One of the captive-bred wildcats involved in the release programme
This is our daily post that is shared across Twitter & Telegram and published first on here with Kindness & Love XX on peace-truth.com/
#AceNewsRoom in Kindness & Wisdom provides News & Views @acenewsservices
Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: June.15: 2023:
#AceNewsDesk – Scottish wildcats bred in captivity have been released into the UK’s biggest national park in a bid to save the critically endangered species.
One of the captive-bred wildcats involved in the release programme
It is the first in a series of trial releases at undisclosed locations in the Cairngorms.
The Saving Wildcats project began introducing the 22 cats to the park last week.
Previous research concluded the species was “functionally extinct” in the wild, partly due to breeding with feral cats.
Disease and habitat loss have also been blamed for reducing their numbers.
One of the captive-bred wildcats involved in the release programme
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which is leading the Saving Wildcats partnership, will monitor the released wildcats using GPS-radio collars.
About 60 wildcats will be released over the next three years.
The project was approved under licence by NatureScot and is the first-ever conservation translocation of wildcats in Britain.
Saving Wildcat’s David Field: “The time is now to give the ‘Highland Tiger’ the best chance of survival and I am thankful for the work of our team members, partners and supporters in making this happen.
“I am also particularly grateful for the support of our local community in the Cairngorms as, without their engagement, we would not have reached this exciting milestone.”
One of the parent cats involved in the breeding programme – which will not be released into the wild
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said wildcats were a much-loved native species in Scotland, but its existence was under threat.
She said: “Reversing the dramatic losses in nature that we have seen in recent times is one of the defining challenges that our country faces.
“The Scottish government remains committed to this fight and is actively working towards protecting and restoring our natural environment and the animals that rely upon it.”
The project has support from bodies including Cairngorms National Park Authority and Forestry and Land Scotland.
BBC SCOTLAND NEWS REPORT
Editor says …Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency is not responsible for the content of external site or from any reports, posts or links, and can also be found here on Telegram: https://t.me/acenewsdaily and thanks for following as always appreciate every like, reblog or retweet and comment thank you
This is our daily post that is shared across Twitter & Telegram and published first on here with Kindness & Love XX on peace-truth.com/
#AceNewsRoom in Kindness & Wisdom provides News & Views @acebreakingnews
Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: June.11: 2023:
#AceBreakingNews – Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP
Update on investigation into Scottish National Party funding and finances.
The former SNP leader, who stood down in March, was then arrested and questioned by officers who have been investigating for the past two years what happened to more than £600,000 of donations given to the party by independence activists.
The spokeswoman said: “Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11 June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.
“Nicola has consistently said she would cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so.”
Officers searched Ms Sturgeon’s home and the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh on 5 April, with Mr Murrell being arrested before later being released without charge pending further investigation.
A luxury motorhome which sells for about £110,000 was also seized by police from outside the home of Mr Murrell’s mother in Dunfermline.
Almost two weeks later, SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested and released without charge while further inquiries were carried out.
Mr Beattie resigned as party treasurer shortly afterwards.
Ms Sturgeon, Mr Murrell and Mr Beattie were the three signatories on the SNP’s accounts and the arrest of the former first minister had been widely expected – although there was no indication of when it was going to happen.
A forensic tent outside Nicola Sturgeon’s house when it was searched in April
Under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016, police can release a suspect for further investigation, but they can be re-arrested at a later date.
A spokesman for the SNP said the party would not comment on Ms Sturgeon’s arrest, adding: “These issues are subject to a live police investigation.”
Ms Sturgeon served as Scotland’s first minister for more than eight years after succeeding Alex Salmond in the wake of the independence referendum in 2014.
Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest follows that of her husband Peter Murrell earlier this year
She announced on 15 February that she would be standing down as both SNP leader and first minister once a successor was elected, with Humza Yousaf winning the contest to replace her.
Ms Sturgeon said at the time that she knew “in my head and in my heart” that it was the right time to go, and has denied the timing was influenced by the ongoing police investigation.
