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23/08/2026

Shark Bite Horror Off Irish Coast Leaves Angler Facing Surgery😮🇬🇧

A man bitten by a blue shark while carrying out a tagging operation off the Irish coast is facing surgery after suffering a serious leg injury.

Sebastian Achim was part of an experienced crew researching sharks near Ram Head, Ardmore, when the incident happened on Tuesday.

The team had been catching, tagging and releasing sharks when Achim brought another blue shark aboard. After removing the hook, he kept his distance from its tail, but the animal suddenly lunged and clamped onto his calf.

Achim said he believed the shark was acting on instinct after being removed from the water. The crew immediately returned it to the sea without tagging it.

He suffered significant blood loss and told RTÉ that he repeatedly lost consciousness while waiting for help, with the boat around three hours from shore.

A rope was tied above the wound to slow the bleeding before emergency crews arrived. Rescue 117, Ballycotton RNLI and Youghal RNLI responded, with Achim eventually winched aboard the Coast Guard helicopter and flown to Cork University Hospital.

Doctors have told him he has lost tissue and skin and will require skin grafts.

Blue sharks are common in British and Irish waters during summer and can grow beyond three metres long. Despite their size, attacks on people are rare, with the species generally considered curious rather than aggressive.😮🇬🇧

23/08/2026

Woman with rare skin condition learns to embrace her unique appearance🤍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌸

A woman whose rare genetic skin condition covers almost her entire body in birthmarks has spoken of her journey towards accepting her appearance after years of trying to hide it.

Laura Kelly, 28, was born with congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN), a condition caused by an increased number of pigment-producing cells in the skin. She underwent 14 operations as a baby after doctors feared she might not survive beyond the age of eight.

Growing up in Draperstown, County Londonderry, Laura said she was largely treated like any other child. But her confidence changed during her teenage years as she became increasingly aware of her appearance.

She began wearing heavy makeup and carefully choosing clothes to cover as much of her skin as possible.

Laura has since connected with other people living with CMN through the charity Caring Matters Now, which has helped her realise she was not alone.

She recently reached a major personal milestone by wearing shorts in public for the first time.

Laura is now determined to embrace her appearance and hopes sharing her experience will encourage others with visible differences.

She said learning to feel comfortable in her own skin takes time, adding: “Being different is unique, and being unique is better than being perfect.”🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌸🤍

23/08/2026

A nine-year-old boy who had his left foot amputated as a toddler has become the youngest amputee believed to have completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours.

Albie-Junior Thomas, from Holywell in North Wales, climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales in 22 hours and 30 minutes on 18 August.

The youngster was accompanied by his father, Daniel, 40, throughout the challenge. He lost his foot when he was 15 months old but began using a prosthetic and learning to run from the age of two.

His family says the achievement reflects his determination and resilience, as well as his ambition to compete in the Paralympics one day.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, with participants traditionally aiming to complete the three climbs and journeys between them within 24 hours.

Daniel said he was proud not only of his son's mountain achievement, but also of the mental strength he had developed since learning to walk with a prosthetic.

He described Albie-Junior as a young boy who was now inspiring thousands of people.

The challenge adds to a series of achievements by the youngster, who has refused to allow his disability to prevent him from taking part in demanding physical activities.

His family hopes his story will encourage other children and young people to believe that physical challenges can be overcome with determination, preparation and support.

23/08/2026

More cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in sheep in Scotland, with eight infections now recorded across farms in Dumfries and Galloway.

The latest two cases were identified in sheep as officials continue investigating the spread of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), a potentially fatal disease affecting cattle, sheep and other ruminants.

The first Scottish case this season was detected at a farm near Newton Stewart on August 8. A Temporary Control Zone has since been introduced in south-west Scotland as a precaution.

Livestock movements into and out of the zone are restricted and can only take place under licence. Increased surveillance and testing are also being carried out to establish the extent of the outbreak.

From Saturday, animals travelling from Scotland to Bluetongue Restricted Zones elsewhere in the UK must return on the same day, replacing the previous four-day allowance.

From September 10, susceptible livestock entering Scotland from a restricted zone will generally need to have been vaccinated, apart from animals returning under the same-day rule.

Bluetongue is mainly spread by biting midges and does not affect people or food safety.

Farmers have been urged to report suspected cases promptly as authorities work to limit further spread.

