Historic county of south-west Scotland on the Firth of Clyde
Scotland has not yet funded a standalone sexual offences court and independent legal representation for victims, despite the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Act. COPFS warns funding shortfalls threaten implementation as rape and sexual-violence waits rise; critics demand urgent action while officials debate timelines.
The First Minister has confirmed plans to cap essential foods, roll out a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland, replace 14 NHS health boards with two, expand childcare, and push radical local government reform. These moves are framed as urgent public service reform to deliver a fairer, healthier, and more prosperous nation.
A NYT opinion piece argues potato salad is the Great American Dream Dish, tracing its history from late 19th century cookbooks to modern cookouts and celebrating its role as a unifying, approachable dish at gatherings.
A cross-industry taskforce led by former John Lewis chair Sir Charlie Mayfield has signed up more than 250 major employers to monitor sickness absence, return-to-work outcomes and disability participation. The aims are to reveal workplace health performance and unlock productivity gains valued at billions. The initiative follows government reforms and ongoing debates about welfare and labour participation.
Fleetwood is chasing a maiden Open title at Royal Birkdale as Sam Burns leads with Lucas Herbert and DeChambeau in pursuit. The local favourite has two late bogeys in round three that dashed the dream but remains in contention ahead of Sunday’s final round.
Labour signals a renewed drive on welfare reform, emphasizing opportunity and independence as final reports on Pip and youth worklessness are awaited. Ministers say the approach will shift from simple entitlements to helping people live fuller lives.
Hulls and Woad post solid rounds in challenging conditions on the Lancashire coast to stay within reach of Ryu Hae Ran, who is closing in on a third straight major title. Other leaders include Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda and Shiho Kuwaki.
The Guardian reports that Ray Exworth’s six-decade body of sculpture has been hidden in seven sheds on a Cornish smallholding. A new book, Ray’s Sheds, documents the unseen works and raises questions about public access to art.
Kasper Hogh scores a hat-trick as Celtic outclass Kilmarnock, with Duran providing a superb assist and Nygren adding a third. Maloney and O’Neill are absent due to unrelated matters as Celtic dominate in Ayrshire, while questions linger over Kilmarnock’s defensive shape ahead of the season's tougher tests.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe production of Mayflies, staged by Grid Iron at Brown’s of Leith, has opened a nuanced, site-specific take on Andrew O’Hagan’s novel. The play follows two friends’ teenage road trip and their later confrontation with terminal illness, using 1980s Manchester and Thatcher-era Leith as backdrop. Performances fuse live theatre with striking visuals and a powerful soundscape.
Natalie Harp, a longtime aide to Donald Trump, is under renewed scrutiny over her proximity to the former president, her role printing material for him, and letters she wrote during a 2023 Scotland trip. New reporting ties her access to sensitive material and questions about security clearances.
Seven people have been charged with malicious damage for a March 8, 2025 protest at Donald Trump’s Turnberry resort and prosecutors have alleged the offences were "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection." The first hearing has been adjourned to October; critics warn terrorist-linked sentencing will greatly lengthen prison terms for protest offences.