Donald Erskine

Newhailes House and Gardens in East Lothian says a tenth handmade pigeon has been stolen from its doocot. The knitted decorations were donated by visitors and form part of the estate’s planned Centenary Garden, which received £500,000 from an anonymous donor in May. Despite tying the pigeons down, the latest theft occurred after the ties and their attachment were removed. The estate has appealed for the birds to be returned, while visitors have called for stronger security measures, including CCTV.

Volcanic ash from Mount Etna forced the closure of Catania Airport and prevented Glasgow-based band Sister John from travelling to perform at Kelvingrove Bandstand alongside The Bluebells. The band expressed disappointment and said it hoped to perform at Glasgow’s Art School the following Friday. The disruption affected hundreds of travellers during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday period, while volcanologists warned that ash poses a serious risk to aircraft engines. Flights returned to near-normal levels on Sunday.

A fault on the electricity network left 218 properties without power in parts of Easter Ross, with Evanton reportedly among the worst-affected areas. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said engineers were working to repair the problem and expected supply to be restored around 5pm.

M4 FESTIVAL, scheduled for August 29 at Glasgow’s SWG3, has been cancelled or postponed because ticket sales were insufficient to deliver the organisers’ planned experience. Existing tickets will remain valid for a future date, while refunds are available through ticket providers. The cancellation follows several other Scottish festival cancellations and postponements ahead of the summer season.

A flat on Netherhill Road in Paisley was deliberately set alight at around 3pm on 13 August 2026. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Police Scotland is investigating and has appealed for witnesses, dash-cam footage and private CCTV recordings.

Peebles Rovers, a Scottish Borders football club founded in 1893, has unanimously voted to wind up its senior operations after failing to secure a ground that meets East of Scotland League requirements. Club officials blamed inadequate facilities, insufficient funding and broken promises, while expressing hope that the Peebles Rovers name and a senior team can eventually be revived. The club was the only Borders side to play in the Scottish Football League and had been based at Whitestone Park for nearly 120 years.

The RSPB has defended its management of Forest Lodge during the ongoing Cairngorms wildfire after criticism of how facilities were being used by firefighters and volunteers. The charity said it introduced separate areas, signage and clearer procedures after unexpected access to residential spaces disrupted rest and raised health and safety concerns. It continues to work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which has deployed hundreds of firefighters and specialist equipment to dampen hotspots, while a very high wildfire risk warning remains in effect across parts of Scotland.

Crowds gathered at viewing locations across Scotland, including Edinburgh’s Calton Hill and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park, to watch an eclipse that obscured more than 90% of the Sun in some areas. Cloud cover affected views in Glasgow, while special glasses and household projection methods such as colanders were used. Experts warned that only ISO-certified eclipse glasses provide safe direct viewing, citing eye injuries associated with the 1999 eclipse. The event drove demand for viewing glasses and colanders, prompted precautionary electricity and road-safety measures, and coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a serious assault and another assault on South Bridge in Edinburgh around 2:10 a.m. on August 1, 2026. A 42-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, while police continue searching for the victim of the second assault. The accused is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Murals on 23 pillars beneath Glasgow’s Kingston Bridge are being covered to create a filming location for The Batman: Part II, which is scheduled to shoot across several city-centre sites in August 2026. The artwork was created by local, national and international artists through an SWG3-led project funded by Glasgow City Council. The production company is expected to pay for reinstatement, with the artists returning to restore the murals after filming. Robert Pattinson will reprise Batman, while director Matt Reeves has described the sequel as a deeper mystery about corruption and Bruce Wayne’s past. The production reinforces Glasgow’s growing role as a major film location, following £33 million in estimated local expenditure from 140 film and television productions in 2024.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with an alleged disturbance and stabbing on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow at around 1:35 a.m. on August 2, 2026. Three men and one woman were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, while police cordoned off nearby streets. Police Scotland said enquiries remain ongoing.

A crash on the A82 at Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands closed the road, with emergency services attending and delays expected. Northbound drivers face a diversion of approximately 154 miles via the A86 and A9 to Inverness, while southbound cars and light vehicles are being redirected locally via the B8004. Southbound HGV traffic is being held at Stronaba until the road reopens.

