News

Beam Me Up, Scotland: Cosmic Art Breathes New Life into Former Coal Mine

Beam Me Up, Scotland: Cosmic Art Breathes New Life into Former Coal Mine

Ten years on, Charles Jencks’ Crawick Multiverse turns an industrial scar in Dumfries and Galloway into a living monument to space, science, and community In the rolling hills of southern Scotland, between the towns of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel, an unlikely portal to the cosmos winds through the Earth. Here, spiralling mounds represent galaxies, standing stones echo the building blocks of the universe, and families picnic beneath a sun that warms what was once the cold, barren bed of a depleted open-cast coal mine. This is the Crawick Multiverse, the late Charles Jencks’ final and perhaps most ambitious land art installation.…
Read More
Maeda Crowned Scotland’s Best as McGlynn Makes History in PFA Awards Sweep

Maeda Crowned Scotland’s Best as McGlynn Makes History in PFA Awards Sweep

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has been named PFA Scotland Player of the Year, while Falkirk boss John McGlynn made history by claiming his third Manager of the Year title, capping off a season marked by both dominance and redemption. The annual awards, voted on by players across all four SPFL divisions, further entrenched Celtic's grip on individual honors, even as managerial acclaim stretched beyond the Premiership. Celtic's Reliable Engine Gets His Due Maeda, 27, has been a relentless force in Brendan Rodgers’ frontline this season. The Japanese international’s numbers—33 goals and 12 assists—made his selection a near inevitability, confirming his…
Read More
‘Rent Cap Consultation Highlights Confused Policy in Scotland’

‘Rent Cap Consultation Highlights Confused Policy in Scotland’

A recent consultation on rent cap exemptions by the Scottish Government has been met with criticism from property experts, including David Alexander, CEO of property firm DJ Alexander Ltd. The consultation is seen as a sign of confusion and flawed policy, with concerns about its potential to exacerbate issues in the private rented sector. A Confused Approach to Rent Caps The Scottish Government's consultation aims to address growing concerns about rent controls, yet DJ Alexander warns that it will only deepen the confusion. The consultation explores potential exemptions to the rent caps, allowing landlords to increase rents under specific conditions—such…
Read More
Billion-Year-Old Impact in Scotland Sparks Questions About Life on Land

Billion-Year-Old Impact in Scotland Sparks Questions About Life on Land

A new discovery by researchers at the University of St Andrews has revealed that a meteorite strike in northwestern Scotland occurred 200 million years later than previously thought, changing the way scientists view the planet’s ancient geological history and its impact on the evolution of life on Earth. A Meteorite Strike 990 Million Years Ago For decades, it was believed that a significant meteorite impact, which formed the Stac Fada Member—a crucial layer of rock in Scotland—occurred about 1.2 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests the impact actually took place 990 million years ago, not only rewriting Scotland's…
Read More
Key Stakeholders Unite to Drive Growth in Scotland’s Agri-Food Sector

Key Stakeholders Unite to Drive Growth in Scotland’s Agri-Food Sector

Scotland’s agriculture and food sectors are taking a united approach to address the barriers limiting growth in the agri-food supply chain, with key stakeholders meeting to discuss policy solutions. The roundtable, held in Edinburgh on April 30, 2025, gathered sector experts and government officials to explore ways to boost economic growth and ensure the sustainability of the industry. Tackling the Pressing Issues in Agriculture The roundtable, led by UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill, brought together industry leaders and government representatives from both the UK and Scottish Governments. Minister McNeill was joined by representatives from the Department for Environment,…
Read More
Rising Temperatures Lead to Mosquito Spread Across Scotland

Rising Temperatures Lead to Mosquito Spread Across Scotland

As temperatures climb across the UK, Scotland is seeing a rise in mosquito populations, with some species now reaching as far north as Shetland. Once a climate more familiar with midges, Scotland is now grappling with the spread of mosquitoes due to the changing climate. Mosquitoes Reach Unlikely Northern Territories For many, Scotland’s summer is synonymous with the notorious midge, a tiny, biting insect that invades vulnerable skin, especially in the Highlands. However, the rise in temperatures is now bringing an unexpected guest to the northern reaches of the British Isles: mosquitoes. Twenty-one species have been identified across the country,…
Read More
Subsea Micropiles Installs Groundbreaking Micropile Anchor for Offshore Wind in Scotland

Subsea Micropiles Installs Groundbreaking Micropile Anchor for Offshore Wind in Scotland

Subsea Micropiles has made a significant leap in offshore wind technology by installing its innovative micropile anchor solution for Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA) in Scotland. This major milestone marks a significant advancement in the development of offshore wind infrastructure, combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. Revolutionizing Offshore Wind Foundations Micropiling technology, once primarily used in land-based applications, has now been adapted for offshore use, offering an innovative solution for both floating and bottom-fixed offshore wind projects. Subsea Micropiles’ new anchor design promises to be a game-changer in the offshore wind industry, with the potential to make large construction jobs more…
Read More
Screen Scotland Relaunches £1m Post-Production Fund to Boost Scottish Film Industry

Screen Scotland Relaunches £1m Post-Production Fund to Boost Scottish Film Industry

Screen Scotland is giving the Scottish film industry a major boost by reintroducing The Project Post Fund, a £1 million incentive designed to attract large-scale post-production projects to the country. This fund is set to support the growing demand for high-quality film, TV, and VFX work in Scotland, aiming to enhance the region’s reputation as a hub for top-tier media production. A Boost for the Scottish Film Industry The Project Post Fund is poised to drive significant economic growth in Scotland’s creative sector. With up to £100,000 in grants available for post-production work, this fund is targeting high-profile film and…
Read More
Rural Scotland and Defra Get Connectivity Boosts

Rural Scotland and Defra Get Connectivity Boosts

Homes and businesses in rural Scotland are set to experience a digital renaissance, with significant investments in broadband and mobile connectivity. Thanks to a new government initiative, these communities, often left behind by traditional internet infrastructure, are finally getting the high-speed access they need. Major Broadband Investment for Rural Scotland A monumental £157 million contract with Openreach, the former BT business, aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to 65,000 homes and businesses across rural Scotland. This part of the Project Gigabit programme will transform connectivity in even the most remote regions of the country, including the islands and the rugged highlands.…
Read More
Scotland’s Outdated Land Laws Threaten the Future of Rural Towns

Scotland’s Outdated Land Laws Threaten the Future of Rural Towns

In the picturesque Scottish Highlands, small communities like Applecross are facing a looming crisis. The region’s outdated land laws are stifling growth and making it difficult for rural towns to thrive. Applecross, with its stunning vistas and historic charm, is slowly watching its residents leave, not because they want to, but because the land they need to build homes on is inaccessible. The Struggles of Applecross Applecross, located in the heart of the Highlands, is a place steeped in history. The famous Bealach na Bà road, with its dramatic hairpin bends, leads drivers down to the small, sleepy community. The…
Read More