Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Council trading standards, with Police Scotland, seized 58,000 counterfeit football jerseys (9 tons, worth £5.5 million) in the UK's largest counterfeit goods raid. The fake kits, including England, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, and France shirts, were intended for illegal sale during the World Cup. Officials warned of harmful dyes and fire risks, and noted links to organized crime. Investigations into the supply chain continue.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:32 AM UTC

Craneware, a London AIM-listed healthcare services company providing cost management software to hospitals, disclosed a cyberattack involving unauthorized access to a subset of its data environment. Early investigations revealed that a significant volume of file names were viewed and exfiltrated, with employee data and some customer and partner records accessed. The company stated the incident caused no service disruption and that the compromised data is believed to be non-sensitive. Craneware notified the US FBI and UK Information Commissioner's Office. Shares fell 8.9% in early trading on Monday, extending a year-to-date decline of over 40%. Analysts highlighted regulatory response as a key factor, noting Capita's recent £14m fine for a similar breach. Peel Hunt placed its buy recommendation under review pending further details.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:22 AM UTC

Rayo Vallecano, under new coach Beñat San José, lost 2-1 to Heart of Midlothian in a preseason friendly at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh. Hearts striker Ba-Sy scored two first-half headers, while Rayo's Sergio Camello pulled one back in the second half. The match served as a fitness test for Rayo ahead of the new La Liga season, with San José rotating all 11 players at halftime.

6 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:01 AM UTC

UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm Saffery has appointed four senior tax professionals across its Edinburgh and Inverness offices in Scotland. The hires aim to strengthen the company's capabilities in corporate tax and professional partnerships. In Edinburgh, Emma Siegel joins as corporate tax director from Forvis Mazars, Susan Pattison as corporate tax senior manager from Henderson Loggie, and Patricia Bell as tax senior manager from Ashurst. In Inverness, Lois Tack has been hired as corporate tax senior manager from Azets. The new specialists bring expertise in UK corporation tax, cultural tax reliefs, high-net-worth tax compliance, and R&D tax relief. Saffery's Edinburgh office head Sean McGinness noted the appointments enhance the firm's tax offering, which now includes 33 specialists across multiple tax areas. Saffery has operated in Scotland for over three decades.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:26 AM UTC

Fans of Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Celtic are eagerly anticipating a decisive Scottish Premiership match scheduled for Saturday at Celtic Park in Glasgow. The game holds significant historical weight for Hearts, as a victory would secure their first league title in 66 years. In anticipation of a potential win, Hearts supporters are expected to celebrate in Edinburgh on Sunday. Conversely, Celtic has not organized any official celebration events, a fact confirmed by Police Scotland. The buildup to this crucial fixture has been marred by controversy stemming from a previous match between Celtic and Motherwell, where a disputed penalty decision led to the leaking of referee John Beaton's personal details. Consequently, Police Scotland announced the arrest and charging of a 19-year-old man in connection with the data breach. This incident highlights the heightened tensions surrounding the league's conclusion. The article underscores the stark contrast in preparation for post-match celebrations between the two clubs while emphasizing the historic opportunity facing Hearts after decades of waiting for top-flight success.

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt expressed disappointment following his team's 26-5 home defeat to Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Speaking to BBC Scotland, Everitt acknowledged that while Edinburgh secured favorable field position with 18 possessions and 14 entries, they failed to convert these opportunities into points. He credited Connacht for their desperate and effective defensive performance. Everitt identified attacking inefficiencies and a lack of squad depth as significant issues throughout the season, noting that a roster of 45 players is necessary to compete effectively in the league. He reflected on the team's failure to reach the top eight, attributing it partly to narrow losses in the initial block of games. Everitt emphasized that securing wins in those early matches would have eased pressure later in the season. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of improving performance in upcoming away fixtures, particularly in South Africa, to accumulate essential points. The article highlights the coach's candid assessment of the team's structural and tactical shortcomings during the 2026 season.

