Capital city of Scotland, a historic hub in the southeast.
Sony has announced it will stop releasing new PlayStation games on physical discs from January 2028. New titles will be sold through the PlayStation Store or as retailer-issued download codes. The move reflects rising digital sales — roughly 78–85% of full-game purchases — and has provoked online backlash over ownership, preservation and secondhand markets.
Private equity activity is reshaping Scotland’s largest 500 companies as owners approach retirement. Data shows US and international investors hold a growing share of stakes, while entrepreneurs report positive experiences of growth, with backers providing capital and governance. The Scotland 500 reveals a shifting balance in ownership and strategy.
Independent reports that Andy Burnham is proposing a Gen Z tax break to help under-40s save deposits for their first homes, part of a broader plan that critics say mixes bold ideas with uncertain feasibility. The piece notes his recent political manoeuvres, including Brexit stance shifts, and frames the proposal as a test of his leadership ambitions.
Recent delays at Orlando International Airport have left hundreds of passengers waiting for luggage and facing long delays, as storms and operational challenges disrupt Virgin Atlantic flights VS225, VS73 and VS135. Airlines are apologising while authorities assess weather-related impacts and baggage handling.
The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s Greek epic, has premiered in London as part of a global rollout. Matt Damon leads the cast with Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and Lupita Nyong’o. Nolan shot entirely on IMAX film, with Moray coast spots featured in Scotland.
The film Citizen Vigilante, linked to Uwe Boll and Armie Hammer, has been posted for free by Elon Musk on X, prompting complaints that the platform amplified anti-Muslim content. UK Muslim groups urge Ofcom to assess compliance with the Online Safety Act as questions grow over X’s moderation and the safety of users.
Several firms have announced expansion plans and new measures that will accelerate commercial robotaxi rollouts. Mobileye has announced a 2027 U.S. launch with an initial 100-vehicle fleet and a five-year target of 17,000; Wayve and Uber are preparing a supervised London service in the coming months; Tesla and Waymo are expanding U.S. coverage; and new indices show Chinese robotaxi players are scaling faster than many expected.
The Guardian’s Grace Dent reviews The Golden Tooth in north London, praising chef Matthew Scott and wine merchant Charlie Carr for maturing a pub dining concept with a refined menu, low-intervention wines and a focus on bold, comforting dishes.
Maureen Beattie has been cast as Lear in a new Pitlochry Festival Theatre production adapted and directed by Finn den Hertog. The show, staged by artistic director Alan Cumming, has opened a run from 4 July to 1 August 2026 and reframes King Lear as a matriarchal tragedy performed by a largely Scottish company.
A Delta passenger has been indicted for interfering with flight crew after an in-flight incident on May 9, prompting a mid-air diversion. The flight attendant reported being slapped as service was being conducted; the plane landed in Atlanta where the suspect was detained and is awaiting trial.
A rarely seen Gwen John portrait will go on display in Edinburgh this summer before a global tour in celebration of her 150th birthday. Young Woman with a Coral Necklace from 1900s will feature at Modern Two and join more than 200 works, with lenders and partners spanning Cardiff, Yale and Washington.
The London Marathon will be staged over two days in 2027 to enable 100,000 runners to participate, doubling ballot chances and boosting charity income and the UK economy. The plan, backed by the mayor and multiple stakeholders, will preserve the traditional route from Greenwich to Westminster while highlighting a world-first city-wide celebration.
A set of market challenges tests the housing and construction sector across the UK and Scotland. Firms underscore investments in people, sustainability, and smart design as they navigate rising rates, inflation, and uncertainty while informing future growth. The story consolidates perspectives from CNBC, The Scotsman, Independent, and CNBC coverage on leadership, policy, and outcomes.
A court has ruled that Scotland7s transgender prisoner housing policy is unlawful, affecting the placement of trans inmates in female or male prisons. The government has decided not to appeal and transfers are set to proceed under the clarified rules, prioritising safety and rights. The case follows the Supreme Court ruling on gender identity and rights.
