Capital of Scotland, a historic council area in southeast Scotland
David Robert Mitchell has released The End of Oak Street, a 1982‑set sci‑fi horror that transports a suburban neighbourhood into a dinosaur‑infested prehistoric landscape. Critics have praised Anne Hathaway’s performance and the film’s technical craft, but they have criticised its uneven tone, derivative Spielberg pastiche and an undercutting finale. Reviews started publishing 12 August 2026.
Ariana Grande’s eighth studio album Petal has sparked conversation about her artistic direction and handling of fame. Critics note a more restrained vocal approach and darker production, while Grande faces ongoing questions about identity, media scrutiny and fan relationship as she navigates post-Wicked press tours and personal challenges.
The UK Charity Commission has engaged with the Edgware United Synagogue after complaints over a June event promoting sales of properties in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Regulators have issued guidance and require governance improvements as scrutiny intensifies. ICJP argues sanctions are needed; UK foreign and charity officials respond.
Fringe coverage shows comedians embracing live audiences and personal storytelling as social media helps reach targeted crowds. Performers are weaving personal experiences into sets, with some addressing race, identity and resilience amid broader global tensions.
More than 50 environmental groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, saying he has not used the words "climate change" since taking office and urging him to link this summer's wildfires, drought and record heat to the climate crisis. They call for a public plan, an end to new North Sea drilling and faster investment in clean power and resilience.
Edinburgh’s Princes Street remains partly closed after a blaze, but authorities are pushing ahead with stabilisation work, public funding, and a plan to restore the 150-year-old Debenhams facade. Council leaders emphasise safety and momentum, while a public consultation is promised within six months.
A round-up of Fringe reviews from The Scotsman and The Guardian highlights tense power dynamics in Good With Faces, The Librarians, 44 Minutes and other shows, as critics scrutinize care, control and performance under pressure. The festival week delivers gripping, dialogue-driven theatre that probes authority, fear and freedom.
UK fire services report a continued surge in wildfires amid prolonged heatwaves drought and water restrictions. The Stourbridge blaze has destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others while conditions persist across the country with major incidents declared in several regions.
Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan has faced widespread condemnation after saying rape is a spectrum, prompting apologies and calls for leadership from Green co-leaders. The comments, made in a podcast last year, are being revisited as survivors’ groups reiterate there is no hierarchy of rape and demand accountability.
The Ming Yang plan for a new £1.5bn Ardersier factory nears a decision after UK ministers blocked it on security grounds. Proponents cite up to 1,500 jobs and supply-chain growth; opponents warn of cyber risk and strategic dependency. Leadership in Scotland and UK pledges a review as the new government weighs security against economic benefits.
A round-up of fringe-fronted interviews from The Scotsman and The Guardian, capturing performers sharing inspirations, challenges and hopes for Edinburgh Fringes, with a look at what it means to stage improv and solo shows in a crowded festival.
Sevilla has clinched three points after Robbie Ure’s late penalty secure a 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano; Magnusson’s goal kept Hearts’ campaign alive while Benfica and United also report results. The new season sees fresh signings making an impact early on.
Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption has kept Catania airport closed or operating under strict restrictions, disrupting nearly 2,000 flights over the past week, with passengers rerouted to other hubs and price pressures rising during Ferragosto travel. Authorities warn ash emissions will continue to affect air traffic in the region.
Banks have reported stronger half-year profits amid sustained higher interest rates, with Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest expected to post gains. Analysts foresee continued earnings growth as the sector navigates mortgage stress and potential increases in bad debt provisions. The sector remains buoyant but faces scrutiny over tax policy and regulatory expectations.
Georgia Hunter Bell has cemented her status as Britain’s sprint icon after winning Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medals. Her path from retirement to the European Championships in Birmingham shows resilience and hunger for more gold, while she balances sport with academia.
Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has joined Fulham for £30m, becoming the country’s most expensive player. Former international Stuart Dallas backs Charles and teammate Ethan Galbraith for Premier League success, while NI boss Michael O’Neill has built the side around him.
A wave of school mobile-phone policies is rolling out across Scotland and England. Pouches and locked cabinets are being introduced or trialed to keep devices out of classrooms, with phased rollouts, exemptions for medical needs, and ongoing testing of new systems. Some councils report delays in delivery and phased introductions through October.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a pygmy hippo calf born on July 31 to Gloria and Otto. The gender is pending health checks; the calf is bonding with its mother in private, away from public view, while keepers monitor its early development.
The Edinburgh International Festival spotlight has showcased a mix of traditional and experimental concerts as leading ensembles and performers adapt to economic pressures and changing audiences. Notable moments include high-profile collaborators, large-scale works, and debates about funding and the role of patronage.
