Scottish unitary authority in the southwest
The UK has endured a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures pushing into the mid-30s in parts of England and Wales. Health alerts remain in place as drought conditions deepen, with millions under hosepipe bans and reservoirs running low. Forecasters warn the heat could sustain into the week, while authorities prepare extreme heat measures and monitor infrastructure strain.
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.
Scientists say climate change is pushing several bird and mammal species northward, with new breeding evidence appearing in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The latest findings show little egret nesting in Aberdeenshire, barn owls breeding in Fermanagh, and ospreys reestablishing in Anglesey and Rutland Water. Conservation groups urge vigilance and habitat protection as ranges expand and threats persist.
A Court of Session has ordered a family to leave the Granton site immediately, as Scottish ministers push to recover land for a new £100m Art Works development. The family argued human-rights breaches, but judges found the eviction justified, citing safety concerns and the project’s urgency.
The Royal Scottish Academy showcases work drawn from grants awarded over 26 years, highlighting artists who have benefited from its funding since the early 2000s. The exhibition, titled 26, travels through decades of Scottish art, featuring pieces that reflect social and political themes, including Ben Quinn's politically charged works and Paloma Proudfoot’s provocative installation.
Scotland has expanded its bluetongue restriction zone to cover the whole country, aiming to ease trade while vaccination remains the key defence. Authorities say movement licences will be scrapped, but farmers are urged to vaccinate for next season amid rising cases linked to climate-driven spread. The latest season has seen cases across stretching areas, with vaccines in high demand.
Scottish plans for a 1GW Chapelcross AI data centre face opposition and calls for public consultation. Campaigners warn of grid strain and higher bills, while officials emphasise community engagement and national guidance. The project aims to redevelop a former nuclear site but faces scrutiny over land use and greenhouse gas impacts.
London’s Oxford Street is transitioning to a fully pedestrianised stretch, a centralelement in Sadiq Khan’s drive to green the capital. From 7am daily, vehicles including buses and bikes are banned along nearly 0.6 miles between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with deliveries allowed outside hours. The move aims to boost footfall, public space, and urban health, while city planners refine the plan based on feedback.
National Geographic has named Dumfries and Galloway a must-visit location for 2027, alongside global destinations. The region is praised for dark skies, coastal trails, cycling and galloway landscape, with observatory plans and the Tour de France’s arrival boosting momentum. Local leaders say the recognition will drive year‑round tourism.
Storm Boelo has caused widespread disruption, killing two people as trees collapse and power is cut to around 90,000 homes. Forecasters expect a new weather system to bring further high winds and travel disruption, with warnings in place across the UK.
Richard Baines, 60, the curator of Logan Botanic Garden, has died while walking near his Mid Kelton home amid Storm Boelo. He is remembered for expanding Logan’s plant collection and leading international fieldwork. The garden is part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Scotland and western Scotland faced ongoing disruption after Storm Boelo. Emergency services ran searches, but a number of people remain missing as winds gust up to 80 mph. Schools closed and transport networks face interruptions.
Power cuts persist in parts of Britain after two named storms, Boelo and Austen, caused widespread disruption. Authorities warn of ongoing travel disruption and potential flooding as a new low-pressure system is forecast to bring more heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days.
Authorities have indicated that threatening emails sent to hundreds of schools across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the UK are hoaxes. No credible threat to the public has been found, and schools are resuming normal activities while investigators search for the source of the messages.