James Delaney

Scientist Michael Bradnam told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry that concerns he raised over ventilation, electrical safety and humidity control at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus were not formally addressed for up to 15 years. He said inadequate ventilation, electrical-checking gaps and humidity failures could threaten staff and patients, damage costly imaging equipment and contribute to microbial growth. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has formed a working group, including Bradnam, to review the issues, while police and prosecutors investigate seven deaths potentially linked to the hospital environment. Families and patient representatives criticized the health board’s transparency, and the inquiry is expected to publish its findings in the coming months.

Medical physicist Michael Bradnam told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry that concerns he raised over ventilation, electrical safety and humidity control at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus had gone without formal responses for up to 15 years. His evidence included alleged deficiencies in ventilation for rooms using anaesthetic gases, a lack of electrical safety checks and recurring humidity failures that could damage imaging equipment or contribute to microbial growth. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has formed a working group including Bradnam to review the issues, while maintaining that patient safety is its priority. Police and prosecutors are also investigating possible links between the hospital environment and seven deaths, including those of children and adult patients. Families and oversight-group members criticised the health board's transparency, with the inquiry expected to publish findings in the coming months.

A fire at the former Debenhams building on Edinburgh’s Princes Street has suspended tram services to Leith and diverted buses, causing businesses to report a sharp fall in footfall. Bellfield Brewery founder Alistair Brown estimates his business is down about 35% and is calling for a “Leith is open” campaign. Festival Fringe venues have also been moved, with Assembly relocating 17 shows and around 300 performances to St Andrew Square. Safety work, including steel reinforcement of the building’s façade, is expected to continue for at least three weeks and is weather-dependent, while authorities say Edinburgh remains open ahead of the August festival season.

Fire crews surrounded a large wildfire in the Cairngorms after days of work supported by drones, helicopters and pumps drawing water from Loch Morlich. Improved weather conditions helped responders make significant progress, allowing residents and campers to briefly return for belongings, though roadblocks remain. Authorities expressed optimism while stressing the situation is still active, with emergency presence dependent on weather and changing fire patterns.

Firefighters have surrounded a large wildfire in the Cairngorms after several days of work, aided by favourable weather and support from drones, helicopters, and high‑volume pumps drawing water from Loch Morlich. Evacuated residents and campers have been escorted back briefly to collect belongings while roadblocks and area closures remain in place. Authorities report growing optimism but warn the situation remains active, with continued monitoring dependent on weather and fire patterns.

Residents of the Bonnington Bond building in Edinburgh continue to face prolonged displacement more than two years after a fire left several flats uninhabitable, with new inspections identifying a high fire risk and prompting immediate evacuation. Persimmon Homes plans remediation work but has not provided a timeline, leaving affected homeowners and office tenants without clarity about when they can return. Ongoing safety concerns, additional living costs, and continued property-related charges have caused significant stress for displaced residents, who report insufficient communication and support. Persimmon has offered temporary accommodation and apologised for the disruption.

Scottish football supporters have extended Glasgow’s long‑standing tradition of placing traffic cones on statues, spreading the practice to Boston and multiple Scottish cities during World Cup celebrations. While many in Boston embraced the gesture, reactions in Edinburgh were more critical, with some local officials describing the look as inappropriate. The trend has expanded to landmarks across Scotland and inspired commercial merchandise, prompting debate over whether commercialisation has diluted the original rebellious spirit. Commentators note that the Tartan Army has revived interest in the tradition, though enthusiasm may fade once World Cup excitement subsides.