News

Scotland continues to grapple with a severe drug death crisis, as 2024 statistics highlight a tragic and ongoing problem. At the same time, Glasgow's highly anticipated opening of the UK's first drug-consumption room faces further delays, bringing both hope and frustration to those involved in harm reduction efforts. Drug Deaths in Scotland: A Grim Reality Scotland has been struggling with one of the highest drug death rates in Europe, a crisis that has persisted for years. New data released this week reveals that drug-related deaths in Scotland remain alarmingly high, reflecting the scale of the country's addiction problems. In 2024,…

Glasgow, Scotland—A brutal and deadly gang feud between the Daniel and Lyons families has led to a violent history of shootings, ambushes, and murders, becoming one of the most infamous crime stories in Scotland. What started as a rivalry over stolen drugs and turf disputes escalated into a bloodbath that spanned over two decades, shaking Glasgow's underworld. The Lambhill Shootout: A Bloody Beginning On December 6, 2006, two men, Raymond Anderson and James McDonald, drove to Applerow Motors in Lambhill, North Glasgow. After disguising themselves with old man masks, they entered the garage and opened fire. The attack left David…

Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s busiest hub, faced a significant disruption on Sunday afternoon when an IT failure caused a complete shutdown of its air traffic control systems. The glitch left thousands of passengers stranded and created widespread travel chaos, affecting flight schedules across the globe. This incident highlights the growing vulnerabilities in air travel systems as they increasingly depend on sophisticated technology. The Timeline of the Glitch The issue began just before 4:00 PM GMT, when air traffic control systems at Edinburgh Airport went offline, halting all flight operations. What started as minor delays quickly escalated, with authorities realizing the problem…

West Fraser’s MDF and particleboard mill in Cowie, Scotland, has achieved a significant reduction in its electricity costs, thanks to a collaboration with Rockwell Automation. The partnership focused on improving energy efficiency, leading to an impressive annual savings of $266,000 for the mill. Smart Energy Management West Fraser's mill implemented Rockwell Automation's Intelligent Package Power (IPP) system, which integrates variable frequency drives (VFDs) to optimize energy consumption. The system targets energy-heavy equipment such as pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors, reducing the drag that usually hampers efficiency. One of the core components of the upgrade is Rockwell’s Centerline 1500 medium-voltage motor…

On December 16, 2014, Scotland passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act, marking a historic moment for equality. This legislation allowed same-sex couples to marry for the first time, bringing Scotland in line with England and Wales, which had already legalized same-sex marriage earlier that year. As Scotland celebrates a decade since this transformative law was enacted, we reflect on how it has reshaped the nation's landscape. A Historic Milestone The act was passed following years of campaigning by equality groups, with the first same-sex marriages taking place just after midnight on December 31, 2014. Since then, 10,138 same-sex…

BBC Scotland has announced that its employees are now required to work in the office just two days a week if their job functions allow them to work from home. This policy, introduced more than two years after the end of Covid-19 restrictions, has sparked mixed reactions and raised questions about the BBC’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Flexible Work Policy Draws Criticism The decision to allow a significant number of BBC Scotland staff to work from home part-time has raised eyebrows, particularly as the UK broadcaster grapples with challenges, including a £5 increase in the annual TV licence fee…

Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh Airport, was forced to close temporarily on Sunday afternoon due to an unspecified information technology issue. The closure grounded all flights, causing significant disruptions during the peak holiday travel season. Flights Grounded and Diverted At approximately 4:15 pm local time, Edinburgh Airport ceased all flights in and out. This left travelers stranded and created a wave of cancellations and delays. Some incoming flights were rerouted to Glasgow Airport, located about 50 miles away. Passengers were left scrambling for alternative transportation to reach their final destinations. Edinburgh Airport quickly released a statement indicating that engineers were working…

Vestas has landed a major contract to supply turbines for the 1.1 gigawatt (GW) Inch Cape Offshore Wind project off the coast of Scotland. The order, from Inch Cape Offshore Limited—an equal joint venture between ESB and Red Rock Renewables—marks a significant milestone for the global renewable energy landscape. A Major Step in the UK's Renewable Energy Plans This new order comes as part of Vestas' continued commitment to supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy. The agreement includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of 72 V236-15.0 MW wind turbines. These turbines will be deployed at the Inch Cape offshore…

Rev Judith Macleod, a former Eco-Congregation Scotland coordinator, was ordained on December 11, 2024, at Hilton Church in Inverness. With a deep passion for environmental care and social justice, she is now the assistant minister at St Columba Church in Inverness, which holds services at Drummond School. A New Chapter at St Columba Church Rev Macleod’s ordination marks the next phase in her ministry. "I’m loving St Columba," she shared, noting the congregation's youthful energy and the community's commitment to worship and learning together. The church’s inclusive atmosphere, where members gather for breakfast and Bible study, resonates with her vision…

A high-profile trial is scheduled for October 2025 in Edinburgh, where Aren Bylot Pearson, 40, faces charges for the tragic death of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Claire Leveque, from Edmonton, Alberta. The events leading to Claire Leveque's untimely death have shocked her family and the community. Pearson, currently incarcerated at Grampian Prison in Peterhead, Scotland, stands accused of stabbing, strangling, and drowning Leveque on February 11, 2024, during a stay with his mother in the Shetland Islands. The Tragic Discovery and Police Investigation Leveque, originally from Westlock, Alberta, was in Scotland with Pearson to care for his ailing mother after leaving…