Scotland's largest city, a cultural and economic hub
A round-up of recent Scottish theatre coverage notes Dominic Johnson’s leadership at the Citz, a JD Twitch record sale, and Play, Pie and a Pint’s ongoing contributions with Donahoe and Logan, alongside Do Not Pass Go and Douglas on tour.
The University of St Andrews rectorship race has intensified as MSP Manivannan faces scrutiny over past remarks about rape. Former rector John Cleese has urged students not to back the candidate, while opponents highlight commitments to student welfare and housing amid controversy.
Daniel Colrain, 21, has died after a 3:05 a.m. Sunday assault in Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow. A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death, and a 20-year-old man has been charged over the disturbance. Police say inquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated information portal is in use.
Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from Britain’s track cycling squad amid reports he is under investigation for misconduct. British Cycling has not given a reason, but The Times reports an internal probe is underway. Richardson has pledged to cooperate with any process and expressed disappointment at missing the World Championships in Shanghai.
A debate over England's new geographic indication status for whisky has sparked cross-border disputes among industry groups. English distillers argue the new rules allow site flexibility, while Scottish producers warn the change could damage the single-malt reputation. The government has defended the policy as a national development.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have begun hosting Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The launch shows introduced the new lineup and the three-dance reveal process for pairing celebrities with pros. Bookmakers have adjusted odds as performances unfold and new faces adapt to the series’ updated format.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist has been revealed, featuring six novels from Jamaica to Scotland, including Marlon James, Elizabeth Strout, Rebecca Perry and Douglas Stuart. Mary Beard chairs the judging panel; the winner will be announced in London on Nov. 9.
A series of personal health journeys—from IVF late in life to surviving childhood cancer and a cancer diagnosis—reveal how individuals recalibrate life choices and pursue bold paths despite medical odds. This report synthesizes experiences from Business Insider UK and BBC Scotland on how people confront fate, fertility, and self-advocacy.
Blue has filmed a video for a new single in Dundee, confirming the clip was shot on Chandlers Lane and showcasing the city’s venues. The band is planning a co‑headline tour with Ronan Keating next summer, with tickets going on sale this week.
Silent Hill: Townfall places a Scottish coastal village at the heart of a major horror game. Set in St. Amelia, inspired by St Monans in Fife, the game blends authentic local atmosphere with psychological horror, featuring a US protagonist and a chilling fog-drenched landscape.
Scotland has the highest drug-deaths rate in Europe, with 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025. The government has described the rise as unacceptable and intolerable and is pursuing harm-reduction measures, including decriminalisation in some form. Westminster controls drugs policy, limiting Scotland’s options. Leaders across parties are calling for action and accountability as the issue remains a central political flashpoint.
Glasgow City Council has paused its plan to dismiss and rehire 23,000 non-teaching staff amid continuing talks with unions over a new pay and grading system designed to address previous gender pay disparities. About 11% face wage cuts, while most staff will see pay stay the same or rise. Talks with Unison, Unite and GMB are ongoing.
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’s new head coach has overseen a goalless draw with Slovenia in Ljubljana in his first match in charge. Billy Gilmour returns from injury to drive the midfield; Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure debut while Stephen Welsh occupies a new left-back/centre-back role. Scotland improve after a half-time reshuffle but fail to convert chances, leaving the Nation League opener with a point.
The government has pledged a £6bn package to upgrade Faslane naval facilities and fund UK-built floating docks and a marine research vessel, as part of a broader push to reindustrialise Britain. Rolls-Royce will invest £300m in British factories.
A Fra Fee-led writer grapples with the legend of Liberace in a meta-stage piece at Pitlochry, where Simon Russell Beale’s Liberace and a flamboyant production set the tone. The show examines sexuality, lie and performance, while a longer Wallace musical and a new Play, Pie and Pint piece provide counterpoints on history and memory.
The Scotsman review notes the live stage version of Two Doors Down has the ensemble delivering warmth and sharp humor as Beth and Eric host a houseful of neighbours for a big announcement, with conventions torn up by a theatrical flight of fancy in the second half.
Healey has argued fiscal discipline underpins promises to rebuild the economy, unveiling a local Apprenticeships Service and promising welfare reform as part of Labour’s plan to balance the books while investing in skills and jobs.
Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of child sexual abuse. The High Court in Edinburgh backdated the sentence; his name has been added to the sex offenders register. Victims described grooming and multiple assaults spanning 1993-96 and 2006-10.
Terminal V will hold its 2027 edition at Clydeside Live in Glasgow, marking its first fully outdoor festival in Scotland. The festival is set for June 4–6, with early-bird tickets going on sale and more line-up details to be announced.
Glasgow City Council has moved to the next phase of its pay and grading overhaul. Unison has secured three years of pay protection and continued talks, while GMB and Unite have signalled readiness to ballot members. The council says the majority of staff will be unaffected or better off, and negotiations are ongoing to address equality impacts and other protections.
Ottolenghi Edinburgh has opened in the former Ragu site on George Street, Edinburgh. Yotam Ottolenghi and Neil Campbell lead a transformed space with an all-day menu, Croatian-inspired culinary nods, and a bustling launch attended by Ian Rankin and Kirsty Wark. The venue promises a lively mix of dishes, from miso hake to a Scottish cranberry-pantry of puddings.
BAFTA Scotland has announced seven nominations for the film I Swear, including three best film actor nods, as John Davidson attends in a relaxed space after the February controversy. The ceremony is set for 15 November in Glasgow, with Edith Bowman hosting.
Independent Moray councillor Neil McLennan continues representing Buckie ward while living in Cairo, raising questions about constituency access. He remains entitled to a Moray Council salary as he works remotely, while official guidance suggests attendees should spend time with constituents.
Disruptions surrounding Celtic Football Club have intensified following tennis-ball protests aimed at Dermot Desmond at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews. Celtic condemns the act and cuts ties with the Celtic Fans Collective, while supporters groups push back and vow further action.
Celtic overturn a 7-1 deficit to beat Rangers 5-4 in the Tennent’s Sixes final after a dramatic day-two comeback. Mulgrew celebrates wildly; Hayes suffers a foot injury but continues playing as Celtic clinches the trophy.
The Poverty in Scotland 2026 report finds 21% of children and 17% of people overall remain in poverty. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation calls for a bolder, fully funded plan to eradicate child poverty; the government says progress has been made but more work is needed as ministers review targets. Local government funding and public-service reform are central to the debate.
The University of Glasgow faces a fatal accident inquiry after a student, Ethan Brown, 23, from Coatbridge, died in December 2024 following an incorrect grade notification that he had failed a course. The university has apologised and is implementing recommendations from reviews; a civil settlement has been reached with the family, who are pushing for accountability and broader reforms across Scottish universities.
The festivals showcase Scots Gaelic language and culture, featuring 2,000 entries across 200 competitions, plus 80 fringe events. Glasgow hosts opening performances as Edinburgh prepares Torchlight events and a New Year celebration. The events emphasize Gaelic education’s 40-year milestone and highlight community participation amid a busy winter calendar.
Glasgow unveils a new statue of Nelson Mandela in Nelson Mandela Place, honouring his struggle against apartheid and symbolising solidarity with South Africa. The event recalls Mandela’s 1993 Glasgow visit and the city’s long history of anti-apartheid support.
Multiple fire incidents across Scotland have prompted emergency responses. In Perth, officers extinguished a blaze at Arran Road industrial estate with no casualties reported. In Scotstoun and nearby Glasgow, a separate blaze prompted nine fire engines and high-reach units; residents were advised to stay indoors as smoke filled the area. No injuries have been confirmed.