The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a public safety warning ahead of Storm Amy, which is forecast to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to northern Britain from Friday afternoon through Saturday.
Winds are predicted to strengthen from the west on Friday, spreading eastward overnight. Gusts of 50–60 mph are expected, with some areas reaching 70 mph and exposed coastal and hilltop locations exceeding 80 mph. The strongest winds are likely over northern Scotland, with heavy rain expected across western Scotland.
RoSPA advises the public to take immediate precautions to reduce the risk of injury and disruption. These include:
Keeping mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.
Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, especially on high or exposed routes.
Monitoring official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
Secure outdoor items like bins, signage, and garden furniture to prevent damage.
Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries, and non-perishable food.
Stay indoors during periods of strong wind and ensure windows and doors are shut.
Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“Storm Amy may be a serious weather event and we urge everyone to take sensible precautions.
“Securing loose items, staying off the roads during peak wind periods, and looking out for neighbours can help prevent accidents and keep communities safe.”
Strathedin Properties, a family-run developer with roots in heritage restoration, is revitalising landmark buildings in Edinburgh and Glasgow as part of a major growth push, backed by a £5.3 million funding package from Bank of Scotland.
In Edinburgh’s prestigious Church Hill (above), the business has acquired a historic residence, which it will transform into six city-centre homes. Meanwhile in Glasgow’s Carlton Place, the former Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is being redeveloped into 99 high-spec apartments.
The £5.3 million funding from Bank of Scotland was arranged as a five-year Property and Asset Loan, supporting both immediate projects and long-term growth. £3.55 million of the facility consolidated an existing loan, removing a fixed repayment date and enabling Strathedin to direct resources, along with the remaining funds, into delivering major developments and drive momentum across its portfolio.
Founded in 1983 by civil engineer Dr Humayun Reza, Strathedin remains a proud family-run business. Now joined by his daughter, an architect, and his son, who supports with the company’s finances, the Edinburgh-based firm has completed more than 15,000 projects across the UK from the Palmerston and Grosvenor Suites in Edinburgh to landmark renovations in London’s Marylebone.
Strathedin’s evolution is reflected in its expanding workforce. It employs a multinational team of skilled engineers and tradespeople. To support a growing pipeline of projects, the firm expects to hire 18 more staff in the coming months.
Dr Humayun Reza, founder of Strathedin Properties, said:“When I converted my own home into flats in the early 1980s, I had no idea it would grow into this.
“I started out as a civil engineer, not a businessman, and no one else in my family had ever run a company. I began by focusing on restoring small residential homes and cottages in and around Edinburgh. It was about making the most of what was already there, breathing new life into tired buildings.
“For me now, with a background in engineering and a lifelong passion for heritage architecture, what still matters is bringing precision and care to every project we take on. I’m proud to now have my children working alongside me, and with the support of Bank of Scotland – particularly our relationship manager Ross Penman who has gone above and beyond for us – we’re in a strong position to grow exponentially.”
Ross Penman, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, added:“Strathedin is a great example of a heritage-led developer that’s thinking big.
“From restoring listed buildings to delivering major regeneration projects, they’re helping shape the future of Scotland’s cities and beyond. We’re proud to support them as they grow their team, portfolio and ambitions.”
Public bodies are failing to deliver on their duties of advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between different groups, according to a new report from Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
The Public Sector Equality Duty is a legal requirement for public bodies and organisations that was issued following the passing of the UK Equality Act in 2010. It aims to make sure that these bodies and organisations think about how they can improve society and promote equality.
In its report, the Committee finds that fundamental reform to Scotland’s approach to the Duty is required so that it can have the impact that it was intended to have.
Evidence heard by the Committee demonstrated that public authorities lack the genuine understanding of the protected characteristics and the interrelationship between them that can improve people’s lives.
One issue was that understanding of the duty is not being cascaded down from senior staff to those on the front line. The Equality and Human Rights Commission told the Committee that this meant that delivering the Duty effectively could be more “hit and miss”.
In response, the report calls for the Scottish Government to provide leadership, direction and investment to embed the Duty; to deliver significant societal and economic benefits; and to improve outcomes for people with protected characteristics.
As part of its inquiry, the Committee also considered reforms proposed by the Scottish Government, but found these would not deliver enough change to improve outcomes. Instead of waiting for reforms, which should be accelerated, the Committee’s report calls on public bodies to act now, with Ministerial direction on priorities, to implement the duty fully.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “This is a time of significant funding challenges for public authorities. We recognise that this means that capacity to focus on delivering the Public Sector Equality Duty can be severely restricted.
“However, our view is that this makes it even more vital that this is a priority, not an add on or tick box exercise, for public authorities.
