Eilidh Farquhar

Ember will launch the E20, a 24-hour Glasgow–Edinburgh Airport bus route, on September 2. Buses will run every 20 minutes for most of the day, with stops including Chapelhall, Livingston and Ratho Station; Harthill and Heartlands will be added on September 9. Online fares start at £7.55 for an adult single ticket, compared with about £15 for Megabus. Passengers boarding or leaving at most intermediate stops must pre-book so the bus is notified to make the stop.

The Food Awards Scotland 2026 recognized restaurants and food businesses across 30 categories at a ceremony held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. Round Island Café Bar on the Isle of Cumbrae won Restaurant of the Year, while Doner Angelina, Vera Artisan Bakery and Homestead Smokehouse won awards for takeaway, bakery and burger bar excellence respectively. The article also lists winners, excellence awards and outstanding achievements across Scotland's food and hospitality industry.

A UK salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 200 people, caused one death and resulted in six confirmed cases in Scotland. The UK Health Security Agency says the outbreak may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. The article explains that the egg float test can indicate freshness but cannot determine whether an egg contains salmonella. Food Standards Agency guidance emphasizes thorough cooking, handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, proper refrigeration and avoiding eggs that are cracked, dirty or past their best-before date. Vulnerable groups should only eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs carrying the British Lion mark or produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.

Wladimir Klitschko paid tribute to his former fiancée Hayden Panettiere after her reported death at age 36, describing his family as being in profound shock and grief and asking for privacy. Panettiere and Klitschko shared an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whose care was placed primarily with her father in 2018 while Panettiere struggled with substance addiction. The article also recounts Panettiere’s postnatal depression and later efforts to rebuild her relationship with Kaya. Police reportedly said there was no foul play, while Panettiere’s father remembered her as an incredible light.

Family, friends and fans are gathering in Swansea for Bonnie Tyler's funeral after her body was returned to her Welsh hometown. The service is restricted to invited guests but will be shown on a large screen and streamed online, followed by a procession through Skewen and a private family committal. Tyler, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, died in Portugal at 75 after treatment for an illness following emergency intestinal surgery. Fellow celebrities and local fans have paid tribute to her legacy and connection to Wales.

Hayden Panettiere is reported to have died at age 36 on August 16, with the cause of death not yet announced. Friends, former co-stars and fans posted tributes to her final Instagram photo, while her father, Skip Panettiere, asked for privacy. Greenville police said an acquaintance made the 911 call and that the preliminary investigation found no apparent foul play or suspicious circumstances. The article also revisits Panettiere’s memoir, her struggles with addiction and depression, allegations of abuse in Hollywood, and her 2018 decision to transfer custody of her daughter Kaya to Wladimir Klitschko while seeking treatment.

Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Balquhidder, Perthshire, offers nine accommodation options across a 2,000-acre estate overlooking Loch Voil. Choices range from individually designed rooms and farmhouse accommodation to cabins, a restored showman’s wagon, a treehouse, tiny house and a three-bedroom cottage. Guests can also enjoy activities including drinks masterclasses, a wine safari, a riverside sauna, farm tours and wild fishing, making the property an attractive staycation destination in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Abbots Brae, a three-storey Victorian villa in Dunoon on Scotland’s Cowal Peninsula, is being marketed by Savills for offers over £775,000. The property includes six en-suite bedrooms, a former ballroom used as a drawing room, modernized facilities, a detached two-bedroom cottage and two acres of private woodland overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Recent improvements include a 2023 roof refurbishment and double glazing, while the nearby town offers ferry connections and local amenities.

Edinburgh has been ranked fourth among the world’s best cities for Gen Z to live in, according to Time Out’s 2026 survey of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities. Respondents praised the Scottish capital’s safety, walkability, green spaces, cultural scene, restaurants and nightlife. Ninety per cent said they were happier living in Edinburgh than anywhere else, while 94 per cent viewed local residents as positive. The city was also rated the safest on the top-10 list, with its Fringe Festival and Cowgate entertainment scene highlighted as major attractions.