23/08/2026

Scottish schoolboy saved by ‘superhero’ aunt’s kidney celebrates high school milestone❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Dunfermline schoolboy who spent thousands of hours on dialysis after being born with kidney failure has reached a milestone his family once feared might never come.

Daniel Cornet, now 12, has started high school after overcoming a childhood marked by more than 30 operations and lengthy stays in hospital.

Daniel was diagnosed with severe kidney problems before he was born, with his parents learning about the complications during a 20-week pregnancy scan. Doctors later told them he had end-stage renal failure.

By the age of three, the youngster had spent more than 9,000 hours receiving dialysis to keep him alive.

His life changed when doctors discovered that his aunt, Carolyn Cornet, was a perfect match for a kidney transplant. She immediately volunteered to become Daniel’s donor, earning her the affectionate title of the family’s “superhero”.

The transplant was successful and, despite requiring continued medical care, Daniel has since been able to enjoy many of the childhood experiences his family once worried would be out of reach.

His mum Louise described seeing him walk through the doors of St Columba’s High School as an emotional moment.

She also praised the renal and urology teams at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children for supporting Daniel throughout his journey.

Louise said the road had been filled with difficult moments, but added that reaching high school was “amazing”.

Daniel’s family now hopes his new chapter will bring more happy milestones as he continues to live life with his transplanted kidney.❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

23/08/2026

Boston woman still flying to Scotland after viral World Cup romance ends🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇲❤️

Jill Roberts is flying to Scotland this week for a solo adventure after her high-profile romance with a Tartan Army fan collapsed.

The 42-year-old Boston singer met Tommy Morrison, 38, from Bonnyrigg, outside Fenway Park in June during Scotland’s World Cup takeover of the city. A short video of their first chat went viral, and with help from one of Morrison’s ex-partners they began a long-distance relationship. Roberts quickly booked flights for late August, planning to reunite with the joiner.

Last week the relationship ended. Roberts told followers she had called it off after learning Morrison faced serious criminal charges under Solemn Procedure. He appeared in court on petition earlier this year, though the exact offences remain undisclosed while the case continues.

Rather than cancel, Roberts has chosen to keep her ticket and turn the trip into a personal reset. She will spend time exploring Edinburgh, enjoy a spa break in Crieff, visit Glasgow, and attend a Celtic match. She has also left space for casual meet-ups with Scots who have been sending recommendations and offers of hospitality.

“I’m going to have to come back,” she posted, adding that the conversations and connections already made have been among the best parts of planning the journey.

Scottish fans have largely urged her to come anyway, promising a warm welcome. Roberts arrives determined to experience the country on her own terms after an unexpected chapter that began with a chance meeting in Boston.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇲❤️

23/08/2026

Strathaven Balloon Festival to Bring Colour and Spectacle to Scottish Skies

Scotland’s only hot air balloon festival is preparing to return to Strathaven this weekend, with thousands of visitors expected for three days of colourful balloon displays, aerial entertainment and family activities.

The Strathaven Balloon Festival will take place from August 28 to 30, bringing a packed programme to the South Lanarkshire town. Admission is free, with no tickets required to enter the festival.

The event comes after last year’s 25th anniversary celebrations, which saw more than 106 hot air balloon flights take place and attracted large crowds to the area.

This year, visitors can expect balloon launches across the weekend, with flights planned during the morning and evening, weather permitting. One of the biggest attractions will be the Evening Glow on Saturday night, when balloons are expected to light up the darkness in a spectacular display.

A professional Sky Masters skydiving display is also planned for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, while families can enjoy a funfair, live entertainment, stalls and classic vehicles.

Among the attractions announced for this year is Thomas the Tank Engine, which will appear in the festival arena on Saturday and Sunday. The character will be tethered and will not take part in a flying display.

Visitors will also have the chance to enter a weekend raffle, offering the opportunity to win a hot air balloon experience, although members of the public will not be able to join the festival balloons themselves.

Organisers have warned that balloon flights, skydiving, tethered displays and the Evening Glow are all weather dependent, meaning timings and activities could change if conditions are unsuitable.

The festival costs more than £50,000 to stage and relies on sponsorship, fundraising and donations rather than regular public funding.

With colourful balloons expected to fill the skies above Strathaven, alongside skydiving, fairground rides, live entertainment and family attractions, the three-day festival is set to provide one of Scotland’s most distinctive summer spectacles.

The Strathaven Balloon Festival runs from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30, with the latest event information and any weather-related changes expected to be announced by organisers.