“We ask that the Scottish Government provide leadership, direction and continuing investment to ensure that the Public Sector Equality Duty can deliver on its aims and effectively promote equality in Scotland.”
Tickets are now on sale for LifeCare Edinburgh’s Sweet Partnership Afternoon Tea with Lannan, taking place on Monday 20th October at 3:30pm.
This exclusive fundraising event offers guests the chance to enjoy exquisite cakes and pastries from one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated bakeries, all while supporting LifeCare’s vital services for older people.
With tickets priced at £50 per person and limited availability, early booking is strongly advised. The event will be held in LifeCare’s Hub on Cheyne Street and every penny raised will help provide care, connection, and companionship across the city.
Because supporting the community should taste this good.
A fossil discovered on the Isle of Skye has revealed a new species and family of Jurassic reptile linked to the origins of lizards and snakes.
A study published in Nature today by an international team of researchers, led by the American Museum of Natural History and including National Museums Scotland, describes a previously unknown Jurassic reptile that lived around 167 million years ago. The species has been given the Gaelic name Breugnathair elgolensis meaning ‘false snake of Elgol’, referencing the area of southern Skye where it was discovered.
Breugnathair had snake-like jaws and highly recurved teeth, similar to those of modern-day pythons. Unlike living snakes, it had the proportions and limbs of a lizard. The fossil is among the oldest and most complete Jurassic lizards known to science.
Breugnathair was a squamate, the largest order of scaled reptiles, including lizards and snakes. The species has been placed in a new family Parviraptoridae, an enigmatic group of extinct, predatory squamates.
Previously known from very incomplete remains, parviraptorids were thought by some to be the first snakes. Breugnathair might therefore provide evidence of the lizard-like ancestors of snakes, but it also has primitive anatomical traits suggesting that parviraptorids were stem-squamates, the predecessors of all lizards and snakes.
Lead author Dr Roger Benson, Curator of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History, said: “Snakes are remarkable animals that evolved long, limbless bodies from lizard-like ancestors.
“Breugnathair has snake-like feature of the teeth and jaws, but in other ways is surprisingly primitive. This might be telling us that snake ancestors were very different to what we expected, or it could instead be evidence for evolution of predatory habits in a primitive, extinct group”
The fossil was discovered near Elgol by National Museums Scotland curator Dr Stig Walsh, and is now part of the Museum’s collection. Other recent Jurassic discoveries from Skye include the Elgol dinosaur, the most complete dinosaur skeleton found to date in Scotland; adult and juvenile Krusatodon, that revealed that these mammals grew more slowly during the Jurassic than mammals do today; and the world’s largest Jurassic pterosaur fossil, Dearc sgiathanach.
Dr Stig Walsh, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Palaeobiology at National Museums Scotland and co-author of the study, said: “The Isle of Skye is one of the most important Middle Jurassic sites in the world.
“Breugnathair elgolensis is a remarkable addition to the fossil record, helping to rewrite our understanding of the evolution of snakes and lizards. We’re delighted to add it to the other amazing finds in the National Collection that were discovered in Skye, truly Scotland’s Jurassic Isle.”
In addition to the American Museum of Natural History and National Museums Scotland, the study involved researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and University College London.
The fossil was also analysed by the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble. A particle accelerator that produces high-power X-rays, was used to non-destructively scan the fossil and reveal their internal structure in unprecedented detail.
Professor Susan Evans of UCL, who co-led the study, said: “The Jurassic fossil deposits on the Isle of Skye are of world importance for our understanding of the early evolution of many living groups, including lizards which were beginning their diversification at around this time.
“I first described parviraptorids some 30 years ago based on more fragmentary material, so it’s a bit like finding the top of the jigsaw box many years after you puzzled out the original picture from a handful of pieces. The mosaic of primitive and specialised features we find in parviraptorids, as demonstrated by this new specimen, is an important reminder that evolutionary paths can be unpredictable.”
Mosaic anatomy in an early fossil squamate is published in Nature: npj Palaeoecosystems.
The paper will be available here, from 16:00 on Wednesday 1 October 2025
Police Scotland have released images of two men who may be able to assist an enquiry into a serious assault which took place on West Granton Road, at around 10.15pm on Saturday, 23 August, 2025.
The first man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 35 to 45-years-old with dark hair and beard. He was wearing a black Under Armour T-shirt and Adidas jogging bottoms.
The second man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 18 to 25 years-old, wearing glasses, a black hooded top with an Adidas Original logo and black jogging bottoms.
