A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for child sexual offences across Scotland.
Ross Jameson was sentenced today (Friday, 31 July, 2026) at the High Court in Edinburgh for indecently communicating and grooming eight girls, aged between nine and 15, throughout 2025.
He contacted the girls using a mobile phone app, and coerced them to take part in sexual acts and send indecent images and videos of themselves.
He pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 February, 2025.
Detective Constable Fergus Kelly said: “Jameson is a depraved individual who gave no thought to his victims, using them only for his sexual gratification.
“These girls were extremely vulnerable and Jameson groomed and abused them. I hope this sentence brings them and their families some comfort.
“I want to acknowledge the strength of all the girls who provided information to police in this case. Jameson’s conviction is down to them.
“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of the passage of time.
“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. We will use all available resources to find and arrest the abusers.
“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service, a lifeguard installation is being installed in St Andrew Square today – Lifeguard Appreciation Day, (Friday 31st July 2026).
Launching in 2001, following a successful pilot scheme in South-West England, over over 245 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards.
RNLI lifeguards were first introduced in Scotland on Coldingham Bay in 2013, and the team has been expanding ever since. They can now be found on 8 Scottish beaches throughout the summer season.
Since the service began in Scotland, RNLI lifeguards have saved 8 lives, aided more than 3,500 people, responded to over 2,400 incidents and carried out more than 560,000 preventative actions.
RNLI lifeguards are best known for rescuing people in difficulty in the water, but much of their work takes place before an incident ever develops.
Around 95% of a lifeguard’s role is prevention, from advising swimmers about rip currents and changing conditions to helping families stay safe on the beach and reuniting lost children with their parents.
Lachlan Edwards, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: “International Lifeguard Day is an opportunity to celebrate our fantastic and dedicated lifeguard team, both past and present.
“We have a team of around 40 lifeguards, including volunteer lifeguards, who help keep the public safe and well informed. They not only work across our eight beaches, providing casualty care, support and carrying out rescues, they also work in local primary schools and help educate communities on water safety at events throughout the year.
“Having been part of the team since 2015 I have seen first-hand how the service in Scotland has grown and the impact our lifeguards have had is remarkable. We look forward to growing the team further and continuing to provide this lifesaving service.”
Owen McQueenie is a senior lifeguard who joined the service in 2019, inspired by his dad, Martin, and older sister, Tamsin, who were both RNLI lifeguards.
Owen says: ‘Being part of the lifeguard team is incredibly rewarding. I have always loved being in and around the water and surfing with my family, so being able to do this as a job, while helping to protect the public is really awesome.
‘I was inspired by my dad and sister to get involved with the RNLI lifeguard team. It’s great to work in the same field as my family and be able to share our experiences after our shifts. They were a huge support when I became a senior lifeguard, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.’
Owen recently assisted two girls who were caught by the wind on their paddleboard at Coldingham Bay and safely guided them back to the shore.
As families continue to enjoy the coast this summer, the RNLI is encouraging people to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit rnli.org/lifeguardedbeach.
Recent rainfall has improved river conditions in parts of Scotland, with several catchments moving to lower levels of water scarcity. However, prolonged dry conditions mean rivers across much of eastern Scotland remain under significant pressure, with four catchments continuing to experience Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows that the Lunan Water, Lower Don, North Fife and Fife East Neuk remain in Significant Scarcity. If river flows remain exceptionally low, Tay Estuary North, the River Teviot and Ettrick Water could also move to this level over the coming week.
This week’s assessment does show improvements in the south and west of the country. The Lower Tweed, Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal catchments in the Scottish Borders have recovered enough to come out of Significant Scarcity, though the area does remain in Moderate Scarcity.
Doon, Irvine and Ayr have improved to Early Warning, while Argyll Coast, Loch Linnhe and Lochy (Inverness-shire) have returned to Normal Conditions.
However, conditions continue to deteriorate elsewhere. The Spey, Ythan and Dee (Aberdeen) have moved to Moderate Water Scarcity, while the Forth has moved to Alert.
