Ryan Mcdougall

A 26-year-old Afghan man, reportedly Sharif Ahmadzai, is accused of murdering Scottish woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross in Athens and placing her body in a suitcase at an abandoned building. Greek media report that he allegedly used a burner phone to impersonate a jihadist who claimed to have killed Ross because of her Christian faith, while also sending messages from her phone and using her bank card. Police say video footage helped identify the suspect, who reportedly confessed; he faces allegations including manslaughter, robbery and weapons-law violations.

Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, is suspected of killing Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase at a derelict Athens building. Police allege that Ahmadzai confessed after being identified through video footage, sent messages from Ross’s phone, used a burner phone to impersonate a jihadist claiming a religious motive, and withdrew money with her bank card. He faces charges including manslaughter, robbery and weapons-law violations.

Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly volunteered at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, welcoming the event workforce, meeting Team Scotland’s netball squad and helping the spectator services team. The initiative was supported by Allwyn UK, the games’ official volunteer learning and development partner.

Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly joined more than 4,000 volunteers at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking part in workforce welcoming, meeting Team Scotland netball players and helping spectators at the venue. The volunteer programme, whose participants are known as “legends”, is supported by Allwyn UK through training and development funding. Event representatives praised the volunteers’ preparation and said they will be central to creating a successful experience for athletes and spectators.

Fire crews deployed four appliances to contain a blaze on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh while also managing a larger wildfire in the Cairngorms. Officials reported the Cairngorms fire as largely surrounded, allowing evacuated residents to return home, though the incident remains active with continued ground and aerial support. Park authorities cautioned that access restrictions will remain in place due to ongoing operations and expressed gratitude for cooperation from local communities and responders.

Fire crews have made significant progress tackling a wildfire in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, with six fire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, a Wildfire Support Unit and a water-carrier helicopter deployed. Water-bombing operations continue, but rising afternoon temperatures remain a major challenge and conditions are described as unpredictable. SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys urged residents not to become complacent and thanked landowners, agencies and local communities for their cooperation.

Police Scotland is investigating a social media post allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee that appeared to celebrate the killing of former MEP Ann Widdecombe. Counterterrorism officers are leading the murder inquiry after material suggesting a possible political motive was reportedly found. A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been further detained on suspicion of terrorism offences as detectives assess potential planning, motive and any foreign state involvement.

Scottish football supporters marched through Miami in a lively celebration inspired by the local baseball team, drawing enthusiastic reactions from residents as they made their way to LoanDepot Park. Families and fans highlighted the festive atmosphere despite the heat, and the Miami Marlins’ close 4-3 loss to the Texas Rangers unfolded amid Scottish chants and music. The event concluded with continued singing as crowds dispersed from the stadium.

Prince William marked the 125th anniversary of the submarine service during a visit to HM Naval Base Clyde, meeting personnel including women submariners and LGBT members and touring a Vanguard Class submarine. He presented the Gold Submariner’s Dolphin award and met families at a community centre. The visit coincided with news that three Royal Navy personnel died in a helicopter crash in Devon, prompting expressions of shock and sadness from the Princess of Wales and King Charles, who held a minute’s silence.

Prince William marked the 125th anniversary of Scotland’s main submarine base with a visit to HM Naval Base Clyde, meeting personnel and touring a Vanguard Class submarine before presenting the Gold Submariner’s Dolphin. The visit was followed by national mourning after three Royal Navy personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in Devon. King Charles and Princess Kate issued condolences, with the King addressing the tragedy publicly during a Royal Marines ceremony at Windsor Castle, where a minute’s silence was held.

Police Scotland issued appeals for information regarding two separate missing persons in the Scottish Highlands: hillwalker Adam Chalmers, last heard from while hiking the Ben Lawers range, and American tourist Timothy Rosser, last seen driving in Glencoe. Both cases involve concerns due to unusual lack of contact with family or completion of planned activities. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information or sightings to contact police quoting the respective incident numbers.

