Dayna Bass

The University of Edinburgh has announced a range of fully funded PhD positions for the academic year 2025, offering exciting research opportunities in fields such as robotics, environmental science, artificial intelligence, and more. With multiple positions available, this initiative provides an incredible chance for candidates holding a Master’s degree to further their academic and professional careers. A Wide Range of Opportunities These PhD programs span various innovative fields, from advanced robotics to environmental science. The University aims to foster the development of cutting-edge research, attracting bright minds ready to dive into crucial global challenges. Students will benefit from a fully…

Amid the hum of modern machinery and automation, the artisans at McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans, East Lothian, uphold centuries-old methods in handcrafting copper stills for whisky distilleries. Here, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, traditional craftsmanship merges with the precision and artistry required to create copper pot stills—a staple in Scotland's famed whisky production. A Symphony of Hammer Strikes Inside McMillan’s fabrication hall, the rhythmic pounding of hammers on copper reverberates throughout. Skilled coppersmiths wield hefty mallets, steel hammers, and metalworking tools, shaping flat sheets of copper into the iconic stills that are indispensable to whisky production. Terms like “planishing” and…

A striking new public art installation has taken center stage outside the Allianz Field stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. The towering steel sculpture, named The Calling, depicts a majestic loon, Minnesota's state bird, frozen mid-call with its wings fully outstretched. Designed by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, who is best known for his iconic Kelpies sculptures in Scotland, this new piece is both a homage to the region’s natural beauty and a bold statement for the local community. The Artist Behind the Sculpture Andy Scott’s name is perhaps most synonymous with the Kelpies—two 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures located in Falkirk, Scotland.…

As global leaders prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, in Azerbaijan, the world faces an escalating climate crisis. This year alone, the Global South has borne the brunt of catastrophic heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires, despite contributing the least to the climate emergency. In the lead-up to COP29, Scotland, which hosted COP26 in 2021, is emphasizing the importance of climate justice as an essential foundation for effective climate finance. At COP26, Scotland became the first country from the Global North to pledge funding specifically aimed at addressing loss and damage — the unavoidable consequences of climate…

In a remarkable rescue operation, a humpback whale trapped in creel lines off the coast of Scotland has been freed, thanks to the quick actions of marine experts. The incident unfolded in Loch Fyne, a sea loch near the Firth of Clyde, where the whale had become entangled in fishing gear. How the Rescue Unfolded The call came in when concerned locals noticed the whale struggling in the waters of Loch Fyne. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), a charity specializing in marine mammal rescue, quickly mobilized to help. Once on the scene, the team confirmed the reports: the whale…

Scotland’s whisky industry, a centuries-old tradition that has shaped both the country’s economy and global culture, is facing an environmental challenge that could change the character of its world-renowned spirit. The question now being raised is: will climate concerns force Scotland to alter the very essence of what makes Scotch whisky unique? The Peat Debate: A Crucial Ingredient The crux of the issue lies in one key ingredient—peat. Peat, a carbon-rich soil found in bogs, is integral to the production of many of Scotland’s most iconic whiskies, particularly those from the island of Islay. Peat is used to dry malted…

South Lanarkshire, Scotland — A potential breakthrough has been made in the search for Eddlewood Castle, a medieval stronghold long lost to history. Volunteers from the Clutha Archaeology Group, in partnership with Archaeology Scotland and the Countryside Ranger Service, have uncovered artifacts that may indicate the location of the castle in Chatelherault Country Park near the town of Hamilton. Key Findings at the Excavation Site The excavation, which took place in the forested area of Chatelherault Country Park, has yielded significant finds. Among the items unearthed were: Cobbled surfaces: Potential evidence of structures or pathways linked to the castle’s layout.…

Air Charter Scotland, based at Perth Scone Airport, has officially retired its last Citation Jet 1, marking the end of an era for the UK-based charter operator. This decision comes after years of managing a fleet of Citation Jet 1s, with the first two retired in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The Final Flight The last Citation Jet 1 in service, registered as G-COBN (msn 525-0429), completed its final flight on October 12, 2024, departing from Cannes Mandelieu and landing at Oxford Kidlington. Following its retirement from Air Charter Scotland, the aircraft has been listed for sale with EliottJets. The six-seater…

Web Desk (November 4, 2024) — Scotland is preparing for a significant weather shift as forecasts indicate heavy snowfall and freezing conditions are on the horizon later this month. Cold air from the Arctic is expected to sweep across the region, beginning on the evening of November 16, 2024. Forecast Details According to multiple weather reports, Scotland will experience its first substantial snowfall of the season as temperatures plummet. The initial impact will be felt in the far north during the early hours of November 17, with various regions expected to see varying levels of snow accumulation. Aberdeenshire: Predicted to…

In an innovative approach to addressing dietary health, a coalition of organizations in Scotland has unveiled DONE Meals, a new range of frozen meals designed to help consumers easily consume five portions of fruits and vegetables in a single serving. This initiative, backed by the Healthier Product Innovation Fund, aims to tackle the challenge of incorporating adequate produce into daily diets—a task that has proven difficult for many. A Fresh Take on Dietary Recommendations The concept behind DONE Meals emerged from the recognition that many individuals struggle to meet the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables daily. While some…