People in Scotland have been basking in sunshine – but it is coming at a very heavy price. The dry weather has baked our gardens and fields, and has also depleted our rivers and reservoirs.
Farmers are furious they will not be able to draw water from some rivers, as Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) slaps down restrictions to protect the environment.
The alarm that has been ringing for a while has been ignored by too many. All credible experts agree that water levels will drop as summer rainfall subsides in coming years.
It’s a matter of scientific fact, echoed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at last year’s COP26 climate summit as she banged the drum for Scotland’s credentials as trailblazers on green issues. We have been well-warned.
Today’s Record tells of water bans, wildfires and regional restrictions all creeping ever northward. We also hear from experts who insist Scotland cannot avoid the misery seen elsewhere as the planet heats up more and more.
So, what can be done? The Scottish Government must hold firm on its promises and do its utmost to plug the leaks in supply that see millions of litres lost every day.
But it’s also incumbent on every rational and responsible person in Scotland to start paying heed to the warnings now writ large across the blue skies we’ve all been enjoying.
Now is the time to adapt our behaviour and stop carelessly running gallons of water down the drain. We have to use resources carefully and do all we can to make a difference in the face of a climate catastrophe.
Glasgow makes the Eurovision shortlist - an amazing opportunity
Glasgow is on the shortlist to host next year‘s Eurovision Song Contest. Aberdeen and Edinburgh have dropped out of the running, so Scotland’s biggest city is flying the country’s flag.
Seven cities in the UK have made the cut and will provide stiff competition in the fight to stage the annual musical event.
Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield are all in the mix. But it’s reassuring that the bookies are backing Glasgow as the strong favourite to get the nod.
Glasgow would be an amazing host city and would do the competition proud. The OVO Hydro is a ready-made venue that could easily cope with such a massive event.
And then there is the famous Glasgow crowd, who know more than anyone how to have a good time.
The host city will not be announced for a few weeks yet. But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was spot-on yesterday when she tweeted: “It’s got to be Glasgow!”
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