John Swinney appointed Jenny Gilruth as Scotland’s new deputy first minister, following Kate Forbes’s departure. Gilruth, formerly education secretary, called the role the greatest honour of her life and highlighted priorities including the cost‑of‑living crisis and NHS access. Swinney, sworn in for his second term as first minister, outlined goals focused on living costs, healthcare improvements and Scotland’s constitutional future while continuing to form his new cabinet ahead of a confirmatory vote.

A global study by the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute reports that more than one in four children experience online grooming, with girls significantly more affected than boys. The findings highlight widespread online sexual exploitation, including sextortion, and reveal that hundreds of millions of children faced abuse in the past year. Experts warn of severe long‑term trauma and urge governments to treat child sexual exploitation as a critical public health emergency.

Research from the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute reports that more than a quarter of children worldwide are being groomed online, with girls disproportionately affected. The study highlights rising cases of sextortion, widespread possession of paedophile manuals, and hundreds of millions of children experiencing exploitation both online and offline. Experts call for governments to treat online grooming and child sexual abuse as a global public health emergency. Survivors and advocates stress the need for early identification, support within health systems, and stronger prevention efforts.

Five pedestrians, including a 12-year-old boy in serious condition, were taken to hospital after being struck by a car in Alloa, Scotland. The collision involved a 70-year-old driver in a grey Kia Ceed. Multiple victims received treatment at hospitals in Glasgow and Forth Valley. Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue, with some road closures remaining in place near Alloa Stadium.

A 19-year-old man was charged after personal information about Scottish referee John Beaton was leaked online following a controversial penalty decision in Celtic’s win over Motherwell. The leak led to police surveillance for Beaton and his family. The Scottish Football Association condemned the incident, linking it to escalating hostility toward match officials and calling for stronger protections. The organisation warned that increasing criticism and scapegoating jeopardise referee safety and the functioning of the game. This episode follows previous abuse directed at Beaton after officiating a 2018 Rangers–Celtic match.

A 19-year-old man was charged after leaking referee John Beaton’s personal information online following a controversial penalty decision in Celtic’s win over Motherwell. The leak led Police Scotland to place Beaton and his family under surveillance. The Scottish Football Association condemned the incident as part of a wider pattern of hostility toward officials and announced plans to strengthen protections for referees.

King Charles received the Blue Peter Green Badge in recognition of his long‑standing environmental work through The King’s Foundation. During a ceremony at Dumfries House, he added a second badge to the foundation’s 35th‑anniversary time capsule. The award follows earlier Gold Blue Peter Badges presented to the King and Queen in 2023, and comes after Charles joined centenarians at Buckingham Palace to honour what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.

Greenpeace activists placed small replica wind turbines on a hole at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland to protest his opposition to wind power and support for expanded oil and gas extraction in the North Sea. The group highlighted strong public backing in Scotland for renewable energy and removed the turbines before golf play was affected.

Fundraising for motor neurone disease treatments has exceeded £2 million, driven largely by the Doddie’s Triple Crown 750‑mile cycling challenge, which raised £1.6 million for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Kathy Weir expressed deep gratitude for the growing support honouring her late husband’s legacy, while Rob Wainwright described the fundraising response as staggering, with all proceeds going toward frontline MND research.

More than £2 million has been raised for motor neurone disease research through initiatives supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, including £1.6 million from the Doddie’s Triple Crown cycling challenge. Kathy Weir expressed gratitude for the continued support honouring Doddie Weir’s legacy, noting increased public engagement in events such as Doddie Aid. Figures including Hamish Weir, Gordon D’Arcy and Rob Wainwright participated, emphasising the strong momentum behind fundraising efforts and the commitment to advancing MND research.

Researchers using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument at the Mayall Telescope created the largest high‑resolution 3D map of the universe, capturing data from 47 million galaxies and quasars. Led in part by scientists from the University of St Andrews and the University of California, Berkeley, the project aims to advance understanding of dark energy and dark matter. The map’s unprecedented detail is expected to support a decade of further scientific exploration.