Detective Constable William Doughty, of Corstorphine CID said: “I would encourage these men or anyone who may recognises them to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3999 of 23 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
New law will provide greater legal clarity and support economic growth
Digital assets like Bitcoin will have greater legal clarity under new legislation that will help support Scotland’s growing financial technology sector.
The Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill provides clear legal recognition that digital assets can be objects of property under Scots private law. This marks a significant step forward in helping to ensure Scotland’s legal framework is fit for the digital economy. Currently, businesses, investors, and individuals dealing with digital assets may choose to invest in other jurisdictions offering greater legal certainty.
The new legislation creates robust legal foundations around digital asset ownership and acquisition helping Scotland to remain an attractive destination for financial technology companies and providing greater confidence for individuals. Scotland has around 260 FinTech companies employing more than 11,300 people and the sector is worth £14 billion to the Scottish economy.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This legislation provides the legal clarity that businesses and investors need to thrive in Scotland’s digital economy.
“By clarifying how digital assets are treated under Scots property law, we are building strong foundations for innovation and ensuring that Scots law can accommodate these innovations.
“Scotland’s world-class legal system and vibrant financial sector are experiencing huge growth. We want to be a FinTech global powerhouse and legislation such as this will help meet that commitment.”
GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE ACTION OR MISS FUEL POVERTY TARGETS
Scotland is extremely unlikely to meet its fuel poverty targets for 2030 according to a new report from the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel.
The Panel says the Scottish Government’s first three-year update, Tackling Scottish Fuel Poverty 2021–24, shows that fuel poverty rates have risen sharply since targets were first set in 2019.
It says that greater emphasis must be placed on the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards fuel poverty targets.
The latest figures paint a stark picture: more than a third of households in Scotland (34%), approximately 861,000, are now classed as living in fuel poverty.
A household is in fuel poverty if, after housing costs have been paid for, it needs more than 10% of its remaining income to pay for its energy needs and if after paying for its energy the household is left in poverty.
It’s considered in extreme fuel poverty if they have to spend more than 20% of its remaining income. Almost one in five (19.4%) or 491,0001 households are in extreme fuel poverty, a long way from the Scottish Government’s goal of reducing the figures to 15% for fuel poverty and 5% for extreme fuel poverty by 2030.
Matthew Cole, Chair of Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel said: “We’re calling for the existing Fuel Poverty Strategy to be revised as a matter of urgency, or Scotland will not only miss its 2030 targets but is also unlikely to meet its 2035 targets.
“There is also need for a fuel poverty delivery plan that links boosting household income directly to meeting fuel poverty targets, and this delivery plan should be robustly monitored.
“While meeting the 2040 target of just 5% in fuel poverty and 1% in extreme fuel poverty is still possible, it will be a massive challenge requiring a whole new strategic approach. There are far too many people still having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.”
He said the Panel has heard some harrowing stories from energy advice agencies and other partners on the frontline across Scotland: “We have heard of people resorting to extremes so that they can access heat and power, with a resident in the Western Isles developing hypothermia after disconnecting the heating because they were unable to pay their bill.
“We have even heard reports of someone ripping up the floorboards in their home so that they could burn them as a heat source. These findings are shocking on their own, but are even more so when we consider the longer-term impacts living in fuel poverty can have, including on physical and mental health.”
The Panel’s new report acknowledges that the world is a very different place since the original targets were set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis driven by the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
It also acknowledges that although household energy rates are not within the Scottish Government’s direct control, the escalation of fuel poverty levels in Scotland means that tackling fuel poverty should be a greater priority than ever.
The report recognises that some progress has been made by the Scottish Government over the last three years, particularly in efforts to improve the energy efficiency of housing. There has been a measurable improvement in recent years with 56% of homes rated EPC band C or better in 2023 – an increase of around 3% from 2022.
There has also been significant Scottish Government support to increase income for low-income households, with some interventions directly related to annual assistance with energy costs.
However, there is still a long way to go to achieve the targets. The Panel has made a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government urging it to:
Fulfil its commitment to revising its current Fuel Poverty Strategy by December 2026.
Accelerate the rate of improvements to make housing stock more energy efficient.
Increase awareness of how energy is used in homes to reduce waste and make costs clearer, as many households may be on unsuitable tariffs, paying more than necessary without realising it.
Set a clear vision for the GB energy market, push for reforms that take account of the needs of Scottish consumers, and protect those at risk of fuel poverty.
Target island and remote rural communities with tailored, co-ordinated action to cut fuel poverty where it hits hardest.
On behalf of the Panel, the Chair emphasised: “It is essential that the revised strategy includes a clear, credible plan to cut fuel poverty and meet statutory targets.
