Gabriel Mckay

Nathan Cofnas, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University who made plagiarism allegations against the late academic Jason Arday, has been suspended by the Belgian university. Cofnas has faced condemnation for advocating views described as scientific racism and was previously dismissed by Cambridge’s Emmanuel College after claiming that Black people were, on average, less intelligent than white people and Ashkenazi Jews. Ghent University said it opposes racism and discrimination while protecting academic freedom, but stressed that such freedom carries responsibilities and may be restricted to protect others’ rights.

A festival in Krosno, Poland, is commemorating Scottish merchant Robert Porteous, known in Poland as Portius, who settled there in the 1620s, grew wealthy importing Hungarian Tokaj wine and helped develop the town. The event at the Glass Heritage Center features bagpipes, harp and traditional songs performed by the Scottish-Krakow ensemble Celtic Triangle. The article places Porteous within the broader history of Scottish migration to Poland and Hungary, noting surviving linguistic and surname connections and suggesting that Scottish merchant stereotypes, along with later Presbyterian missionary and educational exchanges, may have influenced Hungarian jokes about Scots.

East Ayrshire Council and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance have issued a temporary traffic regulation order covering streets around Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park on match days. The order allows no-waiting cones to be deployed where parking obstructs junctions, driveways or traffic, but councillor Jayne Sangster said blanket restrictions will not be introduced immediately and that existing arrangements remain in place unless complaints arise. Supporters and residents have raised concerns about access, particularly for older and mobility-impaired fans, while a public consultation is expected to determine whether arrangements change.

Loch Bay, the six-table Michelin-starred restaurant in Stein on the Isle of Skye, will close after its final service on October 31, 2026. Owners Michael and Laurence Smith opened the restaurant in 2016, earning a Michelin star in 2018 and Scotland’s AA Restaurant of the Year title for 2024–25. They said the decision marks the right time to end the business positively and begin new personal and professional chapters, while colleagues and chefs praised their contribution to Skye’s food scene.

The City of Edinburgh Council offered a tenancy to a visually impaired person with physical and severe mental health difficulties in a property later found to contain mould and require repairs. The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman found that the home did not meet required lettable standards, inspection records were inadequate, repairs progressed slowly and complaints were handled inconsistently, including inaccurate responses and failure to provide a formal dampness report. The council eventually cancelled the tenancy and charges. The ombudsman recommended apologies and improvements to property inspections, damp-reporting procedures and complaint handling.

More than 200 musicians, including members of Radiohead and Primal Scream, have signed an EarthPercent and Uplift open letter urging Andy Burnham to reject the Rosebank oil and gas field. The project’s previous licence was ruled unlawful, but Equinor and Ithaca Energy have resubmitted their application, leaving the UK Government to decide after public consultation. Supporters cite benefits for the North Sea industry, while opponents argue Rosebank would not reduce energy bills or improve energy security because most oil would be exported, and would intensify climate risks affecting communities and live music events. Campaigners also raise concerns about Ithaca’s ownership by Israel’s Delek conglomerate and its links to occupied territory.

Thirty-five-year-old Ayrshire father John Robertson has been diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 oesophageal adenocarcinoma that has spread to his liver and has been given a prognosis of nine to ten months. After NHS Scotland indicated that only end-of-life care was available, he and his wife Nicole sought second opinions in London and Germany and are exploring private clinical trials, including the OMEC-5 project, subject to his response to chemotherapy. The family is raising money through a Maybole fundraiser and GoFundMe campaign to cover treatment, travel, accommodation and quality-of-life costs.

Former Irish president Mary McAleese recalled that Queen Elizabeth II strongly disliked DUP founder Ian Paisley and his politics. McAleese said the Queen expressed this disdain during a 1998 trip to Belgium, shortly after the Good Friday Agreement, which Paisley had refused to support and had criticized the Queen for backing. The account highlights the intense political and personal hostility surrounding the Northern Ireland peace process.

Count Binface, portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, will perform a one-night Edinburgh Fringe show titled “Face of the Establishment” after finishing second to Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election with 9,455 votes, or 26.9%. The show will feature his sci-fi political satire and humorous manifesto, including proposals to bring back Ceefax and nationalise Adele.