Scientists and eye-health specialists are warning people in Scotland not to look directly at the August 12 solar eclipse, even briefly, because intense visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation can permanently damage the retina. Recommended precautions include certified solar-eclipse glasses or indirect viewing through a pinhole projector. Potential effects include solar retinopathy, photokeratitis and macular edema, with symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, dark spots and eye pain sometimes appearing hours or days later. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

The UK Health Security Agency warns people in the UK to check that solar eclipse glasses carry the ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015(E) safety certification before viewing the partial eclipse on August 12, 2026. Old, scratched or creased glasses may no longer provide adequate protection. Genuine glasses are expected to be available from museums, observatories, opticians and reputable astronomy retailers. People without certified glasses can safely view the eclipse indirectly using a pinhole projector, colander or tree-leaf shadows. Coverage is expected to exceed 90% in much of Scotland, reaching about 93% in Barra.

A £55 Signature Cocktails Masterclass at Arta in Glasgow’s Merchant City includes cava on arrival, guided cocktail-making and a three-course meal with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The reviewer enjoyed the interactive bar experience and most of the meal, although the chicken main course was somewhat dry. The package is recommended for birthdays, hen parties and group outings, with Arta also offering other experiences such as a Spanish afternoon tea.

The Wild Heat, a Glasgow sauna and cold plunge business owned by Louie Mearns and his father Gary, plans to open a new site at Stirling County Rugby Football Club in early autumn 2026. The facility is expected to include a 12-person sauna, three cold plunge barrels, a cold shower and changing rooms. Louie says the business aims to recreate in Stirling the social community developed at its Glasgow location, where one-hour communal sauna sessions cost £12.

Richard Madden will lead Trauma, a new thriller series in which he plays Jim Marchant, a former Royal Marine medic turned emergency doctor who must rescue patients after terrorists seize a London hospital and take the Prime Minister hostage. Madden will also executive-produce the series, created by Geoff Bussetil and directed by Daniel Syrkin. Production is expected to begin in October, with Amazon Prime Video releasing it in the UK and Paramount+ handling international streaming; no release date has been announced.

A TikTok video filmed at The Den and The Glen, formerly Storybook Glen, in Maryculter near Aberdeen has divided viewers. Some Scots fondly remember the attraction’s nursery-rhyme, fairytale and television-character statues, while others now find them unsettling or nightmarish. The family attraction is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with admission prices varying by age.

Scotland will experience a partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, with up to 93% coverage over the populated Isle of Barra and 97% over Rockall. STV weatherman Sean Batty ranks the 1954 eclipse first because parts of Shetland experienced totality, followed by the 2015, 1925, 1927 and 2026 eclipses. The article notes that rankings change if only mainland Scotland and populated islands are considered, and advises viewers to use proper eclipse glasses or a projector rather than look directly at the Sun.

Asda and Morrisons have recalled three Greencore-made pasta products after the Food Standards Agency warned of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Customers should not eat the affected products and can return them for a full refund without a receipt. The recalled items are Asda Cheese and Tomato Pasta Salad, Asda Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad, and Morrisons Chicken and Bacon Pasta, with specific use-by dates in August 2026. Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, severe complications such as meningitis; people over 65, pregnant women, young babies, and those with weakened immune systems face greater risk.

Freya and Noah were Scotland’s most popular girl and boy baby names in 2025, with each topping or jointly topping the rankings in seven council areas. Aberdeenshire was the only region where both names ranked first. The article lists the leading names for each Scottish region, noting that names had to be given to at least three babies to qualify and that Shetland and Orkney lacked some category leaders because they did not meet that threshold.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is beginning a phased rollout of a photo-upload feature at around 2,500 UK garages to help verify that vehicles are physically present during MOT tests and deter fraud. Garages can use a smartphone, tablet or QR-code-linked device to upload a vehicle image directly to the MOT testing service. The feature is currently optional, will not affect motorists, and follows a trial at 311 garages that reportedly received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It may become mandatory nationwide if the rollout succeeds.

Holly Ramsay-Peaty praised husband Adam Peaty after he won bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying they would continue through setbacks together. Peaty, who is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, finished behind Australia's Sam Williamson and Jersey's Filip Nowacki. The story also revisits tensions between Peaty and parts of his family, including his mother Caroline, who said the family continues to support him from afar. Holly and Adam are expecting a daughter, prompting excitement from Holly's father Gordon Ramsay.

A Fife woman filmed herself guiding a seagull off an Aberdeen-to-Glasgow ScotRail train after the bird wandered through the carriage. Her TikTok video went viral, receiving more than 151,900 views and thousands of likes, while viewers and LNER responded with humorous comments about the bird's apparent train-hopping habits.

Helen Flanagan has responded to social-media criticism that mothers should not wear revealing clothing, posting a humorous Instagram video and caption defending her choices. The former Coronation Street actress, who has three children, has faced repeated trolling over her appearance and said breast surgery after breastfeeding helped restore her confidence. She also said she wants to keep future relationships private after the end of her long-term relationship with footballer Scott Sinclair.

