The first semi-final, held on Saturday 2 August, saw Cup holders Kingussie progress after a dominant performance against Fort William at Bught Park in Inverness. Kingussie, who reached the semis with a 5–0 win over Beauly, showed their strength once again in their campaign to retain the title for a fourth consecutive year.
Attention now turns to the second semi-final this coming weekend as Newtonmore face Oban Camanachd today (Saturday 9 August) at An Aird, Fort William.
Newtonmore overcame a shock early setback in their quarter-final away to Inveraray, eventually running out 4-1 winners, while their semi-final opponents Oban Camanachd cruised into the last four with a 5-0 win over Lovat.
Live coverage of the Newtonmore v Oban Camanachd semi-final will start on BBC ALBA at 4pm with BBC Spòrs presenter Allan Macleod, and commentator, Derek Mackay.
BBC ALBA will also broadcast the showpiece event in the shinty calendar, the Camanachd Cup final, live from Inverness, on Saturday 20 September.
Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “Shinty is an integral part of Scotland’s sporting and cultural identity, and the Camanachd Cup is the trophy most top teams covet more than any other.
“These fixtures promise to showcase the sport at its best and provide a fantastic opportunity to bring the excitement and passion of the game to a wider audience across the country – and beyond.”
Watch Saturday’s first semi-final live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer:
Sunflowers, seashells and caterpillars are ranked the top ‘wonders of the world’ according to Scottish children.
But around 1 in 5 children under the age of 10 in Scotland have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder.
Specsavers launch museum-style exhibit in Edinburgh showcasing these everyday wonders to highlight the importance of childhood eye checks.
FOR ADULTS, there are seven wonders of the world, but in children’s eyes, there are seven million.Sunflowers (60%), seashells (54%) and rocks (40%) top the list of Scottish children’s ‘wonders of the world’ according to a new study.
Other everyday wonders which stop Scots children in their tracks include caterpillars (37%), puddles (29%), and diggers (9%).
To highlight just how crucial good eyesight is for children to experience all this wonder, Specsavers has created a Wonders film and launched museum-style exhibits across the UK.
Each installation in Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Belfast and Cardiff features a ‘wonder’ chosen by a local child.
These include a life-sized digger, a perfectly imperfect rock, a carefully collected seashell, a curly caterpillar and a colourful sunflower.
The first Children’s ‘Wonders of the World’ exhibitions celebrate children’s natural curiosity and remind parents how important good eyesight is for kids to keep exploring the everyday wonders around them.
“Children see the world in a way adults often forget – full of magic, mystery and wonder,” says Professor Sam Wass, a child psychologist and neuroscientist.
“Good vision is essential to this journey of discovery. It helps children explore, ask questions and learn through play, all of which are essential to children’s development.”
Research among over 380 six and seven-year-olds reveals the places where children are most likely to spot their top wonders – with the beach (71%), the garden (44%), the park (29%) and even the journey to school (41%) ranking highest.
More than a quarter(26%) of the 600 parents surveyed said this happens on average five times a day, totalling 1,825 moments of wonder per year. Nearly a quarter (24%) report often being late because their child is busy inspecting an object. That’s 156 million times annually that parents are delayed because of their children discovering wonders.
Nonetheless, over two thirds (70%) of parents said they would be concerned if their child stopped pointing out these everyday wonders.
As a result, a quarter (25%) said this would be among the reasons they would book an eye test for their child, as well as if they were struggling to read or write (43%) or rubbing their eyes frequently (38%).
Sarah Joyce, Director of Optometry at Specsavers, says: “Being able to see clearly is vital to children as they learn about the world – around 80% of learning in school is visual.
“But around one in five children under the age of 10 have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder[1].
“Conditions such as long- or short-sightedness, astigmatism or a squint can often be treated more effectively if they are picked up early, so regular eye tests from the age of around four are essential or sooner if you think they are having any problems.
“The great news is, for children under 16, the NHS will cover the full cost of the eye test.”
To find out more or to book an eye check for your child visit:
ROLL WITH IT – OASIS REUNION CELEBRATED WITH SAUAGE ROLLS
In a delightful nod to Oasis’ triumphant return to the stage, Make it Scotch encouraged fans to ‘Roll with it’ with Specially Selected Pork sausage rolls yesterday afternoon (Friday, 8th August).
