Rachel Amery

NHS Grampian has suspended all planned paediatric surgery at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin after an inspection raised concerns about the quality and safety of children's surgical care. The suspension follows an earlier pause in emergency paediatric surgery. The health board is urgently reviewing staff training, rotas, procedures and records, with the process expected to finish by the end of 2026. Outpatient paediatric appointments and emergency access remain available, while affected families are promised new surgery dates.

Scottish Health Secretary Angela Constance has defended plans to reduce Scotland’s neonatal intensive care units from eight to three in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Under the proposed model, babies born before 27 weeks or weighing under 800g would be transferred to one of the three specialist centres, while services at Ninewells, Wishaw, Crosshouse and Princess Royal hospitals would be downgraded. Parents whose children required neonatal care warn that longer transfers could cause brain injuries or deaths and create severe logistical and emotional pressures for families. Constance says the model is supported by clinical evidence and would improve outcomes by concentrating expertise, surgical facilities and family support services, although she acknowledges that implementation must be carefully managed.

Ferguson Marine is opening a voluntary redundancy scheme expected to remove 70 of its 283 employees as work on the delayed MV Glen Rosa approaches completion. Management and Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn say the reduction is needed to address an anticipated workload gap and modernize the state-owned Port Glasgow yard, while insisting it will not affect delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. The shipyard is expected to pursue four future vessels, including two CalMac ferries, but unions and opposition politicians accuse the Scottish Government of failing to secure contracts and allowing skilled jobs to be lost. Previous ferry work was awarded to cheaper Polish yards, highlighting broader concerns about UK shipbuilding competitiveness and procurement rules.

Rachel Amery argues that controversy over Q Manivannan’s comments about rape should lead to a more constructive discussion about Scotland’s treatment of survivors. She highlights the low conviction rate for rape and attempted rape, the trauma many survivors experience in the justice system and remaining barriers such as corroboration requirements. The Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act is presented as progress through plans for a specialist sexual offences court and stronger restrictions on sexual-history evidence, although proposed juryless trials were abandoned. The piece also stresses that consent should be communicated clearly as a straightforward matter of yes or no, rather than obscured by abstract language.

A dossier obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows Scotland’s fire service paid almost £6 million in overtime in 2025/26, while mental-health-related absence rose to 12,132 days and 31% of full-time-equivalent posts remained unfilled. The Fire Brigades Union and Scottish Liberal Democrats warn that years of cuts, understaffed rural and island stations, and growing pressure on employees are weakening fire cover and increasing wildfire and public-safety risks. The Scottish Government says funding has risen to almost £436 million for 2026/27 and points to national resource deployment and an on-call recruitment programme. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service acknowledges recruitment and retention challenges but says it is investing in staffing, wildfire preparedness, equipment and training.

A petition to the Scottish Parliament calls for MSP salaries to be cut from a starting rate of £77,711 to about £40,000, roughly the pay of a band-five NHS nurse. Petitioner Tomas Fyrdrych argues that high-paid politicians are detached from the financial pressures facing ordinary Scots and says salaries should better reflect typical incomes. MSP pay was previously linked to Westminster salaries but has since been tied to public-sector pay increases in Scotland. The Scottish Greens and Reform UK declined to comment, while the Scottish Conservatives issued a statement criticizing the SNP government. The Parliament’s public petitions committee will consider the proposal.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth rejected Joanna Cherry’s claim that Nicola Sturgeon has become an embarrassment to the SNP, calling Sturgeon an asset and emphasizing her significance as Scotland’s first female first minister. Gilruth interpreted Sturgeon’s doubts about a woman leading the SNP again soon as a reflection of the increasingly hostile environment faced by women and minorities in politics, particularly through social media abuse.

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan apologised for using “abstract language” when previously describing rape as a spectrum, while maintaining that the comments were selectively edited and misrepresented. Manivannan reaffirmed that all rape is equally serious, said rapists do not fit a single stereotype, and expressed solidarity with victims and survivors, drawing on their own experience of sexual violence. The Scottish Conservatives called for the MSP to lose the party whip, while UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsaleem warned that spectrum terminology could undermine progress in recognising rape, including marital rape, as centred on a lack of consent.

