Crimestoppers Scotland is today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) spotlighting how the charity can empower people to speak out against domestic violence.
As part of the month-long national campaign -an initiative dedicated to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) across Scotland – the charity is urging the public to come forward with vital information.
This campaign will specifically target males aged 18 and above, with a focus on reaching those attending sporting events across Scotland. By raising awareness and encouraging reporting, Crimestoppers aims to confront this critical issue—one that continues to devastate communities nationwide.
Domestic abuse can take many forms—physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, or financial. Often, neighbours, family, and friends may suspect abuse but hesitate to intervene due to embarrassment, split loyalties, or fear of revenge.
Crimestoppers in Scotland has shared nearly 400 anonymous reports about domestic abuse with police and partners, and 350 reports concerning rape and sexual offences from April 2024 to March 2025.
These figures highlight the urgent need for collective action.
Angela Parker, National Manager Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is a serious issue that affects far too many people in Scotland. We hope to empower more people—especially men—to speak out and play a part in ending this violence.
“If you suspect domestic abuse, don’t stay silent. Your voice could be the key to protecting someone from harm. Speak out anonymously—because everyone deserves safety and support.”
Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them. For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
New research has revealed details of two air assaults on East Fortune Airfield that were kept secret during the Second World War.
The historic airfield in East Lothian is now home to the National Museum of Flight, which opened 50 years ago this month, in July 1975.
A discreet, handwritten note on an archived document led curators from the Museum to uncover the hidden details. In November 1940, three bombs were dropped on the airfield. Almost a year later in October 1941, enemy gunners attacked the site from the air. No casualties were recorded.
Throughout the Second World War the airfield served as an operational training unit. In Scotland, direct hits were rarely reported publicly to prevent enemy forces identifying significant sites. The Lothians were targeted by German bombers on several occasions, including attacks on a decoy airfield in nearby Drem, but until now this important part of the airfield’s history was unknown.
East Fortune is one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields. Air raid and blast shelters, that were likely used during the attacks, have recently been conserved and are now open to visitors to discover more about Scotland’s wartime heritage.
Ian Brown, Curator at the National Museum of Flight, said: “Revealing these previously unknown events at East Fortune has taken some real detective work.
“The airfield has played a significant role in Scottish aviation history for over a century. Even in the museum’s 50th year we’re still discovering stories that can help us better understand the airfield’s past.”
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors can learn more about life during the Second World War in a new series of lunchtime talks, starting on Friday 18th July.
The talks are free with the museum admission and can be booked at: nms.ac.uk/Flight.
The National Museum of Flight explores the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day through interactive galleries, historic aircraft and hangars.
On display is one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft, including Scotland’s only Concorde, which visitors can board.
Celebrating the people of Edinburgh as part of Scotland Loves Local Week
The people who make Edinburgh communities so special will be celebrated as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
People Make Places is the theme for this year’s events, which take place from Saturday August 23.
A week of activities, including social media campaigning and political visits, will highlight the transformational difference of choosing local – supporting friends, family and neighbours by getting behind the businesses which are the fabric of communities.
Residents across Edinburgh are being encouraged to take part, championing the message to think local first – and sharing some of the stories of the people who make their places.
Scotland Loves Local Week is organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a stronger, fairer, wealthier Scotland.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer,said: “People are at the heart of our places, driving the ideas, projects and development that will breathe new life into communities across the city and throughout Scotland.
“Scotland Loves Local Week is the chance to shout about the great things that are happening where you live – and the people whose innovation, determination and dedication, make Edinburgh the great place it is.
“Whether it be the team from the family business which has been part of the community for generations, or a trailblazing development, this is a chance to highlight why it’s so important to get behind what they are doing to create better places – all the while supporting the jobs of the people around us.”
Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies. It is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.
Community Mushroom Farming with Mario is a hands-on learning experience. In these two-hour workshops, you will gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration.
14 July 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
All events are free to join. This is a workshop run by @mycobeemushrooms. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.
Services supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse should be resourced to be easy to access and able to provide joined-up and consistent access to advice and information on financial support, according to MSPs.
Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has today released a new report that outlines how people who leave an abusive relationship can be better protected from severe financial implications.
