A Highland city and administrative hub
A NYT opinion piece argues potato salad is the Great American Dream Dish, tracing its history from late 19th century cookbooks to modern cookouts and celebrating its role as a unifying, approachable dish at gatherings.
David Brown has been jailed for six years and nine months for raping an 18-year-old passenger. Highland Council’s licensing committee sparked anger by allowing Brown’s operator’s licence to continue, prompting resignations, suspensions and calls for a full council review. The political fallout continues as the council faces scrutiny over safety and governance.
Archaeologists have recorded initials, tool marks and a Spanish Civil War slogan on WWII anti-tank defences at Tentsmuir, Fife. The marks include a cartoon soldier and references to the Scots Guards. The site faces coastal erosion and broader context shows the era of invasion concerns in 1940.
NatureScot plans an online register for Scotland’s ancient woodlands, recording location and conditioning. The system, due to live in 2027, will include conifer forests, recently planted woodlands and even ‘ghost’ woods, with a PIN procurement launching 2026–27.
Scotland is rolling out the Aeos 3D robotic exoscope at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to assist complex brain surgeries. Toby Peart, 13, is among the first patients to benefit, with early signs of improved precision and recovery. The technology promises clearer views, better depth perception and safer procedures for young patients.
Loganair has agreed to purchase Beta Alia CX300 all‑electric aircraft, with an option for five more, aiming to become Europe’s first airline with an electric fleet. Trials in Scotland have demonstrated an 80% potential reduction in operating costs, with 20–40 minute recharge times. Service is slated for 2029, focusing on short regional hops.
Multiple sources report on Glasgow 2026’s impact as a bridge to the Commonwealth Games’ future, with emphasis on cost-saving measures, collaboration with hosts, and shifting regional leadership. The Games wrap with questions over global viewership and future hosts.
Families of the Chinook crash victims have urged Prime Minister-designate Burnham to secure a fresh, independent review within his first 100 days, arguing for a transparent inquiry into the 1994 Mull of Kintyre disaster and the MoD’s handling of airworthiness information.
The Guardian reports that Ray Exworth’s six-decade body of sculpture has been hidden in seven sheds on a Cornish smallholding. A new book, Ray’s Sheds, documents the unseen works and raises questions about public access to art.
NatureScot has refused a licence for Scotland’s last remaining guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing concerns that harvesting 500–2,000 young gannets could affect the gannet population and site integrity. Campaigners celebrate as activists urge Parliament to permanently ban the exemption that allows the hunt.
Infortar Estonian Challenge winner Martin Franssen has claimed a 19-under total to win the DP World Tour’s HotelPlanner Tour event in Tallinn, edging England’s Andrew Wilson by three shots. Franssen, an Inverness-born, St Andrews-based player, secures his first Scottish title on the circuit, after a season of steady progress and a breakthrough victory the previous year.
Highland Council has faced criticism after a rapist taxi driver was allowed to retain operator licences, triggering resignations and protests. A hearing was held as councillors debate the decision, with victims’ groups calling for transparency. Brown has appealed his conviction and sentence.
Ming Yang’s £1.5bn Ardersier project is blocked by UK ministers over national security concerns. Scotland’s leaders are calling for a review as officials weigh jobs and investment against security risks and data-control questions. The debate centers on whether Chinese tech can power the UK’s offshore wind ambitions without compromising resilience.
The government has introduced GPS-monitored restriction zones for serious offenders leaving prison, aiming to shield victims while tightening supervision. Victims demand details and safeguards as ministers prepare further limits on early release and expand monitoring.
The BBC, Independent, and other outlets report on Scotland’s price-cap measures for essentials and public transport, amid fears from farmers that costs could ripple through to producers. Pilot schemes show rising bus ridership, but warn of unintended consequences as caps expand.
A collection of Scottish housing initiatives faces scrutiny as funding gaps and delays threaten delivery. BBC reports wind-down of Highlands housing trust; Scotsman covers new Orchard Park development and SNIB-backed rental housing. Veterans and housing strategies also come under government review as officials promise action.
A collection of theatre and opera reviews from The Guardian and The Scotsman surveys contemporary Black British performance, gendered violence, and the evolving landscape of UK arts. It highlights bold stagings, mixed narrative clarity, and moments of striking emotion across stage and dance today.
ScotRail has been unable to fix all faults in its new mobile app after launch; officials say fixes are being worked on with daily meetings with the supplier. Public anger has grown as thousands report problems booking and managing tickets.
Highland Council faces a no‑confidence vote after disputes over licensing for David Brown, the driver jailed for sexually assaulting a passenger. Five councillors are under scrutiny for allowing him to keep an operator’s licence; the debate has split parties and sparked resignations. A by‑election will follow in Wick and East Caithness.
Disruptions across UK airspace linked to Prestwick and Swanwick faults have continued to trigger flight cancellations and delays. Airlines call for leadership changes as regulators review the incidents and outline steps to improve resilience.
Scott has clinched his Korn Ferry Tour card with a closing round that set a tournament record and moved him into TourBound, securing a place on the PGA Tour for 2027.
Councillors in the Scottish Borders have halted the shared-campus plan for Eyemouth’s new primary school. They will progress a stand-alone primary on the current site, amid long-running community concerns and a decade-long delay. The decision follows an emergency meeting and heated public sentiment.
The Celebrity Traitors returns to BBC One from 1 October with an expanded 21-strong cast, led by Claudia Winkleman. The Highlands castle setting remains central, and the prize pot stands at £120,000 for charity as celebrities vie to unmask Traitors and outplay Faithfuls.
BBC reports NHS Grampian faced critical incidents at Aberdeen ARI and Dr Gray's, with some patients moved to Raigmore. While the board has stood down hospital-level incidents, pressures persist and winter is looming.