For years, Keane had been a key figure at United—leading with his aggressive and demanding style, which became synonymous with Ferguson's pursuit…

Scotland's fight against poverty is at a crossroads. With a renewed focus on addressing child poverty, there's an opportunity to rethink how public services are structured. Can the country break free from the maze of disconnected policies and offer meaningful support for families in need? The Limits of Financial Support As the Scottish Government consults on its next child poverty strategy, there's much to applaud in its focus on increasing incomes and delivering holistic support for families. But while financial support is critical, it’s not the full answer. After decades of experience working alongside people in poverty, the Wise Group…

The pursuit of independence is a tale as old as time. For Wales, it may seem like a distant dream, but the movements of Scotland, Catalonia, and Kurdistan offer valuable lessons. If Wales is serious about independence, the path must be paved with strategy, unity, and hard work—far more than just passion. No Victory Without a National Elite A successful independence movement cannot thrive without the support—or at least the neutrality—of a nation's elite. This reality was evident in Scotland, where business, legal, and cultural leaders helped normalize the idea of independence. Unfortunately, Catalonia and Kurdistan’s struggles stemmed, in part,…

A dramatic shift in the weather is set to hit the UK as snow, heavy rain, and a sudden drop in temperatures are expected to sweep across parts of England and Scotland in early May. Meteorologists are warning the public of potentially hazardous conditions, including freezing temperatures, as the unpredictable weather pattern unfolds. Temperature Drop and Snow Forecasted for Scotland The upcoming change in weather is set to bring a sharp chill, with parts of Scotland bracing for freezing temperatures. Areas like Inverness could see nighttime lows drop as low as -3°C, signaling a sudden and severe cold snap for…

Thousands living with disabling pain conditions feel forgotten as Scotland’s NHS backlog turns deadly—some die before they ever see a specialist. Scotland is facing a quiet emergency. Patients with chronic pain are reporting delays of months—sometimes years—just to get basic treatment. Some are dying in the queue. Others say they’re being slowly stripped of the therapies that once gave them a shot at living normally. And trust in the Scottish Government’s new consultation process is hanging by a thread. “We’ve been warning them for decades” Ask Dorothy-Grace Elder, and she'll tell you straight—this didn’t come out of nowhere. The former…

The Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the most powerful natural phenomena on Earth, lies between the Scottish isles of Jura and Scarba. With its massive currents and eerie roar, it has earned the nickname "the raging cauldron," a fitting title for a whirlpool with such a potent history and folklore. A Fearsome Natural Wonder The Corryvreckan whirlpool is no ordinary body of water. With currents reaching speeds of 8.5 knots, it's considered one of the largest whirlpools in the world. Its roar is so powerful that it can be heard from as far as 10 miles away, sending shivers down the…

A new tartan designed to honor those accused under Scotland’s notorious witchcraft laws is making waves. Named the Witches Tartan, it symbolizes the countless women who faced persecution and execution between 1563 and 1736. The tartan not only marks a painful chapter in Scotland’s history but also represents the ongoing fight for justice and recognition for the victims of these historic trials. A Tribute to the Victims The Witches Tartan was created with deep symbolic intent by Prickly Thistle Scotland, a company known for its creative approach to traditional tartan designs. The design itself incorporates a rich array of colors,…