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Connacht rugby team has successfully qualified for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs following a decisive 26-5 bonus-point victory against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium. The Irish side dominated the match, establishing a commanding 19-0 lead by halftime thanks to tries from Josh Ioane and a double from Shamus Hurley-Langton. Matthew Devine secured the crucial bonus point with a fourth try in the second half, capitalizing on an Edinburgh error. Ewan Ashman scored a late consolation try for the hosts, but it was insufficient to change the outcome. This result propels Connacht to seventh place in the URC standings, ensuring their post-season participation. Conversely, Edinburgh's disappointing season concludes with the team finishing no higher than 12th place. The match highlighted Connacht's defensive strength and ability to capitalize on turnovers, while Edinburgh struggled to break through despite periods of pressure. The victory marks a significant achievement for Connacht as they advance to the next stage of the competition.

1 reports · 1 sources

Connacht has successfully secured a position in the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs following a decisive bonus-point victory against Edinburgh. The Irish province dominated the match, establishing a commanding 19-0 lead by halftime thanks to a try from Josh Ioane and two scores from Shamus Hurley-Langton. Despite Edinburgh's persistent efforts to break through Connacht's defense in the second half, they were unable to mount a significant comeback. Matthew Devine sealed the bonus point for Connacht with a fourth try after capitalizing on an Edinburgh error in midfield. Ewan Ashman scored a late consolation try for the hosts, but it was insufficient to change the outcome. This result propels Connacht to sixth place in the URC standings, confirming their playoff berth. Conversely, Edinburgh's disappointing season concludes with the team finishing no higher than 12th place. The match highlighted Connacht's effective counter-attacking strategy and robust defensive performance, contrasting sharply with Edinburgh's struggles to convert pressure into points throughout the game.

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Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) are poised to win their first Scottish Premiership title in 66 years as they face league leaders Celtic Glasgow in a decisive final match. This encounter marks a potential end to the decades-long dominance of the 'Old Firm' rivals, Celtic and Rangers, who have collectively won 55 championships. Currently, Hearts hold a one-point lead over Celtic, while Rangers have dropped to third place. The title race intensified after a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Celtic in their previous match against Motherwell, a decision Hearts' coach Derek McInnes labeled 'disgusting.' If Hearts win or draw, they secure the championship; a loss could still cost them the title depending on goal differences, echoing past failures in 1965 and 1986. The match carries significant cultural weight, reviving historical religious and social tensions between the Protestant-backed Edinburgh club and the Catholic-associated Celtic. A victory for Hearts would represent the first non-'Old Firm' league title since Aberdeen's success under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1985, signaling a major shift in Scottish football dynamics.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to resume discussions on the future structure of the World Test Championship (WTC) during upcoming meetings in May 2026. The Chief Executives Committee will hold a virtual meeting on May 21, followed by an in-person Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30-31. A working group led by Roger Twose has recommended expanding the WTC to include all twelve Full Members, specifically bringing in Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan. To accommodate these new teams, the proposal suggests allowing one-Test series to count towards WTC points, a departure from the current minimum two-Test requirement. While the existing structure may remain for the 2027-29 cycle, significant progress is expected, with potential finalization at the annual general meeting in Edinburgh this July. The meetings were rescheduled from Doha due to regional crises, creating uncertainty regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board's physical attendance in India amidst tense diplomatic relations. The current Future Tours Programme concludes in March 2027, with the next WTC final set for England in June 2027.

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Police Scotland has publicly criticized Celtic Football Club for failing to organize an official title celebration party, despite the club being on the verge of winning the Scottish Premiership. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell stated that the club has not taken responsibility for supporter conduct outside the stadium, forcing police to prepare for potential disorder in Glasgow's Trongate and Merchant City areas. This lack of planning has resulted in the cancellation of officers' rest days. The criticism follows previous years where unofficial mass gatherings led to anti-social behavior, including street drinking, pyrotechnics use, and arrests. In contrast, rival club Hearts plans an organized open-top bus parade in Edinburgh if they secure the title. Police have urged Celtic fans to avoid mass gatherings to minimize disruption to local communities. The final match against Hearts is described as a decisive showdown, with heightened security measures already in place, such as removing glass from bus shelters, to mitigate risks associated with large, unregulated crowds.

