Dan Vevers

Councillors across Scotland say the Standards Commission for Scotland is being used to suppress legitimate scrutiny of councils and punish elected representatives for criticising officials, services and major decisions. Reported cases include suspensions over comments about staff recruitment, flowerbeds, public contracts and a proposed Flamingo Land development, with councillors also alleging restricted evidence, high appeal costs and procedural bias. Referrals to the commission rose 44% last year, while the commission and Ethical Standards Commissioner receive more than £2 million in public funding. The commission rejects claims that it stifles democratic representation, while a Court of Session judicial review concerning Glasgow councillor Fiona Higgins could determine whether her forthcoming hearing is procedurally fair.

The family of three-month-old Dahlia-Rose is calling for Aberdeenshire Council to investigate alleged missed opportunities and social-work failings before the baby’s death. Dahlia-Rose died in September 2023 after her mother, Courtney Gartshore, subjected her to sustained heat from a hairdryer, causing extensive burns, hyperthermia and heatstroke. Gartshore was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to six years in prison. The sentencing judge described the case as uniquely disturbing and her conduct as a gross breach of parental duty, while acknowledging that she had not intended to kill the child. Aberdeenshire Council expressed sympathy but declined to discuss the case because of confidentiality obligations.

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan is facing calls for the party whip to be suspended after comments on a podcast describing rape as existing on a “spectrum” and referring to its “demonisation.” Rape Crisis Scotland and opposition politicians condemned the remarks, saying they reinforce harmful myths and minimise survivors' experiences. Manivannan, who identifies as non-binary and says they are a survivor of sexual violence, maintained that the clip was taken out of context and argued that laws often use narrow definitions of rape and sexual violence, while insisting they did not excuse or minimise assault.

Anti-migrant protests and related counter-demonstrations across Scotland have generated about £1 million in police overtime costs and led to nearly 3,000 officer rest days being cancelled over a year. Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said protest activity has spread beyond Glasgow and Edinburgh, with repeat demonstrations targeting asylum accommodation creating disruption for residents, staff and communities. He also warned that some mobilisations have been driven by online disinformation, while recent disorder in Glasgow and a large anti-immigration demonstration during the Commonwealth Games involved arrests, projectiles thrown at officers and hostility toward minority groups and police.

Aberdeen councillor Jennifer Stewart is challenging a four-month suspension imposed after the Standards Commission found that she had been disrespectful to Lord Provost David Cameron and personally attacked him in council meetings. Her sheriff court appeal has been paused while the Court of Session considers Glasgow councillor Fiona Higgins’s judicial review, which alleges that the standards watchdog prevented her from presenting important evidence and denied her a fair hearing. The cases have prompted wider concerns about whether councillors are being deterred from raising matters of public interest. A separate appeal is also being pursued by Loch Lomond councillor Sid Perrie, who was suspended after challenging park officials over a proposed Flamingo Land resort.

Steven Dougall, a 21-year-old worker from Falkirk, died in hospital after allegedly being crushed at an industrial premises on Castle Drive on July 21, 2026. Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating, although the death is not being treated as suspicious. Family, friends and the wider community paid tribute through a balloon release and a memorial football match organized by his team, Pantry FC.

A Wall Street banker linked to Peter Mandelson and the son-in-law of Russian-Israeli billionaire Valery Kogan are among the wealthy figures connected to proposed hyperscale AI data centres in Scotland. Eneus Energy, backed by Carlyle and Singapore’s GIC, is pursuing a major Hunterston development, while ILI Group and Apatura are proposing further sites in Fife and Falkirk. Campaigners warn that the projects could place severe demands on energy and water supplies, damage historic and rural environments, increase utility costs and threaten jobs. The investigation also details the collapse of Martin Bellamy’s Irvine project, political and football connections among project advisers, and growing community opposition as the Scottish Government considers a possible freeze on large data centres.

The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games are being supported by thousands of behind-the-scenes workers and volunteers whose roles include operating remote-controlled vehicles to retrieve athletics equipment, chaperoning the Finnie unicorn mascot, mopping the netball court and adjusting underwater cameras. Bob Hammond, Hayley Crockett, Jemma Chalmers and Simon Lodge describe the practical demands and personal rewards of their work, which helps events run safely and provides memorable experiences for spectators. Tickets for the Games’ final release are available through the official Glasgow 2026 website.