A 66-year-old man has been convicted after driving an SUV into a nail salon in Deer Park in 2024, killing four people including an NYPD officer. He faced sentencing and was given 25 years to life, with victims’ families delivering impact statements.
Cambridge University is continuing an independent review into Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure after his resignation amid plagiarism allegations, with findings to inform how senior appointments are made. The memoir controversy and broader debate over diversity in academia remain central.
Jason Arday, who resigned last week as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge amid allegations of plagiarism, has been found dead at a south London address. Police have said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Family and colleagues have said he faced intense public scrutiny and a sustained campaign of abuse.
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale and is undergoing a turnaround led by Frasers Group. The six-storefront estate, including Edinburgh’s flagship, will continue operating while a broader restructuring is pursued, with potential integration of Flannels and the wider Frasers luxury ecosystem.
A round-up of recent Fringe reviews highlights how new plays and games are probing technology’s reach—from AI ethics in Prove You’re Human to aging and human longing in Lifelong Protocol and Water Colour, with sharp direction and performances shaping urgent conversations.
A round-up of reviews from Edinburgh Fringe highlights powerful solo performances and sharp social commentary across theatre and comedy. Critics praise intimate storytelling, technical flair, and fearless takes on gender, technology, and contemporary life, with shows from The Guardian and The Scotsman offering varied perspectives.
Australia will witness a total solar eclipse in July 2028, with the path of totality crossing the Kimberley, Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, includingSydney. The event will last about four minutes at peak visibility, marking the first time Sydney experiences totality since 1857.
Professor Jason Arday, who resigned after plagiarism allegations, has died in Battersea. Cambridge is reviewing appointment processes while a separate inquiry into Arday’s tenure continues. His family says they are shocked by the loss; the debate over his career and claims continues to dominate coverage.
A new show from Dundee Rep and Solar Bear, The Singer, centers Deaf performer Jamie Rea and a listening partner, with KT Tunstall providing original music. The production marks a milestone for bilingual, Deaf-inclusive theatre on Edinburgh’s main stages, following a decade of development in Scottish arts.
Sephora opens its Glasgow Silverburn store in Scotland as the second Sephora location in the region this summer. Simultaneously, reports and later clarifications surround Sephora’s entry into Israel, with Glam42 acting as an Israeli partner in a limited rollout of Sephora Collection products, sparking controversy over franchise status and potential boycotts.
Amanda Knox’s Edinburgh Fringe show Cartwheel is attracting controversy as petitions against it gain signatures while audiences and critics weigh its value as a personal, defiant retelling of her case. Reviews vary, with supporters praising its honesty and detractors arguing it trivialises violence against women.
Scotland has observed a partial solar eclipse as the Moon obscures more than 90% of the Sun from 18:00 BST to 20:15 BST. Viewing events faced cloud cover in several regions, with Inverness and Edinburgh recording peaks around 7:03–7:06pm. Forecasters say clearer windows may emerge in eastern areas.
Heat and drought are compressing the harvest calendar for Champagne and other wine regions. Producers are trimming yields, shifting picking to earlier dates and adopting preservation methods while balancing acidity and phenolic ripeness. The trend reflects climate pressures and rising costs, with industry groups seeking solutions.
Strathmore Hotels is placed under joint administration as eight hotels, including Perth’s Salutation Hotel, trade while options for the business are reviewed. The move follows sustained creditor pressure and a winding up petition in July; 410 staff are being retained as the portfolio continues operating.
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.
Booksellers report unusual bulk orders from multiple countries, hinting at a deliberate push to feed AI training data. Court rulings in the US have influenced industry practice, with reports of pulping or destructive scanning of titles to feed AI models. The pattern has drawn global attention and sparked debate about copyright and preservation.
The provided set of articles covers a range of public figures and cultural events, with updates on interviews, performances, and Fringe launches. This summary consolidates the key developments and contextual background across sources.
Courtney Gartshore has been jailed for six years after a High Court in Aberdeen found her culpable homicide of her three-month-old daughter Dahlia-Rose Gartshore. The court heard she used a hair dryer to apply heat, resulting in fatal burns on 18% of the infant’s body. The sentencing described the act as a uniquely disturbing breach of parental duty.
A roundup of Edinburgh rooftops and terraces is published, highlighting several venues with views of landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The piece surveys offerings from W Hotel, Cold Town House, Cafe Calton, The Garden View Deck & Bar, and Lamplighters, noting reopening times, menus, and price considerations as summer persists.