Edinburgh Airport has reopened after parts of the terminal were evacuated on Friday evening due to a security alert. An explosive ordnance disposal team investigated a possibly suspicious package around 6.50pm. Police Scotland says items were made safe and the incident is no longer treated as suspicious. Passengers face ongoing disruption as services return to normal.
Police Scotland has charged a 36-year-old man after five men were wounded in a sequence of attacks across west and north Edinburgh on 19 June. Videos show a bare-chested man carrying a long weapon and battering a restaurant door; three victims required hospital treatment. Counter-terrorism officers are supporting the inquiry and prosecutors have received a report.
A 36-year-old man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder and related offences, aggravated by terrorism, after a series of anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh. Five people were injured and counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation. The suspect has appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was remanded for further examination.
Five men were injured in a series of Friday evening attacks in Edinburgh, targeting Muslims and people of colour. A 38-year-old white Scottish man has been charged. First Minister John Swinney has expressed solidarity with affected communities as counter-terrorism police assess the incidents; authorities say there is no wider threat.
EY and Scottish authorities report Scotland as the UK’s top destination for foreign direct investment outside London for the 11th year in a row, despite a dip in total projects in 2025. Edinburgh leads cities for FDI, with strong talent, infrastructure and sector strengths underpinning investor confidence amid a slower global environment.
Peter Murrell has been jailed for five years and three months after admitting he embezzled just over £400,000 from the Scottish National Party over a 12-year period. Separately, Greek courts have convicted a man over the 2009 killing of Jean Hanlon and Cédric Jubillar has written a first confession admitting involvement in his wife Delphine's disappearance.
The Edinburgh International Festival cites the need to protect live performance, with a policy banning phones at Queen's Hall concerts after disruptions. Critics argue it signals a broader clash over audience behavior and artistic focus.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
Across a string of European and U.S. outlets, regional burger and sandwich chains are gaining ground on giants as consumers chase value, quality, and customizable experiences. Dame in New York exemplifies a modern British dining wave, while US outlets highlight ongoing shifts in fast food and casual dining.
Scotland is already under pressure after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, leaving them waiting on other results to determine if they reach the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. Clarke has stepped down, and the team is planning for a potential last-32 path while Brazil play Morocco. A crucial group-stage run remains in the balance.
Two high-profile UK actors have been found guilty of multiple sexual offences against women between 2004 and 2019. One case involves a former River City star convicted of rape, with sentencing set for July 23. The other case centers on a Glasgow-based actor also convicted of five offences after trial.
The Financial Conduct Authority has had parts of its motor‑finance compensation scheme suspended after legal challenges from Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance and consumer group Consumer Voice. The Upper Tribunal has set hearings for December or February; lenders will not need to calculate or pay redress while legal proceedings continue, delaying mass payouts until at least 2027 if the scheme survives.
Glasgow City Council has appointed architects to explore a meanwhile-use proposal for the Union Corner fire site, following a blaze that damaged the adjacent B-listed building. O’Donnell Brown will draft options for commercial and cultural uses over the next four years as authorities seek a rapid return of life to the city centre.
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.
Edinburgh’s cycle paths are being scrutinised as delivery e‑bikes are used at higher speeds, prompting calls to ban fast e‑bikes on these routes. Councils monitor rider routes to enforce safety, amid growing accidents on shared paths.
Multiple Edinburgh schools face overcrowding as VAT on private school fees is cited as contributing to demand shifts. Parents report cramped spaces, with pupils eating in toilets and sharing facilities while councils contemplate urgent action and longer-term plans.
A two-bedroom top-floor flat on Queen Charlotte Street in Leith, Edinburgh, is on the market with offers over £225,000. The listing highlights traditional character and contemporary interiors, with views of Edinburgh Castle and strong transport links to the Shore and tram network.
Public transit in the US is rising in importance as rising fuel costs push more people toward buses, with Greyhound and city buses highlighted. Across the UK, Edinburgh faces safety concerns from fast meal-delivery e-bikes on cycle paths, while US commuters increasingly turn to buses amid higher car fuel costs, reshaping travel habits.
