News

Scotland’s Paul Craig is gearing up for a middleweight showdown against undefeated American Bo Nickal at UFC 309, but he has made it clear that he is more excited by the idea of fighting in front of actor Tom Holland, aka Spiderman, than the possibility of Donald Trump attending the event. As Craig prepares for his third middleweight bout at Madison Square Garden on the prestigious Jones vs Miocic card, he shared his thoughts on the spectacle of fighting in front of high-profile figures and what really motivates him at this stage of his career. A Unique Perspective on Fighting…

Katy Clark, Labour MSP for West Scotland, has raised alarm about a growing crisis within Scotland's criminal justice system, urging immediate action from the Scottish Government. This comes after the publication of the "Rough Justice" report, which highlighted the dire state of Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS). The findings reveal overwhelming pressures on court staff and infrastructure, with a significant number of employees reporting unmanageable workloads and inadequate resources. Clark has now called on the Scottish Parliament to address these urgent issues before the system faces even greater strain. The…

Scotland's Golden Opportunity Scotland has officially opened its first gold mine, the Cononish mine, situated in the picturesque Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Cononish mine is set to begin production before the end of November 2024, and is anticipated to be a significant economic boon for the local area. The mine, located near Tyndrum, is the first in a series of potential gold mining projects in Scotland, marking a new chapter in the country’s mining history. The Cononish mine is expected to provide dozens of jobs for local residents, with Scotgold Resources—the company behind the project—projecting that…

AGS Airports, which runs three major UK airports—Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton—has been sold to AviAlliance, a German infrastructure firm. The deal, which includes £900 million for the acquisition and £653 million in debt liabilities, is set to conclude in the first quarter of 2025. AviAlliance, owned by the Canadian Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), already has a portfolio of airports, including those in Athens, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, and San Juan. This move marks a significant shift in the ownership of the UK’s transport infrastructure. Gerhard Schroeder, managing director of AviAlliance, expressed the company’s commitment to improving the airports’ passenger…

The new exhibition, Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art, now open at Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios, offers a vibrant look at Scotland’s rich history of embroidery over the past 200 years. Curated by Emma Inglis, the exhibition showcases an impressive collection of 80 embroidered works that span from 1720 to 1920, featuring a diverse array of textiles—from bed hangings to armchairs and tea cosies—most of which come from National Trust properties across Scotland. This carefully curated display celebrates not just the intricate craft of embroidery, but also the stories behind the women who created these works, many of whom were previously overlooked in…

The UK government has admitted in court that it unlawfully approved the Rosebank oil field, the country's largest untapped oil reserve, off the coast of Shetland. This admission came during a climate-driven legal case against Rosebank and the Jackdaw gas field, both of which were green-lit by the government despite not fully assessing their environmental impacts. The case, which took place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, revealed that the government had failed to include crucial climate factors in its environmental assessments. Specifically, it did not account for the greenhouse gases released when the extracted oil and gas are…

Luke Crosbie is determined to reclaim his place in the Scotland back row after enduring a challenging injury "rollercoaster" that saw him slip down the pecking order for the national team. The Edinburgh forward, who was once a key figure in Scotland’s 2023 Six Nations campaign, is now eager to prove his worth after a series of setbacks and tough competition for spots. Crosbie was a standout during Scotland’s victories over England and Wales in the 2023 Six Nations, but a shoulder injury sustained during the opening match of the tournament in Cardiff left him sidelined. His absence opened the…

A recent survey has highlighted the financial strain many students in Scotland are facing, with more than a third reporting difficulties in paying their rent. This concerning trend has raised alarms over the affordability of student housing and the broader impact on the student experience in the country. The survey, commissioned by the National Union of Students (NUS), reveals that 34% of students in Scotland are struggling to pay their rent in full. The findings shed light on the growing financial pressures faced by students, which are compounded by rising living costs and stagnant financial support. Rising Rent Costs: The…

Scotland is making strides toward a greener, more equitable future. As part of its ambitious Environment Strategy, a new research project, drawing from the "Unlocking a Better Future" framework, aims to address climate and nature emergencies through comprehensive policy recommendations. This research, a collaboration between the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), focuses on how Scotland can lead the way in societal transformation. The findings of the project are vital in guiding the Scottish Government toward effective policies for a just transition. Analyzing Policy Gaps and Creating Evidence-Based Solutions The research delved deep…

Piccadily Agro Industries Limited (PAIL), known for its premium Indian spirits like Indri Single Malt Whisky and Camikara Rum, has announced a significant investment of Rs 1,000 crore. This bold move will fund the expansion of its distillery operations, both in India and internationally, including the opening of a new distillery in Scotland. With this investment, the company aims to significantly ramp up its premium spirits production, further strengthening its position in the global alcoholic beverage market. Expansion Plans Across India and International Markets The Rs 1,000 crore investment is part of Piccadily Agro’s larger growth strategy to meet the…