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Heart of Midlothian FC faces Celtic in a decisive final match of the Scottish Premiership season, aiming to win their first league title since 1960. The article highlights the remarkable journey of Hearts, which was rescued from financial ruin in 2013 by the Foundation of Hearts, a supporter-led organization. Key figures like Brian Cormack and Alex Mackie, who helped establish the foundation, will watch as the team attempts to secure the single point needed for glory at Celtic Park. Under manager Derek McInnes and backed by investors like Tony Bloom, Hearts have transformed into a reputable, competitive club. Despite being underdogs against the financially superior Celtic, the squad has gained significant belief following key victories against Rangers and Falkirk. The match represents not just a sporting contest but the culmination of over a decade of community effort and strategic rebuilding. While Celtic are considered favorites, the emotional momentum and recent form of Hearts have created a compelling narrative of potential historic achievement for the Edinburgh-based club.

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Police Scotland has accused Celtic Football Club of failing to take responsibility for fan conduct outside the stadium ahead of a crucial Scottish Premiership title decider against Hearts. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell stated that despite months of discussions regarding potential fan zones, Celtic did not present a comprehensive plan for official celebrations if they win the league on Saturday. Consequently, police have had to prepare for large, unmanaged gatherings in Glasgow's Trongate area, impacting officer wellbeing and causing the cancellation of rest days. In contrast, Hearts has coordinated with Edinburgh authorities for an organized open-top bus parade should they secure their first title in 66 years. Celtic has urged supporters to avoid gathering in Glasgow city center to minimize disruption to the local community and emergency services, acknowledging past difficulties with crowd control. The match, taking place at Celtic Park, represents a rare final-day showdown for the championship. Police emphasized that while a dedicated policing plan is active, they will strictly enforce laws against anti-social behavior to ensure public safety during the heightened tensions of the weekend.

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Sue and Jeremy Everard, the parents of murdered Sarah Everard, attended the opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. They were invited as guests by Lady Elish Angiolini, the Lord High Commissioner to the Assembly and chair of the Angiolini Inquiry. The inquiry was established following Sarah’s murder by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. During the event, Lady Angiolini highlighted the critical issue of violence against women and discussed her recent report on preventing sexually motivated crimes in public spaces. She emphasized the role of community action in crime prevention, referencing the concept of the Good Samaritan and proposals for laws requiring witnesses to assist those in danger. The Assembly’s Moderator, Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy, expressed privilege at their presence and offered prayers for the family and all victims of gender-based violence. The gathering served as a platform to reflect on societal responsibilities, with Angiolini noting that while practical safety measures are essential, fostering a caring community remains a vital, untapped resource for ensuring safer streets for women and men alike.

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Heart of Midlothian FC stands on the verge of a historic Scottish Premiership title, needing only a draw against Celtic in the final match to break the 41-year hegemony of the 'Old Firm' (Celtic and Rangers). This potential victory would mark Hearts' first league championship since the 1959-60 season, ending a 66-year drought. The club, supported by a £10 million investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom and guided by key player Claudio Braga, has maintained a one-point lead over Celtic despite the latter's significantly larger budget. Celtic, having undergone multiple managerial changes including the reappointment of Martin O'Neill, must win to claim their 56th title. Notably, Hearts remained unbeaten against Celtic this season. The prospect of a new champion has garnered support from prominent figures like Andy Murray, who emphasized the positive impact on Scottish football's global interest. This outcome would mirror surprise league victories seen in other European competitions, challenging the long-standing dominance of Glasgow's two major clubs.

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This weekend features a packed schedule of significant sporting events with a strong focus on Irish athletes and teams. In golf, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, and Tom McKibbin are set to compete in the PGA Championship, the second major of the year, aiming to lead an Irish charge from Thursday through Sunday. In rugby union, Connacht faces a critical must-win away match against Edinburgh to secure a United Rugby Championship play-off spot, while Ulster simultaneously plays Glasgow Warriors. On the football pitch, Celtic attempts to end Hearts' impressive run in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday. The weekend concludes on Sunday with two major events: Ireland's women's rugby team finishes their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, and Monaghan clashes with Armagh in the decisive Ulster football final. These events highlight a diverse range of competitions including golf, rugby, and Gaelic football, offering key moments for fans of Irish sports across multiple disciplines.