As fans queued up for the highly anticipated reunion gig, they were treated to free sausage rolls and Oasis-inspired bucket hats, ensuring they wouldn’t “Look Back in Hanger.”
The excitement was electric as fans held up their savoury treats and donned their new hats, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Murrayfield stadium. This fun and light-hearted activation brought smiles and satisfaction, making the wait for the concert even more memorable.
Be sure to catch more of these moments shared by @makeitscotch on their social media channels.
To find out more about Specially Selected Pork, Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, visit: makeitscotch.com.
Joint Statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom strongly reject the decision of the Israeli Security Cabinet on 8th August to launch an additional large-scale military operation in Gaza.
It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians. The plans that the Government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.
We urge the parties and the international community to make all efforts to finally bring this terrible conflict to an end now, through an immediate and permanent ceasefire that enables the provision of a massive, immediate and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, as the worst-case scenario of a famine is unfolding in Gaza. Hamas must release all hostages without further delay or precondition and must ensure they are humanely treated and not subject to cruelty and humiliation.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. We call on the Government of Israel to urgently find solutions to amend its recent registration system of international humanitarian organisations, to ensure these vital actors of humanitarian aid can continue their essential work again in line with humanitarian principles to reach the civilians in need in Gaza. Their exclusion would be an egregious signal.
We are united in our commitment to the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution as the only way to guarantee that both Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.
A political resolution based on a negotiated two-state solution requires the total demilitarisation of Hamas and its complete exclusion from any form of governance in the Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian Authority must have a central role.
IT’S worth noting that the United States is NOT a signatory. And the US is perhaps the only country that Netanyahu listens to. The slaughter will go on …and all the while our UK government continues to provide arms to Israel.
The Electric Car Grant will make owning an electric car cheaper and easier for people across the UK
thirteen models from Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall now qualify for major discounts as part of the Electric Car Grant scheme
drivers to save £1,500 on these latest electric cars, in addition to 4 Citroën models announced earlier this week
£650 million scheme is backing industry and jobs, while making it cheaper to own an EV and putting money back in working people’s pockets as part of the government’s Plan for Change
Drivers across the country can save £1,500 on some of the UK’s most popular car brands from today (9 August 2025) as Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall models join Citroën in the government’s flagship Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.
Thirteen more electric vehicles (EVs) have been declared eligible under the scheme, bringing the total to 17 models announced this week. The boost is part of the government’s £650 million scheme, which makes it cheaper and easier to own an EV, putting money back in working people’s pockets, while supporting jobs and growth as part of the Plan for Change.
In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing the UK’s position as a world-leader in EV adoption – with Britain Europe’s largest EV market in 2024 and sales up almost a third so far this year.
The discounts are applied automatically at the point of sale with no paperwork required from customers. Capped at cars costing up to £37,000 to target support at the most affordable options, more models are expected to be approved in the coming weeks as manufacturers’ applications are assessed against the scheme’s sustainability standards.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “With discounts on 17 car models announced this week alone, we’re delivering on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric.
“This is about backing drivers, putting money back into people’s pockets and creating the jobs and growth that will drive Britain forward, delivering on our Plan for Change.”
The new eligible models announced today are:
Renault Alpine A290 = £1,500 discount
Renault Megane = £1,500 discount
Renault 4 = £1,500 discount
Renault 5 = £1,500 discount
Renault Scenic = £1,500 discount
Nissan Micra = £1,500 discount
Nissan Ariya = £1,500 discount (available from 13 August 2025)
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “Another wave of cars qualifying for the government’s revamped Electric Car Grant is yet more welcome news. It’s also very positive to see other manufacturers that don’t meet the grant’s green production targets lowering their prices.
“Those looking to make the switch now have a wider choice of better value vehicles than ever before. This can only help speed up the transition to electric motoring.”
The ECG is part of a £4.5 billion investment from the government to turbocharge electric vehicle adoption, whilst boosting industry and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change. With upfront costs often cited as a barrier to buying EVs, the discounts are designed to bring down the price of models so they more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts.
With more than 82,000 public chargepoints now available – that’s one added every half an hour – and over 100,000 on the way in the coming years, the government is building the infrastructure drivers need to make the switch with confidence.
