Lucinda Cameron

NHS Grampian has halted all planned paediatric surgery at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, including elective dental and ear, nose and throat procedures, after Healthcare Improvement Scotland identified concerns about care quality, safety and the availability of staff with advanced paediatric life-support training. Emergency surgery remains paused except for defined circumstances, while outpatient and other inpatient care continue. Staff rotas and training records are being reviewed, with renewed training arranged urgently. NHS Grampian expects to determine what paediatric surgery can safely resume by the end of 2026 and has apologised to affected families. MSPs and Scotland’s health secretary have called for urgent answers and a safe restoration of services.

Nine sets of twins, comprising 18 children, are preparing to begin Primary 1 at schools across Inverclyde, an area affectionately nicknamed “Twinverclyde.” The council says its schools have welcomed 176 sets of twins since 2013, averaging 12 sets annually. Councillor Jim Clocherty welcomed the children at Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock and highlighted the area’s refurbished schools. The story also recalls a humorous image of a young girl who fell asleep at school after an exhausting first day.

A major wildfire in the Cairngorms continues to spread after burning for four days, prompting widespread evacuations and public health warnings. Emergency crews, including helicopters and multiple fire appliances, are working in difficult conditions to contain the blaze, which has scorched up to four square kilometres. Officials warn that smoke and strong winds pose risks across the Central Cairngorm Mountains over the weekend. Local representatives criticised earlier government statements claiming the fire was contained, while national authorities stress they are closely monitoring the situation. Residents are urged to avoid affected areas, keep windows closed, and follow safety guidance as wildfire alerts remain in place due to hot, dry weather.

Fire crews worked overnight to contain a large wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms that forced evacuations of homes, businesses and campsites in the Glenmore area. Authorities urged residents to keep windows closed and asked the public to avoid the national park while high winds continued to spread the fire. Local agencies collaborated to establish fire breaks, warning that ongoing hot, dry weather has created very high wildfire risk across parts of Scotland.

A Dundee mother, Clare Hart, attended her Abertay University graduation just hours after giving birth to her son, Sol, at Ninewells Hospital. Despite concerns she would miss the ceremony, she felt well enough to attend after a supportive night and received her First-Class Honours degree in Food, Nutrition and Health. Hart credited her family, classmates and university staff for helping her manage late-pregnancy demands while completing her coursework. Her partner praised her determination, and Hart expressed gratitude for the support that enabled her to complete both major milestones.

Multiple children in Scotland suffered severe burns after attempting a social media trend that involves microwaving squishy toys. Medical staff at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children treated six cases in eight months, with some requiring skin grafts. Parents of injured children described how the toys exploded, releasing hot gel that caused deep burns. Health experts warn that heating these toys can lead to serious, preventable injuries and urge parents to discuss the risks with their children.