The Ivy is launching a limited-time Taste of Scotland menu across its Glasgow and Edinburgh locations, highlighting locally sourced Scottish produce through curated starters, mains and desserts. A preview tasting found consistently strong dishes including haggis options, mushroom pappardelle and a Cranachan Bombe, with accompanying cocktails and wines selected for the menu. Running from July 20 to September 1, the offering is priced at two or three fixed courses, aiming to celebrate Scottish heritage without feeling gimmicky.

EasyJet Holidays has introduced 'football free getaways' in response to research showing that many UK travellers want to avoid World Cup coverage during summer trips. The selected screen‑free hotels ensure communal areas do not show football, appealing to holidaymakers seeking a quieter environment. Over a third of travellers prefer accommodations without live match screenings, and some are willing to pay extra for confirmed football‑free stays. Destinations include Cyprus, Portugal, Italy and Spain, with Italy attracting interest due to its absence from the tournament. EasyJet aims to provide peaceful travel options while still catering to football supporters elsewhere.

A wildfire alert has been issued for southern and eastern Scotland and the central Highlands as temperatures rise, prompting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to urge residents in rural and at-risk areas to take precautions. Key safety steps include creating and maintaining a 10‑meter cleared safety zone around homes, removing flammable materials, keeping grass short, securing fuel tanks, and ensuring clear access for firefighters. Residents are encouraged to make house numbers visible, keep driveways unobstructed, and use location apps such as What3Words or Ordnance Survey Locate to aid emergency services. Scots are advised to avoid outdoor fires and barbecues and to call 999 if they see large outdoor fires as hot, dry conditions increase risks.

An American living in Glasgow describes struggling with Scotland’s summer heat due to the lack of air conditioning, comparing it to the hotter climate of her home state. She shares her frustration on TikTok, prompting comments from others who also find the warm temperatures difficult to cope with. Forecaster Sean Batty predicts high daytime temperatures but notes that some areas may experience cooler nights.

Social media account Scottish Banter outlined humorous and historical reasons for Scots to back Argentina in their World Cup semi-final against England, citing shared ancestry, Scottish influence on Argentine football, and cultural links such as St Andrew’s Scots School. Fans offered mixed reactions, with some embracing the connection and others refusing to support Argentina. The match is scheduled for July 15.

Lewis Capaldi delivered an emotional headline performance at Hyde Park, marking a major milestone in his return to music following a mental‑health hiatus. Performing to tens of thousands at the British Summer Time festival, he paused to acknowledge fears that he might not return to the stage after his struggles with Tourette’s, drawing strong support from fans. The show featured his chart‑topping songs, moments of humour, and a surprise appearance by Sam Fender for a joint performance. His appearance continues a successful year back in the spotlight following his 2025 Glastonbury return.

Chris Hoy praised Arran’s coffee truck The Caffeinated Pig on social media, prompting enthusiastic responses from its owner and customers. The article also highlights Hoy’s upcoming role as a presenter for TNT Sports during the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, his continued involvement despite health challenges, and details about broadcast plans and event participation.

A viral video from the Camping Le Marsouins resort in southern France shows a lifeguard removing towels from unoccupied sunbeds, drawing widespread praise from travellers frustrated by long‑term reserving of loungers. Social media users largely supported the staff intervention, though some argued for reasonable allowance when guests briefly leave for food or swimming. The incident highlights growing tensions around sunbed use at busy European holiday resorts and the varying expectations of travellers over sunbed reservation etiquette.

Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has died at 39 after a four‑year battle with glioblastoma, surpassing the initial prognosis she received in 2022. Her husband announced she passed away peacefully, highlighting her determination and her efforts to raise awareness of brain cancer. Tributes from supporters and organisations praised her inspirational advocacy and strength. She is survived by her husband Alex and their son Jonah.

Calvin Harris will headline two homecoming shows at Glasgow’s Hampden Park, with the August 1 performance broadcast live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds. The DJ expressed excitement about returning to Scotland, while the BBC highlighted his influence on contemporary dance music. The broadcast forms part of the BBC’s Summer of Music 2026, which includes live performances and new documentaries. Harris’ career milestones and recent personal life updates are also noted as he prepares for the upcoming shows.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will open the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, concluding the King's baton relay at the OVO Hydro on July 23. The event will feature a redesigned relay with individual batons for all 74 participating teams and a star-studded opening ceremony headlined by KT Tunstall and other Scottish artists. Sir Chris Hoy will participate in the ceremony, while Channel 5 and TNT Sports take over UK broadcast duties, with additional coverage from BBC Alba. The Games mark Glasgow’s return as host after 12 years, with organisers aiming to deliver a bold and distinctive celebration.

