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Articles by Mary Wright
Solar panels linked to dozens of house fires across Scotland in shocking figures
Solar panels have been linked to dozens of house fires across Scotland, shocking figures show. Experts warn blazes caused by the green energy installations are on the rise amid an installation boom driven by homeowners desperate to escape soaring gas and electricity bills. There have been 56 fires involving s olar equipment across Scotland over the past decade – with six recorded so far this year alone.
Tiny rural church where Dame Helen Mirren married her director boyfriend on sale for £80,000
The Highland kirk where actress Dame Helen Mirren tied the knot is being sold, with church bosses looking for offers over £80,000. The Prime Suspect star, 81, married Hollywood director Taylor Hackford at Ardersier Parish Church on December 31, 1997, after being together for 11 years. For the tight-knit 1500-strong community in the former fishing village on the Moray Firth it was known as the day ‘Hollywood came to town'.
You're nicked! How Scots police pulled sickies to watch the World Cup
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You're nicked! How Scots police pulled sickies to watch the World Cup
Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Police officers pulled a wave of sickies during key World Cup matches earlier this summer, leaving bosses scrambling to plug gaps in shifts. Dozens of officers were absent at Police Scotland, with the force admitting there were spikes ‘on particular dates in June'.
Organised criminals targeting Scots shoppers in elaborate gift card rigging scam
Organised crime gangs are secretly rigging gift cards to “drain” thousands of pounds in hard-earned cash from Scots shoppers in a new high-tech scam. Gift cards remain one of the most popular ways to give at Christmas , birthdays and anniversaries, with the UK gift card and voucher market worth around £8billion a year. With thousands of Scots expected to buy gift cards in the run-up to Christmas, they are being urged to check them carefully and report anything suspicious to store staff.
Historic cottage, which comes with its own church, goes on the market for offers over £1 million
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Anti-migrant protests sweeping Scotland hit taxpayers with £1m police overtime bill
Taxpayers have been hit with a £1million police overtime bill amid surging numbers of anti-migrant protests sweeping Scotland. The wave of demonstrations and counter-demonstrations also forced senior management to cancel almost 3000 officer rest days in a year. While some protests have been peaceful others have not, with 15 arrests in Glasgow last weekend during ugly scenes that saw passers-by from minority groups abused in the street.
Anti-migrant protests sweeping Scotland hit taxpayers with £1m police overtime bill
Taxpayers have been hit with a £1million police overtime bill amid surging numbers of anti-migrant protests sweeping Scotland. The wave of demonstrations and counter-demonstrations also forced senior management to cancel almost 3000 officer rest days in a year. While some protests have been peaceful others have not, with 15 arrests in Glasgow last weekend during ugly scenes that saw passers-by from minority groups abused in the street.
Women urged to stay alert as reported spiking incidents in Scotland surge
Women and girls are being urged to stay alert after reported spiking incidents in Scotland surged by more than half in just a year. The sharp rise has fuelled fresh concerns over safety on nights out, with Police Scotland warning everyone to remain vigilant. The figures show reported drugging offences soared by almost 56 per cent to 154 cases last year. Police Scotland said 24 of the reported incidents were linked to sexual offences.
Hi-tech 'mowbots' replacing hours of work for greenkeepers on Scotland's golf courses
It's enough to have golfing traditionalists shanking into the rough in shock. A hi-tech revolution is sweeping the sport as more and more “mowbots” are being recruited, replacing hours of work for greenkeeping staff on ride-on mowers. The robotic grass cutters are being used as clubs struggle with recruitment and costs. Industry leaders have said the switch is a game-changer, with as many as 53 per cent of greenkeeping teams estimated to be under strength.
Scotland's shoplifting epidemic hits record high with 53,000 offences in a year
Scotland's shoplifting epidemic has surged to a record high, racking up almost 53,500 offences in a year, figures show. Police Scotland recorded 53,424 shoplifting offences in the year to March, an increase of almost 20 per cent and accounting for almost half of all dishonesty crimes at over 45 per cent. Data also shows nearly 7,000 crimes against shop workers were logged during the period.
Anger as figures show one woman a month killed by violent partner in Scotland
One woman a month is killed by a violent partner in Scotland, shocking figures show. Police Scotland say the number of domestic homicides rose to 12 last year – compared to six the year before. The number of domestic attempted murders of women soared by to 88, up from 56 the previous year. Overall, Police Scotland recorded 66,434 domestic abuse incidents last year, highlighting the continuing epidemic of violence against women and girls.