Although rain is forecast over the coming days it is too early to know whether it will provide enough sustained rainfall to restore river flows in the catchments currently under pressure.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Recent rainfall has brought welcome improvements in some parts of Scotland. However, many rivers, particularly across eastern Scotland, continue to experience the impacts of prolonged dry weather, with some recording exceptionally low flows for the time of year.
“It’s encouraging to see improvements in some catchments, but recovery does not happen overnight. A river’s level may improve enough to move out of significant water scarcity while the wider catchment remains under pressure.
“Even though we’ve seen some rain, it doesn’t always reach the areas that need it most, and even when it does it may not be enough to restore river flows after a prolonged dry period. How rivers respond depends on the right amount of rain, in the right place, at the right time
“We assess conditions every day and update water scarcity levels as the evidence changes. You can keep up to date with this changing picture on our website using our Drought Risk Assessment Tool. Our weekly report will continue to provide the national picture,”
SEPA’s water scarcity assessments reflect conditions across each catchment, taking account of rainfall, river flows and soil moisture. Significant Scarcity is different. It is triggered when river flows remain below the recognised Q95 low-flow threshold for a prolonged period, indicating increased pressure on rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions remain in place in catchments affected by Significant Water Scarcity and will be lifted as soon as measured river conditions recover.
SEPA continue to monitor conditions daily using its Drought Risk Assessment Tool, with decisions based on measured environmental conditions rather than rainfall forecasts or fixed dates.
The Prime Minister has launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving England’s communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area
Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation
Mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so communities directly benefit when their economy grows, with new powers for communities still on the road to devolution
Taking a tried and tested approach nationwide – delivering better transport, more homes and skills training matched to local jobs
The Prime Minister yesterday launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.
As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time.
This means when places create jobs and grow their economies, they will now keep more of the rewards – giving local leaders new powers to invest in what matters most locally.
The government wants every community to benefit from stronger local decision-making. Areas without a mayor will still be supported to establish strategic authorities and gain greater control over local priorities.
In his second week in office, the Prime Minister told his Cabinet that it is time to launch a new era of devolution – taking power and decision-making out of SW1 and putting it closer to people’s lives.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I said we’d take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country. Today, we make good on that promise.
“Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community. Soon, every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.
“I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. I’m not going to make that same mistake now I’m PM.
“The whole of government will now pull together behind the people and places that desperately need our support. This is how we’ll bring back hope and bring power home to you.”
The plans will end the Whitehall-first culture that has held back local areas for decades, forcing departments to justify why powers should stay in Westminster rather than be handed to local leaders.
By shifting power, funding and decision-making closer to people, the changes will give every part of the country the tools to create strong local economies, improve public services and shape its own future.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “The people who best understand what skills employers want, what transport an area needs and where investment can make the biggest difference are those who live there.
“For the first time we’re giving Mayors a share of income tax so communities directly benefit when their economy grows – passing power out of Westminster and driving growth in every postcode.
“This is the way we start to build new hope and advance the working people of this country.”
From next spring, mayors will begin retaining a greater share of locally generated revenues, starting with business rates. Further details on this and on income tax retention will be set out in a roadmap at the Budget and will be underpinned by the government’s firm commitment to fiscal discipline.
Over time, local areas will move away from dependence on Whitehall grants and towards funding that rewards local growth.
The ambition is to extend the benefits of devolution across the whole UK, working with devolved governments and local leaders to give communities more control over their future.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “This is the first step in our plan to rewire this country and build a better future, where power is no longer hoarded in Westminster but is put back in the hands of local people – where it belongs.
“Our devolution revolution is about bringing an end to the begging-bowl culture of the past, and instead making sure our local leaders have the tools they need to drive the change that communities have been crying out for.
“We need every region to be firing on all cylinders if we want good growth in every postcode, and we will do everything in our power to make that a reality.”
The reforms will be driven by a strengthened No10 North operation, working with mayors, local leaders and other partners to remove barriers to growth, accelerate delivery and ensure government is better connected to communities across the country.
