Sightings of common dolphins across the Hebrides have reached a record high, according to research conducted by a marine conservation charity. Expeditions by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in 2017 have revealed a 24 per cent increase on the previous year’s already record-breaking figures. Last year the trust recorded 93 sightings of common dolphins — its highest total ever, up from 75 in 2016.
The findings were made in a research season running from April to October 2017, part of the charity’s long-term citizen science project monitoring whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. “We have never documented so many sightings of common dolphins off Scotland’s west coast before,” Lauren Hartny-Mills, the science and policy officer for the trust, said. “It is hard to say what is causing this increase, but a rise in sea surface temperatures linked to climate change could be playing a role.”
Musician killed in bus crash was going to be a father
A musician who died when his car collided with a bus on Friday evening was going to become a father later this year. Nathan Gunn, 30, died after his red Vauxhall Astra collided with a bus on the A93 Ballater to Braemar road at Bridge of Gairn at about 6.20pm. Mr Gunn’s baby is due in August and he was also set to act as an usher for his two brothers at their weddings. A statement from his family said: “His death has rocked not only his family and those closest to him but also anyone that has ever known him. He had a special gift of bringing laughter to any situation, the most endearing and gentlest of clowns, and demonstrated only kindness to everyone he encountered. He travelled the world as part of rock band Estrella, who will forever miss their shining bass guitarist and beloved brother. Baby Gunn will know through stories and photos the legend that was their daddy.” Police are still investigating the crash and have appealed for witnesses who saw either vehicle in the area that evening, especially drivers with dashcam footage, to contact them.
£300,000 to help parking at Skye tourist hotspots
Top tourist sites on Skye have been given £300,000 to help ease parking problems.The Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle will receive £200,000 in from the Highland Leader rural development programme to expand the 35-space car park to hold 100 cars and 20 minibuses. The Quiraing, a landscape formed by an ancient landslip on the Trotternish peninsula, will get £100,000 of Scottish government money for a 60-space car park that will also have spots for small coaches and motorhomes.
Edinburgh joins academic strike
University of Edinburgh staff went on strike yesterday in the dispute over pension rights. Members of the University and College Union are planning 12 more days of action which has already affected universities in Glasgow, St Andrews and Aberdeen. The action in Edinburgh coincided with analysis in The Herald which found that vice-principal salaries had risen by up to 75 per cent over the past decade while staff pay had increased by 18 per cent. Talks to prevent more strikes start today with university bosses saying that they would “consider any credible and affordable alternative” to their proposals on pensions. However, the union said it feared they were not serious.
North Bridge repairs
The North Bridge in Edinburgh is expected to undergo a £22.3 million programme of repairs this summer. The A-listed crossing carries the A7 from Princes Street to the Royal Mile over Waverley station. It has been a vital link between the old and new towns for 122 years. Recent inspections revealed it was in “poor condition”. The city council said structural repairs, likely to be backed by the transport and environment committee on Thursday, would protect its future.
Boy charged over pills
A 17-year-old boy has appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court charged with drug offences after six 13-year-olds were treated in hospital. They are thought to have taken illegal pills. The group were admitted to Crosshouse Hospital near Kilmarnock on Saturday. The boy from Irvine, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was released on bail awaiting a further court date.
Church elder’s assaults
A Perthshire church elder who sexually assaulted two female parishioners has been told he may be jailed. Ronald Allstaff, 73, from Bridge of Earn, admitted carrying out more than 20 assaults last year on the pensioners. He will be sentenced in April and was placed on the sex offenders’ register at Perth sheriff court. Sheriff William Wood said “a custodial sentence is uppermost in my mind”.
Power cable kills man
A man was electrocuted after a maintenance machine accidentally touched an overhead power cable in Orkney. Cliff Cooper, 32, was standing near the machine in the village of St Mary’s at 1.20pm on Sunday when the shock hit him and he died at the scene. Police said that the circumstances were not suspicious and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
