From cows on the run in North Lanarkshire to rockets poised for take-off in Shetland, Scotland is experiencing one of its more eclectic weeks — equal parts storm chaos, space ambition, and homegrown celebration.
Indie Beer Scotland makes its hoppy return to Glasgow
Scotland’s flagship craft beer festival, Indie Beer Scotland, will return for its third edition this September, bringing with it a resolute message: no faux-craft allowed. Held on September 5 and 6 at Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House in Glasgow, the festival is organized by independent brewers under the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA).
Organiser Ian McGrath of Beath Brewing said the festival aims to champion “genuinely independent Scottish brewers” in an industry increasingly dominated by multinational conglomerates. The 2025 event promises more than 100 beers, including £4 pints, from low-alcohol lagers to barrel-aged stouts topping 10% ABV, with prices frozen at last year’s levels.
“No big brands, no faux-craft, just great beer,” McGrath declared.
Cow stampede in Carfin after Storm Floris downs fences
Meanwhile, residents in the North Lanarkshire village of Carfin were met with a surreal sight Monday afternoon: a herd of around 20 cows galloping through a housing estate, set loose after 122mph gusts from Storm Floris toppled fences on a nearby farm.
Footage shared online shows stunned locals watching as the animals clattered down the road — some huddled at the corner, others anxiously trotting to rejoin the group.
Local resident Darren Young, who filmed the event, joked: “Looks like the cows are out in force.”
Scotland clocked the highest wind speeds in the UK during Storm Floris, hitting a peak of 124mph in the Highlands, part of the storm system that also disrupted flights, trains, and uprooted trees across the country.
Scotland named top spot for kids’ outdoor adventures
In a calmer contrast, Scotland has been lauded for its kid-friendly outdoor escapes. A new list published by cottages.com highlights three Scottish destinations as ideal for adventurous young explorers.
The roundup praised spots that combine “breathtaking scenery with safe, stimulating activities for children,” though exact names of the top three sites were not immediately detailed in the release. Nonetheless, the emphasis was on interactive nature trails, lochside hikes, and hands-on wildlife experiences — a nod to Scotland’s growing reputation as a family outdoor destination.
Skyrora lands launch licence in major UK space milestone
In Shetland, the future is looking skyward.
Cumbernauld-based Skyrora has officially become the first British company licensed to manufacture and launch rockets from UK soil, marking a major leap forward for the UK’s space ambitions.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority approved Skyrora’s launch operator licence, allowing it to proceed with its SkyLark L suborbital launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst, the northernmost island in the UK.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray hailed the development:
“This isn’t just one giant leap for Skyrora — it’s a massive boost to Scotland and the UK’s space sector.”
Skyrora aims to conduct up to 16 launches per year by 2030, with CEO Volodymyr Levykin calling the licence a testament to years of perseverance.
“It is essential the UK has sovereign launch capabilities — both for commercial growth and strategic defence,” he added.
A week of contrasts
From barrels of beer to barrels of cows, and from storm-wrecked fences to government-certified rockets, Scotland’s first week of August has showcased the country’s wild diversity — both natural and human-made. And amid all the noise, it’s clear the country is making headlines in more ways than one.