Some domestic abusers restrict a person’s ability to manage their finances. This can involve stopping a victim from opening a bank account, controlling how they use their income, preventing them from working or being in education, or building up debt in a victim’s name. This is known as economic abuse.
In its inquiry, the Committee heard widespread evidence about the barriers faced by victims and survivors trying to access support. Challenges included generic information, a lack of trauma-informed financial advice and “England-centric” online information.
While the Committee appreciated that the Scottish Government provides funding for advice on income maximisation and its Equally Safe strategy to address violence against women and girls, the feedback it heard made it clear that support provided by advice services was vital.
Additionally, the Committee calls for more consistent support from local authorities, asking for the Scottish Government to work with COSLA to develop a single point of contact. Without this, victims and survivors will continue to face significant challenges to accessing advice on problems relating to housing, benefits and legal advice.
The Committee’s report also asks for an update on the Scottish Government’s Fund to Leave pilot which several witnesses cited as a valuable resource when leaving an abusive relationship and before receiving a decision on eligibility for social security.
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “The impact and cost of leaving an abusive relationship can be absolutely devastating and it is critical that victims and survivors can access advice and support quickly and easily.
“Our report calls for the Scottish Government to strengthen and standardise the support that is available to people. We heard about some excellent work that exists, but it is inconsistent and not always easy to find, which has created barriers for people in horrendously stressful situations.
“We’d like to thank everyone who shared their views with us during this inquiry, particularly the members of Scottish Women’s Aid’s Survivor Reference Group and the staff at Financially Included who spoke so powerfully.”
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has awarded honorary degrees to an acclaimed Scottish actress, a food innovator and an Edinburgh Fringe leader at its 2025 graduation ceremonies.
Scottish actress and narrator, Ashley Jensen; entrepreneur and Director of Genius Foods, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne; and the former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy; were honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday.
The three inspirational women joined the newly installed Chancellor of QMU, Patrick Grant – designer, entrepreneur and judge on BBC’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ – to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of new QMU graduates.
Ashley Jensen, most recently known for her leading detective role in BBC’s much loved crime drama ‘Shetland’ was awarded Doctor of the University for her contributions to the arts. Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, a UK-based company specialising in gluten-free bakery, received a Doctor of Business Administration for her contribution to food development and innovation.
Shona McCarthy, former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, was honoured with a Doctor of the University for her visionary leadership in the arts and her profound impact on Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Ashley, best known for her leading role as DI Ruth Calder in the hit TV drama, ‘Shetland’ and her time playing Maggie Jacobs alongside Ricky Gervais in the comedy series ‘Extras’ was brought up in Annan, Dumfriesshire. Her time studying drama at what was then Queen Margaret College (now Queen Margaret University) laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility, emotional depth, and authenticity.
Her success in TV’s Extras, for which she earned two British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, introduced her to a global audience. She went on to star in the American hit TV show ‘Ugly Betty’, where producers embraced her Scottish identity, rewriting her character to match her accent.
Her work spans stage and screen, from early theatre roles with Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, to leading roles in Sky One’s ‘Agatha Raisin’ and Shetland. In her recent starring role in Shetland, she brought a fresh perspective and emotional nuance to a beloved series, reaffirming her ability to lead and evolve.
Ashley’s voice has also become a familiar presence in animated films like ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, as well as in documentaries such as Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ BBC 2’s ‘Designing the Hebrides’, and national campaigns.
Lucinda, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, trained as a chef at the Leith School of Food and Wine, a prestigious cook school founded by QMU’s former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. But when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies and a severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda embarked on a challenge to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family, but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere.
In 2009, she founded Genius Foods, which quickly became a global leader in gluten-free products. Her relentless innovation and commitment to quality have improved the lives of millions living with coeliac disease and other dietary restrictions.
Lucinda’s influence extends beyond product development. She is a published author, educator, and advocate for food allergy awareness. Her books, including ‘How to Cook for Food Allergies’, have empowered home cooks and professionals alike. Lucinda’s recent appointment as Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh, will see her help shape the future of culinary education.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, Lucinda is also an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership has driven progress in food science and industry standards.
The University also recognised the exceptional leadership and transformative impact that Shona McCarthy has had on the arts.