A Southern train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, with three carriages overturning and trapping passengers. Around 150 people were on board; two sustained serious injuries and nine suffered less serious injuries, while others were treated at the scene or taken to hospital. Passengers were evacuated to a nearby community centre, emergency services mounted a multi-agency response, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch sent inspectors to determine what happened. Disruption affected journeys to Gatwick Airport, prompting Southern Rail to arrange replacement buses and advise travellers to allow extra time.

A very high wildfire risk warning was issued across the Eastern Highlands, Eastern Scotland and Southern Scotland until 13 August by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Wildfire Forum. Crews continued damping down hotspots from a Cairngorms blaze that had begun four weeks earlier, while authorities warned that extreme weather is increasing the scale, intensity and frequency of wildfires. Officials urged the public to avoid naked flames, citing risks to communities and firefighters and the substantial resources required to control the fires.

A 24-year-old woman was allegedly punched several times and kicked by a man on a London King’s Cross-to-Aberdeen train while it was travelling between Newark Northgate and Doncaster. Other passengers intervened, and the suspect moved to another part of the train. British Transport Police described the suspect and appealed for witnesses to provide information.

A group of Breton sailors has reached Scottish waters aboard Brioc, a replica 10th-century currach built from wood, linen, hemp and animal hides. The crew sailed from Kerlouan in Brittany via Cornwall and Wales and plans to visit Iona before continuing through the Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness and toward the North Sea. They are recreating 10th-century life at sea by using period-appropriate food, equipment and navigation methods, while carrying modern safety equipment for emergencies. The project aims to highlight Breton and wider Celtic maritime traditions, challenge the focus on Viking seafaring, and strengthen cultural links among Celtic communities.

Guardbridge residents are opposing plans by SP Energy Networks to build a new electrical substation opposite the village primary school on University of St Andrews-owned land. The £20 million network upgrade would support rising demand from heat pumps, electric vehicles and development in north-east Fife, but residents argue that the proposed site would harm residential amenity, create noise and safety concerns, and affect a historic village gateway. They also question whether alternative sites were transparently assessed, including a campus location described as less constrained. SP Energy Networks says the site is the most viable option and that mitigation measures will limit impacts, while the university says it only made land available and that site selection and impact assessments are the responsibility of the developer and Fife Council.

Residents of Edinburgh’s Bond Building were advised to relocate after a detailed investigation found serious internal fire-safety defects, including missing fire stopping, inadequate cavity barriers, faulty smoke-extraction systems, non-compliant fire doors and combustible external cladding. The building had already received a B2 EWS1 rating and was affected by a fire in March 2024. Residents face temporary accommodation, mortgage and resale difficulties, and uncertainty over remediation expected to take two or three years once work begins. Persimmon Homes says further investigations will determine the scope and timetable of repairs and that it is supporting residents on a case-by-case basis.

The University of Glasgow will review the process that led to Jason Arday’s appointment as Professor of Sociology of Education from January 2022 to March 2023. The review follows plagiarism allegations concerning his PhD thesis, disputes over claims that he held a visiting professorship at Glasgow and completed a University of London master’s degree, and scrutiny of an unpublished book and charity fundraising claims. Arday has acknowledged errors but attributed some to inadequate supervision, autism and learning disabilities. Cambridge University, where he recently resigned, is separately investigating his qualifications and honorary appointments while handling academic-misconduct complaints under its policies. Accounts of racist abuse and other alleged incidents involving Arday have also faced contradictory evidence.

Restricted patient Cliff Lyons Dobbie, detained at Carstairs since 1990 after raping a 10-year-old girl and molesting a 12-year-old boy, absconded while on escorted community leave in Perth. Police Scotland issued a public appeal describing his clothing, tattoos, accent and links to Glasgow, urging anyone with information to contact police and warning the public not to approach him.

Businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire will be eligible for up to £3 million in support after the Scottish Government activated the discretionary Bellwin Scheme. Highland Council will administer grants aimed at helping businesses recover, maintain continuity and pursue longer-term recovery, with application details expected shortly. Economy and tourism secretary Stephen Flynn said the funding would provide immediate relief while the government works with Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Cairngorms National Park Authority on additional assistance.

Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian has acquired a Scotland-based training facility for high-voltage cable jointers in North Ayrshire, bringing more than 20 apprentices and experienced training staff into the company. The facility will support Prysmian’s UK and European installation and inspection, maintenance and repair operations, while securing future training and employment opportunities. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Prysmian’s workforce for underground and subsea transmission projects, particularly those linked to offshore wind and the wider energy transition.

Nine-year-old Minnie Merriman died after being found seriously injured at Arbroath’s Elliot Industrial Estate and taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Christopher Rice, 35, who was known to her, has been charged with murder, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court, entered no plea and was remanded in custody. Police Scotland said officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with the death, while Merriman’s family, who were visiting the area from West Yorkshire, are receiving specialist support.

The Scottish Football Association is being urged by SNP MSP Jack Middleton to withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. England, Wales, Serbia and Finland have already withdrawn support amid backlash over plans to sell minority stakes in the commercial and operational rights to major football competitions to private equity. The SFA has not publicly clarified its position, while its president, Mike Mulraney, chairs FIFA's Finance Committee.

A 63-year-old motorcyclist was hospitalised with serious injuries after four cars allegedly targeted a group of bikers on the M74 near Lesmahagow. Police Scotland recovered a red Mazda with a smashed rear window in Ayrshire, but the other vehicles remain untraced. Detective Sergeant Craig Wait described the incident as a targeted attack and appealed for witnesses and dash-cam footage.

A nine-year-old girl found seriously injured at Arbroath’s Elliot Industrial Estate died in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Police Scotland are treating the death as suspicious and have arrested a 35-year-old white British man known to the girl, stating that no one else is being sought. Her family, who were camping in the area, are receiving specialist support while enquiries continue.

Low water levels in the Danube, caused by hot temperatures and low rainfall, exposed a suspected Second World War bomb near Virt in Slovakia. Slovak authorities stopped river traffic while specialists identified, removed and disposed of the object. Other wartime munitions were found in Budapest, while the depleted river revealed a destroyed bridge, a shipwreck and possible woolly mammoth remains. Hungary also warned that continued water loss could force the Paks nuclear power plant to reduce or halt operations.

Shell reported second-quarter net profit of $9.4 billion, more than double the figure from the same period a year earlier, with higher wholesale energy prices linked to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to the result. The company paid $2.164 billion in dividends, while projected annual profits for six major oil firms total $147 billion. Oxfam linked the emissions of several oil majors to roughly one in four global heatwaves between 2000 and 2023 and estimated $60 billion in environmental damage from Big Oil in the previous year. Oxfam, Uplift and Greenpeace condemned Shell’s profits and called for stronger taxation, climate action and rejection of the Rosebank oil field, whose approval remains under consideration by the UK Government.

A Boeing Poseidon MRA1 surveillance aircraft launched from RAF Lossiemouth and spent more than four hours operating over the North Sea west of Orkney and southwest of Shetland. The mission coincided with the presence of several oil tankers allegedly linked to Russia’s sanctioned shadow fleet, including Utaki, Spirit 2, Mirabel and Oasis. The vessels were travelling between Russian ports and destinations in the Mediterranean or Asia, while a separate RAF mission operated over the Black Sea from RAF Waddington.

NatureScot has recommended refusing the licence for the 2026 guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing insufficient scientific evidence that harvesting young gannets would not harm the site, concerns about bird numbers following avian flu, and uncertainty over the island’s gannet population. The final decision rests with the NatureScot board. The League Against Cruel Sports and OneKind welcomed the recommendation but warned that it is based on conservation concerns rather than a permanent ban, and urged the Scottish Government to close the legal loophole allowing up to 2,000 young gannets to be killed under licence.

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, a sedevacantist Catholic congregation based on Papa Stronsay in Orkney, consecrated Father Michael Mary as a bishop without papal approval. The group rejects Pope Leo XIV and argues that popes since Pius XII have been illegitimate because of changes associated with the Second Vatican Council. The Diocese of Aberdeen said the ceremony was unlawful, a grave act of disobedience, and would separate participants from communion with the Catholic Church. The report also discusses the earlier death of monk Justin Evans and the group's controversial history in New Zealand.