She was Scotland’s the longest-serving first minister and the only woman to have held the position.
Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said the SNP was “engulfed in murkiness and chaos” and called on Mr Yousaf to suspend his predecessor from the party.
And Labour’s shadow Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, described the developments as “deeply concerning” and said the police inquiry must be allowed to proceed without interference.
Police Scotland launched their Operation Branchform investigation two years ago after complaints were made about what happened to £666,954 that was donated to the SNP by activists for a future independence referendum campaign
The party’s accounts later accounts showed it had just under £97,000 in the bank at the end of 2019, and total net assets of about £272,000.
Last year it emerged Mr Murrell gave a loan of more than £100,000 to the SNP to help it out with a “cash flow” issue after the last election.
The SNP had repaid about half of the loan by October of that year, but still owes money to Mr Murrell – although it has not said how much.
Police Scotland has been looking into SNP funding for some time.
Ms Sturgeon is the third high-profile arrest. Her husband – Peter Murrell – was previously arrested and released without charge. So was the party’s former treasury Colin Beattie.
This is a live case, so there’s a limit to what journalists can report.
But politically, there’s no doubt this is a big blow to Scotland’s governing party.
The new leader – Humza Yousaf – had been trying to move on from arrests and police probes, to talk about policy and his vision for government.
It’s inevitable he’ll now face days of questions about this arrest and what it means for the party.
Investigation into Scottish National Party funding and finances – woman arrested
@acenewsservices
A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.
By Stuart Nicolson & Debbie Jackson: BBC Scotland News & SCOTLAND’S POLICE NEWS REPORT
Editor says …Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency is not responsible for the content of external site or from any reports, posts or links, and can also be found here on Telegram: https://t.me/acenewsdaily and thanks for following as always appreciate every like, reblog or retweet and comment thank you
This is our daily post that is shared across Twitter & Telegram and published first on here with Kindness & Love XX on peace-truth.com/
#AceNewsRoom in Kindness & Wisdom provides News & Views @acenewsservices
@acenewsservices
#GlobalWarming & #ClimateChange News Desk – Concerns have been raised over water levels on Loch Ness and the River Ness
@acenewsservices
The loch dropped to its lowest level in 32 years last month amid dry conditions, according to Scottish Environment Protection Agency figures.
Alpacas from Loch Ness Alpacas near Dores cooling off at the loch earlier this week
Ness fishery board said levels remained concerningly low and claimed water that could help ease the situation was being stored – unused – for hydro-power.
Energy company SSE Renewables said it was managing its water use sensitively amid challenging weather conditions.
Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest freshwater loch by volume, while the River Ness flows from Loch Dochfour, at top of Loch Ness, and out to sea at Inverness. The loch and river are part of what is called the Ness system, an area of burns, rivers and lochs that extends south-west of Inverness.
On 24 May, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) recorded a water level of just over 109cm (3.5ft) at Foyers, which is the location of a pumped storage hydro scheme that uses water from Loch Ness. Water is pumped from the loch to an upper reservoir and released back when generating electricity.
Alpacas from Loch Ness Alpacas near Dores cooling off at the loch earlier this week
The Sepa figure is the lowest level according to records going back to 1 December 1990. It has risen slightly since, but continues to be classed as “low”.
Sepa said the area had seen low rainfall.
It said in May the Loch Ness area had been one of the driest in the UK, and Inverness had received just a third of its usual long-term average rainfall.
It added the Ness region had seen below average rainfall in winter and spring. On Friday, the agency increased its water scarcity warning for the area to “moderate”.
Sepa also upgraded the risk in the Loch Maree area in the Highlands to “significant”, and placed 37 areas across the Firth of Clyde at “alert”.
Ness fishery board said the River Ness had hit record lows twice this year
Andrew Thomson
The River Ness, left, and Caledonian Canal at Dochfour
Claire McKenzie
Concerns have been raised about the health of the Ness
Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, the statutory body responsible for the protection and enhancement of salmon and sea trout fisheries in the Ness area, has expressed serious concerns about the health of the River Ness.