For nine years, Shona led the world’s largest arts festival with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Under her leadership, the Fringe thrived through economic shifts and the pandemic, whilst becoming more accessible and representative. She championed emerging artists, expanded international collaborations, and introduced initiatives such as performer bursaries and relaxed performances, ensuring the Fringe remained a vibrant, welcoming space for all.
Shona’s influence extends far beyond Edinburgh. As Chief Executive of the Culture Company, she led Derry-Londonderry’s landmark year as the first UK City of Culture in 2013. She has also held senior roles with the British Council Northern Ireland, Imagine Belfast, and the Northern Ireland Film Council, and led youth-focused film festivals including Cinemagic and the Foyle Film Festival.
Her contributions to the arts have been recognised with a NESTA Cultural Leadership Award and an Eisenhower Fellowship, connecting her to a global network of changemakers. She has also served as Chair of ‘Walk the Plank’ and Belfast’s ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “In the year that Queen Margaret University celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are delighted to recognise the contribution of these three inspirational women.
“From the arts to food innovation, we are proud to honour the mark they each have made on the world and their work striving to be a force for good.”
Discussing Ashley Jensen, Sir Paul explained: “Aside from Ashley’s impressive artistic achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland.
“She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries. Her commitment to these causes reflects values we cherish at Queen Margaret University – compassion, courage, and community – and she is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve when they combine talent with tenacity, and creativity with integrity.”
Sir Paul continued: “Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne’s dedication to quality and innovation has set a new standard in the gluten-free market, making Genius Foods a household name and a trusted choice for consumers around the world.
“Her work has brought joy and dignity to those with special dietary needs and inspired a new generation of food entrepreneurs. We recognise the significant contribution that she has made to innovation in the food industry and the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland.”
Discussing Shona McCarthy’s exceptional contribution to the arts, Sir Paul concluded: “Shona embodies QMU’s values of creativity, social responsibility, and community impact.
“Her career is testament to the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform lives. As our graduates begin their own journeys, Shona stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through passion, purpose, and fearless leadership.”
Sir Wyn Williams published the first volume of his final report yesterday (08/07/25), calling for urgent action to be taken to ensure full and fair compensation is delivered to sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal.
Laid before Parliament on Tuesday, Sir Wyn makes 19 urgent recommendations to resolve issues that are hindering full and fair redress, including that:
The Government and the Post Office should agree on a definition of ‘full and fair’ compensation, and this should be followed when deciding the level of compensation to offer.
Horizon Shortfall Scheme claimants should receive legal advice, funded by the Government.
Close family members of people affected by the Horizon scandal should receive compensation.
The Government should create a standing public body which will create, administer, and deliver schemes for giving financial redress to people who have been wronged by public bodies.
Fujitsu, Post Office and the Government should publish a report by 31 October 2025, outlining a programme for restorative justice (or the actions they’ve taken so far to produce this programme).
Sir Wyn says he expects the Government (and where appropriate Post Office and Fujitsu) to provide a written response to his recommendations by 10 October 2025.
Human Impact of the scandal
In the 162-page report, the Chair also details the scale of the suffering endured by those affected by the Horizon scandal.
Through 17 carefully chosen illustrations, Sir Wyn recounts how some people became seriously ill, struggled with mental health problems including alcohol addiction, and faced financial impacts such as bankruptcy.
He details how some people experienced reputational impacts or sadly passed away before receiving compensation. Elsewhere, he also highlights how some sub-postmasters were held liable for small amounts of money allegedly lost to the Post Office, while others were wrongly imprisoned.
Sir Wyn’s findings in the report are based on hearings and evidence submitted up until 6 June 2025. This spans around 225 days of hearings, 298 witnesses, with around 274,600 documents disclosed to Core Participants.
“Full, fair and prompt” redress
Sir Wyn writes that, despite the Government and Post Office appearing to show a genuine desire to provide redress which is full and fair, and delivered promptly, there have been “formidable difficulties in the way of achieving those aims”.
Considering each of the four redress schemes in turn, Sir Wyn finds that claimants to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme did not receive full and fair redress.
Sir Wyn writes: “I am persuaded that in the difficult and substantial claims, on too many occasions, the Post Office and its advisors have adopted an unnecessarily adversarial attitude towards making initial offers which have had the effect of depressing the level at which settlements have been achieved.”
