This Sun Awareness Week (12-18 May) we would like to remind cat owners that it’s not only humans that need sun protection as the weather heats up, but cats too, especially those with pale or thin fur.
At Cats Protection we often take cats into our care who have been out in the sun for extended periods and have developed cancerous cells as a result. Cats with unpigmented ears or noses are susceptible to skin cancer through sun damage and we know that a third of all skin cancers that are presented in cats are due to sun exposure.
We recently treated all-white cat Gracie’s sun damaged ears which had become burned and painful, leading to the development of skin cancer.
The treatment she needed was the complete removal of her ear flaps.
Thankfully she has made an excellent recovery and has been successfully rehomed, however this could easily have been a different outcome if the cancer had developed further.
There are some simple tips that can help protect cats in the sun including:
Keeping your cat indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm
Speaking to a vet about a suitable sunscreen for your cat
Ensuring there is outdoor shade, such as boxes or plant pots placed close together
Providing outdoor water to avoid the risk of your cat becoming dehydrated.
POLICE are appealing for information following an assault in Leith.
The incident happened around 1am on Tuesday, 6 May, 2025 on Elbe Street when a 58-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
The three suspects are described as being white men, around 6ft tall, in their 50s, and of muscular build.
One had short, blonde hair. Another had red hair and was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue top. The third had dark hair and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.
Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed this to contact us.
“We are particularly keen to speak to a person who stopped to assist the man assaulted following the incident.
“We also ask anyone with private CCTV of the area at the time to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1675 of 7 May, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland arrested six people yesterday following executive action in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.
This brings the total number of arrests made during this investigation to 32.
On Friday, 9 May, 2025, officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, assisted by firearms officers, executed warrants and searched six properties in the Barlanark, Maryhill, Hamiltonhill, Milton of Campsie and Wishaw areas.
In Glasgow, two men, aged 31 and 26, were arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder and directing serious and organised crime.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with drug offences and a 57-year-old man was arrested in connection with proceeds of crime offences.
In Wishaw, a 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with involvement in serious and organised crime.
A number of items, including a quantity of class B drugs and approximately £46,000 in cash, were also seized during the operation.
Extensive enquiries remain ongoing.
A dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division and the local division continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.
Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West & East of Scotland have arrested six people following action in Glasgow & North Lanarkshire. This brings the total number of arrests made during this investigation to 32.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “These arrests continue to highlight the hard work and dedication of officers to target those responsible for these attacks.
“While the number of incidents has continued to decrease since the start of this investigation, I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and will not stop until we bring those responsible for this criminality to justice.
“We are working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry.
“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims and I want to again thank the public for their help and information so far.
“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
This afternoon (Friday) we noticed some unusual e-mail activity on our schools and early years IT network.
As a precautionary measure we have reset passwords across our schools and early years network – including those of our learners and students.
We have issued communications to all parents/carers and schools to advise of the phishing attempt and explain the action that we have had to take to make sure our IT networks remain secure and protected.
Schools and early years staff will be prompted to reset their own password on their return to school.
Students currently sitting exams will be given priority support to reset their password. They can access their personal revision materials by going to their school tomorrow (Saturday 10 May) between 10.15am -12 noon and a member of staff will issue them with a new password.
Education, Children and Families Convener Councillor James Dalgleish said yesterday: “This afternoon vigilant colleagues noticed some unusual and suspicious activity on our schools and early years IT network.
“As a result, we took the precautionary decision to immediately reset passwords for all users across our education service.
“We have contacted all parents, carers and schools to update them and explain the situation.
“I fully appreciate the impact this will have, particularly on those students preparing for their exams next week – but, unfortunately, we had no choice. This was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure our networks remain secure and protected.
“I want to reassure our students that they are our priority and that we are doing everything we can to make sure they can get back online as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are signposting them study support materials available elsewhere and individual schools will be uploading these to their websites too.
“We have created a dedicated webpage on the council website and will update this with further information as and when we get it.
“I’d like to thank colleagues for their vigilance and quick thinking today – and for their ongoing work over the weekend to minimise the impact on our students and their families.”
No data has been compromised. The council has have been in touch with SQA and EIS to make them aware of this attempted phishing incident. CEC is re also keeping Scottish Government’s cyber co-ordination centre updated.
With a mini heatwave set to bring sunshine to the city this weekend, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some summer-style drinks and until 11th of May,
Hard Rock Café Edinburgh is turning up the heat, bringing the fiesta to the capital in true rock ‘n’ roll style with a limited-edition menu bursting with bold flavours and vibrant mega cocktails.
The go-to spot this weekend for laid-back drinks and great food.
On the drinks list:
Three Mega Margaritas, each served in a 36oz glass, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to oneself):
Baja California Blackberry: a juicy blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, triple sec, and blackberry syrup, finished with strawberries and a sugar rim.
Mexico City Mango: sweet with a spicy kick thanks to sambal chili, mango purée and Love-All Spice rim.
Cancún Orange Cadillac: a bold mix with Cointreau, orange juice and a Grand Marnier float.
All priced at £17.25.
On the menu:
Legendary Fajitas: flavour-packed grilled chicken and steak with charred corn, feta, pickled onions, guacamole, and house-made cilantro lime crema, served with warm tortillas.
Chips & Queso: loaded with seasoned ground beef and green onions, perfect for sharing. Optional upgrades: pico de gallo (£2.95) or guacamole (£4.95).
For more information and to view the menu, visit here.
A deaf activist from Scotland has shared a moving video message to her younger self as part of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May) campaign.
Ciara McCarthy, aged 20, was born with a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that’s usually harmless but sometimes causes problems in babies and people with a weakened immune system.