Local leaders will gain greater control over the services that shape people’s lives, including housing, transport, skills, employment support and public services.
This includes powers to:
Bring rail and bus services under greater local control, helping introduce integrated ticketing and more reliable services.
Build more homes where they’re needed and unlock stalled development sites by giving local leaders stronger planning and regeneration powers and more devolved funding.
Give more control over large local transport schemes, trams and metros to Mayors by removing and streamlining Whitehall.
Give mayors control over 16-19 funding and employment support, so young people can train for the jobs local employers need and people out of work can get tailored support back into employment.
Back local industries and innovative businesses, and attract investment, creating more well-paid jobs.
Where power is devolved, Whitehall resource will follow, giving devolved leaders the resources they need to drive change closer to home
Reforms will remove barriers that prevent locally led transport projects from going ahead, handing over new planning powers for mayors and give local areas greater flexibility over how funding is spent.
Under a new “local first” principle, ministers will be expected to justify why powers should remain in Whitehall rather than being devolved.
The United Kingdom has invested less in its future than any other G7 country over the past three decades. Giving local leaders greater control over funding and investment decisions will help unlock opportunities that have too often been overlooked by a Whitehall-led approach.
The Prime Minister believes the country’s towns, cities and communities can drive far more growth and opportunity if they are given the tools to do so.
Where local leaders have been trusted with greater responsibility, they have already delivered results:
In West Yorkshire, a Housing Investment Fund of up to £334 million is helping unlock land for development and bring forward stalled sites, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes.
In the Liverpool City Region, local leaders are transforming transport through the rollout of Tap and Go ticketing on Merseyrail, bringing the bus network into local control later this year and taking rail services back into public ownership by 2028.
In the North East, 65,000 residents have been supported to gain qualifications, opening up new employment opportunities in sectors including construction and childcare.
The UK cannot rely on success in a small number of places alone. By giving more communities the tools to succeed, these reforms will help spread opportunity more widely, raise living standards and ensure more people feel the benefits of economic success in their everyday lives.
As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.
Following the recent wildfire in Holyrood Park, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has warned that the growing numbers of major wildfires seen across Scotland and Europe highlights the urgent need to recognise the scale of the climate emergency and strengthen efforts to tackle its causes.
Recent weeks have seen devastating wildfires spread across parts of Spain and France, while Scotland has also experienced significant blazes, including within the Cairngorms National Park.
These incidents are evidence of a new and worrying trend of hotter, drier conditions resulting in an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
We are also seeing an increase in fires in habitats that used to be much more resilient to such events.
Wildfires have a long-lasting impact on the affected areas causing lasting damage to natural habitats, threatening wildlife and releases large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. They also pose a significant risk to the safety of the communities who live in their vicinity of such fires.
France is currently seeing the largest peacetime evacuation in its history and Bordeaux, a city with a million people living in its urban area, is threatened with destruction.
Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The fire that occurred in Holyrood Park was not an isolated incident. Across Europe we can witness the growing consequences of a changing climate. These events serve as a stark warning that the climate emergency is not a future problem, it is happening right now.
“Climate change is creating the conditions for longer periods of hot, dry weather, making destructive wildfires more common and more severe.
“We must respond with the urgency this crisis demands by accelerating our actions to reduce emissions, protect and restore our natural environment and invest in climate adaptation measures that make our communities more resilient.”
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu today:
Carrot and herb soup
Lentil curry
Potato croquette
Garden salad
Chocolate chip bread and butter pudding
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.
And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
A Broughton High School pupil has won a national photography award after impressing judges in the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Photography Competition.
Eliza G was named winner of the Secondary School Category at Scotland’s Civic Celebration, held in Glasgow and attended by young people, community organisations and civic leaders from across the country.
The My Place Photography Competition invites young people to explore the buildings, streets and places that matter to them through photography.
Judges praised this year’s entries for the insight and creativity they brought to Scotland’s built environment.
Scottish Civic Awards 2026
Joe Traynor, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: “The My Place Photography Competition encourages young people to look closely at the places around them and consider what makes them distinctive.