A family in Brechin seeks a medical diagnosis for 14‑month‑old Elyza, who has severe unexplained symptoms including sickness, weak muscle tone and developmental delays. Her mother has stopped working to provide full‑time care after extended hospital stays. The Archie Foundation has supported the family, and fundraising efforts are underway to help the charity continue assisting children’s healthcare.

A Scottish family continues to seek a diagnosis for their 14‑month‑old daughter Elyza, who suffers from severe symptoms including low muscle tone, chronic fatigue, feeding difficulties and developmental delays. Her mother, Yasmin Whittington, left work to provide full‑time care as doctors investigate the underlying cause of the suspected floppy infant syndrome. The Archie Foundation has supported the family with essential equipment and financial relief, prompting Yasmin to participate in Glasgow’s Kiltwalk to raise funds for the charity. The family focuses on adapting to ongoing medical uncertainty while providing the best possible care for their child.

A Pembroke Welsh corgi named Islay won the annual Easter corgi derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, spurred on by hot dogs at the finish line. The internationally sourced lineup included dogs from New Zealand, China and Cornwall. Islay’s owner, Glasgow-based veterinarian Carolyne Ricardo, expressed delight at the unexpected win. The event, now in its fifth year and originally created in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee, drew significant attention during the racecourse’s Easter Saturday celebrations, with organizers noting the corgis’ popularity alongside major horse racing fixtures.

A fully electric aircraft completed demonstration flights across Scottish mail routes as part of a collaboration between Royal Mail, Loganair and BETA Technologies, aiming to support rural deliveries and progress toward Royal Mail’s 2040 net-zero target. The ALIA CTOL aircraft completed flights between Glasgow and Dundee, with additional routes planned across northern Scotland. Leaders from all three partners emphasised the significance of real-world testing for validating electric aviation in remote areas. Scotland’s First Minister welcomed the trials as a milestone for sustainable aviation and regional connectivity.

NASA’s humanoid robot Valkyrie is returning to the United States after a decade of development work at the University of Edinburgh, where researchers enhanced its mobility, stability, and sensing capabilities for potential future Mars missions. The collaboration involved Heriot-Watt University and was supported by UK research bodies, contributing to Edinburgh’s emergence as a robotics hub. Researchers and former students highlighted Valkyrie’s role in advancing humanoid robotics and inspiring new generations, while ongoing projects with NASA will continue after the robot’s departure.

A Scottish woman, initially told she would never walk again due to brain damage from haemochromatosis, regained her independence through intensive therapy provided by her son and his physiotherapy clinic. After months in hospital and plans for long‑term care, she relocated to Scotland for treatment involving neuroplasticity training, progressing from requiring extensive care to walking unaided, living independently and driving again. She continues setting new goals and encourages others facing similar challenges to stay determined.

Sensors are being installed across Aberdeen to record seismic vibrations and create a 3D subsurface map to assess the city’s geothermal heating potential. The project, part of the £1 million Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility Pilot led by the University of Aberdeen and supported by multiple public bodies, aims to explore low‑carbon heating options. Data from the sensors, along with a planned 500‑metre borehole on the university campus, will help determine where geothermal systems could be most effective, supporting efforts to reduce emissions and develop sustainable local energy sources.

Scotland will receive an additional bank holiday on 15 June 2026 to celebrate the men’s national football team’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, following their opening match against Haiti. The King approved the holiday after a request from First Minister John Swinney under existing legislation, though employers are not required to observe it.

Yellow weather warnings for significant snowfall have been issued across large parts of Scotland from midnight Tuesday to Wednesday afternoon, along with a separate alert for the Shetland Islands. SEPA has issued a flood warning for the Churchill Barriers in Orkney and flagged potential flooding in Tayside and Angus. Travel disruption is expected, with CalMac warning of possible ferry cancellations and ScotRail advising passengers to check journeys.