Police Scotland is investigating alleged bomb threats posted by the 100Scotland Instagram account, which has more than 140,000 followers. The posts claimed that bombs had been planted in shopping centres, universities and other Scottish locations, and promoted linked Telegram and SoundCloud accounts. Police said they were assessing the posts to establish their source; no confirmation was provided that any explosives had been found.

The Grove chip shop in Montrose is being put up for sale after 67 years of family ownership. Peter and Carole Kulinski, who have run the business since 1981, plan to retire in March 2027 after taking over from Peter’s father, Wladek “Bill” Kulinski, who bought it in 1959. Other family members have also worked at the shop, but it is expected to leave family ownership when sold. Local residents have described the change as the “end of an era,” while the couple look forward to spending more time at home and in their garden.

Skye Mountain Rescue Team warned hikers that the 126km Skye Trail is a serious, remote route with unmarked sections, difficult terrain and limited escape options. The team assisted 20 people in multiple incidents during a particularly busy day amid poor weather and urged walkers to use paper maps and compasses, assess conditions independently, check specialist forecasts and turn back when necessary. It also called for wider discussion about how the trail is named, marketed and sold to ensure hikers are properly prepared.

Two men, aged 39 and 18, were arrested after police received a report of vandalism and a break-in at Ultra Intelligence & Communications’ premises in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. Social-media footage reportedly showed damage and Palestine flags at the building. Ultra I&C supplies crypto solutions, mission software and tactical communications to defence forces and allied governments. Its Mission Solutions operation is due to be acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton for $720 million, subject to customary closing conditions.

Judith Langlands-Scott, a wheelchair user from Forfar, left Hampden Park before Calvin Harris’s concert after alleging verbal abuse, a man shaking her wheelchair and a drunken woman falling into her lap. She said the surrounding area was marked by heavy drinking, fights, drug use and people lying unconscious, leaving her determined not to return to the stadium despite previously enjoying a Metallica concert there. Police Scotland rejected the suggestion that only two officers were present and confirmed three arrests, while Capability Scotland condemned the treatment and urged organisers to treat accessibility as an ongoing responsibility involving trained staff, safety measures and respect. DF Concerts declined to comment, and the Scottish Football Association said event organisers are responsible during booked events.

The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, titled “A Call To Gather,” commemorates Scottish soldiers who served in the First World War and features more than 800 performers from around the world. The review praises the bagpipes, precision marching, fireworks, light show, lone piper and sword dancer, as well as performances by the New Zealand Army Band and United States Army Field Band. However, the production’s ambitious theatrical format is viewed as uneven, with pop covers, country dancing, film themes and international musical elements sometimes feeling disconnected from the Tattoo’s cultural message. The spectacle remains highly entertaining, but the reviewer questions whether its broad modernization allows individual traditions to stand out.

Professor Jason Arday resigned from the University of Cambridge after the university opened an investigation into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments, alongside complaints concerning alleged academic misconduct. Media reports alleged that more than 100 passages of his PhD thesis closely resembled an earlier thesis, while Arday acknowledged errors but attributed them partly to inadequate supervision, autism, learning disabilities and financial constraints. He said his resignation was intended to end the personal toll of the controversy and was not an admission of the allegations. Jesus College has begun a separate process, and the University of Glasgow has denied that he ever held a visiting professorship there. Arday's memoir is due to be published amid continuing public scrutiny and support from nearly 16,000 open-letter signatories.

Donald Trump urged the UK to exploit its North Sea oil and gas reserves, arguing that expanded production could reduce energy prices and improve the country’s finances, while also criticizing immigration and wind power. Andy Burnham indicated that he would take a pragmatic approach to future North Sea drilling, potentially softening Labour’s commitment not to issue new licences. In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney called for the Energy Profit Levy to be replaced with a fairer tax regime, arguing that current policy is damaging investment and jobs. Pressure is also mounting over approval of the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, although campaigners say this would breach Labour’s election pledge.

