Scottish unitary authority in the southwest, centre of Dumfries, Stranraer, and rural counties
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.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners have extended a very high wildfire risk warning in central Highlands, southern, and eastern Scotland. Fire crews remain at multiple sites, including the Cairngorms and Arthur’s Seat, as temperatures stay hot and dry. The alert is in effect into the week, with officials urging the public to avoid outdoor fires and to stay vigilant.
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.
ScottishPower Renewables has lodged plans to repower Whitelee Windfarm, replacing 215 turbines with about 124 taller units in three phases. The £1.5bn project aims to double output to 1GW and keep the site accessible to visitors; full operation is expected by 2035. The move follows solid half‑year profits, driven by renewables and grid investments.
Outlander actors reflect on early scene practices, the introduction of intimacy coordinators, and the industry’s evolving approach to nude scenes. The conversation, held at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland, also touches on the series’ end and potential future projects.
Dogs of all sizes take to the waves at Pacifica’s tenth annual dog surfing contest, with Rusty the Miniature Pinscher gaining attention for his cancer-free comeback. The event includes heats, tandem rides and a pet adoption fundraiser, attracting spectators and supporting local animal charities.
A judge has ruled that the confession by Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi will form a central part of the Pan Am 103 trial in Washington. Defence lawyers had argued the statement was false and made under duress, but prosecutors say the detail-rich document will be corroborated. Victims’ groups describe the ruling as a step forward in the long fight for justice.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
A total solar eclipse has crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive across Britain since 1999. Scientists and agencies such as NASA have flown instruments and balloons into the path of totality to study the Sun's corona and to gather data for improving space‑weather forecasts.
The Scottish government has not funded the implementation of a standalone sexual offences court and related measures, despite reforms to end the not proven verdict. Crown Office warns Holyrood that resources are not in place as rape and sexual violence statistics rise, with ongoing calls for timely delivery of promised protections.
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.
A round-up of recent Scottish cultural and arts funding and festival developments shows Screen Scotland's investment in film and TV; Wigtown Book Festival returns with guests; National Galleries of Scotland gains new acquisitions; RSA highlights support for artists.
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.