Nick Forbes

A witness told the High Court in Glasgow that Graeme Dott sexually abused him repeatedly when he was a child, including in showers and a car, and used gifts such as money, sweets and chocolates as rewards. The witness said the abuse began when Dott was world snooker champion and described lasting trauma, including PTSD flashbacks. Dott, who is accused of offences involving two children between 1993 and 2010, denies both charges. His trial continues.

A woman told Glasgow High Court that she struggled to disclose alleged sexual abuse by former world snooker champion Graeme Dott, said to have occurred while she was a primary school pupil. She described multiple alleged incidents, including inappropriate touching and an attempted sexual act. Under cross-examination, she acknowledged that some details were absent from an earlier police statement because she found them difficult to discuss. A former school friend gave evidence that the woman disclosed the alleged abuse as a teenager while visibly distressed, and another witness described hostility from one of Dott's relatives. Dott denies the charges, which concern alleged indecent behaviour toward two children between 1993 and 2010; the trial is expected to last up to five days.

Residents of Athens’s Kypseli neighbourhood describe fear and devastation after Scottish aid worker Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was found inside a suitcase in a derelict building on July 18. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, has appeared in court on suspicion of killing her, as well as weapons and robbery charges. Locals said the crime was highly unusual for the multicultural area, feared further attacks, and worried the suspect’s Afghan refugee background could trigger anti-immigrant backlash.

Fraser Garden admitted stealing a Maserati Quattroporte from a Broughty Ferry showroom and driving it dangerously through a residential area at speeds reaching 85mph, nearly three times the limit. He ran a red light, drove on the wrong side of the road and crashed into 74-year-old John Bell, who died at the scene from multiple blunt-force injuries. Garden, who had 90 previous convictions and was disqualified from driving, also admitted driving without insurance and failing to provide a drug-testing blood sample. Edinburgh High Court deferred sentencing until August 21, with the judge warning that a lengthy prison term was inevitable.

A major wildfire in the Cairngorms continues to spread despite extensive firefighting efforts, posing risks to public health and safety over the weekend. The blaze, which began near Ryvoan Bothy, has led to evacuations of homes, businesses and tourist areas while helicopters and multiple appliances work to contain it. Officials warn of worsening smoke conditions and urge the public to avoid the Central Cairngorm Mountains. Disagreement emerged after a government minister suggested the fire was contained, prompting criticism from local representatives. Authorities continue to investigate the cause as wildfire warnings remain in effect across parts of Scotland.

A large wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms forced evacuations as smoke drifted toward nearby communities. Fire crews deployed multiple appliances and specialist teams while authorities urged residents to keep windows closed and avoid the area. Eyewitness accounts warned the fire could intensify due to dry conditions. Additional wildfires were reported elsewhere in Scotland, prompting nationwide vigilance and high‑risk alerts following a spell of hot, dry weather.

King Charles III visited Jedburgh during Scotland’s Royal Week, launching the historic Hand Ba' tradition by tossing the ceremonial leather ball to start the annual contest. The visit coincided with the Jethart Callant festival, featuring processions, traditional dancing and community celebrations. The King met local residents, businesses and members of the Jed Shed, discussing their work and wellbeing initiatives. Large crowds gathered to welcome him, marking the town’s first royal visit since 2006.

Colin Smyth, a former Labour MSP, is set to stand trial in November over allegations he drove dangerously in Edinburgh while more than twice the legal alcohol limit, causing multiple collisions and narrowly missing a pedestrian. Prosecutors claim he mounted a pavement, struck a parked car, hit electric bollards near City Chambers, and failed to report the incident. Smyth denies all charges, and the trial date was scheduled during a brief hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.