Green party of Scotland, left-wing, in government and Parliament
A wave of investments and initiatives is shaping how communities access art and culture. New leadership at Arts Council England, a major Northern art college plan, and local projects in Ulverston and Bradford underscore a push to embed culture in daily life and regional development.
Scottish Labour has elected Michael Marra as leader after a damaging Holyrood result. He pledges openness, collaboration with the SNP government, and a plan to modernise the party. Joe Fagan and other contenders will observe the outcome as Labour confronts a long road to relevance.
Glasgow Pride has marked 30 years since the first Pride event in 1996 with this year’s march through Glasgow, featuring corporate sponsors and performers. The event faced criticism over Coca-Cola sponsorship amid calls for a boycott linked to Middle East conflict and the broader debate over Pride branding vs. liberation.
Wildfires across the UK and Europe have intensified amid record heat. Fire services report growing incidents, with disposable barbecues and campfires increasingly blamed for ignitions. Officials warn residents to take extra care and governments consider stronger prevention measures for countryside recreation.
A wildfire in Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore has burned thousands of acres of moor and woodland since July 15. More than 500 firefighters have tackled the blaze. A £3 million fund administered by Highland Council is established to support businesses hit by disruption, with ongoing cordons and reopening plans.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard has been extended to remain valid for a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18, with the change taking effect on 17 August. The policy aligns the youth railcard with others, aiming to reduce travel costs for young people and support education, employment, and training. Several outlets report on varying proposals to widen discounts beyond the Southeast.
Scottish exam results show pass rates rising across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, with record numbers of passes and a narrowing but persistent attainment gap between deprived and better-off pupils. Education Secretary McAllan describes the day as positive and pledges further action.
European wildfires are intensifying amid prolonged drought and hotter summers. Authorities are scaling up cross-border firefighting, while experts warn prevention and land management must adapt to a warming climate. The cost to homes, farms and insurers is rising, prompting talks on resilience and reform of forest policy.
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.
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 First Minister has confirmed plans to cap essential foods, roll out a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland, replace 14 NHS health boards with two, expand childcare, and push radical local government reform. These moves are framed as urgent public service reform to deliver a fairer, healthier, and more prosperous nation.
Holyrood has backed steps to require environmental impact assessments for all new data centres above 50MW, while rejecting a Green motion for an immediate moratorium. Ministers say guidance for planning authorities will be published by Christmas, and decisions will not be made until it is in place.