BrewDog will close all its distilling brands, including Duo Rum, Abstrakt Vodka, and Lonewolf Gin, to concentrate on core beer products such as Punk IPA while maintaining its Wonderland cocktail line. Operations will wind down over the coming months as remaining stock is sold and supply contracts fulfilled, with the future of the distillery site still undecided. The decision has raised concerns about job losses in Ellon, prompting MP Harriet Cross to seek clarity on the impact for employees and the wider business amid difficult market conditions for the drinks and hospitality sectors.

Severe wet and windy conditions from Storm Chandra triggered widespread travel disruption across the UK, prompting multiple Met Office warnings. Rail services, ferries and domestic flights were cancelled, the Severn Bridge closed, and major roads in Devon became impassable due to flooding. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and South West England faced alerts for heavy rain, strong winds and snow.

Researchers analysing newly acquired fossils of Prototaxites from the Rhynie chert in Aberdeenshire conclude the giant organism belonged to an extinct evolutionary branch distinct from plants and fungi. Chemical and anatomical evidence supports its classification as a unique form of complex life that once dominated ancient terrestrial ecosystems more than 400 million years ago. The study highlights the scientific value of museum collections and underscores Scotland’s significance in preserving early terrestrial life.

An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of northeast Scotland, with the Met Office expecting heavy rain likely to cause flooding, transport disruption and potential power cuts. Authorities warned that some communities may be cut off, while transport services including rail and ferry routes face restrictions and cancellations. The Scottish Government and emergency agencies are monitoring conditions, and officials advised motorists to avoid non‑essential travel and plan journeys carefully due to hazardous road conditions.

Glasgow City Council was ordered to pay £80,000 after Colin Shaw suffered life‑changing injuries when an uninspected lamppost fell on him. The council accepted liability in Glasgow Sheriff Court, apologised, and reported updates to maintenance procedures. An additional £7.5 million has been allocated to replace old and damaged lampposts across the city over the next three years.

Glasgow City Council was ordered to pay £80,000 after Colin Shaw suffered life‑changing injuries when a lamppost fell on him in 2023. The council admitted liability and apologised, noting planned investment of £7.5 million to replace unsafe lighting columns and improve inspections. Prosecutors stated the incident was avoidable and highlighted failures in maintenance that exposed the public to unacceptable risk.

Journalists at STV staged a walkout in opposition to proposed cuts that would eliminate the north edition of the News At 6 programme and potentially reduce 28 editorial roles. The National Union of Journalists argued the changes would harm local news quality, while Scottish ministers voiced concerns about reduced regional reporting. STV defended the plan as necessary for financial sustainability and stated most job losses would be handled through voluntary measures. Ofcom is reviewing the proposal through a public consultation.

Research shows that mineral dust particles in space act as catalysts enabling simple molecules such as carbon dioxide and ammonia to form more complex compounds under extreme cosmic conditions. Experiments demonstrated that key reactions leading to precursors of life occur efficiently only in the presence of dust, suggesting a more active role for cosmic dust in forming organic molecules and supporting the early processes that could enable life.

Research teams from Heriot-Watt University, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the University of Virginia found that mineral dust acts as a catalyst enabling simple molecules such as carbon dioxide and ammonia to form ammonium carbamate, a precursor to life-related compounds, under simulated interstellar conditions. Experiments showed that reactions occurred efficiently only when dust grains were present, revealing dust’s active role in space chemistry. The study suggests dust-driven reactions may support the emergence of complex organics in interstellar clouds and protoplanetary disks and will be further explored with additional molecules.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified volcanic rock formations across the UK capable of storing more than 3,000 million tonnes of CO2 through carbon mineralisation, a process that turns injected carbon dioxide into stable minerals. Locations such as Co Antrim, the Isle of Skye and the Lake District offer significant storage potential, presenting a long-term method to help reduce unavoidable industrial emissions and enhance the country’s decarbonisation efforts.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice cover most of Scotland as temperatures drop to minus 7C, raising risks of travel disruption, icy surfaces, power cuts and isolated rural communities. Rain moving southeast is expected to create hazardous ice, with snow likely on higher ground. CalMac cancelled ferry services and Scotrail urged caution as the cold spell continues into mid‑week.

