Scottish town; administrative centre of South Ayrshire
A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 has passed across Greenland, Iceland and parts of northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from Britain since 1999. Scientists have collected coronagraph and in‑flight data to study the Sun’s corona and short‑term atmospheric effects; safety warnings about direct viewing were widely issued.
Two recent UK investigations have highlighted persistent failures to protect victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. A London woman has described how a partner used intimate images to control her, while survivors from Skircoat Lodge have criticised Calderdale Council's response after a trial of facts found historic abuse. Campaigners have also exposed how a convicted sex offender used repeated name changes to start new relationships.
CrossCountry’s Birmingham power outage has crippled rail services nationwide, with near-normal operations only for Peterborough–Cambridge–Stansted. Tickets remain valid across operators, and rail replacement buses are in place as major routes face ongoing cancellations and delays.
A Fra Fee-led writer grapples with the legend of Liberace in a meta-stage piece at Pitlochry, where Simon Russell Beale’s Liberace and a flamboyant production set the tone. The show examines sexuality, lie and performance, while a longer Wallace musical and a new Play, Pie and Pint piece provide counterpoints on history and memory.
Police Scotland has deployed a large-scale operation to tackle bonfire night disorder across Scotland, with multiple incidents of fireworks directed at emergency services in Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas. One male has been arrested; crews report minor injuries and several fires in bins and parks. The operation involves officers from multiple forces and international coordination.