Rachel Fergusson

Large crowds gathered on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill to watch a rare solar eclipse, with the city’s astronomical society organizing the event and eclipse glasses running out early. Attendees used glasses, colanders and homemade pinhole viewers as clouds intermittently obscured the spectacle. The eclipse reached 90.71% coverage in Edinburgh and 90.74% in Inverness, prompting cheers and widespread enthusiasm over the rare shared experience.

Police remain at Gore Glen Woodland Park in Midlothian for a third day after the body of an 11-year-old girl was recovered from Gore Water. Her death is being treated as unexplained, with a post-mortem examination expected and enquiries ongoing. The girl's family has urged the public not to speculate online, while the local community and Midlothian MSP Colin Beattie have expressed shock and sympathy.

An electrician suffered serious leg injuries after falling from portable steps while replacing a light fitting at Torness Nuclear Power Station in East Lothian in May. The Office for Nuclear Regulation found that his employer, Dalkia Facilities Ltd, had failed to make appropriate arrangements for planning and supervising work at height and has served the company with an improvement notice. Dalkia must comply with the notice by October 27.

A sold-out 7pm screening of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey at Cineworld Edinburgh’s IMAX cinema was cancelled after a technical failure, leaving some ticket-holders waiting for 40 minutes before being dismissed. Cineworld apologised, refunded affected customers and confirmed that the issue had been resolved and screenings had resumed. The film has generated major demand, earning £198 million globally in its opening weekend and setting UK and BFI IMAX box-office records, with its limited 70mm screenings selling out for weeks.

Fire crews continue working to contain and extinguish a grass fire on Salisbury Crags near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh after it expanded overnight, with six appliances deployed by Monday morning. Assistant chief officer John Henderson said firefighters will likely remain for several days to extinguish hotspots, noting that the cause is still unknown. Residents were urged to avoid open flames and take precautions during hot weather amid wildfire warnings.

A signalling fault near Musselburgh caused delays and cancellations on ScotRail services between Edinburgh, North Berwick, Dunbar and Tweedbank, with disruption expected until mid‑morning. The issue was resolved quickly, but knock‑on effects are anticipated, and passengers are advised to check journeys due to revised or cancelled services.

Crowds of royal supporters and anti‑monarchy protesters gathered on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Prince Edward attended the Thistle service at St Giles’ Cathedral during Holyrood Week. Tourists praised the ceremony’s pageantry while campaigners from the group Republic, joined by former MP Tommy Sheppard, voiced opposition with signs and chants. Royal engagements during the visit included the Ceremony of the Keys and Queen Camilla’s meeting with JK Rowling.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla began Royal Week in Edinburgh with the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse before attending a series of engagements, including Queen Camilla’s visit to the Royal Scottish Academy and a meeting with J.K. Rowling on promoting children’s access to books. The King also met First Minister John Swinney and the Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson, with the day concluding in a garden party at Holyroodhouse.

King Charles III began Royal Week in Edinburgh with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, receiving and returning the city’s keys in a formal exchange with Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, supported by a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.