Western Isles in Scotland, a scattered archipelago
The Booker Prize has announced its longlist of 13 novels for 2026, featuring veterans and debut authors from seven countries. Mary Beard chairs a panel that has prioritised risk-taking, with titles spanning Jamaica, Scotland, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. The list aims to diversify the canon and spark debate ahead of the November winner reveal.
Claire Kellerman has launched a legal action against the Bernera Community Association over a dog admission dispute at the island cafe. The case, funded by legal aid, has drawn criticism from local politicians and sparked fundraising for the charity, which runs the community hub on Bernera.