John Veichmanis, CEO at Carwow Group, said: “The confirmation that more affordable, practical EVs have been approved for the Electric Car Grant is exactly what the market needs.
“Data from Carwow’s platform shows that buyers are ready to act, demand for EVs under £37,000 jumped 124% in the week following the scheme’s announcement. Interest in already-approved models has surged, and we expect these newly added vehicles to draw immediate attention.
“Car-buying decisions don’t happen overnight, they often take months, so early clarity on eligible models is crucial. By lowering upfront costs, the grant plays a pivotal role in turning EV curiosity into commitment.”
Furthermore, to help power the switch to electric vehicles, the latest £63 million charging package also included funding to make it easier for motorists to charge at home and run their EVs for as little as 2p per mile.
James Taylor, managing director, Nissan Motor GB, said: “The government’s flagship scheme is a clear signal to both customers and manufacturers that they are prioritising the uptake of electric vehicles in the UK and on providing affordable options to consumers.
“Nissan has always been an electric vehicle pioneer and this announcement is an exciting step in the UK’s electrification journey. Micra and Ariya are first and we have 3 new EVs on their way, including the all-electric British-built LEAF, which will go on sale later this year.”
Steve Catlin, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall has been committed to electrifying Britain for years and offers some of the most popular electric cars on UK roads.
“We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant for every electric model in the Vauxhall line-up – including those manufactured here at our Ellesmere Port plant – and hope this will enable more British motorists to enjoy the benefits of switching to electric.”
Adam Wood, managing director, Renault UK, said: “We very much welcome the support of the government’s Electric Car Grant. Renault continues to invest in bringing more and more accessible electric vehicles to market as part of our mission to democratise EV ownership.
“The availability of the ECG across our entire electric car range has potential to significantly accelerate this, ensuring customers benefit from greater value and giving them the confidence that it’s time to switch to electric.”
This comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate provide industry with the certainty and stability they have been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union supporting the UK’s automotive sector and protecting jobs.
Four men have been charged with more than 30 retail crime offences following enforcement carried out in Edinburgh.
On Tuesday (4 August) local officers, acting on intelligence gathered by the Retail Crime Taskforce, arrested a 45-year-old and 37-year-old in connection with 21 shoplifting incidents from supermarkets and convenience stores in Causewayside and Marchmont.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested for five shopliftings that took place at supermarkets in Gorgie and Chesser, while a 41-year-old was arrested in connection with five separate warrants that were all in relation to shoplifting offences in the Chesser and Gorgie areas.
Inspector David Duthie said: “These arrests are further example of the successful collaboration between divisional officers and Retail Crime Taskforce colleagues to address retail crime within the Capital.
“All reports of retail crime are treated with the utmost seriousness, and whether it’s one shoplifting incident, or several, we will use all resources at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.”
A NEW care technology platform is transforming the way older people across Scotland are supported in their homes – delivering smarter, faster responses for tailored care.
Hanover Connect, powered by the innovative CareNet EVO system, is being rolled out across properties managed by leading housing with care provider Hanover Scotland, in partnership with digital telecare specialists, Appello.
The cutting-edge system brings together emergency monitoring, health data insights and digital connectivity to ensure round-the-clock care. Whether responding to a fall or simply offering daily reassurance, the platform enables staff to make faster, more informed decisions – freeing up more time for compassionate, face-to-face support.
The rollout marks a major shift in how telecare is delivered across Hanover’s developments, making use of sophisticated digital capabilities while maintaining the human touch that lies at the heart of quality care.
Donna Henderson, Director of Strategic Finance at Hanover Scotland, said the system is more than a technological upgrade – it’s a move towards fundamentally better care. Donna said: “It’s not just about technology – it’s about people.
“CareNet EVO gives us the tools to focus more on what really matters: providing timely, personal care to every resident. Through this partnership with Appello, we are improving the lives of both our residents and their families, delivering a service that is as responsive as it is compassionate.”
The new system is already making a tangible difference. Staff are reporting faster response times, fewer call delays, and better insights into residents’ needs – all leading to more confident, independent living for tenants.