British and German forces will conduct joint patrols from RAF Lossiemouth to track Russian submarines and deepen cooperation under the Trinity House Agreement. The partnership expands into cyber defence, including a secure cloud network for real‑time intelligence sharing among NATO allies. Germany is increasing defence investment in the UK, including Rheinmetall’s new factory and additional projects from Helsing, ARX Robotics and Stark, creating hundreds of jobs. The collaboration aims to reinforce NATO’s eastern and northern flanks and enhance European security.

Britain and Germany plan joint patrols using RAF Lossiemouth-based aircraft to monitor Russian submarines, marking expanded defence cooperation under the Trinity House Agreement. The collaboration includes joint RAF and Deutsche Marine operations, enhanced cyber‑defence initiatives, and a secure shared intelligence network. Germany has committed £800 million in defence investment in the UK, supporting job creation and manufacturing growth.

A defence agreement between the UK, Sweden and Thailand secures 150 jobs at Leonardo’s Edinburgh site through the supply of Saab Gripen fighter aircraft equipped with UK‑built Raven radars. The deal is valued at £177 million for the UK supply chain, with potential expansion to eight additional aircraft and a long‑term impact that could reach £530 million. Government officials emphasise Scotland’s role in the defence sector and the economic benefits generated by cross‑government collaboration. Industry leaders highlight the technological capabilities of the radar systems and the significance of the partnership for UK‑Thailand trade relations.

Nearly 3,000 Leonardo employees across multiple UK sites may strike after rejecting a 3.2% pay offer that Unite argues amounts to a real-terms pay cut. Union leaders accuse the company of underpaying skilled staff despite strong revenues and profits and call for renewed negotiations to avoid factory shutdowns later in the year.

A group calling itself the Kingdom of Kubala, living in woods near Jedburgh after eviction from private land, has been issued a new court order banning them from occupying both the original private site and adjacent council-owned land. The members claim ancestral rights to the land dating back 400 years, but Selkirk Sheriff Court ruled against their return or continued presence on either site.

A group calling themselves the Kingdom of Kubala were barred by Selkirk Sheriff Court from returning to private land in Jedburgh after a previous eviction, and were also banned from occupying council-owned land. The trio, who claim ancestral rights to the area, remain at their current campsite despite the rulings, attracting public attention from spectators documenting the situation online.

More than £8 million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund has been allocated to four North East energy projects supporting offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain development. The investment coincides with Climate Week and the opening of Scotland’s largest Energy Transition Skills Hub in Aberdeen, aimed at preparing young people for renewable energy careers. First Minister John Swinney emphasised job support, economic opportunity, and a fair transition for communities long involved in oil and gas.

A Scottish Government grant of £1.27 million will fund a year-long AI‑driven traffic signal pilot on Glasgow’s Pollokshaws Road to reduce bus journey times and improve transport efficiency. Smart signals using real‑time and historical data are expected to cut delays and ease congestion, building on earlier trials that reduced travel times by up to half. The funding also supports planning for new bus corridors and upgrades to Hope Street, aiming to expand priority measures, modernize infrastructure, and make public transport more attractive and sustainable.

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to examine TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized planet in the system’s habitable zone, finding indications that it may have an atmosphere or surface water. After correcting data affected by the host star’s activity, scientists identified scenarios ranging from a nitrogen-rich atmosphere to a bare rocky surface. Additional JWST observations scheduled in the coming years are expected to clarify the planet’s atmospheric composition and potential habitability.

Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy, who has terminal prostate cancer, is promoting exercise as a way to improve quality of life for men with the disease. He has launched a partnership with PureGym, the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to offer free annual gym memberships and structured exercise programmes to men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy, aiming to ease treatment side effects and support better outcomes.

Chris Hoy launched a partnership with PureGym, The Institute of Cancer Research, and the Royal Marsden to offer men with advanced prostate cancer free gym memberships and structured exercise programmes. The initiative focuses on improving quality of life and reducing the side effects of hormone therapy, which affects thousands of men annually in the UK. The programme aligns with growing evidence supporting exercise as a beneficial complement to cancer treatment and aims to increase activity levels among patients who are often inactive. Experts highlighted the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise, while Hoy’s upcoming Tour De 4 charity ride seeks to raise substantial funds for cancer organisations.