Firefighters have made significant progress tackling a wildfire near Aviemore that has burned an estimated 25 square kilometres over more than two weeks. Smoke is being blown towards Aviemore, prompting advice to keep windows, doors and vehicle vents closed. Police and fire chiefs are preparing a phased reduction of cordons, allowing Refuel event staff and ticket holders to reach Badaguish while the surrounding forest and Loch Morlich area remain closed. Several roads and walking routes are still restricted, and Highland Council is offering support to affected residents and businesses. Separately, Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr has asked Audit Scotland to investigate the procurement of eight firefighting vehicles that were reportedly not operational.

David Brown, a taxi driver serving six years and nine months for raping an 18-year-old passenger, surrendered his two Highland Council taxi operator licences on August 3, 2026. The surrender removes the legal basis for an emergency council meeting that was due to reconsider a licensing committee decision not to take action against the licences, despite objections from Police Scotland and public criticism led by Rape Crisis Scotland. The meeting will still proceed to consider a motion stating that the council’s referral of the original decision was justified; several councillors have resigned after voting to let Brown retain the licences.

Three police officers were injured when protesters threw eggs, bricks and other objects at officers in Glasgow’s Priesthill area. Police said the crowd became increasingly hostile and refused to disperse after officers removed occupants from a house, while three police vehicles were damaged. Police Scotland is investigating, reviewing online and video footage, and warning the public about misinformation related to the incident.

WestJet cancelled flights linking Glasgow and Edinburgh with Canada after cabin crew strike action during the peak summer travel period. More than 600 flights across the airline’s network were cancelled over a weekend amid a pay and compensation dispute. The disruption affected the Glasgow–Toronto route and other transatlantic services, with passengers advised to check WestJet’s website for updates.

Three of the 11 bronze statues removed from Glasgow’s George Square for restoration have begun returning to the site as part of a redevelopment costing about £20 million. Rupert Harris Conservation is restoring the statues, including remaking the missing sword of Sir John Moore, at a cost of £632,000. The project has faced delays, including the discovery of a large underground hole, and completion is now expected by the end of October rather than early September. Glasgow City Council plans a phased reopening, with a family event scheduled for the first weekend of September, while the historical links of eight statues to the Atlantic slave trade are also being considered.

NatureScot has recommended refusing this year’s licence for the traditional guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing uncertainty over the gannet population, the impact of bird flu and a lack of scientific proof that the harvest would not harm the site. Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton has called for the decision to be delayed, saying the recommendation may have been reverse-engineered, and has submitted Freedom of Information requests concerning NatureScot’s communications with the Scottish Government. Animal-welfare groups welcome the recommendation but want the legal loophole permitting the hunt to be closed permanently, while NatureScot has indicated that future applications will be considered independently.

A signalling issue near Kirkcaldy caused major disruption to ScotRail services on Scotland’s east coast, affecting routes between Aberdeen, Dundee and Leven and Edinburgh. Services were cancelled, delayed or revised, with ScotRail saying trains toward Edinburgh were subject to delay. Services were reported to be returning to normal by 6pm on Sunday.

Creative Scotland has assured the Scottish Government that the archive of Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts and Third Eye Centre will not be included in the liquidators’ auction. The nationally important collection documents around 50 years of the city’s contemporary arts scene and includes catalogues, publicity materials, recordings, photographs and film. Creative Scotland and Glasgow Life are working with local partners, including The Ballast Trust, to secure its future in Glasgow. Meanwhile, the former CCA building has been put on the market for sale or lease, with priority given to organisations seeking to operate it as a cultural venue. Competing proposals include a collaborative arts centre led by theatre and dance companies and a Scottish Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Walker’s Shortbread remained profitable in 2025, but pre-tax profit fell to £8.8 million from £18.1 million and operating profit dropped from £16.1 million to £6.9 million. Turnover declined by about 2% to £197 million as softer demand, cautious customer ordering, higher ingredient, energy, labour and National Insurance costs, and US tariffs squeezed margins. Managing director Nicky Walker said the business had faced an unprecedented combination of external pressures but was responding through operational efficiency and continued investment. Despite the weaker performance, the company ended the year with substantial cash, net assets of about £103 million and confidence in its long-term prospects.