He also discusses how a ‘fear factor’ has been removed from the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process. This is because every claimant who chooses to have a claim assessed may appeal the offer made “safe in the knowledge that there is no risk of losing a prior better offer.”
Considering this, he questions why this ‘fear factor’ has not been removed for sub-postmasters who must choose whether to take the fixed term offer or have a compensation assessment.
He writes: “Why is it appropriate to remove the fear factor from the HSSA but rigidly retain it in relation to the choice made by claimants between the Fixed Sum Offer and assessment? Try as I might, I cannot see the justification for these different approaches.”
For this reason, Sir Wyn recommends that anyone applying for a compensation scheme who has chosen to have their claim assessed should be allowed to take the fixed sum offer instead up to three months after receiving their first assessed offer.
He also recommends that the Government should publish a document explaining the ‘best offer principle’ in practice.
Legal Advice
Sir Wyn criticises the lack of legal advice available to Horizon Shortfall Scheme applicants.
He writes: “I regard it as unconscionable and wholly unfair that claimants in HSS are unable to obtain legal advice, paid for by the Department, about whether they should opt for the Fixed Sum Offer or assessment of their claims. Yet the Department continues to resist this as if its life depended upon it.”
Considering this, he writes that anyone claiming compensation through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) should be entitled to legal advice, funded by the Department of Business and Trade.
This would help them choose whether to accept the Fixed Sum Offer or to seek financial address which is assessed.
Compensation for family members
Through first-hand accounts, Sir Wyn concludes that there are likely a number of close family members of those who have been affected by the Horizon scandal who have “endured and may still endure considerable suffering”.
For this reason, he recommends “that such family members should be able to obtain financial redress which recognises their own suffering.” He writes that the Department should draw up plans for providing this redress.
Reforms to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme
Sir Wyn also urged for meaningful reforms to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
For instance, he proposes that:
A senior lawyer should be appointed to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme who can take actions to make sure compensation offers are made and assessed as soon as possible.
That the appointed senior lawyer should be given powers to help them ensure that offers are assessed as soon as practicable.
The Post Office and Department of Business and Trade should be required to make compensation offers that are equal or higher than the amount recommended by the independent advisory panel.
The ‘Best Offer Principle’ should apply for those applying for compensation through the Group Litigation Scheme. This means that if a sub-postmaster appeals their compensation offer and the appeal is successful, they will receive whichever offer is higher.
Anyone applying for a compensation scheme who has chosen to have their claim assessed may decide to take the fixed sum offer instead up to three months after receiving their first assessed offer.
Restorative justice
Restorative justice is the process of bringing together people who have caused harm and those affected by it, so they can discuss the impact, take responsibility, and work collaboratively on making amends.
Sir Wyn urges that Fujitsu, Post Office and the Government should either together, or separately, publish a report by October 2025, outlining an agreed programme of restorative justice or any actions they have taken to produce this programme.
Government response
Understanding the need for swift action, Sir Wyn has decided to publish the first volume of his final report as soon as possible.
On timings for a government response to these findings, Sir Wyn writes:
“No purpose would be served by HM Government or the Department delaying consideration of my recommendations until the remainder of my Report is delivered.
“The whole reason for delivering this volume of my report in advance of the remaining volume is that appropriate action in relation to the schemes for redress can be taken as soon as reasonably possible.”
Please note the report contains contents which some may find distressing, including mentions of suicide and self-harm.
The Business and Trade Secretary and the Post Office Minister have issued statements in response to the publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report.
Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families.
“I welcome the publication today and am committed to ensuring wronged subpostmasters are given full, fair and prompt redress.
“The recommendations contained in Sir Wyn’s report require careful reflection, including on further action to complete the redress schemes. Government will promptly respond to the recommendations in full in Parliament.”
Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas, said: “I welcome the Inquiry’s publication today and pay tribute to Sir Wyn and his team for their comprehensive and penetrating work.
“We must never lose sight of the Horizon Scandal’s human impact on postmasters and their families, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.
“Sir Wyn’s report highlights a series of failings by the Post Office and various governments. His recommendations are immensely helpful as a guide for what is needed to finish the job and we will respond in full to Parliament after carefully considering them.”