Eleven-year-old Edinburgh chess player Devesh Sharma is competing for Scotland’s under-18 team despite being eligible for younger age groups, having become one of the tournament’s highest-rated players. He recently placed third in the Scottish Chess Championships and performed strongly at the Glorney Gilbert International, losing one of five games and drawing another against teams from England, Wales and Ireland. Devesh hopes to become a Grandmaster and world champion, while his father highlights the lack of financial support for chess in Scotland compared with England and countries such as India. Chess Scotland says his progress from the under-12 team’s bottom board in 2023 to the under-18 team’s top board three years later is remarkable.

The Sunday Mail argues that the public inquiry into Emma Caldwell’s murder must examine not only the botched initial investigation but also the subsequent 19 years of alleged concealment, delay and institutional failure. Emma Caldwell’s family, lawyer Aamer Anwar, former editor Jim Wilson and MSP Pauline McNeil are urging inquiry chair Lord Scott to summon senior Police Scotland and Crown Office figures, including former chief constable Stephen House and former lord advocates Frank Mulholland, James Wolffe and Dorothy Bain. The article highlights that Iain Packer was not convicted until 2024, despite repeated police contact and evidence linking him to the crime, and alleges that authorities pursued four innocent Turkish men while Packer remained free and continued attacking women. It warns that limiting the inquiry’s remit to events before the creation of Police Scotland in 2013 could prevent accountability and amount to another cover-up.

Refugee numbers in Glasgow’s temporary accommodation and hotels have fallen for the first time in months, suggesting arrivals may have peaked amid ongoing housing and homelessness pressures. Data obtained through freedom of information shows decreases in both temporary housing placements and emergency hotel use, though thousands of refugees remain in strained conditions as rough sleeping rises. Local officials blame UK Government asylum policies for worsening the situation, while the Home Office argues falling migration figures validate its approach.

Retailers across the UK continue to sell glue traps to Scottish customers despite a new ban prohibiting their use, sale or possession from July 1. A Sunday Mail investigation found several online pest control shops providing inaccurate legal information and making the devices easily available. Animal welfare groups warn the traps cause severe suffering and that enforcement is proving difficult, with some high street shops still recommending their use. Authorities reported multiple recent incidents of birds and other animals harmed by the traps, and offenders now face fines or imprisonment under Scottish law.

Police Scotland is examining allegations that £1.5 million is unaccounted for from the 2014 Yes Scotland referendum campaign’s finances. Former SNP activist David Henry has filed a fraud complaint, citing anomalies in the group’s accounts and adjustments reported in 2015. Political figures from Labour and the Conservatives renewed calls for an independent inquiry into SNP finances, referencing the conviction of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell for embezzlement. Yes Scotland maintains that all funds were properly accounted for and attributes the disputed adjustment to a change of accountants.

Red denim shorts worn by Amy Winehouse during her acclaimed 2008 T in the Park performance sold for £4351 at Julien’s Music Icons auction, far exceeding expectations after significant international interest. The shorts, belt and artist’s pass drew bids from the UK, Spain and the US, with organisers noting the strong appeal of items linked to Winehouse’s iconic stage moments. The sale highlights the enduring cultural impact of the singer’s style and the lasting significance of her performance at the Scottish festival.

Reported spiking incidents in Scotland rose sharply, with drugging offences increasing by more than half and several cases linked to sexual crimes. Police Scotland urged vigilance amid concerns that many incidents remain unreported. Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr criticised the Scottish Government for refusing to create a standalone spiking offence, a move already adopted in England and Wales. Campaigners from Spike Aware UK highlighted the prevalence of unreported cases and young people’s persistent fear of being targeted. Authorities reiterated that existing laws allow prosecution, while safety concerns for women and girls continue to grow.

Parents facing financial pressures are increasingly turning to Scotland’s public libraries and the free 2026 Summer Reading Challenge to entertain children aged 4 to 11 during the holidays. Research from The Reading Agency shows most families rely on free or low‑cost activities, with many children missing out on paid options due to rising costs. Librarians report rising participation and highlight libraries’ role in supporting literacy, wellbeing and social connection. The programme, partnered with Universal Music Group UK, features events, rewards and competitions aimed at encouraging reading and reducing feelings of isolation among children during the school break.

Ticket prices for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games have prompted criticism after it emerged that a family of four could pay more than £300 for most events, with opening ceremony seats costing £332. Scottish Labour’s Irshad Ahmed warned that the pricing risks excluding working families, while organisers argue the prices are comparable to other major events and note that some non‑medal sessions start at £12. Top-tier athletics tickets exceed £500 for a family, and several sports cost over £100 per seat. Organisers emphasise strong demand and point to free events such as the Game On Live Site at Kelvingrove Park. The Games, relocated from Australia after cost overruns there, are expected to cost £114 million, supported in part by £100 million in compensation from the Australian organisers and a UK Government contingency fund.

A man convicted of murdering Scottish woman Jean Hanlon in Crete has been allowed to remain free pending appeal, causing distress to her family after years of campaigning for justice. The family criticised the initial investigation by port police, which failed to recognise her extensive injuries and led to a decade-long effort to reopen the case. A private investigator uncovered evidence linking her ex‑boyfriend to the killing, leading to a guilty verdict with diminished responsibility due to mental health issues. The family now fears the appeal process could leave the offender free for up to 18 more months and continues to demand accountability and imprisonment.

A leaked memo from senior judge Lord Mulholland challenges the Crown Office’s decision to admit malicious prosecution in the Rangers administration case, criticising former Lord Advocate James Wolffe for settling and approving multimillion‑pound payouts. Mulholland argues there was sufficient evidence to prosecute several businessmen and expresses incredulity at the admission of wrongdoing, while affected figures including David Whitehouse and David Grier call for the long‑delayed public inquiry to proceed. Opposition politicians accuse the Scottish Government of secrecy as pressure mounts for full disclosure over a scandal that has cost the public more than £50 million.

A new National Theatre of Scotland musical, Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-In, recounts the 1981 Greenock factory occupation led by women resisting mass redundancies. Featuring actors Jo Freer and Aron Dochard, the production has drawn strong audience reactions and celebrates the strikers’ ingenuity, solidarity and personal growth. Inspired by interviews with former workers Maggie Wallace and Catherine Robertson, the show returns to Inverclyde for its finale, with original strike leader Helen Monaghan attending performances. Cast and community members describe the production as emotional, empowering and a resurgence of local history for new generations.

Whistleblowers and political opponents condemn John Swinney’s appointment of Kirsten Oswald as minister for victims and community safety, citing her involvement in incidents of alleged bullying, suppression of whistleblowers and mishandling of harassment and financial complaints within the SNP. Accounts detail her behaviour on the party’s NEC, her role in disputes involving Peter Murrell, Patrick Grady and Jordan Linden, and unresolved concerns from her tenure at South Lanarkshire College. Critics argue the appointment shows poor judgment and undermines confidence in government accountability, while the SNP rejects the allegations and maintains Oswald improved governance and transparency.

Industry groups warn that large AI data centres proposed across Scotland could strain the electricity grid and halt new housing projects amid an ongoing housing emergency. Concerns from builders and campaigners centre on the massive energy demands of hyperscale facilities backed by major tech companies, with estimates suggesting their combined requirements could exceed Scotland’s peak winter demand. Scottish ministers are considering new planning guidance, while critics argue UK Government policies may prioritise data centres over urgently needed homes.

New data showing more than 23,000 sewage discharges in 2025 has intensified criticism that the Scottish Government has abandoned its promise to update decades‑old overflow rules. Environment Standards Scotland warned that delays linked to reviewing new EU regulations leave an unacceptable lack of clarity, while Liberal Democrats accuse ministers of failing to hold Scottish Water accountable. Officials were also found to have discouraged releasing sewage data before the recent election, with more detailed figures expected later in the year due to expanded monitoring.

Actor Scott Kyle recounts how poverty may have protected him from abuse by football coach Craig Menzies, later jailed for sexually assaulting multiple boys over two decades. Kyle describes inappropriate behaviour that was dismissed as banter, and his mother’s ignored warnings after discovering suggestive letters. He reflects on how lack of money kept him from overnight trips where abuse occurred. Menzies recently received an additional sentence following historic charges, with Police Scotland condemning his actions.

Whistleblowers from the SNP’s ruling body described extreme loyalty toward Nicola Sturgeon during a 2021 NEC meeting following news of a parliamentary inquiry into the Alex Salmond affair. Accounts included officials crying and one member declaring he would take a bullet for Sturgeon, which critics characterized as sycophantic and indicative of dysfunctional internal culture. Former party officials criticized the atmosphere as cult-like, while opposition figures condemned the behavior as undemocratic.

