Scottish crime novelist Ed James has launched his latest book, His Path of Darkness, four years after a life-threatening health scare triggered by an iced smoothie during the Covid-19 lockdown. The author, who has sold over 2.5 million copies and downloads, shared the harrowing experience that left him contemplating his mortality and the fragility of life. The 46-year-old, who resides in the Scottish Borders, revealed that he prepared the smoothie in 2020 to bolster his immune system. Unfortunately, the ice-cold drink had unexpected consequences, shocking his stomach and freezing his vagal nerve, leading to Atrial Fibrillation. This condition caused his…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
The newly appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Pat McFadden, made his inaugural visit to Northern Ireland today as part of the UK Government’s initiative to reset and strengthen relations between Westminster and the devolved governments. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing joint priorities with Northern Ireland. Accompanied by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, McFadden met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Belfast to explore avenues for working together on economic growth and investment opportunities across the UK. The discussions were centred on how the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive can…
ProcurePro, the pioneering leader in construction procurement software, has announced a significant achievement by surpassing £25 billion GBP ($50 billion AUD) in total construction project value procured through its platform. The company has rapidly established itself as the industry standard across Australia and is on track to be utilised by 50% of all builders by the end of 2025, with current customers processing approximately 1,000 contracts each month through its innovative system. The ProcurePro platform has transformed the procurement process for construction professionals, streamlining operations and improving efficiency across a wide array of projects. Among its key clients in the…
A recent report by Lotame, a global technology company focused on optimising customer data for digital marketers, has highlighted significant challenges faced by marketers and agencies regarding data collaboration. The findings, part of ‘The State of Data Collaboration: A Global Perspective,’ indicate a widespread struggle with data orchestration and utilisation, alongside a clear trend towards increased investment in marketing technology. The report, which surveyed over 1,200 marketing and agency professionals from the UK, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, and North America between June and July 2024, reveals that 97% of respondents encounter barriers in effectively using data. The key issues include…
Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire has announced a new global partnership with football giants Real Madrid, marking a significant move in its strategy to boost international brand recognition. The agreement, revealed today, brings together one of China’s leading tyre companies and the world-famous Spanish football club in a cross-industry collaboration set to merge sports and business on a global scale. The deal with Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the most successful football clubs in the world, underscores the club’s vast international reach and cultural impact. With over a century of sporting achievements, Real Madrid has built a large…
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant in Sheffield today, where she saw the power generation process first-hand and learned about the latest advancements in sustainable energy. The visit highlighted the role such projects can play in improving air quality, cutting energy costs, and creating new jobs. During the tour of the Tinsley power station, The Princess Royal met with the operational team that runs the site. Blackburn Meadows utilises waste wood—material that would otherwise end up in landfills—to generate electricity for the national grid and provide heat for a district heating network in…
New research has revealed the counties in England producing the highest proportion of top-performing A-level students, with Rutland taking the lead. According to an analysis of data from the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, 39.7% of A-level results in Rutland were graded A or above, outperforming all other counties. Surrey follows closely behind, securing second place with 35.6% of students achieving A grades or higher. Notably, Surrey also excelled in Biology, where 37.7% of students achieved A grades, surpassing the national average of 24.3%. Meanwhile, East Sussex came in third, with 34.4% of students achieving A or above, particularly…
Culture & Business Scotland (C&BS), supported by the Scottish Government, has unveiled the latest recipients of its funding programme, aimed at fostering innovative partnerships between the business community and Scotland’s dynamic cultural sector. This round of funding will support five unique collaborations, showcasing the diversity and creativity present within Scotland’s cultural landscape. Among the successful partnerships is a collaboration between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and Bloomberg Philanthropies. This initiative has seen Bloomberg designated as the “Official Storyteller of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,” with a new digital guide launched on the Bloomberg Connects app. The guide highlights the festival’s rich…
LVMH, the luxury goods conglomerate, has announced the sale of Off-White LLC, the company behind the global luxury streetwear brand Off-White, to New York-based brand management firm Bluestar Alliance. While the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, the deal signifies a major shift in the ownership of one of the fashion industry’s most influential brands. Off-White was founded in 2012 by the late Virgil Abloh, a groundbreaking figure whose work bridged the gap between street culture and high fashion. His designs, which redefined modern luxury, continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Following Abloh’s death in…
HMP Rochester will undergo immediate refurbishment, increased staff training, and a comprehensive review of security measures following a highly critical inspection by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. The inspection led to the issuing of an Urgent Notification in early September after inspectors uncovered significant concerns about safety, living conditions, and rehabilitation efforts at the prison. Among the most alarming findings was the “endemic” drug use throughout the facility, alongside a rise in violence and insufficient engagement in purposeful activities, with fewer than one-third of prisoners participating in education or training. Inspectors described the prison wings as “chaotic” and raised serious…