Neil Smith

Dr Crawford McGuffie, medical director of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, earned £247,500 in 2024–25, making him Scotland's highest-paid senior NHS manager and one of 574 UK NHS managers earning more than the Prime Minister. The figures, obtained by the TaxPayers' Alliance, come amid concerns about NHS waiting times, budget pressures and NHS Ayrshire and Arran's placement in stage four of Scotland's support and intervention framework. The report also highlights the broader rise in NHS managers receiving at least £100,000 and criticism that executive pay is increasing while patients face delays in receiving care.

CalMac temporarily suspended unscheduled bridge visits on its ferries after a man wearing Meta glasses filmed crew members and passengers, prompting discomfort and security concerns. The individual is believed to be a far‑right influencer previously accused of inappropriate behaviour toward a minor at a Tommy Robinson rally in London. CalMac confirmed the incident occurred elsewhere on its network and stated that bridge visits now require advance arrangement to protect staff and passengers.