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan is facing widespread criticism after a resurfaced podcast clip in which they said rape is a spectrum and argued against demonising perpetrators. The Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance rejected the characterisation, stressing that rape is a serious violation with no hierarchy of harm, and called on the Scottish Greens to unequivocally oppose language that could minimise sexual violence. Opposition politicians demanded a retraction, apology and clarification from co-leaders Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer. Manivannan, who identifies as a survivor of sexual violence, said the remarks were taken out of context and intended to challenge stereotypes about perpetrators and narrow legal definitions, while insisting that victims should be believed and rapists strongly punished.

A petition opposing Amanda Knox’s Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, Cartwheel, has attracted almost 10,000 signatures, including support from Meredith Kercher’s sister Stephanie. Kercher’s family argues that the production turns the rape and murder into entertainment and trivializes violence against women. Knox defends the show as a sensitive use of comedy to address traumatic material and says its themes include the dangers women face and raising a daughter in an unsafe world. Tony Lankester of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society says the festival’s open-access, free-speech principles mean it does not censor work unless it is illegal, incites violence or uses hate speech.

Conservative MSP Liam Kerr has asked Auditor General Stephen Boyle to investigate the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's purchase of eight Ford Ranger Ultra-Light Pumping Units for £984,000 in 2023, plus claimed additional costs. The vehicles were reportedly still not operational by June 2026, prompting concerns about procurement oversight, value for money and wildfire readiness during the prolonged Cairngorms blaze. The fire service says the vehicles were intended to replace legacy community-response units, were not dedicated wildfire appliances, and have been delayed by supply-chain, recall and equipment-supplier issues. Audit Scotland says work is already under way on the service's estate, fleet and equipment, with a report planned for March 2027.

Nearly 150,000 young people across Scotland received exam results, with pass rates rising at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels and a record 269,115 National 5 passes. Vocational and technical qualifications have also increased substantially since the pandemic. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan praised pupils, teachers and Scotland’s education system, citing progress in narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap, while acknowledging that further improvement is needed. Results for 664 North-East Scotland College students were delayed by a technical problem. The Scottish Conservatives said educational achievement remains subject to a postcode lottery, while the Scottish Greens called for high-stakes exams to be replaced by more continuous assessment.

Convicted rapist and former taxi driver David Brown surrendered his operator’s licence and plates before Highland Council was due to review its earlier decision to let him retain the licence. Brown was jailed for six years and nine months for raping an 18-year-old passenger in 2023. The council’s original decision sparked public backlash, committee resignations and a planned protest by Highland Women’s Rights Group. Lib Dem MSP Andrew Baxter said Brown was not a fit and proper person to hold a taxi operator’s licence and called for legislative changes to bar people convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences from holding such licences.

The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce says BP’s decision to sell its North Sea business demonstrates the need for the UK Government to approve the Jackdaw and Rosebank oilfields and provide a stable investment framework. Chief executive Russell Borthwick argues that domestic production would support jobs, tax revenues and lower-emissions energy supply than imports, while the chamber estimates the projects could generate £28.7 billion in economic value. Environmental group Uplift rejects this position, arguing that the ageing basin is in long-term decline, that most remaining resources are exported oil, and that further drilling will not improve jobs, household bills or energy security. Both projects remain subject to consultations in August.

BP is putting its UK North Sea business up for sale after 60 years, citing a strategy of focusing capital on higher-value opportunities. The business operates five production hubs, produces about 117,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily and employs roughly 1,100 people; the sale could raise £2 billion. Business leaders and opposition politicians describe the move as evidence that policy uncertainty and the energy profits levy are damaging investment, and they urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to scrap or reform the tax and approve the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. Burnham says he will take a pragmatic approach to future drilling, while the Scottish Government seeks to protect jobs during the sale process. BP is also planning around 700 global production and operations job cuts.

ScotRail apologised after the launch of its replacement ticketing app left hundreds of passengers unable to buy tickets. Users reported problems installing the app, linking railcards, entering payment details, finding stations and receiving password-reset emails. ScotRail extended the transition deadline and advised affected customers to use the previous app, ticket offices or vending machines while it worked with its technology supplier to resolve the intermittent faults.

The UK Government will cover potentially tens of millions of pounds in costs after ground movement linked to historic coal mining forced almost 100 families to leave their homes in Coalsnaughton. The Mining Remediation Authority will assess each property, repair homes where feasible or purchase those that are unsafe or uneconomic to restore, with relocation support potentially available. Officials warned that the disruption will last weeks or months while investigations continue. The Scottish Government has provided £1 million to Clackmannanshire Council, which is expected to receive reimbursement for eligible costs, and affected households are being assigned support contacts.

