Public broadcaster in Scotland; HQ in Glasgow; runs BBC Scotland TV, BBC Scotland channel, BBC Alba, Radio Scotland and Radio nan Gàidheal
The government is expanding use of former military sites to house asylum seekers, planning to accommodate about 3,750 people across Bicester, Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse, with extensions at Crowborough and Wethersfield. Local opposition persists in several communities as the plan unfolds.
Multiple defendants across the UK face charges or have admitted offences related to rape, sexual assault and abuse spanning decades. Cases involve a former pop star, MPs, and a group of men; proceedings are ongoing with investigations, plea changes, and upcoming trials.
Nicholas Rossi has died in a Utah hospital while serving a prison sentence for two 2008 rape convictions. He was extradited from Scotland in 2024 after a decades-long case involving alleged faked deaths, multiple aliases, and Interpol notices. Authorities say he died from complications of an existing medical condition after discontinuing treatment.
A series of proposals around council tax, stamp duty and land value tax are attracting attention as policymakers consider how to reform property taxation. The debate spans mansion taxes in Scotland, and broader reforms that could affect ownership costs and mobility.
Shetland Islands Council has backed a plan to explore four subsea tunnels, linking Mainland with Yell and Unst, with later links to Bressay and Whalsay. The project aims to replace aging ferries and unlock economic growth, with an estimated total cost of about 1.5 billion pounds and a completion timeline of eight years for the first tunnel.
David Brown has been jailed for six years and nine months for raping an 18-year-old passenger. Highland Council’s licensing committee sparked anger by allowing Brown’s operator’s licence to continue, prompting resignations, suspensions and calls for a full council review. The political fallout continues as the council faces scrutiny over safety and governance.
Ferguson Marine reports the Glen Rosa has left dry dock ahead of schedule and is moving toward sea trials; costs are now estimated at £197.5m, with service hoped in 2027. The yard emphasises progress on “modern Clydebuilt standards.”
Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has died at 39 after a glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022. She leaves a legacy of advocacy for brain-tumour research and awareness, including patronage of Brain Tumour Research.
ScotsRock has confirmed plans to convert the former CCA building on Sauchiehall Street into a cultural hub celebrating Scotland’s music legacy. Midge Ure will be inaugural patron, with Lulu, Jim Kerr, Travis and Del Amitri backing the project. The venture aims to provide a permanent exhibition, live venue, educational outreach and a year‑round programme while preserving the building’s cultural purpose.
Residents of Edinburgh’s Bonnington Bond flats are being evacuated as a precaution after fire-safety checks reveal a high risk in cladding and insulation. Persimmon Homes will carry out remediation, but no timetable is set. Emergency accommodation is offered, with potential relocation lasting up to two years.
Craig Gordon has announced his retirement from professional football at 43, ending a 25-year career that featured Hearts, Sunderland, Celtic, 84 Scotland caps and multiple comebacks from serious injuries. He leaves a legacy as one of Scotland’s most trusted goalkeepers and a beloved Tynecastle icon.
A BBC investigation finds that a product sold as a herbal sleep aid on Amazon was actually Zopiclone, a prescription drug. The user developed dependency and faced withdrawal; regulators are investigating while Amazon has removed the product.
The independent review into March’s Old Firm clash has highlighted near-misses, planning failures, and a call for stronger sanctions and accountability for clubs. Hearings are set for August 13 as the SFA publishes its findings.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have opened under a tightened format after Victoria dropped out. About 3,000 athletes from 74 nations compete across 10 sports at four venues, with opening ceremonies staged at the OVO Hydro and a reduced schedule, while broadcasters outline rights and streaming options.
Glasgow School of Art says full restoration of the Mackintosh Building is unaffordable without external funding, with cost estimated at £265m. The institution plans to stabilise the structure, remove scaffolding, and pursue a future anchored in creative and cultural industries while seeking visionary investment and public support.
The Isles of Scilly is replacing the Scillonian III with Scillonian IV after 49 years; the new 75-metre vessel will carry 600 passengers, improve comfort, reduce journey times, and start service in March 2027. The upgrade follows a multi-decade investment in regional ferry links to boost reliability for residents and visitors.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has moved its operations into a permanent space on Infirmary Street, transforming Fringe Central into a year‑round hub for artists, welfare support, rehearsal spaces and industry services. The project, funded by the UK Government and partners, is designed to support a thriving, inclusive fringe ecosystem alongside the city’s galleries and venues.
The Aberdeen diocese has excommunicated Father Michael Mary and declared his leadership a schism after he leads a consecration ceremony on Papa Stronsay. The event is condemned as an act of schism and a potential break with the Holy See, with Vatican scrutiny intensifying.
Results day across the UK highlights a shift toward technical education and vocational routes, with record university places in Scotland and rising concerns over NEET figures. Officials promise expanded funding and new pathways, while students weigh finances and post-school options.
BBC and The Scotsman report that ScotRail’s new booking platform has caused widespread ticketing issues, password resets, and problems linking railcards, with passengers urged to use the old app until issues are resolved.
Rushed by the last-minute pullout of Victoria, Glasgow 2026 has redefined the Commonwealth Games with a lean, sustainable blueprint. The event is proving adaptable for future hosts while keeping 74 nations engaged and celebrating a compact, inclusive model.