Historic Environment Scotland has decided not to list Westfield Court in Edinburgh for now, although it will create a detailed photographic record and may reconsider protection if demolition plans do not progress. The eight-storey post-war housing block has been earmarked for demolition by the City of Edinburgh Council because of serious structural, sewage, flooding, fire-safety and maintenance problems. The council is seeking full ownership to enable demolition and redevelopment as social housing, but two-thirds of the flats are privately owned and final demolition approval has not yet been granted.

A wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms has scorched an estimated 25 square kilometres over two weeks, damaging trees, heather, grassland and wildlife habitat and prompting evacuations. More than 500 firefighters have been deployed, with crews using firebreaks, patrols and water-dropping helicopters alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the RSPB. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officers said significant progress had been made, but warned that peat fires remain burning underground and could flare up. The incident highlights the challenges of fighting rapidly spreading fires in remote areas and the importance of prevention, land management and firebreaks.

Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was identified after her body was found inside a suitcase in a derelict building in Athens on July 18. Greek authorities found no visible injuries or immediate signs of a struggle and are investigating whether she was lured to the site. Ross is believed to have travelled from the United States via Cyprus, and investigators estimate she had been dead for about a week. Interpol, Greek, US and UK authorities collaborated to identify her through fingerprints and DNA, while Police Scotland and the UK Foreign Office are supporting her family.

Loganair has been urged to restore reduced flights linking the Western Isles, Inverness, Orkney and Shetland after local authorities, businesses and tourism bodies warned that the cuts threaten essential healthcare access, tourism, jobs and more than £7 billion in planned investment on Lewis. Loganair says the routes are unsustainable at current usage levels without further government support, while island leaders criticize the lack of consultation and call for action from the airline, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government. The dispute has intensified wider concerns that Scotland lacks a national strategy for protecting lifeline island air services, particularly amid continuing ferry disruption.

Café Gandolfi, the long-running family restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City, has had a liquidator appointed after HMRC presented a winding-up petition to Glasgow Sheriff Court. Despite the insolvency action, the restaurant says reports of its closure are incorrect, that it remains open as normal, and that it is working through the financial difficulties. The business attributes its challenges partly to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and says it remains committed to continuing as a major Glasgow destination.

Scottish Labour MSP Joe Fagan has launched his bid to replace Anas Sarwar, promising to rebuild trust by focusing on local communities, practical public services, workers and local economic power. Fagan cites his record as South Lanarkshire Council leader, including free swimming for under-16s and improved home-care pay, and says the party must move beyond continuity and the “Holyrood bubble.” He joins Monica Lennon and Michael Marra in the leadership race, while Katy Clark and Paul Sweeney are considering bids. Nominations run from August 3 to August 19, with the result due to be announced at a special conference on September 19.

A wildfire in the Cairngorms has affected about 25 square kilometres, including areas of old-growth Caledonian pine forest, and continued burning for 14 days. Around 70 firefighters remain deployed, while cooler and wetter weather has helped limit the spread; residents evacuated from Nethy Bridge have been allowed to return, although road closures and cordons remain. Jamie Langan MSP is urging the Scottish Government to pause its planned muirburn licensing scheme and urgently review whether controlled burning helps reduce fuel loads and create firebreaks. Firefighters have used firebreaks and tactical burning during efforts to contain the blaze, while smoke and smouldering hotspots continue to affect the area.

A track defect at Cowlairs and a signal fault preventing use of platform 3 at Glasgow Queen Street caused major disruption to ScotRail services toward Edinburgh and Stirling. Trains were cancelled, delayed or revised, with Edinburgh–Glasgow services reduced to half-hourly while a speed restriction remained in place. Network Rail Scotland planned repairs after the end of service and said it would coordinate with ScotRail and Lumo to limit further delays.

Australian Commonwealth Games athletes in Glasgow have been advised to train in groups and avoid wearing their green-and-gold uniforms in public, particularly when running from their hotel. The guidance follows middle-distance runner Ollie Hoare’s accidental encounter with a murder scene in Parkhead and violent disorder linked to anti-immigration and anti-racism protests in Glasgow, which resulted in 15 arrests. Australian team officials say they are working with Glasgow 2026 and Police Scotland, describe the advice as standard security protocol, and report no ongoing concerns about athlete safety.