23/08/2026

Tobermory on Scotland’s Isle of Mull has been named the country’s best destination for a weekend escape, praised for its picturesque coastline, seafood and opportunities to spot wildlife.
The colourful island town topped a list published by Discover Britain highlighting nine small Scottish towns described as looking “straight out of a storybook”.
Tobermory, the main settlement and administrative centre of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, has a population of just over 1,000 people. Its waterfront setting, distinctive buildings and surrounding natural landscapes have made it a popular destination for visitors seeking a quieter alternative to Scotland’s busier tourist locations.
Travel experts highlighted the town’s spectacular coastal views and food and drink, while its location makes it an attractive base for exploring Mull’s wildlife and scenery.
Visitors can experience the island’s rugged coastline, beaches and countryside, with opportunities to see a variety of marine and land wildlife. Seafood is another major attraction, reflecting Mull’s strong connection with the surrounding waters.
The recognition comes during the summer holiday period, when many of Scotland’s best-known destinations can become particularly busy. The guide suggests smaller communities such as Tobermory can offer travellers a more peaceful experience while still providing distinctive scenery and attractions.
The Isle of Mull has long attracted visitors looking for dramatic landscapes and island life, but the latest ranking puts Tobermory firmly in the spotlight.
For travellers planning a Scottish getaway, the town offers a combination of colourful coastal scenery, local food, wildlife and tranquillity – helping explain why it has been singled out as an ideal weekend escape.

23/08/2026

Glasgow has brought the 2026 Commonwealth Games to a successful close, delivering 11 days of international sport and showcasing Scotland as a confident and welcoming host.
A total of 1,168 athletes from 74 nations and territories competed across 10 sports, with 215 medal events forming the heart of the programme. More than 630,000 people attended venues, live sites and the Glasgow 2026 Festival, while more than 4,000 volunteers contributed 156,110 hours to the Games.
The event was organised at relatively short notice, making Glasgow’s delivery particularly notable. The city’s experience of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 helped provide a strong foundation, while Scottish supporters once again created an enthusiastic atmosphere around the competition.
Athletics provided several standout moments, including a highly anticipated men’s mile featuring world champions Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman. Scottish athletes also embraced the opportunity to represent their country on home soil, competing proudly in front of family, friends and passionate supporters.
The 2026 Games differed from Glasgow’s previous Commonwealth event. Athletes were accommodated across 18 hotels rather than a purpose-built village, while athletics took place at the more compact Scotstoun Stadium instead of Hampden Park.
There were challenges, including the proximity of the European Athletics Championships, which affected participation from some leading athletes.
Nevertheless, Glasgow once again demonstrated its ability to stage major sporting events with warmth, professionalism and energy.
For Scotland, Glasgow 2026 leaves a lasting legacy: a successful Games, unforgettable sporting moments and another powerful reminder of the country’s ability to welcome the world.

23/08/2026

Young Scottish athletes celebrate competition and community at Grangemouth championships

Young athletes from across Scotland have travelled long distances to compete at the 4J Age Group Championships in Grangemouth, with organisers and coaches highlighting the importance of enjoyment alongside competition.

For some competitors, the journey to Falkirk was almost as challenging as the two-day championships themselves. Shetland AAC brought 17 athletes to the mainland, with their trip involving a ferry to Aberdeen, two buses and a train before reaching Grangemouth on Friday night.

The group is not expected to return to Lerwick until Tuesday afternoon. Athletes travelling from Orkney, Stornoway RAC and North Uist also faced lengthy journeys and significant travel costs.

Shetland coach John said careful planning was needed, but the opportunity to compete against athletes from across Scotland made the trip worthwhile.

Among the competition highlights was Shetland's Kian Redman, who won the U20 men's 200m final in 22.42 seconds.

Stornoway RAC's Abbie Stewart claimed gold in the women's 800m, while Orkney's Emily McArthur finished third.

Emma Clark of Whitemoss AAC won the U20 women's 200m after stepping up from the U18 age group, while Holly Whittaker took long jump gold.

At U16 level, Joseph Lanahan won the long jump with 7.00m, while Murray Robb set a championship best of 16.29m in the shot put.

Kilmarnock Harriers athletes Kacey Wilson and Ethan Gordon also enjoyed successful championships, with Wilson winning two hurdles titles and Gordon taking gold in the hammer and discus.

The busy Grangemouth event also provided a chance for young athletes to build friendships and enjoy the wider experience of Scottish athletics.

WE ARE PROUD SCOTS

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