Well in this scenario it very much is an anti-vaping sentiment after this destruction, but you can’t negate to mention that I discuss wider electronic device regulation.

Did you even bother to scroll through the thread and see I mention other items with lithium ion batteries?

📸 Vyro Media

This has already had a devastating impact on so many businesses who called that corner of Union St home, and we all need to step up and support them when they’re back on their feet.

Huge credit to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all other emergency services who worked so hard to keep this fire under control.

These shops bring no benefit to our communities. I hope one day we have high streets free from them.

There needs to be much more regulation about how these hazardous products are stored in commercial premises, where shops are allowed to be located, as well as more public awareness of the risks associated with all lithium battery products (vapes, e-scooters, other small electrical items).

To be honest, everyone should be doing this regardless of their proximity to one, as they are at the heart of so many places we day to day.

Where do we go from here?

If I lived in a town centre next to/above a vape shop, or had a business near to one, or was a business landlord with a vape shop tenant, I know I would be emailing my elected representatives (councillors, MSPs, MP) to make my feelings known!

Lithium-ion batteries can go into a state of thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is where the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke and fire. These fires are some of the hardest to put out.

We’ve seen thousands of fires caused by vapes in our waste streams, with fires in bins, bin lorries and at waste sites across the UK. But now, we see the devastation from vape shops being at the heart of our high streets and cities, and the damage possible when fires get out of control.

All of this destruction because of a fire that started in a vape shop.

Vapes contain lithium ion batteries, which are a huge fire risk when handled wrongly or damaged.

Fire causes major disruption at Glasgow Central Station Train passengers are facing major disruption after a fire broke out at a vape shop in central Glasgow.

All of this devastation to my home city Glasgow because of a vape shop.

…and the fire is still burning.

The images are just horrific.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...

And while Scotland (where I live) operates under a different water system, this isn’t an issue confined elsewhere. Walking along the Ayrshire coastline, I regularly see sewage debris — wet wipes & sanitary products — washing ashore. It’s a reminder that we all still have work to do.

I would strongly recommend watching. It’s a stark reminder of why investment in water infrastructure, stronger regulation, and long-term environmental stewardship are so critical. It's also a stark reminder about the failure of privatisation of this essential, life-giving resource.

Alongside the investigation, the drama highlights the real human and environmental consequences, from ecosystems under sustained pressure to deeply moving stories of communities affected by polluted waterways, including the tragic death of 9 year old Heather Preen.

The programme follows retired neighbours Professor Peter Hammond & Ashley Smith, whose concern began when they saw the Windrush slowly turn brown. What unfolds is a decade-long investigation into sewage pollution, the actions of privatised water companies, and regulatory oversight from the EA.

Last night I binged Dirty Business on Channel 4 — and honestly, it’s hard to stop thinking about it.

This powerful drama tells the true story behind England’s sewage scandal and, in my view, has the potential to spark the same level of public awareness and outrage as Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

The Calling | Scotland's Leadership Summit | 2nd Oct SEC Glasgow A new one‑day leadership experience designed to inspire, equip and commission people who want to lead well.

There are too many speakers to name in full, but I am particularly excited to hear Sir Chris Hoy, Liz Forkin Bohannon, Dr Jo Salter MBE and Todd Henry to name a few. Oh...and there will be music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers!

You can find out more about and get your tickets here: thecalling.scot

The Calling | Scotland's Leadership Summit | 2nd Oct SEC Glasgow A new one‑day leadership experience designed to inspire, equip and commission people who want to lead well.

The Calling 2026 is Scotland’s new one‑day leadership experience designed to inspire, equip, and commission people who want to lead well. It is being held in the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow on Friday 2nd October 2026.

Laura Anderson: From Viral TikToks to Global Climate Leader Spotify video

It was a joy to join Peter Vardy on the most recent episode of The Calling Conversations podcast! You can listen (and watch) through the link below, but did you know that this podcast is running up to The Calling - Scotland's Leadership Summit in October 2026?

open.spotify.com/episode/3cZy...

NEW: Expensive gas still biggest driver of high UK electricity bills, says UKERC

"Volatile, gas-linked market prices – not green policies, as some misleading claims have suggested – dominate the real-terms increase in bills since 2021."

www.carbonbrief.org/expensive-ga...

Here we go… #COP30 🇧🇷

I’ll be there throughout the summit in my role as a PhD researcher in Climate Resilience and ambassador for @tearfund.bsky.social , engaging with discussions on how we can build a more sustainable and just future.

If you’re attending #COP30, I’d love to connect — please do reach out!

We discussed its aims, the challenges ahead, and the wider issues of accessibility for climate conferences held in remote locations.

The #COP30 Leaders Summit begins today in Belém, Brazil, marking the start of two weeks of vital negotiations at this year’s United Nations climate conference.

This morning, I had the privilege of speaking with Justin Webb on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme about the summit.

A marketing gimmick that’s making pointless knitted hats that don’t have a purpose? There are instructions of how to post it back…but are people really doing that?

Thoughts on the Innocent smoothie knitted hats? What do you think? (PS - Innocent is owned by Coca-Cola…)

I get that they’re raising money for charity, and volunteers do this out of love to raise money for a good cause…but it seems really wasteful?

I chatted to Jamie Gathercole from the Environment and Sustainability team to hear about how they plan, design, monitor and operate alongside wildlife both here in Aberdeen, and further afield!🌍

16 October 2025 YouTube video by Laura Young - Less Waste Laura

AD 🌍 I took a trip to the Vattenfall Aberdeen Bay Offshore Windfarm to hear about how renewable energy and nature can thrive together! youtube.com/shorts/ukQ6b...