SGN successfully completed a live trial repurposing a 30km section of Scotland’s gas transmission network to transport hydrogen, demonstrating that existing UK gas infrastructure can support future low‑carbon energy use. The project involved delivering INEOS‑produced hydrogen between Granton and Grangemouth, after which it was safely flared. Engineers gained operational experience, and SGN is developing plans to convert the entire high‑pressure network, with both SGN and INEOS emphasising hydrogen’s potential role in reducing emissions for homes and industry.

Logistics drivers at Turners’ Grangemouth site are being balloted on strike action after receiving a 1% pay offer that the Unite union argues is inadequate, citing rising inflation and the company’s strong profits. Potential industrial action could disrupt fuel supplies to airlines operating from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle airports. Union leaders criticised the company’s stance and urged it to present a fairer proposal.

Frank Strang, founder and chief executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, died at 67 following a short illness. Strang, known for driving the development of the UK’s first licensed vertical launch spaceport on Unst in Shetland, is remembered for his determination and leadership. Deputy chief Scott Hammond, expected to succeed him, pledged to continue advancing the spaceport’s mission and establish the UK as Europe’s leading location for vertical space launches.

Scottish Water workers have ended strike action after Unison members accepted an improved pay offer covering the next two financial years, providing raises of at least £2,850. Despite the agreement, unions say concerns persist over contractor use and what they describe as creeping privatization of the publicly owned utility. Other unions, including GMB, also accepted the deal, while Scottish Water says it looks forward to restoring constructive relations.

A Facit Model LX mechanical calculator used by Scottish scientist Archie Roy in trajectory calculations for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission has been donated to National Museums Scotland. The well‑worn device, manufactured in Sweden between 1938 and 1954, will join the museum’s science and technology collections alongside other space‑related artifacts. The calculator was preserved after Roy’s retirement by colleague John Brown before being donated by Roy’s widow, and curators highlight its significance as a tangible link to Scotland’s contribution to the moon landing.

James “Jim” Prime, longtime keyboardist for Scottish band Deacon Blue and a lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, has died at 64 after a short battle with cancer. The band confirmed his death and thanked supporters for their messages as well as medical staff for their care. Prime had recently been hospitalised, and despite his condition, encouraged the group to continue their scheduled performances. The article reflects on his role within the band, their formation, and their musical legacy.

Cyber fraud in Scotland has surged dramatically, with reported cases rising more than 1,000% since 2021 and losses exceeding £860,000 in the past year. Advice Direct Scotland warns that actual figures are likely higher due to under-reporting and increasingly sophisticated scams driven by AI-generated content and fake celebrity endorsements. While SMS scams have declined sharply, email, social media and phone-based fraud continue to grow. New Online Safety Act rules now require platforms to take stronger action against user-generated scams. The charity urges vigilance and encourages victims to seek support without embarrassment.

Workers on Glasgow’s subway system voted overwhelmingly to strike over pay and staffing concerns, with four 24-hour stoppages scheduled for late June and an overtime ban starting earlier in the month. Unite accused Strathclyde Partnership for Transport of chronic understaffing and failing to address workers’ concerns, while SPT expressed disappointment over the strike decision but stated it remains committed to resolving outstanding issues.

Staff at the University of Dundee are staging five days of strikes in response to plans for up to 300 job losses through voluntary severance and the possibility of compulsory redundancies. The University and College Union argues that redundancies remain a threat in key departments and urges management to rule out mandatory cuts, citing the Scottish Government’s guidance. Union leaders call for government and funding council intervention, highlighting concerns over governance and leadership. The Scottish Government says it is working with the Scottish Funding Council on an alternative financial recovery plan, while the university maintains it has contingency measures in place to minimize disruption to students.