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This review covers the stage adaptation of Ron Ferguson’s book, Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil, currently playing at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh. Adapted by Gary McNair from his 2021 audio drama, the play explores the intertwined fortunes of the Fife coalfields and the Cowdenbeath football club, known as the Blue Brazil. The narrative centers on Sally Venters McAlpine, an aspiring lawyer played by Dawn Steele, who returns to her hometown to fulfill her late father’s final wish. Her father, a diehard fan and ex-miner portrayed by Barrie Hunter, requested his ashes be scattered at Central Park stadium only after the team wins a match. Given the club's history of losses, this task becomes a poignant journey of patience and reflection. Directed by James Brining with music by Ricky Ross, the production is described as a gentle, warm-hearted monologue. It emphasizes themes of community resilience, shared hardship, and maintaining hope despite defeat, rather than focusing on sporting triumph. The review highlights Steele’s nuanced performance as she navigates her complex relationship with a town symbolizing both loss and belonging.

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Edinburgh Rugby has confirmed that nine players will leave the club at the end of the current season, headlined by club legend Hamish Watson. Watson, who has made 181 appearances for the team, is currently on a short-term loan with Leicester Tigers. Joining him in departure is scrum-half Charlie Shiel, who has played 93 times for Edinburgh. The full list of exiting players also includes James Lang, Ben Healy, Sam Skinner, Angus Williams, Ross McCann, and Mikey Jones. Some departures, such as Boan Venter who is moving to the British and Irish Lions, had been previously announced. Head coach Sean Everitt expressed sincere gratitude for the commitment and passion shown by all departing players, specifically praising Watson as one of the finest to ever represent the club. Everitt wished them success in their future careers and hoped for Watson's quick return to fitness. Shiel and Venter are expected to make final farewell appearances off the bench in Edinburgh's last United Rugby Championship fixture against the Dragons.

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Patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel have expressed anxiety and suspicion due to the Scottish Government's lack of communication regarding delays in the public inquiry into his alleged malpractice. The inquiry, which addresses concerns that Eljamel harmed up to 200 people, saw its first evidential hearings postponed from April due to fire safety concerns at the Waverley Gate venue in Edinburgh. Senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC stated that while the inquiry team was unaware of the severity of the risk until February, the government's failure to publicly explain the delay created a vacuum of information. This silence fueled speculation among victims that they were being excluded from the process. During a procedural hearing, the Scottish Government acknowledged deficiencies in its reporting and apologized, proposing an alternative venue. The inquiry aims to investigate life-changing injuries suffered by patients under Eljamel's care at Ninewells Hospital between 1995 and 2013. The situation highlights tensions between administrative hurdles and the need for transparency for traumatized participants.

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Edinburgh Rugby captain Magnus Bradbury has been recalled to the starting lineup for the team's final United Rugby Championship (URC) match of the season against Connacht. Head coach Sean Everitt has implemented four changes to the squad following their recent bonus-point victory over the Dragons. Bradbury replaces Tom Currie in the back row, marking a significant return for the captain. In the second row, Marshall Sykes steps in for Grant Gilchrist, who is sidelined due to a finger injury, and will partner with Glen Young, who moves up from the flank. Tom Dodd fills the vacant blindside flanker position, while Piers O'Conor takes over at outside centre from Mosese Tuipulotu. Coach Everitt praised the fierce competition within the squad and emphasized the team's commitment to securing a fourth consecutive win. He highlighted the importance of ending the season on a high note in front of home supporters, aiming to provide a positive conclusion to the campaign for both the players and the fans.

1 reports · 1 sources

Patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel have expressed anxiety and suspicion due to the Scottish Government's lack of communication regarding delays in the public inquiry into his conduct. The inquiry, established after concerns that Eljamel harmed up to 200 patients, faced postponement of its first evidential hearings originally scheduled for April. Senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC attributed the delay to fire safety compliance issues at the Waverley Gate venue in Edinburgh, which posed risks to public attendance. Dawson criticized the absence of a public explanation from the government, noting it created a vacuum fueling speculation among traumatized victims. In response, Alastair Duncan KC, representing the Scottish Government, apologized for reporting deficiencies and acknowledged the regrettable situation. He indicated that alternative venues, potentially including facilities used by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, are being considered. Eljamel, who resigned in 2014 and removed himself from the medical register in 2015, is believed to be practicing in Libya. The incident highlights tensions between administrative hurdles and the need for transparency in high-stakes public health investigations.