The Baillie wind farm near Thurso and Berry Burn near Forres have been identified in an investigation into European assets linked to China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange through offshore companies and Luxembourg holdings. Berry Burn is owned by UK Wind Invest Ltd, with a 49% SAFE stake and a 51% stake held by Statkraft UK, ultimately owned by Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries; Baillie is owned through the same structure. The investigation highlights opaque ownership chains involving Luxembourg and British Virgin Islands entities, prompting warnings about transparency and potential security risks, while experts caution against treating all Chinese investment as inherently problematic. The farms reported substantial profits and dividends, but relatively modest charitable donations, amid wider criticism that local communities receive limited benefits from Scottish onshore wind development.

Junaid Retail, the company linked to Scot’s World vape shop on Glasgow’s Union Street, has failed to file accounts due by June 30, 2025. The overdue filing may result in a penalty and could lead to the company being struck off, following an earlier withdrawn strike-off action. The shop’s March fire destroyed part of a listed building, closed Glasgow Central Station and disrupted Union Street. Junaid Retail reportedly owed business rates after moving into the premises, while its registered address changed shortly after the fire. The property owner, Afton Estates Ltd, had benefited from full empty-property rates relief before the vape shop occupied the unit in August 2024.

The threat posed by the Cairngorms wildfire to Nethy Bridge has reduced after a change in wind direction moved the fire away from the village. About 650 residents were evacuated to the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel after a major incident was declared, and firefighters established protective fire breaks. Authorities continue to warn residents not to return until given permission, while ground and helicopter crews tackle the fire’s latest path and emergency coordination groups reassess the situation.

A 63-year-old woman died after a Ford Focus and Mercedes GLA collided near Shotts in North Lanarkshire. The woman was a passenger in the Ford and was pronounced dead at the scene; the Ford’s male driver was taken to hospital, while the Mercedes driver was uninjured. Police Scotland is investigating and appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Oxfam urges the Scottish Government to oppose plans to fund England’s £2 bus fare cap by converting international climate finance grants into loans, arguing this would worsen debt burdens for low-income countries. The charity advocates instead for a 2% wealth tax on individuals with assets above £10 million, claiming it could raise £24 billion. With additional funding to Scotland expected through the Barnett formula, Oxfam also calls for the Scottish Government to match the UK’s timetable for implementing its own £2 nationwide bus fare cap.

Italy’s powerchair football team was denied boarding on an easyJet flight from Rome to Glasgow after being told the aircraft could accommodate only five wheelchairs despite prior authorization for six. Paralympic officials condemned the decision as discriminatory and harmful to the athletes’ preparation, prompting Italy’s civil aviation authority to open an investigation. Aeroporti di Roma said the issue originated with the airline, while easyJet expressed regret and launched its own inquiry.

More than 100 European parliamentarians, including several Scottish MPs and MSPs, are urging Danish shipyard Fayard to stop servicing Arc7 LNG tankers that transport Russian gas, arguing that maintaining the vessels prolongs Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine. The letter emphasizes that although the work is currently legal, it undermines EU efforts to restrict Russian LNG exports. Fayard states it follows EU decisions and will end service by late 2026. Critics also call on Glasgow-based Seapeak Maritime to take responsibility for its role in managing Russian-linked tankers.

A Labour MP urges a ban on Argentina players who displayed a Falkland Islands banner after defeating England in the World Cup semi-final, prompting calls for a FIFA investigation and criticism from UK political figures. The act is viewed by critics as an inappropriate political statement, with demands for strict disciplinary action and debate over the UK government’s response.

Police arrested a man in London for threatening online to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following local elections. Authorities acted on a social media post after heightened concern linked to the death of Ann Widdecombe. Farage stated that similar threats have long gone unaddressed and urged stronger protection for politicians, citing past violent jokes made about him.

A very high wildfire risk has been issued for central, southern, and eastern Scotland as hot, dry weather persists. Authorities warn that prolonged warmth, combined with exceptionally high temperatures across Europe, heightens the danger of fires spreading quickly. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urges the public to avoid outdoor fires and barbecues, remain vigilant, and help share safety warnings to prevent damage to property, landscapes, and wildlife.

An employment tribunal awarded Raymond Joseph £5,469.04 after determining he had been racially harassed by a colleague at a Pizza Express in Aberdeen. The tribunal found that derogatory comments about his nationality constituted harassment, though numerous other allegations, including whistleblowing claims and misconduct accusations, were dismissed. Joseph’s dismissal for gross misconduct was upheld, and Pizza Express did not contest the racial‑harassment finding.