“Eliza’s photograph stood out for the quality of observation and perspective it brought to the subject. We are delighted to celebrate this achievement.”
Eliza received the award during Scotland’s Civic Celebration in Glasgow on Wednesday 29 July, where winners from across Scotland were recognised alongside community-led regeneration projects and civic initiatives.
The competition forms part of the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place programme, which encourages young people to engage with their local heritage and built environment. For more information visit: scottishcivictrust.org.uk
Expanding access to “national front door” to family support
A charity support line providing a one-step gateway to cost of living and whole family support will be expanded by Scottish Government funding to help up to 7,500 families.
Children First’s service offers practical, emotional and financial help and advice to families across Scotland 365 days a year by phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face. Scottish Government investment will allow the charity to more than double the support it provides, including:
immediate cash grants and practical tips on budgeting and debt management
emotional support to help families manage stress and anxiety
practical advice to navigate public services, helping to access things like childcare and housing
connections for families to specialised support to help people get into and stay in work.
A total of £2 million from the Scottish Government in 2026-27 will equip the charity to bolster its offer across the country as a key part of work under the child poverty delivery plan “Bringing Hope, Building Futures”.
Visiting the charity in Glasgow, First Minister John Swinney said: “During the cost of living crisis, there are families struggling to make ends meet and accessing help can often be overwhelming.
“We want to provide a better future for every parent and every child, and to do that we need to make support as simple, accessible and effective as possible.
“That’s why we are pleased to be supporting Children First to develop a national front door for support, so that help is in the right place, at the right time. Organisations like Children First play such an important role and I am pleased that we are supporting them to double the support they provide to families across Scotland.”
In 2025-26, the Children First support line has supported over 5,000 families nationally. This investment will enable the charity to expand staffing, enhance specialist expertise and increase Money Advice capacity, including helping people with their energy bills, ensuring more families can easily access support which is sustained for as long as they need it.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services, Children First said: “This funding is fantastic news for Scotland’s children and families, who often tell us that they don’t know where to turn for support.
“Parents and carers, who are often stressed and exhausted trying to find the right help when they need it, will welcome this with open arms.
“By connecting families to joined-up practical, emotional and financial help through our support line, we will reduce the impact of poverty, strengthen families and make sure thousands more of Scotland’s children enjoy the safe and secure childhood, which is every child’s right.
“Children First’s support line is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your family is in need of help, our friendly and understanding support line team are here to help. Call us on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.”
Jasmine, a young Mum who has been supported by Children First said: “Things are so expensive nowadays and with my baby I was feeling the pressure before I met Children First. I also felt quite lonely and alienated because I didn’t know other young people who had babies. It wasn’t good for my mental health.
“The help from Children First has been outstanding. The emotional and financial help they’ve given has had a positive impact on us – I can get fresh fruit and vegetables for the baby and I feel less isolated because I’ve met other young mums. Without the support from Children First, I don’t think our lives would be anywhere near as good.”
A spectacular solar event is coming to Scotland’s skies this August – and Dynamic Earth is here to help you get eclipse-ready with FREE activities and a new Planetarium show!
Ahead of the partial solar eclipse this August, join us on Wednesday 5th August for Get Ready for the Eclipse: a lively day of space science and hands-on discovery.
Drop in for free activities | Find out how solar telescopes work and learn the safest ways to enjoy the eclipse with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
What’s Up: The Solar Show | Step into our 360° Planetarium for a live presenter-led stargazing show with a special solar focus led by our in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Toni Newell.
Meet Professor Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Enjoy a talk and Q&A session with Scotland’s Astronomer Royal following the What’s Up: The Solar Show at 12pm and 2pm.
Bring your questions, discover hands-on activities, and get ready for this summer’s must-see moment in the sky!
A spectacular solar event is coming to Scotland’s skies this August – and Dynamic Earth is here to help you get eclipse-ready with FREE activities and a new Planetarium show! 
Drop in for free activities | Find out how solar telescopes work and learn the safest ways to enjoy the eclipse with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh,