Danyel Vanreenen

Scottish paramedics Kieran Hutcheon, Karen Gill and Daniel Bickmore have founded Wish Ambulance Scotland to provide clinically supported journeys for people nearing the end of life, enabling them to visit personally meaningful places such as beaches, football matches or family events. The initiative, inspired partly by a Dutch service, is seeking £25,000 in start-up funding and estimates that establishing a sustainable operation could cost at least £150,000. Its founders also plan a campaign asking 500 companies to sponsor individual wish journeys.

First Minister John Swinney has asked the UK Government for military aerial support as a wildfire in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park enters its tenth day. More than 500 firefighters, specialist wildfire units, helicopters and partner agencies have battled the blaze, which has led to evacuations around Nethy Bridge and other affected areas. Changing winds have made the fire unpredictable and carried smoke as far as Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen. Emergency services have established fire breaks, issued smoke warnings and requested bulldozers and other heavy machinery, while residents and community leaders remain frustrated by the continuing threat despite earlier assurances that the fire was contained.

First Minister John Swinney has asked the UK Government for military aerial support to help fight a wildfire that has burned across the Cairngorms National Park for 10 days. More than 500 firefighters, specialist vehicles and helicopter water-bombing operations have been involved, but changing winds have made the blaze unpredictable. Residents near Nethy Bridge and other areas have been evacuated, while smoke advisories remain in place for Tomintoul and surrounding regions. Local representatives expressed anger and frustration over earlier claims that the fire was contained and that sufficient resources were available. Emergency services continue to establish fire breaks, request heavy machinery and warn the public to avoid affected areas.

A large wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms National Park prompted evacuations in Glenmore and warnings for nearby communities as smoke spread toward populated areas. Fire crews deployed multiple appliances and specialist resources, urging residents to keep windows closed and visitors to avoid the area. Authorities warned that hot, dry conditions have created a very high wildfire risk across parts of Scotland, with additional fires reported in Fife. Emergency services advised the public to stay vigilant and report any large outdoor fires immediately.