Ciara was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at nine months old, is autistic and has profound hearing loss with bilateral cochlear implants.
Ciara, who has led keynote address’ at the SNP and Labour Conferences, highlighting the importance of deaf awareness, tells her younger self: “You can be proud of who you are. Accommodating your disability isn’t embarrassing; it’s empowering. If you need help, ask. You are not alone. You never were.”
In her heartfelt message, Ciara starts by saying: “You’ve started embracing being deaf and disabled. You even have a purple wheelchair (our favourite colour). and you sign every single day without thinking, and it’s not embarrassing or scary.”
Ciara, from Lennoxtown, near Glasgow, continues: “I know that you’re struggling to make friends and feel lonely right now. But I promise, that won’t last.
“You’ll meet some incredible people through activism, some online, and some in real life, and they’ll be there for your most significant achievements.
“You’ll find your community, and they’ll make you feel seen.
“And remember how you always wanted people to understand disability? Well, that’s your job now. You’ve met politicians, spoken to celebrities, and shared your story to help people.
“But I won’t lie – it’s not always easy. You’ll lose friends. You’ll trust the wrong people. You’ll face barriers every single day.
Ciara adds: “But you’re not fighting for yourself anymore. You’re fighting for disabled students across Scotland and the UK.”
Ciara’s inspiring message is just one in a series of powerful videos from deaf people to their younger selves which are currently being shared by the National Deaf Children’s Society on social media to celebrate deaf identity, resilience, and community, during Deaf Awareness Week.
One of the video messages is from the BAFTA winning actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who recently starred in hit BBC1 drama Reunion. Rose reassures her younger self: “Don’t worry too much”, recalling how she was nervous ahead of her first job interview to work in a supermarket.
Rose, who was born deaf, tells her younger self: “You were worried and concerned and you told mum that you didn’t know if you would get the job because you are deaf.
“Forget that – you will get the job! When you get the job, you will realise your confidence will grow. You will learn that being deaf is actually your advantage. It will give you so many opportunities.”
Rose, who also recently fronted BBC documentary Old Hands New Tricks, in which she teaches BSL to residents at a retirement home, adds: “Just learn how to make the most of those opportunities. Before you know it, you will have an amazing time. Just believe in yourself.”
Arran Masterman, from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories and messages of empowerment. We’re encouraging deaf children to embrace their deaf identity and see their uniqueness as a strength.
“It’s also about raising awareness of deaf experiences. Whether it’s overcoming barriers, finding confidence, or embracing sign language, every story is a celebration of deaf pride and resilience, for deaf children, young people and the wider deaf community.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society wants deaf children and young people to keep believing in themselves, keep aiming high, and achieving whatever they want to do.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and young people.
For anyone needing advice, support or information about deafness, please call our free Helpline on 0808 800 8880 or visit our website, www.ndcs.org.uk
The National Deaf Children’s Society is here for you whenever you need help or support – if you’ve just found out your child has a hearing loss, you need support with making decisions as your child grows up or you work with deaf children.
There are free deaf awareness resources on the National Deaf Children’s Society website with deaf awareness videos for children, a deaf awareness quiz and much more.
Scotland is experiencing growing signs of water scarcity, with half of all river catchments now at Alert status.
The latest water situation report, published yesterday (8th May 2025) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reflects the persistent dry conditions and reduced river flows across many parts of the country.
The risk of water scarcity is categorised in four levels – Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.
The river catchments of the Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr and the Clyde have been raised to Alert this week, bringing the total to 23. Scotland’s 23 other catchments are all at Early Warning leaving only the Inner Hebrides classed as normal.
SEPA began warning of a greater risk of water scarcity at the beginning of March, after below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “With no rainfall forecast across Scotland in the coming days we expect ground conditions to continue getting drier and river flows to decrease or remain low.
“We have been warning since the start of Spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna.
“Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it’s for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed by SEPA.”
SEPA are working with key partners, including NFUS, to share messaging and offer practical advice to those affected. Direct communications are underway with abstractors in catchments at Alert level, reminding them of the need to plan ahead, use water efficiently, and consider voluntary reductions where possible.
The public, land managers and water users are also being asked to share images and observations of local rivers and burns to help build a fuller picture of conditions across the country.
Eilidh Johnston added: “We have monitoring points across Scotland, but local eyes and ears are invaluable and help us better understand how the information our gauges are providing matches up with conditions on the ground.
“Photos of dry riverbeds, low flows, or impacted habitats help us assess the scale of pressure in places we can’t reach every day.”
Include the name of the river or burn, the location (a grid reference is helpful but anything to point to a location is beneficial) and a description of the signs of water scarcity stress
If you would like your image to be credited for use in communications about water scarcity, please state the credit information in your submission. Alternatively, let SEPA know if you do not want the photograph used for any other purpose than to assess water scarcity.
River catchments at Alert
Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr, Clyde, Shin, Naver, Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Thurso.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two vehicles were deliberately set on fire in Pitcairn Grove, Greenbank.
Officers and emergency services attended the area at around 7.45pm last night (Thursday, 8 May, 2025) and extinguished the flames. There were no reports of any injuries and no one was within the vehicles at the time.
Three suspects dressed in dark-coloured clothing are reported to have left the area in a black hatchback vehicle along Greenbank Drive.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “This was a reckless act which has resulted in significant fire damage to the vehicles. We believe this was a targeted attack and it is fortunate that no one was injured.
“I am directly appealing to a dog walker who was in the area at the time and may have seen the suspects leaving the area. If this was you, or you can help us trace this person, please get in touch with officers.
“Equally anyone with any information that can assist our inquiries should contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3400 of Thursday, 8 May, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
