Nick Forbes

A partial solar eclipse on August 12 is expected to obscure more than 90% of the Sun over Scotland between roughly 6pm and 8.15pm, making it the fullest eclipse visible there until 2081. The Met Office forecasts the best viewing chances in eastern areas including Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray, while north-western Scotland is likely to remain cloudy; central and southern areas may see some breaks. Viewing events are planned across the country, including at Edinburgh’s Calton Hill observatory. Experts warn that people should use only ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses, citing cases of lasting eye damage after the 1999 eclipse.

A Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust study is investigating why red grouse populations and breeding success have declined sharply in Scotland and England. Monitoring found 2024 breeding-season declines of 34% in Scotland and 40% in England, followed by further falls in adult birds. Researchers are tracking tagged hens and measuring nutrition, habitat quality, weather, parasites, rainfall and chick food availability to identify the factors limiting breeding success. The project has expanded into north-east Scotland and is expected to reach southern Scotland in 2027, with findings intended to guide more resilient, sustainable grouse-moor management amid climate change and tighter regulation.

A 36-year-old cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a van on the A72 between Skirling and Biggar. The van left the scene before police arrived, and the cyclist was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Police Scotland is seeking witnesses, dashcam or CCTV footage, and information about a Mercedes Sprinter-type van seen in the area.

Fraser Garden admitted stealing an unlocked Maserati in Broughty Ferry and driving it at speeds of up to 85mph through a residential area before crashing into 74-year-old John Bell, who died from catastrophic injuries. Garden also admitted dangerous driving causing death, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and refusing to provide a drug-testing sample. With 90 previous convictions, including numerous motoring offences, he was told by Lord Braid that a lengthy custodial sentence was inevitable. Sentencing was adjourned until August 21 pending a criminal justice social work report.

Fraser Garden admitted stealing a Maserati from a Broughty Ferry showroom and causing the death of 74-year-old John Bell by dangerous driving. He was travelling at up to 85mph in a 30mph residential area, ran a red light, drove on the wrong side of the road and crashed into a garden, fatally injuring Bell. Garden, who has 90 previous convictions and was already disqualified from driving, also admitted driving without insurance, driving while disqualified and failing to provide a drug-testing blood sample. Lord Braid said a lengthy custodial sentence was inevitable and postponed sentencing until August 21 pending a criminal justice social work report.

A 44-year-old man was arrested and charged with breach of the peace offences after protests took place outside four properties in Aberdeen’s Torry, Sheddocksley and Mastrick areas. Police said the demonstrations focused on registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders, and warned that publicly identifying or confronting individuals undermines formal risk-management arrangements and diverts policing resources. Superintendent Jason Carrigan stressed that peaceful protest is lawful but said assaults, property damage and other offences would be dealt with robustly.

A ScotRail survey of Scottish parents found children report peak boredom midway through the third week of summer break, with many parents relying on screens to keep them occupied. Child psychologist Rebecca Johnson encourages viewing boredom as an opportunity for creativity and resilience. ScotRail promotes screen-free family outings with its “Kids for a Quid” ticket and a suggested list of rail‑accessible destinations.