A couple in East Ayrshire have been unable to sell their home after spray foam loft insulation installed during construction led lenders to refuse mortgages on the property. Their house, otherwise valued at over £250,000, is considered unsellable due to widespread restrictions imposed by banks following cases of poor‑quality spray foam installations causing damp and structural issues. The homeowners face costly survey or removal options, neither guaranteeing a solution, and have appealed to their MP for government intervention to support affected property owners.

Alex Neil urges John Swinney to back continued North Sea oil and gas development following the SNP’s by-election loss in Aberdeen South, warning that current opposition to new projects is politically damaging and economically harmful. He argues that voters support ongoing drilling and criticizes Labour’s ban on exploration, expressing concern over Ed Miliband’s influence on energy policy amid Andy Burnham’s rise. Neil contends that abandoning the sector would jeopardize jobs and Scotland’s economy, calling for a decisive policy shift.

Proposed hyperscale AI data centres in Fife and Larbert face mounting opposition over fears they would exceed safe air pollution limits, consume more power than Scotland currently uses, and harm nearby communities. Environmental groups warn that routine testing of hundreds of diesel generators would create emissions surpassing those of the Mossmorran gas plant. Local residents and campaigners argue the developments threaten public health, green space and energy costs, while Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer urges the Scottish Government to impose an immediate moratorium. John Swinney says planning criteria will be considered but offers no commitment to halting the projects.

Martin Booth, former Glasgow City Council finance director, has been appointed to the board of nationalised shipyard Ferguson Marine despite past involvement in controversies over £1 million in senior staff exit payments and alleged concealment of teacher job cuts. Audit findings criticised the lack of council scrutiny around the payouts, one of which was later partially repaid. Booth’s appointment in 2025 was defended by Ferguson Marine’s chair, who highlighted improvements in governance and internal controls. His tenure is also linked to an ongoing legal dispute involving councillor Fiona Higgins, who challenged a standards investigation related to comments she made about Booth’s conduct.

A former SNP cabinet minister urges John Swinney to back new North Sea oil and gas projects after the SNP’s heavy by‑election defeat in Aberdeen South, arguing voters are angered by policies limiting exploration. The Conservatives won the seat by campaigning on protecting the industry, intensifying internal SNP criticism over mixed government messaging. Labour faces union backlash for its ban on new exploration, with unions warning of accelerating job losses and calling for a realistic transition plan. Industry leaders urge a reset of the polarised debate as uncertainty grows over future UK energy policy.

A former councillor who donated to a crowdfund advertised as ring-fenced for a future independence referendum says he feels misled after John Swinney confirmed the SNP spent the money on routine party operations. The missing fund helped trigger the Operation Branchform probe that led to Peter Murrell’s conviction for embezzlement. The donor, Michael Breslin, wants police to reopen their investigation and says he would support a class action to reclaim contributions. Pressure is growing on Swinney to authorise an independent inquiry, while dissatisfaction over the scandal has led Breslin and others to abandon the party.

Questions arise over whether a £400,000 government contribution to Craig Ferguson’s fundraising for SAMH represents new funding or money already allocated to mental health services. Opposition politicians call for clarity from First Minister John Swinney, arguing the donation may be a rebranded use of existing budget resources. The government states the payment supports planned community mental health hubs and does not replace other investments, while highlighting Ferguson’s fundraising as inspirational.

Large AI data centre proposals in Stirlingshire and Fife have triggered strong opposition from residents and environmental groups, who accuse developers of greenwashing and overstating economic benefits. Critics warn the facilities would consume massive amounts of energy and offer minimal long-term employment, while concerns mount over inadequate local consultation and potential disruption to nearby communities. Developers maintain the centres would meet growing digital demand through low‑carbon designs.

An alleged wave of AI-generated bot attacks targeted John Swinney and the Scottish National Party during the Holyrood election, reportedly linked to Israeli tech firm BlackCore. French disinformation agency Viginum found hundreds of fake accounts posting negative content after Swinney’s comments on Gaza. The SNP urged a UK Government investigation, while France sought clarification from Israel regarding the operation’s sponsors. The article also highlights controversy over lengthy sentences for Palestine Action activists, drawing criticism from John McDonnell against terrorism-related classifications.