Scottish unitary council area and lieutenancy, focal point of coastal communities and governance in western Scotland.
Police have charged eight men in connection with a long-running investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales. The defendants, aged 54 to 73, face multiple rape and associated offences dating from 1985 to 1996. They are due before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Emergency services attended Loch Fyne after concerns for two female divers. A 26-year-old woman died at the scene and a 24-year-old woman was later recovered. Police describe the deaths as unexplained and a post-mortem will be held. Coastguard and lifeboat crews were involved; other incidents at beaches also affected by strong currents and heat.
A wave of paddleboarding is drawing people to rivers and canals, turning routes into social spaces from Scotland to Yorkshire. Shops and pubs along waterways are redefining leisure travel as clip-ready videos fuel a growing trend.
The BBC, Independent, and other outlets report on Scotland’s price-cap measures for essentials and public transport, amid fears from farmers that costs could ripple through to producers. Pilot schemes show rising bus ridership, but warn of unintended consequences as caps expand.
The Easdale World Skimming Championship has drawn a record field of 400 competitors from more than 30 countries to Easdale Island in the Inner Hebrides. Organisers have installed official geologists to ensure stone integrity following last year’s cheating scandal, and the event is drawing international attention with increased media and sponsorship. The competition allows three skims per contestant, with a Toss Off final and a focus on community and tradition amid growing global interest.