Protesters have urged Clan Hunter to oppose plans for a hyperscale AI data centre on Hunterston Estate, arguing that buildings up to 35 metres high and only 50 metres from the 900-year-old Category A-listed Hunterston Castle would damage the coastline, agricultural land, environment and local communities. The proposed 88-hectare campus, being developed by Eneus Energy, remains at the environmental-impact scoping stage, with no planning application submitted. Clan Hunter’s representatives say the project is preliminary, would preserve farming and public access, and could fund the estate’s restoration. North Ayrshire Council has yet to decide whether a full environmental impact assessment is required, amid wider debate over Scotland’s approach to AI data centre expansion.

A large public artwork called The Glasgow Rose has been suspended from Glasgow's Finnieston Crane for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Created by Glasgow artist Emer Tumilty with creative studio NEWSUBSTANCE, the Mackintosh-inspired installation connects Glasgow's artistic legacy with its shipbuilding and industrial heritage. Commissioned for the ten-week Glasgow 2026 Festival, it is intended to symbolize the city's creativity, confidence and cultural identity while marking the approach to the 2028 centenary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's death.

A 44-year-old man, Paul McMinigal, was found seriously injured in the shared close of a block of flats on Burgher Street in Parkhead, Glasgow, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland has launched a murder investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath. Extensive enquiries are continuing, with appeals for witnesses, private CCTV and dash-cam footage; a police presence will remain in the area.

Glasgow’s city centre is described as unclean and unprepared as it prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with comparisons drawn to the cleaner and better‑maintained streets of Boston experienced during the World Cup. The piece highlights issues such as litter, derelict sites, delayed redevelopment projects and perceived shortcomings in local governance. Praise for Boston’s civic engagement and event management contrasts with frustration over Glasgow’s deteriorating public spaces. The author argues that improving the city’s condition requires responsibility from both residents and authorities to restore pride as international visitors arrive.

James Watt has submitted a formal bid through his new company, Second Best, to repurchase BrewDog after the brewery entered administration and was acquired by Tilray Brands. BrewDog had previously closed dozens of bars and carried heavy debts despite once achieving a billion‑dollar valuation. Watt’s plan includes restoring employee equity, reinstating the Real Living Wage and returning shares to Equity for Punks investors, thousands of whom have registered support for the bid. BrewDog’s earlier financing structure left many crowdfunders without returns following the takeover, while Watt and co‑founder Martin Dickie had previously profited from a partial sale to TSG in 2017.

A 41‑year‑old man was arrested and charged following a serious assault on Buchanan Street in Glasgow late on 14 July 2026. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The accused is scheduled to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court, and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward, including through Crimestoppers.

Gabriel Brown was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of murdering Joseph Johnston in Annan, stabbing him repeatedly, severing and consuming his finger, and attempting to cover up the crime by setting fires. Brown claimed he was possessed by the spirit of Aleister Crowley, but jurors rejected his defence of mental disorder. Sentencing was deferred, with the judge indicating he may never be released. Police condemned the killing as senseless and expressed hope that the verdict offers some comfort to the victim’s family.

Three men working at a derelict care home in Glasgow were arrested on unrelated matters after police responded to reports of people inside the building amid local protests fueled by false claims that it would house asylum seekers. The building’s owner and Glasgow City Council stated it is being refurbished for continued use as a care home, urging the public not to spread misinformation. Police confirmed the men remain in custody as inquiries continue.

A front column of Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church in Glasgow collapsed, prompting authorities to cordon off the main entrance. No injuries occurred, and Sunday services proceeded through a side entrance. The Church of Scotland reported that a decorative stone element detached due to corroded metal pins, and a stonemason is assessing any further required repairs. The Victorian-era building, completed in 1876, is noted for its stained‑glass windows, historic organ, and past restoration projects.

A substitute teacher at Arbroath High School claims she was dismissed after briefly expressing her Catholic opposition to abortion when pupils asked about her views. She is pursuing legal action against Angus Council, arguing discrimination and a violation of free speech protections. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is supporting her case, stating she acted appropriately and was denied fair process. Angus Council declined to comment due to ongoing proceedings.

