Rachel Keenan

Families affected by infections linked to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital say they are deeply shocked by evidence submitted to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Medical physicist Dr Michael Bradnam said he spent years raising concerns about ventilation, electrical safety and humidity control, including through three formal SBAR reports, but received no formal responses or confirmation that his recommendations were implemented. The evidence has renewed families’ trauma and raised further questions about governance and accountability at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

A major wildfire in the Cairngorms continued to spread after burning for four days, prompting public health and safety warnings through the weekend. Homes, businesses, campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore area were evacuated as firefighters, helicopters and specialist crews worked in difficult conditions. Local officials criticised earlier claims that the fire was contained, while authorities emphasised they are closely monitoring the situation. Smoke has spread over the Central Cairngorm Mountains, with the public urged to avoid the area. An alert warning of very high wildfire risk remains in effect for several regions following prolonged hot, dry weather.

Craig Ferguson returned to Scotland after completing a 3,300‑mile walk across the United States, raising more than £1 million for mental health charity SAMH. His journey drew widespread support from prominent Scots and prompted a £400,000 contribution from the Scottish Government. Welcomed home at Glasgow Airport, he highlighted the trek’s goal of encouraging conversations about mental health. SAMH praised his commitment, noting the significant impact of the funds raised on its services across Scotland.

A Glasgow joiner who survived stage three breast cancer has launched a support service for men with the disease after discovering a lack of male‑focused resources during his treatment. Paul Steele, diagnosed in 2025 after delaying seeking help for symptoms, underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and began long‑term medication before entering remission. Encouraged by family and supported by his employer, he established Male Breast Cancer Support to offer counselling and guidance to affected men. Medical experts stress the rarity of male breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the need for greater awareness of symptoms.

Prince William and Kate visited Stirling for a series of engagements that included meeting Team GB and Paralympics GB curling teams, touring the Radical Weavers charity supporting trauma‑affected individuals through tartan weaving, and stopping at the community‑run Gothenburg pub. Kate contributed to a record‑attempt tartan scarf, and the couple highlighted the value of community facilities while meeting local residents, charity staff and students. The visit boosted the charity’s visibility and underscored the royal couple’s ongoing interest in British textiles and community initiatives.

A lawyer representing nurse Sandie Peggie accused the Scottish Government of being in denial over a Supreme Court ruling defining “woman” and “sex” as biological under the Equality Act 2010. She argued ministers are delaying necessary policy changes, while critics including Scottish Conservatives said the government is failing to protect women’s single‑sex spaces. Peggie’s employment tribunal case, involving a dispute with NHS Fife over workplace facilities and alleged discrimination, is expected to conclude later in the year. The Scottish Government stated it accepts the court ruling and is undertaking the required work but declined to comment on the ongoing tribunal.

Former MP Mhairi Black will make her television acting debut as a detective in the BBC drama Counsels, filmed in Glasgow and supported by Screen Scotland. She will appear in four episodes of the eight-part series created by Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack. Black, who left Parliament in 2024, expressed enthusiasm for the role as she continues pursuing opportunities in entertainment following her one‑woman Fringe show.

Storm Amy brought winds over 100mph, leaving about 42,000 homes in Scotland without power and causing major disruption to rail, road and ferry services. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks deployed additional teams to repair extensive damage, while Network Rail and ScotRail worked to clear debris and restore services after more than 170 incidents across the network. Airports advised passengers to check flight statuses as delays continued, and Royal Parks closed all London parks due to severe winds. A new UK October low-pressure record was set in Shetland as weather warnings remained in place through Sunday.

The public inquiry into former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel’s conduct is attempting to locate him in Libya after reports he may be working in hospitals in Misrata. Inquiry counsel Jamie Dawson said efforts to contact medical centres there have been unsuccessful but will continue. The inquiry, involving 158 core participants, will examine how NHS Tayside and oversight systems responded to concerns about Eljamel, who is alleged to have harmed dozens of patients before his suspension and resignation. Dawson raised concerns about inadequate support for patients giving statements and criticised NHS Tayside’s decision not to provide legal representation for staff giving evidence. Former patients described the progress as welcome but long overdue. Opening statements are scheduled for November, with evidential hearings beginning in February 2026.