Initial Government actions in response to the Inquiry:
In his oral statement to Parliament, Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas confirmed that that the Government has accepted Sir Wyn’s recommendation that claimants should be able to bank the best offer they get from the GLO process and should not put it at risk if they choose to go to the independent Panel.
The Minister also confirmed that the Government will provide redress for close family members of those postmasters most adversely affected by the scandal.
Views are being sought on how to improve legal rights intended to help community groups take ownership of local land and assets.
Discussions with those who have engaged with the Rights to Buy have been taking place since last year to develop the proposals published for consultation today (Monday).
Since 2003, 268 applications for Rights to Buy have been received from community groups seeking to acquire their own assets, with two-thirds of these (175) approved by Scottish Ministers.
Rural Affairs and Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The first Community Right to Buy was introduced more than 20 years ago in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
“Those rights have since been extended to cover rural, urban and crofting communities, pre-emptive and compulsory rights, neglected land and assets, and land to support the sustainable development of communities.
“Our discussions with stakeholders have shown that the Rights to Buy process can be complicated and demanding. These insights have helped us set out proposed improvements that we are now seeking views on.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest to take part in this consultation over the next 12 weeks to help Scotland remain a world leader in driving community ownership and investment in our land and assets.”
Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Michael Russell, said: “Community Rights to Buy give people a real chance to take an active role in the future of their local places.
“This consultation is an important step to ensure these rights remain clear, practical and effective in helping communities take ownership of land and buildings that matter to them.
“We are pleased to be chairing a reference group to support the Scottish Government’s review, and we encourage everyone with an interest to share their views through this consultation.”
Most common missed health checks include eye appointments, dental exams and GP visits.
Most cite work commitments, difficulties getting an appointment and simply forgetting to book a check-up reasons why.
An expert is urging Scots not to put health on the back burner: “Not all conditions have obvious symptoms.”
Cameron Optometry St Vincent Street.
More than a quarter (27%) Scots are often too busy to stay on top of their health and almost half (46%) have missed or delayed a health appointment, according to new research.
Dental exams (17%), eye checks (16%) and GP visits (19%) were the most missed or delayed appointments, with ‘work commitments’ as the most cited reason why (38%). Others referenced difficulty getting an appointment (37%) or simply forgetting to book one (24%).
Now an expert is urging the public not to put health on the back burner.
Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers, commented: “When life gets hectic, it’s all too easy to push check-ups to the bottom of your list, but your health should never be ignored, including your eyesight.
“Not all conditions have obvious symptoms, so seeing the optician or dentist only when you’re experiencing changes won’t enable these to be identified and treated early.
“Glaucoma, for example, can develop slowly over time without any obvious symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise there’s a problem until irreversible damage to their vision has already been done.
“That’s why regular eye checks are so important – they’re not just about checking your vision; they’re a vital part of catching conditions like glaucoma early.”
Despite glaucoma being one of the most common eye conditions, people know little about the condition. More than half (51%) vaguely knew the signs and symptoms, while over a quarter (27%) knew almost nothing about the condition at all.
The research, commissioned by Specsavers, also revealed that almost two-thirds have a health problem they’ve not yet checked out – including mobility or joint pain (19%), weight or fitness levels (19%) and dental health (16%).
Despite this, more than one in ten (13%) haven’t had a dental exam and or eye check (11%) in over five years, while 7% of those surveyed have never had one.
The research also uncovered other areas adults skip over because they’ve been short of time, which included drinking enough water (33%) and getting a full night’s sleep (32%).
Of those who don’t prioritise their own health, over a third (39%) admit putting their work or job commitments first, while a third (33%) say put their family’s health needs first.
Nearly half (42%) say easier booking systems would help them make their health more of a priority, while a further 32% are simply wishing for ‘more hours in the day’.
Giles Edmonds added: “It’s easy to let health checks slide when you’re juggling a busy schedule, but looking after your eyesight is something you simply can’t afford to ignore.
“A quick and simple eye check every couple of years – or more often if you’re at higher risk – could protect you from serious long-term consequences such as avoidable vision loss.
“Your vision is one of your most precious senses, and it deserves your attention.”
