Scottish compact newspaper and daily news website, Edinburgh-born since 1817
The Scottish government has not funded the implementation of a standalone sexual offences court and related measures, despite reforms to end the not proven verdict. Crown Office warns Holyrood that resources are not in place as rape and sexual violence statistics rise, with ongoing calls for timely delivery of promised protections.
Rangers have secured a vital Premiership win at Aberdeen, with Kim Min-su making a positive debut and Lawrence Shankland scoring from the spot. The victory comes after a European exit and a challenging run of fixtures. Key injuries and form ahead of upcoming matches remain a concern.
The Guardian reviews four electric outdoor pizza ovens, comparing how quickly they heat, how evenly they cook, and how easy they are to use. The tests show differences in heat-up times, temperature control, and practicality for indoor/outdoor use.
San Francisco Ballet’s Pandora piece uses AI-inspired visuals and a live orchestra to map Pandora’s box into a modern tech myth. Dancers form a vast, disciplined swarm, while digital backdrops pulse with lava-like imagery. The result is a sensory rush with an unsettled final note.
The Scottish government has published a draft independence referendum bill to set out the proposed question and eligible voters. Reform UK and other critics argue about the threshold needed for a fresh vote, with the SNP’s and Greens' support waning in recent elections. Westminster remains firm that another referendum is off limits.
Shoppers are buying compact backpacks and underseat bags as cabin-bag deals surge across multiple retailers. Deals from The Guardian, The Scotsman, and New York Post highlight price cuts on Ryanair-friendly bags, Regatta, Aerolite and Quince products, with discounts driving consumer demand.
The First Minister has unveiled a programme to cut Scotland’s 14 health boards to two, merge environmental bodies, and push for regional public service delivery. He says reforms will be guided by local delivery while maintaining safety and service standards.
The Scotsman reports on the third series of Last One Laughing UK; hosts Jimmy Carr and Mel Giedroyc oversee 10 comedians locked in a room, with laughter penalties and ejections. The Halloween special features seven contestants, seven episodes released as four episodes in a Halloween run on Prime Video.
The Scotsman reports that Erskine Stewart Melville schools have merged into a single institution for ages 3–18, consolidating the Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College, and ESMS Junior School. The move brings substantial investment in facilities and a shared curriculum, with new wellbeing, gym, and science spaces. The change follows financial pressures in the independent sector.
e.l.f. Cosmetics launches a limited pickle-flavored Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm line, prompting influencers to test tastes on camera. The collection includes Real Dill, von Dill, and Spicy Lil’ Dill, plus a Briny Blender sponge. A prior sell-out shows strong demand, while new drops expand the range. Availability is limited and prices stay under $10.
Developments around the Cold War action-comedy Mayday have generated mixed verdicts. The Guardian and The Scotsman offer breezy takes on Reynolds and Branagh, praising chemistry and stunts while noting tonal unevenness. Apple TV+ releases are set for 4 September.
Sir Rod Stewart has paused his One Last Time tour after a coronary stent procedure. His partner says doctors require four weeks of rest, with shows in the US and Mexico canceled or postponed. Paris and Michaels stories are not connected; this piece focuses on Stewart’s health update and upcoming return.
A collage of Fringe reviews from The Guardian, The Scotsman and others highlights fresh stand-up and theatre, with praise for vulnerability, witty critique and strong stagecraft across Edinburgh venues. The works range from intimate autobiographical pieces to boundary-pushing comedies.
The Guardian reports a new graphic novel by Melissa Chan and Badiucao imagines a dystopian future where China and the United States are at war in 2035. It foregrounds the experiences of the Chinese-speaking diaspora and argues authoritarianism everywhere is bad, while highlighting risks to journalists and artists who criticise Beijing.
Scottish football leaders are pushing for a cultural and developmental shift to give academy graduates more first‑team minutes. A London analytics firm reports Scotland lags behind peers in under‑21 minutes and potential revenue from selling homegrown players. The plans include a 60‑minute average for under‑21s across the Premiership and minimum two under‑21s in cup ties, backed by a £1m fund and prize money deductions for non‑compliant clubs.
Independent and Scotsman-led roundups show consumers shifting to Pantene, OLAPLEX and NYK1 sets, with discounts on salon-grade tools and sulphate-free lines. Posts from NYP and The Scotsman highlight heat protection, frizz control and shine as key benefits, while Independent tracks in-salon and at-home options for processed hair.
A wave of new mattress technologies and bedding reviews is redefining consumer choices. Simba launches HeatRelease cooling technology on its Hybrid Ultra, while multiple outlets review mattresses and bedding from Nectar, Panda, Horizon Adventurer, M&S, and more, highlighting price, comfort, and temperature control. Readers gain a snapshot of current options and price ranges as summer heat continues.
Two Scotsman articles chronicle Edinburgh’s art festival scene and a Sounds of Pandora-inspired ballet score, highlighting immersive performances, cross-arts collaboration, and the evolving Edinburgh fringe landscape.
The government has expanded support to ease back-to-school costs, including free meals for all Universal Credit households, more free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniforms, and thousands of extra childcare places. The measures are aimed at reducing the burden on families as the new term starts, with potential savings of up to £1,200 per child depending on eligibility.
The Lockerbie bombing case has new developments as U.S. prosecutors disclose evidence prompting defense review; jury selection in Abu Agila Masud Kheir Al-Marimi's trial is postponed with a January start date anticipated. Scottish prosecutors reaffirm their pursuit of justice.