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Sony and Marvel have unveiled new promotional materials for the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, including a striking new poster and behind-the-scenes footage highlighting practical effects. With just over two months remaining until the theatrical release on July 31, the update offers fans a closer look at Tom Holland’s suit and insights from director Destin Daniel Cretton. The behind-the-scenes video features comments from Holland and Cretton regarding the film's opening action sequence, which was filmed in Edinburgh, Scotland, featuring a tank stunt. The narrative picks up four years after Spider-Man: No Way Home, depicting an adult Peter Parker living in isolation while protecting New York City. As crime intensifies, Peter faces a physical evolution and a powerful new threat. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal as The Punisher, Michael Mando as Scorpion, and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. This latest reveal emphasizes the production's commitment to practical stunts and sets the stage for a new chapter in the Spider-Man saga, marking a significant shift in Peter Parker's solitary journey as a full-time superhero.

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Patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel have expressed anxiety and suspicion due to the Scottish Government's lack of public explanation regarding delays in the Eljamel Inquiry. The inquiry, established to investigate claims that Eljamel harmed up to 200 patients, faced postponement of its first evidential hearings originally scheduled for April. Senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC revealed that the delay resulted from fire safety compliance issues at the Waverley Gate venue in Edinburgh, which posed risks to public attendance. Although the inquiry team identified these risks earlier, the absence of an official government statement created a vacuum of information, fueling speculation among victims' families. Dawson clarified that the inquiry itself was not responsible for the silence, as the building is leased by the Scottish Government. In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged the distress caused and stated that discussions are underway with the new landlord to resolve the venue issues. The inquiry aims to provide answers to patients who suffered life-changing injuries under Eljamel's care at Ninewells Hospital between 1995 and 2013.

1 reports · 1 sources

Patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel have expressed anxiety and suspicion due to the Scottish Government's lack of public explanation regarding delays in the Eljamel Inquiry. The inquiry, established to investigate claims that Eljamel harmed up to 200 patients, faced postponement of its first evidential hearings originally scheduled for April. The delay stems from fire safety compliance issues at the Waverley Gate venue in Edinburgh, which posed risks to public attendance. Senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC stated that the silence created an information vacuum, fueling speculation among traumatized victims who feared exclusion from the process. Although the inquiry team identified the risks early, a formal public announcement was not made until recently. The Scottish Government, as the leaseholder of the building, is currently negotiating with a new landlord to resolve the safety concerns or find an alternative venue. A government spokesperson acknowledged the distress caused and pledged support to ensure hearings remain accessible. Eljamel, who resigned in 2014 and removed himself from the medical register in 2015, is believed to be practicing in Libya.

1 reports · 1 sources

Heart of Midlothian supporters remain supremely confident that their team will secure the Scottish Premiership title, despite a controversial 99th-minute penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell keeping the Glasgow giants' hopes alive. The dramatic late goal means the championship will be decided in a final showdown between Celtic and Hearts in Glasgow. Hearts currently lead the table with 80 points, one point ahead of Celtic, marking the highest points total for a non-Old Firm team in league history. Superfans, including Colin Brown who traveled from Australia at significant cost, express strong faith in head coach Derek McInnes and the squad's mentality. A victory or even a draw for Hearts in the final match would secure their first top-flight title since 1960, breaking the decades-long dominance of Celtic and Rangers. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as fans recall near misses from previous decades, yet current form and recent victories have instilled a belief that this is finally their time to claim the trophy.