Plans are advancing to create Scotland’s first Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, with ScotsRock proposing to repurpose the former Centre for Contemporary Arts building on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. The initiative, backed by prominent Scottish musicians and funded by a major donation from Bill and Fiona Gordon, aims to establish a cultural destination featuring exhibitions, performances, educational spaces and industry facilities without reliance on public funding. As Creative Scotland prepares to seek interest in the property, political figures including Màiri McAllan face pressure over the building’s future. ScotsRock will submit a formal bid, targeting a 2028 opening and positioning the attraction as a key regeneration driver for the area.

Police found a body in a wooded area near Drum Castle during the search for missing Peterculter man Keith Gauld. His family has been informed, formal identification is pending, and the death is not considered suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police are investigating significant vandalism at a Wick Harbour compound in Caithness, where wind turbine components and HGVs are stored. Vandals drained a 1000‑litre AdBlu container, cut seatbelts in vehicles and damaged the CCTV system sometime between June 26 and 29. Authorities report substantial repair costs and are appealing for public information, directing tips to Police Scotland or CrimeStoppers.

A Labrador named Tokyo collapsed on Ben Nevis after likely ingesting discarded cannabis, prompting Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team to evacuate the dog to veterinary care. Owner Christina Bluhme described the incident as terrifying and thanked rescuers and Crown Vets for saving the dog, which fully recovered by the following day. The episode led to a warning for dog owners about the risks of discarded drugs on outdoor trails.

Glasgow City Council faces calls from Glasgow Labour to halt efforts to recover more than £40,000 in legal costs from members of the Glasgow City Parents Group after their unsuccessful judicial review opposing planned teacher cuts. The SNP administration abandoned the proposed reductions following public pressure, but former GCPG chair Leanne McGuire is now being personally pursued for costs. Labour leaders argue the action penalises parents who campaigned to protect education and urge the council to reconsider. The council maintains it is standard practice to seek costs in failed legal challenges and says it is working to recoup expenses.

Edinburgh World Heritage has urged full restoration of the fire-damaged former Debenhams building on Princes Street, highlighting its historic significance and the impact of its loss on the World Heritage Site. The blaze destroyed the roof and top floors, prompting calls for an investigation into its cause and a review of fire risks in similar historic structures. Comparisons were drawn with a recent Glasgow building fire, with experts noting the vulnerability of mid-19th-century construction. Authorities and the building’s owners continue coordinating safety and investigative efforts while emphasising the importance of preserving heritage assets.

Two men, Kieran Lindsay and Marshall Strachan, were convicted at Glasgow High Court for the premeditated and targeted murder of John Taylor in Kilwinning in October 2024. A third man, Kiey O’Connor, admitted drugs offences and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Sentencing for all three is scheduled for August 2026. Police Scotland described the killing as brutal and thanked the local community for its cooperation during the investigation.

A ceramic mural reimagining a rare 1890s advertising design by Margaret and Frances MacDonald has been installed at Glasgow Central Station. Created by Make It Glasgow and commissioned by Network Rail Scotland with support from cultural and heritage partners, the piece revives a largely lost artwork using ceramic tiles and a smog-based glaze. The project highlights Glasgow’s artistic legacy and coincides with Glasgow City Council’s announcement that Union Street and Glasgow Central will fully reopen in mid-July following fire damage.

A 32-year-old man was arrested after a protest and disturbance in Glasgow’s Lamlash Crescent, where police escorted two individuals from a property and faced a large crowd. Officers drew batons during the confrontation, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to assist. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Fire crews are responding to a large blaze at Tipperty Industrial Estate near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, deploying multiple appliances and warning nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke. Drivers on the A90 are advised to use caution as smoke is drifting across the road. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

A Highland Council member, Chris Birt, has been suspended by the SNP pending disciplinary action over his role in a licensing committee decision that allowed convicted rapist David Brown to retain a taxi operator’s licence. The decision, made despite Police Scotland objections, has sparked widespread criticism from the public and groups such as Rape Crisis Scotland. Several councillors have resigned from the committee following the backlash, while Birt defended his vote as legally justified and necessary to allow Brown’s wife to continue working. Brown remains in prison serving a six‑year‑nine‑month sentence while still holding the operator licence.

Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have declined to contest the Clacton by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation, arguing the vote is a distraction from an investigation into unregistered donations to the Reform UK leader. Only the Greens and Count Binface have committed to standing. Kemi Badenoch, Labour officials and Ed Davey criticised Farage’s move as a gimmick or vanity project, calling for the standards investigation to conclude before any legitimate contest. Restore Britain said it will wait to field a candidate in a later by-election once the financial inquiry ends.

A 46‑year‑old man, Michael Doherty, received an 11‑year prison sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh for the attempted murder of a 56‑year‑old victim in Port Glasgow. Police responded to an incident at a Teviot Road property in January 2024, where the injured man was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital with serious injuries. Investigators emphasized their commitment to addressing violent crime and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

A 39-year-old man, Dariusz Matejewicz, received an 18-year prison sentence at the High Court in Stirling for multiple rapes and violent offences committed against four women and a child across several Scottish towns between 2007 and 2022. Authorities issued a non-harassment order alongside the sentence. Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo expressed hope that the outcome provides some comfort to the victims and urged anyone experiencing sexual or violent abuse to contact Police Scotland.

Staff at a Glasgow church-based community charity face a redundancy consultation as three Church of Scotland congregations merge after a long restructuring process. The Church of Scotland says the building housing the project is in poor condition and that staff have long been aware of the merger plans, while sources close to the project claim the decision was abrupt and poorly explained. The charity is solvent and demand for services remains high, but the project is considered fragile due to reliance on two staff members. Financial and administrative changes are underway as the congregations unite under a new structure, with overdue accounts being prepared for the previous entities.

CalMac will deploy MV Glen Sannox to provide a third daily return sailing on the Ullapool–Stornoway route during HebCelt Festival week, adding more than 10,000 extra passenger spaces. The boost aims to meet heightened demand and support local businesses while maintaining transport reliability for residents and commercial users. Festival organisers welcome the increased capacity as ticket demand rises and highlight a diverse music lineup and additional family entertainment. Recent technical issues with Glen Sannox are noted, but the vessel is now scheduled to support festival travel from July 13 to 18.

Glasgow officials invited Boston residents to visit the city following the positive reception of Scotland’s fans during their stay for the World Cup, highlighting cultural ties and the iconic traffic cone statue. Leaders from both cities expressed enthusiasm for strengthening tourism and civic connections, with Glasgow promoting its landmarks and cultural offerings as part of a wider destination marketing effort.

Police identified 17-year-old Kerr Paterson from Saline as the victim of a fatal collision on the B914 near Kelty involving a Toyota Aygo and a Volkswagen Golf. A 20-year-old man was arrested as enquiries continue, with officers seeking information and dash‑cam footage. Paterson’s family released a tribute requesting privacy, and Police Scotland urged witnesses to come forward.

Business leaders warn that an SNP‑backed moratorium on hyperscale AI data centres could damage Scotland’s economic growth and deter investment, citing estimates that the sector could add £44 billion to the UK economy by 2035. Supporters of the pause, including the Scottish Greens and several councils, argue that rapid expansion poses risks to energy supply, climate goals and local communities. The Scottish Government is reviewing national planning guidance, with John Swinney considering shifting decisions to the national level to balance economic ambitions with environmental commitments.

Squirrelpox has been confirmed in red squirrels in Clackmannanshire, raising fears of a wider outbreak in one of Scotland’s strongest remaining populations. Conservation groups identified the virus following a post‑mortem examination of a red squirrel found in Dollar and have urged residents to remove wildlife feeders to reduce transmission. Volunteers, landowners and conservation organisations are working to monitor local squirrel populations and remove grey squirrels, the invasive carriers of the virus. The disease, usually fatal to red squirrels within two weeks, threatens to accelerate population decline. Additional suspected cases are being investigated, while national conservation bodies continue efforts to manage grey squirrel numbers, restore habitats and protect Scotland’s remaining red squirrel strongholds.