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on a mansion tax targeting homes worth over £1 million, proposing two new bands (I and J) and potential £12–16m annual raise to be shared among local authorities. The proposal follows past budget plans and faces opposition over housing market and administrative costs.
Penelope Keith has died at 86 after a cancer diagnosis. The Guardian, Scotsman and AP News report tributes to the actress known for The Good Life and To the Manor Born, highlighting her comic genius and long theatre career.
The Scotland 500 shows private equity now owns nearly 60% of listed Scottish firms, underscoring international investor interest in Scotland’s traditional sectors evolving into high-growth businesses. Origo and Vespa Capital are highlighted as unicorn ambitions, while BR-DGE expands beyond gaming to enterprise payments.
Lebanon has faced years of crises including financial collapse and war, yet official suicide data likely undercounts the true scale. The National Lifeline reports rising call volumes and more people seeking help, signaling a growing mental health crisis and expanded care amid ongoing upheaval.
AI analysis of 1,722 Scottish heart-trial scans has found that higher density in torso muscles correlates with an 85% lower death risk and a 58% lower risk of heart attack over 10 years. Researchers say muscle quality, not just size, matters; routine scans could guide prevention.
The government has launched a youth jobs grant to hire 18- to 24-year-olds on universal credit for six months, offering firms £3,000 per recruit. The move aligns with a jobs guarantee and broader poverty-reduction efforts, while education and childcare supports expand. Roundtable discussions with hospitality leaders accompany the policy rollout.
Rambert’s This is Rambert tour on the Festival Theatre stage showcases Crimson, Hop(e)storm and Gallery of Consequence, to revive the company’s reputation for accessible, high-skill dance. The program blends witty, athletic, and poignant works, with live accompaniment and strong choreography.
Obituary confirms Michael Byrne has died on 20 June 2026. A veteran British actor with a long film and stage career, Byrne played Ernst Vogel in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ted Page in Coronation Street, among other roles. His career spanned theatre work with the National Theatre and major screen performances.
A selection of summer wellness products and internal health supplements are being highlighted. Independent reviews collagen and stress-relief devices, Ancient and Brave hydration bundles, Epigenetics supplements, Aurelia Cellular Vitality and Clinique Daily Calm provide a cross-section of wellness trends, with consumer benefits claimed in various studies.
A cross-country tour highlights American food culture from New York’s Estela to Midwestern drive-thrus, with Scotland’s brunch scene featured as a nod to global tastes. The trip includes notes on iconic dishes, local markets, and emerging restaurant scenes.
Police Scotland officer Cameron Ross has been jailed for 10 years after a pattern of rape and abusive behaviour toward women in Lewis, Inverness and surrounding areas. He was suspended in 2022, resigned in 2026, and the police force says it will strengthen safeguards and reporting after the case.
Former SNP deputy first minister Kate Forbes has addressed the ARC conference in London, insisting she has "absolutely won the public support" while explaining she would not abandon her religious beliefs or policy stances on abortion and same-sex marriage. The event featured prominent conservatives and sparked debate over honesty and leadership.
Unite has organised 14 days of strikes by ICTS security staff at Aberdeen Airport starting 6 July, after talks through Acas failed to yield an offer. The action is expected to cause significant delays during the peak holiday period.
More than 100 British and continental silver pieces dating from the 18th to 20th centuries have sold for £59,761 at Elmwood’s in London, exceeding the pre-sale estimate of £23,000. The collection, discovered by a Edinburgh family clearing a New Town home, includes a Danish cutlery set that alone fetched £5,200. Auctioneers say the result demonstrates fresh-to-market provenance and enduring appeal.
Recent studies show AI adoption boosts headcount and productivity for high-intensity users, while AI-native firms restructure teams and raise senior talent share. A separate Scottish survey highlights rapid adoption but confidence and expertise gaps.