Scotland has delivered a scaled-back, sustainable Commonwealth Games after Victoria withdrew. The city used existing venues, emphasised legacy, and expects continued investment to sustain nationwide sport participation and facilities.
Highland Council has faced criticism after a rapist taxi driver was allowed to retain operator licences, triggering resignations and protests. A hearing was held as councillors debate the decision, with victims’ groups calling for transparency. Brown has appealed his conviction and sentence.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard has been extended to remain valid for a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18, with the change taking effect on 17 August. The policy aligns the youth railcard with others, aiming to reduce travel costs for young people and support education, employment, and training. Several outlets report on varying proposals to widen discounts beyond the Southeast.
Scottish exam results show pass rates rising across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, with record numbers of passes and a narrowing but persistent attainment gap between deprived and better-off pupils. Education Secretary McAllan describes the day as positive and pledges further action.
Four members of Uganda's boxing squad have failed to return home from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Police Scotland is investigating with the Home Office, while Ugandan officials say visas remain valid until October. Some teammates have returned, but the four missing boxers are unaccounted for and may seek asylum.
A series of incidents at Travelodge hotels have raised concerns about room access security. Victims report unauthorised entry by strangers after staff handed out room keys, including a Maidenhead case where a man jailed for sexual assault wore a key card. Travelodge has updated policies and retraining, while victims call for stronger protections.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, an Edinburgh aid worker known as Lisa, has been killed in Athens. Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai has been charged with homicide with intent and related offences after her body was found in a Kypseli derelict building on July 18. Police say autopsy points to asphyxiation; testing continues. Ahmadzai remains in custody as investigations proceed and UK authorities assist with medical records.
Minnie Merriman has died after being found seriously injured at an Arbroath industrial estate. Her father, 35-year-old Christopher Rice, has been charged with her murder. NHS Tayside is investigating a potential data breach at Ninewells Hospital related to patient records access.
Jason Arday, who resigned from the University of Cambridge after plagiarism allegations, has been found dead at his south London home. Police have said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Family and public figures have said he faced sustained harassment; Cambridge has said it will investigate his appointment and work.
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon says she was betrayed by Peter Murrell, who pleaded guilty to embezzling SNP funds. She reveals she did not know of the crimes until the day of his guilty plea and will not visit him in prison.
Kyziridis has left Hearts for a Turkish club after 42 appearances, six goals and 11 assists last season. The transfer, pegged at around £1.7m, is being finalised as Hearts cashes in on a homegrown talent who arrived on a free last summer.
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.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.
A new Angus Glens report shows moorland and grouse management support thousands of jobs and local businesses. It highlights 86.5 full-time equivalents and 768 seasonal workers in 2025, with significant local spending and 84 grouse shooting days, illustrating the economic and social ties of rural estates.
The SPFL has launched a new live domestic streaming service, SPFL Player, allowing fans to watch William Hill Championship, League 1 and 2 matches outside blocked hours on a pay-per-view basis. Subscriptions and single-match passes are available, with revenue returning to clubs. The rollout begins with all League 1 and 2 matches on 15 August and will extend to eligible Championship games later.
The Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) has shown a reduced deficit of 25.3 billion for 2025/26, with the deficit at -10.9% of GDP. Revenues rose by 6.9% to 98.3 billion, while spending reached 123.6 billion. Projections note North Sea revenue fell, and questions about independence’s long-term fiscal path persist.
Ming Yang’s £1.5bn Ardersier project is blocked by UK ministers over national security concerns. Scotland’s leaders are calling for a review as officials weigh jobs and investment against security risks and data-control questions. The debate centers on whether Chinese tech can power the UK’s offshore wind ambitions without compromising resilience.
Sachie Mikawa, a Japanese‑American performer, says a treasured Bach Stradivarius trumpet and a vintage melodica have been stolen from the Rotunda Theatre during the Edinburgh Fringe. The loss follows the death of her father and a difficult year, forcing cancellations as police investigate and searches continue.
Police investigations into the May Celtic title celebrations disorder have led to multiple arrests across Glasgow and surrounding areas. Investigations continue as officers say they will bring more suspects to justice following clashes that left officers injured and members of the public hospitalised.
Scottish Labour is facing a leadership race after Anas Sarwar's departure to accept a UK government role. The contest centers on infighting and a push to impose five budget tests if elected, aiming to secure concessions from the SNP ahead of next year’s council elections.
The Japanese macaque Luka has fled his Highland Wildlife Park home near Kingussie overnight, triggering a search with thermal-imaging drones. Public are urged not to approach; sightings should be reported to the listed number. A 2024 escape by a monkey from the same park is recalled in background.
The First Minister and senior officials have travelled to the US for World Cup support and trade talks. Costs, including business-class flights and hotels, have been released, prompting scrutiny from opposition figures who say taxpayers’ money should be spent more wisely. Ministers defend the trips as necessary to arrive ready and to foster international connections.
Hibs have kept the chance of reaching the European league group stage alive after a goalless first leg in Ghent. Owen Elding missed a first-half penalty, but the side’s defensive discipline and the display of young midfielders have kept the tie open ahead of the return leg at Easter Road.