Rebecca Mccurdy

Amnesty International UK withdrew a report that categorised JK Rowling’s women‑only support centre, Beira’s Place, as anti‑rights, acknowledging it had been published without proper internal review. The international secretariat distanced itself from the document and supported its removal, emphasising it had no role in creating it. Rowling, Beira’s Place, and campaign group For Women Scotland criticised Amnesty for mischaracterising their work and contributing to reputational harm. The withdrawn report had also cited issues related to gender recognition law reform, conversion practices, treatment of LGBT+ asylum seekers, and a Supreme Court ruling defining single‑sex spaces by biological sex.

Claims from former Yes Scotland marketing director Ian Dommett allege Peter Murrell exerted tight control over the pro‑independence campaign’s finances and operations despite SNP assertions of independence. The organisation’s financial records, revised after the 2014 referendum, show discrepancies linked to late invoices and a reclassification of nearly £879,000 in donations. The SNP later provided £825,000 to settle outstanding liabilities. Police Scotland is investigating a complaint concerning more than £1.5 million in Yes Scotland funds, while questions continue over accounting practices and the extent of SNP influence on the campaign.

An Aberdeen University employee is under investigation after posting messages on social media celebrating the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead in her Dartmoor home, prompting a murder inquiry and the arrest of a 28-year-old man. University officials and student leaders condemned the remarks, emphasising that they do not reflect institutional views. Tributes to Widdecombe were led by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, while police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her death and have increased security for high-profile Reform UK politicians despite finding no evidence of political motivation.

School absence rates have risen sharply across Scotland, with Highland Council showing the highest proportion of pupils missing more than half the school year and significant increases in part‑time timetables. Glasgow, West Lothian and Midlothian also report high severe‑absence levels, while East Renfrewshire records the lowest. Data from freedom of information requests shows over 7,600 pupils across 20 local authorities on reduced timetables, with dramatic increases since 2020–21. Councils and government representatives attribute the issue to pandemic aftereffects, cost‑of‑living pressures and wellbeing challenges. Local authorities describe efforts to improve attendance through intervention programmes, strengthened partnerships and targeted policies, while national data shows attendance rates remain below pre‑pandemic levels, with pupils in more deprived areas disproportionately affected.

Scottish ministers ended their lease at 4 Atlantic Quay and committed to a new multi‑million‑pound agreement for 5 Atlantic Quay despite low civil service office attendance under hybrid working arrangements. Attendance targets continue to be missed, with staff resistance noted and trade unions influencing the approach taken by government leadership. The new lease could cost more than £7 million over five years, contributing to scrutiny amid wider efforts to reduce estate size and address a significant budget shortfall. Government officials state that consolidating offices improves efficiency and lowers overall public spending on private‑sector leased buildings.

Amnesty International UK classified Beira’s Place, the women-only support centre founded by JK Rowling, as an anti-rights group in an updated report on organisations it says are undermining protections for women and LGBT people. The report lists 51 gender-critical groups, including Beira’s Place and For Women Scotland, amid concerns over a decline in UK LGBT rights protections. It cites stalled gender recognition reforms, lack of a conversion practices ban and recent legal rulings as contributing factors. The Scottish Government’s handling of transgender prisoner placements and related court decisions is also highlighted, while Amnesty argues that anti-rights actors promote fixed gender roles and oppose rights expansions for LGBT communities.