The UK Government has confirmed that ongoing ground movement in Coalsnaughton is linked to historic coal mining, triggering legal protections for nearly 100 evacuated families and requiring the government to cover potentially tens of millions of pounds in costs. The Mining Remediation Authority will assess each property, repair homes where feasible or purchase those that are unsafe or uneconomic to repair, while affected residents may receive relocation support. The Scottish Government has provided £1 million to Clackmannanshire Council, with reimbursement expected, but officials warn that the recovery will take weeks or months as investigations into the unstable ground continue.

Families of the 29 military personnel killed when an RAF Chinook crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994 are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to order an independent review and meet them within his first 100 days. The Chinook Justice Campaign argues that airworthiness problems, including repeated engine replacements and deficiencies in the engine control system, may have caused the crash, which was initially attributed to pilot error before a 2011 inquiry rejected that finding. The High Court recently blocked the families’ legal claim against the Ministry of Defence because it was filed too late, while the campaign is pursuing the case at the European Court of Human Rights. Backed by former defence secretary Liam Fox, the families want the proposed Hillsborough Law and its duty of candour applied to their case, with access to all relevant airworthiness documents.

Police Scotland is conducting further investigation into sexual assault allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, including an alleged attempted rape at his Balnagown Estate in the Highlands in 1991. The inquiry was previously considered unable to progress because the account lacked corroborating evidence, but a new witness is understood to have come forward in support of Sophia Stone’s allegations. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Al Fayed, while the Metropolitan Police is investigating 155 victims. Harrods has condemned the allegations and established a compensation scheme for former employees who say they were attacked.

Monica Lennon has formally launched her campaign to succeed Anas Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader, warning that the party faces oblivion without radical and rapid change. The former MSP, who lost her seat at the May election but is expected to return to Holyrood through the regional list, called for a broader and more open leadership style. She criticized the party’s electoral decline and praised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s cost-of-living policies and election strategy. Michael Marra is also expected to stand, while Paul Sweeney and Daniel Johnson have been mentioned as possible candidates.

The Scottish Greens are urging the BBC to film the next Doctor Who series in Glasgow after production is put out to competitive tender. They argue that the move would create long-term jobs, training and investment for Scotland’s screen sector, helping offset the cancellation of River City and the loss of its Shieldinch set. Councillor Anthony Carroll and MSP Patrick Harvie say Glasgow offers suitable locations, facilities and local talent, and want the BBC to make a firm commitment to the city.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for using an Airbus A321 to fly the 38-minute journey from Glasgow to Manchester after attending the opening of the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The trip was estimated to cost taxpayers about £3,000 and produce 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide, prompting Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake to accuse Burnham and Labour of hypocrisy after previously condemning private-jet use by ministers. The UK Government defended the flight as compliant with ministerial rules and operational requirements. Burnham was travelling to open No 10 North in Manchester, a new base intended to decentralise power from Westminster, promote regional growth and strengthen links across the UK. During his Glasgow visit, he met Scottish First Minister John Swinney and said another Scottish independence referendum was off limits, while Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called for Wales to receive comparable devolved powers.

Monica Lennon says she will donate the roughly £50,000 MSP resettlement payment she received after losing her seat to women’s health and drug- and alcohol-harm charities. She says she used some of the money for bills while unemployed but is uncomfortable retaining the remainder, and plans to campaign for reform of the resettlement system if she returns to Holyrood. Lennon is expected to inherit Anas Sarwar’s regional-list seat after his resignation and may consider contesting the Scottish Labour leadership. The party is under pressure after returning only 17 MSPs, its worst result since devolution, with Michael Marra, Paul Sweeney and others also potential leadership contenders.

Offshore Energies UK chief executive David Whitehouse is urging Andy Burnham’s new UK government to approve the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas projects in Scottish waters. He argues that they would strengthen energy security, support jobs, generate tax revenue and reduce reliance on higher-emission imports, with Jackdaw potentially supplying gas before winter. Environmental campaigners oppose the developments, while consultations are due to conclude in August before regulatory recommendations are made. The government says oil and gas will remain important alongside renewables and other low-carbon technologies, but its decision could mark a shift from Labour’s previous opposition to new developments.

