Nick Forbes

Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, appeared before the Athens Court of First Instance charged with homicide with intent over the death of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth-Jane Ross, whose body was found in a derelict building in Kypseli on July 18. He did not enter a plea and was ordered to remain in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors also allege that he used Ross’s bank cards to steal more than €10,000. Investigators reportedly linked him to the case through surveillance footage, phone activity and information from his wife, while forensic testing is expected to clarify the cause of death. Police Scotland and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are supporting Ross’s family.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Commonwealth Games netball semi-final in Glasgow with Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George. They watched Jamaica defeat defending champions Australia 46–45 before meeting para powerlifter Mark Swan and gymnast Reuben Ward, while the Games mascot interacted with the children. The visit came during the event's penultimate day, following Glasgow's decision to host the restructured Games after Victoria withdrew in 2023 because of rising costs. William and Kate were also due to meet athletes supported by SportsAid and participants in the Team England Futures programme.

A fast‑spreading wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms National Park has forced evacuations in surrounding communities as smoke moves toward populated areas. Fire crews have deployed multiple appliances and specialist resources while authorities urge residents to keep windows closed and avoid the area. Officials warn the fire could worsen due to hot, dry conditions, with recent climate trends raising overall wildfire risk. Additional fires, including one in Fife, are also being tackled as emergency services advise vigilance and strict adherence to safety guidance.

A large-scale study of more than 12,000 data points across the North Sea identifies significant shallow seabed variability, challenging current assumptions used in subsea cable installation. Findings show rapid changes in sediment types and widespread layered conditions that affect optimal burial depth and influence both cable protection and heat dissipation. Researchers from the British Geological Society and partner universities say the improved geological mapping can inform better early-stage planning for cable routing, particularly as offshore energy infrastructure expands.

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are developing an oleogel-based method to replace saturated fats in laminated pastries with healthier oils while maintaining flaky texture. The approach could improve the nutritional profile of sausage rolls and similar baked goods, reduce production cooling requirements for manufacturers, and potentially extend to vegan cheese alternatives. Supported by UKRI EPSRC and industry partners, the project aims to bring lab-developed pastry innovations into consumer testing.