Nichola Rutherford

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 has been detected in a sheep in Dumfries and Galloway, marking Scotland’s first recorded case. The animal was euthanised and the farm placed under restrictions while other livestock are tested. Officials believe infected midges may have blown into the area from nearby regions where the disease is present, but it is not yet known whether the virus is circulating more widely in Scotland. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety, but can kill sheep and cause fertility problems in cattle. Veterinary authorities and NFU Scotland are urging farmers to vaccinate susceptible animals and consider stronger movement controls if further cases emerge.

A woman in Scotland unknowingly became dependent on an Amazon-sold sleep aid later found to contain the prescription drug Zopiclone. After suffering withdrawal symptoms, she had the pills tested by Public Health Wales, confirming they were mislabelled. Regulators and Amazon have launched investigations, and the product has been removed. Medical experts warn of the risks of long-term Zopiclone use, while the customer criticises Amazon’s handling of her complaint.

A woman who struggled with insomnia became dependent on “herbal” sleeping pills bought from Amazon that were later found to contain the prescription drug Zopiclone. After experiencing withdrawal and reviewing alarming customer warnings, she had the pills tested, confirming they were mislabelled. Regulators and Amazon launched investigations, and experts noted the risks of long-term use of Zopiclone. The woman criticised Amazon’s response after being referred to a third-party loss adjuster, while several associated sellers did not respond to inquiries.

Parents raised concerns over Caity Baser’s performance at the Youth Beatz festival in Dumfries, saying her language and sexual references were inappropriate for an audience that included young children. Baser apologised and said she was told censorship was unnecessary, while Dumfries and Galloway Council acknowledged a small number of complaints but highlighted overall positive feedback and the event’s success.