News

Flu hospital admissions in Scotland have seen a notable drop of 36% in the past week, according to new figures released by Public Health Scotland (PHS). The decline follows a surge of flu cases over the festive period, signaling a shift in the trajectory of the season. A Significant Decline in Hospital Admissions The latest data from PHS revealed that 1,021 people were admitted to hospitals across Scotland with flu in the first week of January, a marked decrease from 1,596 the week prior. This drop comes after a particularly challenging holiday season, when the NHS was under significant pressure…

In a dramatic turn of events, two lynx that were illegally released into the wild in the Scottish Highlands have been successfully captured. The footage of their capture has been widely shared, offering a rare glimpse into the efforts made to ensure the animals' safe retrieval. The Lynx's Unexpected Appearance The alarm was raised on Wednesday afternoon when two lynx were spotted near Kingussie, specifically in the Drumguish area, around 16:20. Their sudden appearance in the area sparked concern among local authorities and wildlife experts, especially as these animals are not native to the wilds of Scotland. The lynx, which…

The Thistle in Glasgow is set to become a groundbreaking facility as the UK's first-ever legal drug consumption room opens its doors. After years of debate and legal challenges, the center is now ready to welcome its first clients, providing a safe space for drug use under medical supervision. A Major Milestone in Drug Policy For nearly a decade, the idea of creating a legally sanctioned space for people to use illicit drugs under supervision has been a contentious issue in the UK. But now, the Thistle has finally been approved and is ready to operate, marking a significant shift…

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a new corruption case against Karti Chidambaram, Congress Member of Parliament and son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, over alleged bribery involving alcoholic beverage giant Diageo Scotland. The case stems from accusations that Karti provided favorable treatment to the company in exchange for financial transfers. Background and Allegations The investigation dates back to 2018, when the CBI initiated a Preliminary Inquiry (PE) into the matter. The inquiry involved Karti Chidambaram’s company, Advantage Strategic Private Limited (ASPL), which is reportedly controlled by Karti and his close associate S Bhaskararaman. Diageo Scotland, along…

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted the need for closer cooperation between India and Scotland in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and women’s empowerment during his recent visit to Scotland. His visit, part of a broader trip to the United Kingdom, also included discussions with key political leaders and a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in London. AI and Technology Collaboration for Parliamentary Productivity During his meeting with Scotland's First Minister, Rt. Hon’ble John Swinney, Shri Birla discussed how India’s Parliament has effectively utilized AI to enhance legislative productivity. He proposed that both India and Scotland exchange knowledge and…

Lloyds Banking Group has revealed a new initiative allowing customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland to access services at any branch of the three brands. The move aims to provide greater flexibility to customers, but has sparked concerns about potential future branch closures, especially as the trend toward online banking continues. New Network Shake-Up to Provide More Options for Customers As part of an ongoing restructuring effort, Lloyds Banking Group has announced that customers will soon be able to visit branches of any of the three banks—Lloyds, Halifax, or Bank of Scotland—offering them more choice when accessing in-person…

A severe weather warning has led to the closure of hundreds of schools in northern Scotland as snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to grip the region. The Met Office has issued multiple alerts for snow, ice, and bitterly cold conditions, affecting daily life and prompting school shutdowns. Northern Scotland Faces Extreme Weather Conditions As the snowstorm intensifies, the Met Office has warned that snowfall could accumulate up to 10 cm in higher regions of northern Scotland. This harsh weather is expected to persist through Thursday, and the warning has now been extended until Friday. A ‘Yellow’ warning has been placed…

Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, faces yet another corruption case. This time, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against him for allegedly providing relief to Diageo Scotland, an alcoholic beverage company. Allegations of Corruption: A New Case Unfolds This latest case is the fourth in a series of corruption allegations against Karti Chidambaram. The other three cases involve significant controversies such as the Aircel-Maxis deal, the visa facilitation for Chinese employees, and the INX Media case. The CBI's recent First Information Report (FIR) points to suspicious payments made to Advantage Strategic Consulting…

A driver responsible for a tragic head-on crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife in Argyll has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison. George Murphy, 55, admitted causing the deaths of Martin and Josephine Cousland, from Anstruther in Fife, due to dangerous driving. The fatal collision occurred in March 2023, when Murphy’s Ford Mondeo, while attempting to overtake multiple vehicles, collided with the Couslands' Audi Q2 on the A85 near Dalmally. The Incident The crash unfolded on the A85 trunk road, six miles from Tyndrum, as the Couslands were embarking on a holiday. Mrs. Josephine Cousland,…

As the Scottish football season progresses into its second half, there's a lot at stake for clubs looking to secure European spots for next season. The once-powerful coefficient, which has allowed Scottish teams to enjoy better access to top European competitions, is on the decline, making the race for places even more competitive. Changing Landscape of Champions League Qualification For the past three seasons, Celtic, as champions, have enjoyed direct qualification to the Champions League's group or league phase, bypassing the nerve-wracking qualifiers. However, this will no longer be the case starting next season. The Scottish champions will now enter…