Tunnel control room staff in Glasgow have unanimously backed strike action after rejecting Cosla’s 3% pay offer, prompting warnings from GMB Scotland that the Clyde Tunnel may need to close if workers walk out. The union is seeking a £1‑per‑hour or 6.5% increase as part of wider council pay negotiations, supported by a consultative ballot showing strong backing for industrial action. Glasgow City Council notes no formal strike notice has been received, while the Scottish Government urges all parties to reach a fair and affordable agreement.

Scottish leaders and figures from business, sport and public life paid tribute to Sir Tom Farmer, the Kwik Fit founder and philanthropist who died at 84. Farmer, celebrated for transforming the automotive aftermarket sector, supporting charitable causes and rescuing Hibernian Football Club, was remembered for his generosity, faith and commitment to his community. Tributes highlighted his influence on Scottish life, his deep family devotion and his long-standing ties to Edinburgh’s Catholic community.

Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Farmer has died at age 84 at his home in Edinburgh. Known for founding Kwik Fit, he also served as a director of MyTravel Group and Scottish Power and owned a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club for nearly three decades. His family highlighted his devotion to family, faith and community, and Hibs paid tribute following the announcement. The family has requested privacy.

The Educational Institute of Scotland will hold a consultative ballot on potential industrial action after seeing no progress on the Scottish Government’s 2021 pledge to reduce teachers’ class contact time to 21 hours per week. Union leaders argue that the lack of proposals from the government and local authorities has left teachers facing excessive workloads. The ballot will run from June through the summer, with the union warning that it expects the promised reforms to be delivered to improve conditions for teachers and pupils.

Staff at the University of Edinburgh are urging management to rule out compulsory redundancies after around 350 employees accepted voluntary severance, yielding £18 million in savings. The University and College Union argues the institution is not in deficit and that further cuts are unnecessary, warning of potential industrial action if compulsory job cuts remain on the table. University leadership has not yet responded publicly.

Unite will ballot 50 offshore workers on the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms on potential strike action after rejecting a pay rise from TotalEnergies, which the union argues amounts to a real-terms cut. Union leaders accuse the company of mistreating staff despite strong profits, warning that strikes could significantly disrupt platform operations.

More than half of vessels operating near Scotland’s coast do not broadcast Automatic Identification System signals, according to Heriot-Watt University research based on over 1,800 hours of surveys. The study shows major regional disparities, with areas such as the Outer Hebrides exhibiting particularly low visibility despite high marine activity. Researchers warn that reliance on AIS alone severely underestimates environmental and safety risks, affects modelling of noise pollution and collision threats, and limits effective conservation and policymaking. Supplementing AIS with land-based observations and citizen science is recommended until wider adoption of tracking systems is achieved.

A £450 million investment by SSEN Distribution will upgrade electricity infrastructure across northern Scotland, creating more than 300 jobs and enhancing network resilience. Five contracted firms will deliver improvements supporting low‑carbon technologies such as EV chargers, solar panels and heat pumps. Scottish Government officials and SSEN leadership emphasise the importance of the investment for meeting net‑zero goals, improving reliability and supporting economic growth in the region.

Care home workers represented by GMB Scotland plan to protest outside the Scottish Parliament and meet health ministers to demand improved pay, staffing levels and safety conditions, saying that promised post-pandemic reforms have not materialized. Survey results indicate widespread dissatisfaction among staff, with many reporting stagnant wages, staffing shortages and inadequate safety improvements. Union leaders accuse policymakers of failing workers during Covid and urge immediate action, while the Scottish Government cites increased budget allocations intended to raise social care wages and looks ahead to discussions with workers.

A 19-year-old student discovered her rare brain tumour after developing abnormal pupil dilation and worsening vision problems, leading to scans that revealed a schwannoma which later progressed into an ultra-rare cancerous tumour diagnosed as APXA. Despite major surgery that removed most of the tumour, her prognosis remained poor, and initial chemotherapy and radiotherapy proved ineffective. Trial drugs Dabrafenib and Trametinib reduced the tumour, and her family is now raising funds for the costly DCVax-L treatment while advocating for greater brain tumour research funding.