“That means closer monitoring, better evaluation, and flexible policies that respond quickly to stalled progress or heightened need. We look forward to seeing the Scottish Government’s response in the coming weeks.”
Gillian Campbell, Director of the Existing Homes Alliance (EHA), said: “The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel highlights that the number of households in fuel poverty rose from 24.6% in 2019 to 34% in 2023. This rising level of fuel poverty in renewables rich Scotland is deeply concerning.
“Poor energy efficiency remains one of the main drivers of fuel poverty, yet we know Scotland already has excellent fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes that can make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. However, the scale of existing programmes doesn’t match current levels of need.
“The Scottish Government must commit to scaling up these effective schemes and providing long-term funding certainty so local authorities and partners can maximise their impact. Without that commitment, too many people will continue to face the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.”
Pedigree cats continue to be the pet of choice for cat owners in Scotland with the scale tipping further in favour of breeds rather than moggies, according to Cats Protection.
The charity’s Cats and Their Stats (CATS) Report 2025 revealed that between March 2024 and 2025:
126,000 cats were acquired in Scotland
59% were pedigrees vs. 32% moggies
In the previous year: 37% were pedigrees vs. 51% moggies (out of 120,000 cats)
Pedigrees now make up 37% of Scotland’s total cat population of 840,000 and alarmingly 6% of cats acquired in Scotland in the last 12 months are breeds with traits which can be described as being extreme, including Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Savannah, Munchkin and Bully cat.
Alongside this increase, the proportion of ‘bought’ cats in the total Scottish cat population acquired over the past 12 months has increased by 4% (to 41%), bringing the percentage higher than the UK as a whole where 38% were bought rather than adopted or obtained by other means.
Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, says: “In the UK cat acquisition is increasingly skewing towards pedigree cats and purchase over adoption.
“We therefore need to motivate Scottish cat owners to help reverse the increasing popularity of buying and become enthusiastic adopters by championing the moggy, as well as highlighting all the benefits of adoption – including the adoption of pedigree cats from rescue organisations, when they occasionally become available.
“When adopting from Cats Protection, like many other animal welfare organisations, not only does your pet come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with a clean bill of health, but there is also the huge satisfaction of giving a home to a cat that really needs one.”
Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.
Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.
Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like.
Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.
“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.
“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.
“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”
Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.
Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.
Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like. Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat
Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.
“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.
“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.
“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”
Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging customers to take precautions to help prevent damage to property after the Met Office named its first storm of the season this weekend.
Storm Amy is expected to arrive on Friday (3rd) bringing very strong winds and heavy rain to many northern and western areas of the UK – with a number of warnings already having been issued.
Although there is some uncertainty as to the route of the storm, the Met Office anticipate gusts potentially reaching as high as 80 miles an hour and a risk of localised glooding as a result of intense downpours.
The warning serves as a reminder to those responsible for property to prepare for extreme weather.
During the 2024/25 season there were six named storms compared to 2023/24 where there were a record-breaking 12 named storms.
Jo Whyman, Risk Management Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 it’s always caught the public attention. Storms can have a massive impact on our customers, so this announcement is a timely reminder for them to take steps to prepare for the winter.
“As ever, our expert risk teams are on hand to deal with customers’ risk management queries. Our website also has a wide range of advice on how to prepare for a storm.”
Property owners can help to prevent damage by carrying out basic steps before the storms arrive:
Before a storm - Prepare a recovery plan that covers how to deal with severe weather events, carry out maintenance of buildings and any trees or bushes, remove loose roof materials, repair damaged guttering, and clear any blocked rainwater gullies
Met Office alerts – Sign up to receive weather warnings from the Met Office to help prepare for storms
Storm warning – If the Met Office declares a storm warning make sure to secure loose objects in the grounds, close and securely fasten doors and windows
During the storm - Do not visit the property to repair any damage while the storm is in progress. If you have to go into the premises or are in the building during a storm, make sure to enter and leave the building through doors on the sheltered side, closing them behind
After the storm - When the storm has passed if there is damage immediately contact your insurer who will be able to help you.
Ecclesiastical has a network of specialist contractors it works with to help customers recover following extreme weather.
The specialist insurer helps to coordinate clean-up operations for affected customers and works with loss adjustors who will provide onsite help to get customers and businesses back on their feet.
Jeremy Trott, Claims Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more prevalent in the UK, from heatwaves to flooding, so it’s important that we are ready to support customers.
“Despite a dry first half of the year, storms are unpredictable and in recent years we’ve seen a record-breaking amount of money paid out by insurers for weather related claims.
“Our message to customers is that our claims handlers will be able to support them if they are affected by storms this winter – whether that’s as a result of wind, rain, burst pipes or snow. We are here if customers need us.”