Georgia Toffolo shared a TikTok video showing her husband James Watt nearly being detained at a London airport after filming part of a TikTok trend near security. Airport staff required Watt to delete the clip, which included a security officer entering the frame. The couple later laughed about the incident while fans reacted with amusement online. The video follows Toffolo’s recent update about their ongoing attempts to become pregnant.

Drivers are urged to take extra precautions during hot weather as rising temperatures can damage vehicles, personal items, and affect driver safety. Tyres may become over-pressured, electronics such as phones and dashcams can overheat or detach, and medications can lose effectiveness if left in hot cars. Battery-powered devices and aerosols may become hazardous, while dehydration can impair driving performance. Motorists are advised to check tyre pressures, maintain coolant levels, stay hydrated, use sunshades, park in shaded areas, and avoid leaving electronics and pressurised items in vehicles.

Susan Boyle shared a heartfelt tribute to Bonnie Tyler following the singer’s death in Portugal, expressing deep sadness and recalling their time together at the Vatican. Tyler, who had been recovering from emergency intestinal surgery, passed away on July 9 at age 75. Fans and fellow celebrities, including Beverley Knight, added their own tributes. Details of Tyler’s final public appearance and her long career were highlighted, along with the family’s request for privacy.

KT Tunstall will headline the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on July 23, joined by Scottish performers Nathan Evans & Saint PHNX, Nina Nesbitt, Callum Beattie and electronic duo Valtos. The event at the Hydro will showcase Scottish music and culture while welcoming athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations. Organisers describe the ceremony as a celebration of Glasgow’s spirit, featuring contributions from 600 volunteer cast members. Tickets remain available through the Glasgow 2026 website.

Temperatures across Scotland are set to rise sharply, with Dumfries expected to reach 28C on July 10 and other areas including Moffat, Glasgow and Dalbeattie approaching similar highs. The Met Office warns of high UV levels across most of the country and urges precautions such as seeking shade and using sunscreen. Forecasts indicate warm, mostly dry conditions through the week, though occasional showers may appear in the northwest. The heatwave affecting the UK is not expected to break records, but some urban areas may experience warm nights that disrupt sleep.

An investigation by Which? found that Tripadvisor’s AI-generated hotel summaries often overlook serious negative reviews, including reports of illness, poor hygiene and food poisoning at resorts in Cape Verde and Cancun. Some hotels that received glowing AI descriptions had numerous one- and two-star reviews and accounts of guests falling ill, with several cases requiring hospital treatment. Tripadvisor stated that its AI system is designed to maintain transparency, capture diverse feedback and suppress summaries for listings involving severe safety incidents, but acknowledged ongoing improvements. Riu Hotels and Resorts said guest health and safety are their priority and noted compliance with international hygiene standards. Travellers are urged to read full reviews rather than rely solely on AI summaries.

European airports and airlines urged the European Commission to suspend the Entry/Exit System during July and August due to escalating delays and operational strain. In an open letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they warned that EES-related queues have reached up to five hours, causing missed flights, disrupted operations and pressure on border staff. They called for temporary suspension over peak travel months and for improved procedures, staffing and reliable infrastructure before full implementation resumes. European authorities have used limited flexibility measures, yet industry groups argue the system is failing to support efficient border crossings during peak demand.

Heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunder are forecast across Scotland as fans gather in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park for Pitbull's Summer Sessions performance. The Met Office predicts persistent rain moving eastward through the evening, cooler temperatures in the west and blustery conditions overnight. Some areas, including the Central Belt and Dumfries and Galloway, could see up to 16mm of rain per hour. Wetter and cooler weather is expected to persist into next week, though temperatures should stay in the high teens to low twenties after Scotland recently experienced its hottest day of the year.

Multiple children in Scotland have suffered severe burns after microwaving foam- or gel-filled squishy toys, following misleading social media videos encouraging the practice. Doctors at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children have treated six cases in eight months, some requiring skin grafts. Parents of injured children described sudden explosions of heated gel causing deep burns, prompting medical experts to warn families about the risks and urge discussions about online trends.