A set of consumer reviews and price cuts across Lavazza, Philips and Breville models show growing choice and competition in home coffee machines, with buyers weighing ease, price and features as the market shifts.
Independent and Guardian reports show a bustling September with chef moves, new openings, and ambitious pub-to-restaurant conversions across London. From Kerridge’s Bar & Grill reconfiguration to Dishoom expansion and Borough Market’s Turkish meyhane, the week signals a dynamic, crowded dining scene.
Across multiple providers, gift cards and rewards are being offered to entice new customers to switch, with prices and speeds varying by address. Readers are urged to evaluate total costs, not just headline offers, and to check terms like contract length and price rises.
Nigella Lawson has joined The Great British Bake Off as a new judge alongside Paul Hollywood, with filming completed ahead of the show’s September return. Dame Prue Leith is stepping down after nine series; Lawson has expressed excitement and gratitude for joining the team. The trailer confirms the familiar panel, including Fielding and Hammond, as the series returns to Channel 4.
A roundup of premium skincare discounts across major outlets highlights limited-time price cuts on Estée Lauder, Clinique and Clarins products, alongside eye-care recommendations from major outlets. The articles note savings, product benefits and user reviews, with a focus on price-conscious promotions.
Tim Curry has died at his Los Angeles home on 25 August at age 80, his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz has confirmed. The English actor had been wheelchair‑bound after a major 2012 stroke and had a history of kidney cancer; the death certificate lists those conditions as contributing factors. He had originated Dr Frank‑N‑Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and enjoyed a six‑decade career across stage, film and voice work.
Across the UK, governments are consulting on banning mobile phones in schools to reduce disruption and address wellbeing concerns. Reports from The Guardian, The Scotsman, BBC Business and The Scotsman show varied approaches, from outright bans to nuanced policies allowing learning-related use. Proposals emphasize safer classrooms, with pilots and consultations underway ahead of potential legislation in multiple regions.
Two separate Scottish criminal cases have moved through courts this week. A Peterhead mother has appealed a homicide conviction after a fatal 2023 incident involving a hairdryer on her infant; in Dunbartonshire, a 1996 murder conviction review has progressed with a late-life development in the tied cases.
A pair of Scottish reports show universities are running a multi-hundred-million-pound funding gap in 2023/24, driven by rising costs, inflation and a growing reliance on international student fees. The gap risks affecting teaching, research and infrastructure, with potential consequences for free tuition policies.
A Fisherman’s Blues Revue brings together Mike Scott and guests like Steve Earle, reviving the Waterboys’ rootsy legacy. The show is expansive and energetic, though some moments strain in a venue that overreaches the material.
The Scottish FA has imposed sanctions on Celtic and Rangers following crowd trouble at last season’s quarter-final. Both clubs must play next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors and pay 100,000 to the away team. The rulings reference the Blackbourne Report and warn of potential further penalties if disorder recurs.
Elizabeth Quigley has revealed she is leaving BBC Scotland due to health reasons linked to multiple sclerosis and trigeminal neuralgia. She has spent decades in political journalism, including coverage of the Scottish Parliament, and has been recognised for her resilience amid chronic illness.
A wave of resignations and recall actions across public bodies has intensified concerns over governance, procurement, and leadership. Key figures at Historic Environment Scotland and BP have been replaced or placed under new leadership, while local authorities face fresh scrutiny over procurement and accountability.
Edinburgh’s festival ecosystem is under renewed pressure as councils consider diverting visitor levy funds to support arts events. The Guardian reports a move to relocate the Edinburgh TV Festival abroad has intensified debate over access and funding. The Scotsman details proposals to ringfence tourism tax revenue to bolster cultural institutions, while council discussions probe the sustainability of Edinburgh’s world-class festival status.
Ministers are pushing a safety drive at major festivals and backing a nationwide effort to cut violence against women and girls. Leaders say halving VAWG is a government priority, while new policing and court measures aim to shield victims. The coverage contrasts with criticism of a home‑office booklet on migrants, which critics say distracts from urgent gender protections.
A slate of Edinburgh fringe reviews from The Guardian and The Scotsman highlights a blend of inventive theatre and stand-up, from clowning with political edge to dog-centric humor and workplace parodies. Reviews praise daring concepts, energetic performances, and social commentary, while noting uneven pacing in some pieces.
France winger Barcola has joined Liverpool on a five-year deal from PSG for about £106m, with reports of a potential rise to £123m. He wears number 29 and aims to help Liverpool win the Premier League as they rebuild under Andoni Iraola, following Mohamed Salah's departure.
The next James Bond casting is narrowing to a select group of contenders as Denis Villeneuve shapes the project and Amazon MGM Studios signals a careful, secretive approach. Rumors swirl around front-runners like Jack Barton, Callum Turner, Tom Francis and Harris Dickinson, while Saoirse Ronan hints at a future villain role. Official announcements are still expected later this year.
Fire crews remain at a Glasgow city-centre blaze after responding to an incident on Sauchiehall Street early today. Nine appliances, a height appliance and three specialist resources have been mobilised; there are no reported casualties and road closures remain in place as emergency services work.
The Scottish government has drafted plans for a Scottish visa, including a five-year rural visa pilot and a Scottish graduate visa, and is seeking discussions with the UK government on immigration powers. The proposals are aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing labour shortages, with several delivery models proposed for Home Office approval or Holyrood management.