A High Court ruling blocked a legal challenge by families of those killed in the 1994 Chinook crash, determining the claim was brought too late despite arguments that the aircraft was known to be unsafe. The decision angered campaigners, who say key information was withheld and now urge incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to order a fresh review and apply principles of the Hillsborough Law. They plan to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. Concerns about the Chinook’s airworthiness, the MoD’s handling of the crash and the lack of an independent investigation continue to drive demands for accountability.

Nigel Farage’s planned resignation and re‑election bid in Clacton sets up an unusual summer contest against Count Binface, a satirical candidate known for challenging high‑profile politicians and highlighting political absurdities. The article reflects on the tradition of comic candidates in UK elections, their occasional electoral success, and their role in critiquing political elites. It contrasts this trend with Scotland’s relative lack of such figures, noting recent exceptions, and expresses enthusiasm for the levity and commentary these characters bring to political life.

GP leaders warn that poor working conditions are driving Scottish doctors to leave the profession or move abroad, as pressures force many to work excessive hours. The issue has come to the forefront after Ayrshire Medical Group announced it will hand back contracts for two Fife surgeries, affecting around 6,000 patients and requiring NHS Fife to seek new operators or assume control. Dr Chris Williams of the Royal College of GPs stresses that improving workload and conditions is vital to retaining staff amid global shortages, noting progress from recent government funding but warning that challenges persist. NHS Fife assures continuity of care during the transition, while the Scottish Government highlights increased investment and plans for a new walk‑in GP service.

A 12‑week public consultation has opened on proposals to restrict the sale and marketing of vapes to children in Scotland, focusing on limiting packaging, displays and flavours that appeal to young people. The initiative follows rising youth vaping rates, concerns from Trading Standards about underage sales, and research showing negative impacts in schools. Public Health Minister Maree Todd emphasises the need to reduce preventable harm, while ASH Scotland urges swift regulatory action, including plain packaging and concealed displays, to protect children and curb nicotine addiction.

Police launched an investigation into allegations that Robert Jenrick’s 2024 Conservative leadership campaign received an illegal £37,500 foreign donation. The Electoral Commission referred the case to the Metropolitan Police amid claims that part of a £100,000 donation linked to Spott Fitness originated from US company Innovyz, whose founder pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Jenrick denies wrongdoing, calling the claims politically motivated, and says he complied with electoral law. Party and police statements confirm the investigation remains ongoing.

Hundreds of Coalsnaughton residents remain displaced as ground movement continues weeks after initial evacuations, with temporary accommodation in short supply and some families being moved between hotels daily. The Mining Remediation Authority reports ongoing weekly ground shifts and continues investigations through drilling, surveys and instrumentation installation. Local representatives highlight severe anxiety among residents and uncertainty over when they may return home, while some remaining in the cordoned area accuse Clackmannanshire Council of poor communication and misinformation. Authorities maintain that safety and welfare remain the priority as monitoring and support efforts continue.

Yi-pei Chou Turvey, a new Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP who grew up in Taiwan and Belgium, argues that learning about different cultures is essential to counter the rise of the far right. She highlights the impact of social media on fuelling hatred and stresses the importance of cultural openness to reduce fear and stigma. Newly appointed as her party’s justice spokeswoman, she calls for better funding for local authorities and police, supports expanded community sentencing, and urges cross-party work on long-term solutions for trans prisoner safety. Her international background and experience in local government shape her priorities for bringing new ideas and standards to Scotland.

Warnings from Conservative-aligned groups argue the Scottish Government is risking energy security by not easing regulatory barriers to geothermal development. Existing geothermal resources in abandoned mines and granite formations are highlighted as significant untapped potential, with claims they could meet long-term heating and electricity demand. Critics say the government’s refusal to expand permitted development rights is stalling private investment, while ministers point to recent funding for feasibility studies and pilot projects as evidence of continued support. Calls include establishing clearer regulatory frameworks and expanding small‑scale development rights to unlock geothermal energy’s potential as North Sea oil and gas reserves decline.

A record number of Scottish historic buildings have been added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register, reflecting what the charity calls a growing crisis in safeguarding the nation’s architectural legacy. Forty‑two new Scottish sites were listed due to neglect, decay, or threats of demolition, including Lennox Castle, Art Deco cinemas in Edinburgh, and structures in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Clackmannanshire. Campaigners warn that emergency public safety powers are being misused to demolish listed buildings and continue pushing for legal reform, a movement supported by an earlier petition to the Scottish Parliament. While citing numerous recent losses, the report also highlights successful community‑led restorations across Scotland that demonstrate the potential for reuse and regeneration of historic properties.