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For the first time in 41 years, the Scottish Premiership title is set to leave Glasgow, breaking the decades-long dominance of Celtic and Rangers. Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) enters the final matchday as league leaders, holding a one-point advantage over Celtic. A draw in their upcoming away game against Celtic is sufficient for Hearts to secure the championship, whereas Celtic must win to claim the title. The climax is overshadowed by controversy from the previous matchday, where Hearts coach Derek McInnes alleged a conspiracy after a disputed stoppage-time penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell FC proved decisive. Former professional Gary Lineker supported McInnes, labeling it the worst decision he had ever seen. Despite these grievances, Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland emphasized that the team still controls its destiny, noting previous victories over Celtic this season. If successful, Hearts would become the first non-Glasgow champion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen FC won in 1985. The final showdown promises high stakes, with German goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow playing a key role for the Edinburgh club in their historic bid for the trophy.

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Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho scored a controversial penalty in the final moments of stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race alive. The result ensures the championship will be decided on the final day of the season in a direct showdown between Celtic and current leaders Heart of Midlothian. Earlier, Hearts had defeated Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle Park, which initially placed them on the verge of winning their first league title in 66 years. However, Iheanacho's late goal, awarded after a VAR review for a handball by Motherwell's Sam Nicholson that went unappealed by Celtic players, shifted the momentum. Hearts now only need a draw in the final match against Celtic to become champions, marking the first time since 1985 that a team other than Celtic or Rangers could win the title. The decision sparked anger from Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who labeled the penalty call disgusting, while Celtic manager Martin O'Neill praised his team's resilience. The intense finale promises a climactic conclusion to the season.

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Hearts are on the verge of winning their first Scottish Premiership title since 1960 after a dramatic night of football left the championship race undecided heading into the final day. At Tynecastle, Hearts secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Falkirk, with goals from Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin, and Blair Spittal. The atmosphere oscillated between celebration and anxiety as fans monitored concurrent events at Fir Park, where Celtic faced Motherwell. Although Hearts briefly celebrated believing Celtic had dropped points, the title race remained open due to late developments elsewhere. Celtic ultimately rescued a controversial win in the 99th minute through a Kelechi Iheanacho penalty, keeping them just one point behind Hearts. This result sets up a decisive showdown on Saturday at Celtic Park. In this final match, Hearts need only a draw to secure the league crown, while Celtic must win to retain their title. The intense competition across Edinburgh and Lanarkshire has ensured that the destination of the trophy will be determined on the last day of the season.

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The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season features a rare three-way title race, with Heart of Midlothian challenging the traditional dominance of Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers. Historically, these two clubs have won 110 of the previous 128 league titles, with the last non-Celtic or Rangers champion being Aberdeen in the 1984/85 season under Sir Alex Ferguson. This term, Rangers struggled significantly, while Celtic faced setbacks before reappointing Martin O'Neill to revive their campaign. Hearts capitalized on these inconsistencies, securing crucial victories against Celtic in October and December. Although Rangers narrowed the gap with a February comeback win featuring Youssef Chermiti's hat-trick, Hearts have maintained their lead into May, bolstered by Lawrence Shankland's return to fitness. With only three points separating the top three teams, Hearts are on the verge of winning their first league title since 1959/60. This potential victory would break a four-decade monopoly held by Celtic and Rangers, marking a historic shift in Scottish football dynamics as the season reaches its thrilling conclusion.

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A dramatic painting depicting the 1774 eruption of Mount Vesuvius by German landscape artist Jakob Philipp Hackert has sold for £25,400 at auction in Edinburgh. The artwork was sold by Lyon & Turnbull during their two-day Five Centuries sale, exceeding its pre-auction estimate of £20,000 to £30,000. According to historical accounts by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hackert witnessed the eruption firsthand and created live sketches that served as references for this immersive composition. Unlike traditional panoramic views, Hackert’s piece places the viewer close to the action, featuring foreground figures likely representing Grand Tour travelers observing the volcanic spectacle. The sale highlights the enduring appeal of Vesuvius imagery among collectors, particularly those interested in artifacts from the era of the Grand Tour, when wealthy Europeans traveled to Italy to visit classical sites. Romey Clark, an associate fine art specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, noted the painting's dramatic immediacy and expressed delight that the historical work found a new home with an international collector. The event underscores the significant market value placed on 18th-century artistic records of natural phenomena.

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