It said the river was at levels more usually seen at the end of July and August, with large areas drying out.
Director Brian Shaw said there were consequences for wild salmon populations, the river’s conservation status and its categorisation in terms of angling.
Problems include salmon being unable to travel easily up river from the sea, and increased water temperature.
Mr Shaw said climate change was a factor, and the board had noted a trend for drier winters and springs.
But he said when levels were low, hydro-electric generation had a huge effect. Mr Shaw also said water was drawn at Dochfour for the Caledonian Canal that would otherwise flow into the River Ness.
“There is a tremendous amount of concern and I think one of the key things is we are so early in the summer and already twice the River Ness has got to its lowest level on record, said Mr Shaw.
He added: “Most people wouldn’t appreciate just how controlled the Ness system is.
“When it gets down to these low levels almost every aspect of it is controlled by hydro schemes on the system.”
He said releasing water stored further up the system at SSE’s Loch Garry and Loch Loyne reservoirs could help alleviate the situation.
Naturalist Adrian Shine said Loch Ness was at the lowest he had seen since 1989
Naturalist Adrian Shine, who has studied Loch Ness for many years, said the loch was at its lowest level he had seen since 1989.
He said: “Loch Ness is very deep so you are not going to see an immense difference over its surface and the sides are very steep, except in certain areas.
“The most noticeable area is Urquhart Bay and there is a bay within that bay that is dry, and I don’t remember that happening in ’89.”
Fiona Cairns, who has lived by the loch for most of her life and runs Loch Ness Alpacas, also said it was at the lowest she had ever seen it.
She said her cheeky alpacas were able to sneak into their other field by going around the end of fences usually inaccessible due to the depth of the loch.
“We’ve had very little rain over the last few weeks and the burns are dry so not filling the loch,” she added.
Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest freshwater loch by volume
SSE Renewables said the dry weather had affected rivers across the Highlands.
A spokesperson said: “While these dry conditions are challenging, our teams have been working closely with key environmental stakeholders such as Sepa and NatureScot to manage our hydro operations in accordance with our environmental obligations, while continuing to deliver zero carbon electricity from our hydro and pumped storage assets.”
The spokesperson added that sensitive management of water had helped maintain higher flows in the River Ness than would have been present if hydro-power was not in existence, while at the same time maintaining levels at lochs Loyne and Garry to protect designated nesting sites of protected birds.
Scottish Canals said water levels were at an unprecedented low due to the weather.
Environment manager Olivia Lassiere said: “We anticipate more instances like this occurring going forward, due to the likely impacts of climate change.
“Our water usage and operation of the Caledonian Canal is authorised and regulated by Sepa, and we have robust plans in place to manage extreme situations like this, which include engaging with Sepa for their latest advice.”
By Steven McKenzie: BBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter
Editor says …Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency is not responsible for the content of external site or from any reports, posts or links, and can also be found here on Telegram: https://t.me/acenewsdaily and thanks for following as always appreciate every like, reblog or retweet and comment thank you
This is our daily post that is shared across Twitter & Telegram and published first on here with Kindness & Love XX on peace-truth.com/
#AceNewsRoom in Kindness & Wisdom provides News & Views @acenewsservices
Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: June.10: 2023:
#AceNewsDesk – Excessive consumption of slush ice drinks over a short time period has been linked to two children falling sick in Scotland.
@acenewsservices
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it was aware of two children, in Edinburgh in 2022 and Lanarkshire in 2021, who became unwell after having slush ice drinks.
Both required hospitalization and had symptoms consistent with glycerol intoxication. One of the youngsters consumed three slushies in a limited time.
Glycerol is an ingredient in slush ice drinks to prevent the liquid from freezing solid. It is allowed as an additive and there are no limits. Manufacturers can add as much of it as needed to achieve the desired technological function. The level of glycerol in slush ice drinks varies depending on the manufacturer and the product.
