National News: Stories from Scotland

Legal aid system in Scotland in crisis, according to investigation by The Daily Herald

Legal aid, the right to free legal help in criminal cases, is under threat due to the increasing number of solicitors leaving the profession. In Scotland, there are 911 solicitors on the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s criminal register. However, the number of solicitors over the age of 50 is twice as many as those under 30, fueling fears that the current legal aid crisis could become catastrophic over the next ten years. The Daily Herald investigated the functioning of courts, Scottish town’s ‘legal deserts’, and the lack of investment from the government.

Scotland faces coldest early winter night since 1998

Parts of Aberdeenshire reached lows of -11.2 °C on 19 November. The last time -10.9 or lower was recorded before 19  November was in 1998. The Met Office have issued an amber warning for parts of the Highlands, Perth, and Kinross and Angus during Storm Bert.

Edinburgh University warns staff of job cuts

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh University Sir Peter Mathieson has said in a BBC article on 18 November that due to “unsustainable” funding, the University is forced to make compulsory redundancies. He said spending will have to be reduced in all areas. These cuts follow similar action from Dundee University, which also admitted that job cuts were “inevitable.” The Universities and College Union have said it was a “deeply worrying time” for staff and students.

Most wild swimming spots in Fife have high water standards but two rated as ‘poor’, as found in recent survey

Twelve beaches in Scotland were rated under the “excellent” category by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), including St Andrews’ East Sands. Three were rated as “good,” including St Andrews’ West Sands. However, Kinghorn and Lower Largo were deemed “poor.” SEPA has said it is currently working to reduce the pollution from Kinghorn Barn which discharges into the bathing water.

Photo from the BBC