Island residents face inconsistent, costly and unclear postal services, with Royal Mail missing targets and imposing surcharges that disproportionately affect small businesses and low-income households. A Consumer Scotland report highlights delays, unclear responsibility for lost or damaged parcels, reduced post office access and scepticism toward drone delivery trials. It urges clearer delivery information, transparent surcharges and the introduction of quality-of-service targets for Orkney, Shetland and Na h‑Eileanan an Iar, arguing current exemptions remove incentives to improve. Royal Mail cites weather‑related transport disruptions as the main cause of delays.

Residents of Edinburgh's Bond Building have been advised to temporarily relocate after fire safety inspections revealed significant risks, including combustible cladding, insulation and other critical defects. The property, previously damaged in a March 2024 fire, has shifted to a simultaneous evacuation policy. Persimmon Homes is offering hotel accommodation and has implemented enhanced safety measures while long-term remediation work is planned. Local authorities had previously identified major compliance issues in the building following earlier surveys.

Alessandro Alati has begun a long‑distance walk from Sora in central Italy to Cape Wrath in northern Scotland to promote fencing as part of his project The Way of the Sword. The journey includes engaging in fencing bouts in each location he visits and follows an earlier expedition from Sora to the North Pole. The Italian Fencing Federation praised the project for highlighting fencing as a discipline rooted in control and dialogue. Followers can track his progress through social media and GPS.

A man was detained at Edinburgh Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and his digital devices were seized for examination. Police Scotland said the individual is known for circulating material related to recent protests in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland, some linked to alleged sex offenders. Authorities reported ongoing concerns about disorder, mistaken identity incidents, and criminal elements attaching themselves to protests. The man was not arrested or charged, and inquiries continue.

A revised environmental impact assessment for the proposed Jackdaw gas field has been released as a public consultation opens, following a previous court ruling that required further climate analysis. Developer Adura argues domestic production would generate fewer emissions than importing LNG, while campaigners counter that the project would not lower energy bills or significantly reduce reliance on imports. Political figures, particularly from the Scottish Conservative Party, frame the project as vital for energy security, jobs and economic benefit. Adura emphasises the project’s readiness to support UK energy needs with lower associated emissions, while critics warn it undermines climate commitments and prolongs dependence on gas.

A foster father avoided having his late foster daughter’s estate controlled by her abusive birth parents after a court accepted a personal letter as evidence of her intentions. Lawyers from Scullion LAW argued successfully that the letter justified appointing him as executor despite intestacy rules under the Succession Act, which prioritize biological parents in the absence of a will. The ruling highlighted gaps in Scots inheritance law affecting foster families and underscored the importance of making a will.

Glasgow City Council will fully reopen Union Street on July 17 after completing work to stabilise and clear buildings damaged in a major March fire that began in a vape shop. The site is being prepared for temporary use leading up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with an architect appointed to develop a concept design. Councillor Angus Millar highlighted improved access around Central Station and thanked residents and workers involved in the recovery.

Several Scottish Labour MPs are urging approval of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields despite the Labour Party’s pledge not to issue new exploration licences. They argue the projects are needed to support jobs, maintain energy security and provide a transition pathway for the North Sea workforce. Environmental groups warn that new drilling would worsen the climate crisis and note that most extracted resources would be exported. The final decision will fall to the UK energy secretary, as the government signals it intends to uphold commitments to reject new fossil fuel developments under its energy transition policy.

Edinburgh Napier University is considering selling its Merchiston campus, citing financial pressures, ageing infrastructure and significant repair costs. The institution faces an £8 million budget shortfall and plans to cut 70 jobs while exploring shared services with Queen Margaret University and Scotland’s Rural College. Much of the campus reportedly contains RAAC concrete, with repairs estimated at £220 million, making a sale in the high‑value Edinburgh area potentially advantageous. A university spokesperson said it is seeking modern facilities and will work with staff, students and the community as future plans develop.

Dominic McKay, former COO of Scottish Rugby and CEO of Celtic, has been appointed chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, succeeding Ian Watt. The charity, founded by the late Doddie Weir to advance motor neurone disease research and support, is described as strong and well-positioned for continued progress. McKay, along with members of the Weir family, emphasized commitment to sustaining Weir’s legacy and driving further advancements in MND research and community support.