@acenewsservices
FSS has been looking into the incident with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Public Health Scotland, NHS Health Protection Teams, and local authorities.
Stuart McAdam, head of incidents at Food Standards Scotland, said: “Although glycerol is generally of low toxicity, there are concerns about the effect on young children when large quantities are consumed over a short period of time.
“We are working with UK trade associations that represent the soft drinks industry and a wide variety of stakeholders to better understand the levels of glycerol used across the sector.”
Unlimited refills and self-serve options:
One concern is unlimited refills at theme and activity parks. The FSA said it was also aware of a growing number of self-serve options at retail shops, convenience stores, and newsagents. A particular problem is refill offers are often unmonitored. There is no legislation limiting the availability of self-service refills.
Consumption of more than one drink or large volumes in short time periods, may cause significant adverse health effects in young children, said the agency.
The advice is that children, especially those under the age of 3, should not drink more than one of these types of drinks within an hour.
Young children having one 350 mL slush ice drink could potentially suffer headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Consumption of more than one drink in a short time period could lead to more severe effects.
A European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion in 2017 concluded that infants could be exposed to high enough levels to cause side effects by drinking less than one 330 mL can of a flavored drink.
Awareness of the potential risk of glycerol intoxication in children when consuming slush drinks has been raised with food businesses and local authorities. FSA has provided advice and shared a risk assessment on the additive with industry and local authorities. Work on risk management is ongoing.
Editor says …Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency is not responsible for the content of external site or from any reports, posts or links, and can also be found here on Telegram: https://t.me/acenewsdaily and thanks for following as always appreciate every like, reblog or retweet and comment thank you
At the rally Mr Salmond told the crowd: “The independent Scotland we seek will be based on equality not aristocracy and on human talent and ability not entitlement of birth.
“We are not looking backwards with Britain but forwards to a better Scotland”
SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes was also scheduled to speak but pulled out on Saturday due to flu.
Organisers later tweeted that more than 20,000 people took part in the march.
Reuters reported that the march was held during the Coronation
In the independence referendum in 2014, Scotland voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon had said she wanted a vote to take place on 19 October this year.
But last November the Supreme Court ruled the Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government’s consent.
Since becoming first minister, Humza Yousaf has demanded a Section 30 order – to allow another referendum – but that has not been accepted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Maureen Johnston, Terry Howson, Kate Duncan and Gem Apps turned out for the event
Joseph Budd and his son, Joseph, were among those who took part in the march
Earlier in the week Mr Salmond said Police Scotland should have staged a “standoff” outside Edinburgh Castle to prevent the Stone of Destiny from being moved to London for the Coronation.
He said such a move could have been used as a bargaining tool in the push for a second independence referendum.
The stone was taken to London last week after First Minister Humza Yousaf attended a ceremony during which it was removed from its resting place at the castle.
The stone has been used to crown monarchs of Scotland, and later the UK, in a tradition dating back centuries.
But Mr Yousaf dismissed the suggestion of involving the police, and said it would have “not been the right thing to do”.
Reuters reported that Protestors also gathered on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, to call for a democratically-elected head of state
Meanwhile, Our Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, staged a protest on Calton Hill in Edinburgh.
The event included speeches from Scottish government minister and Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater, as well as SNP MP Tommy Sheppard and Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
One speaker said 3,000 activists had already signed the “Declaration of Calton Hill” in support of a democratically-elected head of state instead of monarch.
During the rally a crowd of around 500 also chanted: “Not My King”.
BBC SCOTLAND NERWS REPORT
Editor says …Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency is not responsible for the content of external site or from any reports, posts or links, and can also be found here on Telegram: https://t.me/acenewsdaily and thanks for following as always appreciate every like, reblog or retweet and comment thank you
The march set off from Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow’s west end during the Coronation@acenewsservices
You must be logged in to post a comment.