Rebecca Mcquillan

Scotland’s increasingly severe wildfires are presented as evidence that climate change is accelerating and that carbon emissions must be cut rapidly. The UK government is urged to reject the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field, which the piece argues would generate substantial emissions without lowering household energy bills or providing meaningful energy security. Although the developments are backed by oil companies and unions concerned about profits and jobs, the article concludes that long-term employment and economic resilience for northeast Scotland depend on a transition to renewable energy rather than new fossil-fuel extraction.

Rebecca McQuillan argues that the online abuse directed at Marie-France van Heel reflects a persistent culture of judging women’s bodies, despite progress in media representation and public attitudes. Drawing parallels with Ariana Grande’s experience of scrutiny and with earlier pressures around dieting and unrealistic beauty standards, she attributes the problem to social media anonymity and appearance-focused culture. She calls for stronger regulatory accountability for platforms and continued efforts by women to challenge misogynistic attitudes and affirm broader definitions of normality and beauty.

Heart failure affects around one percent of Scotland’s population but suffers from low public and political visibility despite its seriousness. Doctors warn that long waits for diagnostic echocardiograms can worsen patient outcomes, with significant delays across health boards and a nationwide shortage of echocardiographers. BHF Scotland and clinicians including Dr Ross Campbell call for greater urgency, proposing waiting time targets similar to those used for cancer to prioritise timely diagnosis and treatment. While effective treatments exist, early intervention is critical, prompting questions about why heart failure is not treated with the same urgency as other major conditions.