Angela Currie, Chief Executive of Hanover, believes the launch of Hanover Connect represents a milestone in delivering modern, future-proofed housing with care. She said: “Hanover Connect, powered by CareNet EVO, represents a major leap forward in how we approach resident care.
“It’s a perfect blend of innovation and compassion, and we are committed to continuing to raise the bar in telecare services.
“This launch is just the beginning. We will keep investing in training, technology, and partnerships that help us provide the best possible care across Scotland.”
Hanover Scotland supports more than 5,000 residents across the country and is renowned for championing innovation in care delivery. The introduction of Hanover Connect is part of a wider commitment to digital transformation that keeps people safe, supported and independent in their own homes.
Ian Martin, Chief Revenue Officer at Appello, said the successful implementation of CareNet EVO reflects Hanover’s leadership and forward-thinking approach.He said: “Hanover has demonstrated exceptional foresight in technology adoption, positioning itself as a leader in the field.
“The implementation of the CareNet EVO system reflects a commitment to innovation and progress. This technology is a key enabler for enhancing the quality of life for individuals, and its strategic deployment elevates its function to that of a critical extension of emergency services.”
At the heart of the system is a focus on dignity and reassurance. Residents have direct access to help at the touch of a button, while family members can rest easy knowing their loved ones are never alone.
The data-driven nature of the system also allows for early interventions, flagging changes in patterns such as mobility, health indicators or support needs—helping care staff provide targeted support before small issues escalate into crises.
Hanover’s staff have been undergoing extensive training to ensure a smooth transition, with feedback from residents and families already reflecting high levels of confidence and satisfaction in the upgraded service.
The collaboration with Appello has also played a crucial role in managing the transition from analogue to digital systems, a challenge facing many housing providers across the UK ahead of the national switchover.
By embracing the digital opportunity now, Hanover Scotland is setting a new standard in how telecare can support older people – combining cutting-edge capability with deeply human care.
Around 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday, 7 August) police received a report of men seen in possession of what appeared to be a firearm on Loganlea Terrace.
Emergency services attended and found a property on fire.
There were no reports of any injures.
Following further enquiries two men aged 22 and 29 were arrested in connection with drug offences. They have been released pending further enquiries which are ongoing.
No weapons were recovered.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.
A further £20 million will speed up actions to make Scotland’s buildings safe from dangerous cladding, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has announced.
Publishing an update to the Cladding Remediation Programme action plan, Ms McAllan confirmed additional funding and expanded eligibility, setting out that social housing will now be eligible for remediation funding.
The Single Open Call fund launched in March, allowing owners and residents to apply for a Scottish Government funded, holistic assessment to determine the work required to make buildings safe. This fund will now be doubled to £20 million in 2025/26 and a separate £10 million will be made available to prioritise immediate mitigations for buildings most at risk.
The fund has made 258 initial grant funding offers for building owners and residents to take forward a Single Building Assessment. The £10 million additional funding will ensure every eligible application received before the end of December this year will be progressed.
Ms McAllan said: “Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme is progressing at pace and the additional £20 million I’ve announced today will further expedite this vital work. Doubling the funding for holistic Single Building Assessments to £20 million will ensure owners and residents can rapidly and thoroughly assess works required.
“I am also confirming £10 million to fund immediate mitigation measures where needed and have today opened a new application process for owners, including social landlords, or their representatives, to apply for funding for essential cladding remediation works identified as part of the assessment process. Finally, I am setting a deadline of 31 October 2025 by which responsible developers must sign the Developers Remediation Contract.
“Ultimately I am determined that, by 2029, every high-risk residential building over 18 metres will have been resolved, with buildings between 11 and 18 metres placed on a clear pathway to resolution.
“My foremost priority is to ensure the safety of all those living in buildings affected by dangerous cladding.”
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “The safety of tenants is absolutely paramount to all of Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives, and they take their responsibility for this extremely seriously. However, without a clear and fair route to government funding, the cost of any remediation works would have fallen on tenants, who are least able to afford it.
“We’re delighted to see that the Scottish Government recognises this and will treat all housing providers equally. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and our members will continue to work with our government partners to ensure unsafe cladding is removed as a matter of urgency.
“No-one should have to live with the uncertainty and fear of fire hazards.”