Racially motivated crimes surge in Scotland with 5871 incidents in the last year
Racially motivated offences have surged in Scotland with 5871 incidents in the last year, figures show. Police Scotland data shows a 13 per cent rise in the 12 months to March – an increase of 670 in race hate crimes compared with the previous year. It comes as protests erupted in several locations across Scotland this week following a stabbing in Belfast. Hadi Alodid, 30, who is Sudanese, was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, 40, who has links to Scotland.
Parents 'could face prosecution' amid a surge in kids hurt in e-scooter crashes
Parents have been warned they could face prosecution amid a surge in children injured in electric scooter and bike crashes. Retailers selling e-scooters are required by law to make the restrictions on their use known, and parents who buy them for children have a responsibility to ensure they are not used illegally. Cases soared by more than 600 per cent last year with more than 30 youngsters – some as young as seven – treated between May and October.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy
Modern investigations require evidence to be extracted from phones, tablets and computers in around 90 per cent of cases ranging from domestic abuse to serious organised crime. But official data shows there are 2691 outstanding electronic forensic requests, alongside 7945 devices awaiting full examination after basic checks. “We only examine a digital device where there is a legal basis and where it is necessary, justified and proportionate to the incident or crime under investigation.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had 85 patient deaths and 400 medical blunders in two years
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Data shows 201 incidents met “Duty of Candour” reporting criteria between April 2023 and March 2024, with a further 188 recorded up to March last year. That's more than one case every other day over 24 months – including 85 where “someone has died” and scores of others where blunders caused serious harm to patients' health and recovery.
Police Scotland cops 'should declare' links to Orange Order, Freemasons and Opus Dei
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Scottish charity Nil by Mouth, which has campaigned against bigotry for 25 years, say such police memberships must be declared to ensure transparency within the ranks. Critics say secret police links to such groups fuel concerns about bias, corruption and an “old boys network”, especially in Scotland, where sectarian tensions have long raised fears over fairness in public institutions.
Just seven cops stripped of taxpayer-funded pensions in decade – despite scores of misconduct exits
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Just seven disgracedpoliceofficers have been stripped of their taxpayer-funded pensions in the past decade – despite scores of misconduct exits, it has emerged. Scotland'sPolicewatchdog confirmed seven shamed officers had their pensions “forfeited” by up to 65 per cent between 2016 and February this year.
Scotland’s wild salmon numbers sink to record low amid 'catastrophic decline'
Scotland's wild salmon numbers have sunk to a record low amid renewed claims commercial fish farms are a major factor driving a “catastrophic decline”. Official figures show rod catches of salmon slumped to just 28,020 – the lowest since records began in 1952. According to data released by the Chief Statistician the figure is 68 per cent below the previous five-year average.
Over 100 children under 11 stopped and searched by police in less than two years
Over 100 children under 11-years-old have been stopped and searched byPolicein less than two years shocking official figures have revealed. Concerns have been raised after it emerged they were among nearly 11,000 under-18s frisked between April 2024 and December 2025. Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean said the statistics raise “legitimate concerns” youngsters could be facing “unnecessary and potentially distressing” treatment.
Police Scotland 'culture of bullying' leaves officers 'too scared to blow whistle'
A toxic “culture of bullying” withinPolice Scotlandleaves officers too scared to blow the whistle, according to a staff survey. More than one in five – 22% – said they experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination within the last 12 months. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-fileofficers, demanded urgent action and proper safeguards to protectofficersand whistleblowers.
Drug-driving crackdown scaled back to save cash despite catching 400 drivers
Mary Wright & Dan Vevers A drug-driving crackdown is being scaled back to save cash, despite thecrimeovertaking alcohol as the biggest danger on Scotland's roads. Police Scotlandadmits it is having to pause plans to ramp up the war on drivers who have taken substances, including cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy, amid a budget squeeze.
Hard-up police officers in Scotland are resorting to food banks and second jobs
Hard-up police officers in Scotland are resorting to food banks and second jobs amid the cost-of-living crisis, it is claimed. Police union leaders warn shrinking real-terms pay has resulted in scores of Scots officers having to turn to food banks due to cash shortages, mirroring trends in other parts of the UK. A survey showed eight per cent of Met Police officers in London admitted doing the same and almost 30 per cent are skipping meals to save money.
More than 25,000 crimes written off by Police Scotland in just over two years
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland More than 25,000 crimes have been written off by Police Scotland in just over two years, fuelling a deepening crisis in public trust. People are losing patience over too few officers on the streets and too many “minor” crimes slipping through the cracks, according to a force survey. It comes after the force scaled back investigations into low-level crimes lacking leads, witnesses or CCTV evidence, citing staffing shortages and budget-driven shifts in priorities.
Police Scotland warn costs of public inquiries are hampering fight against crime
Police Scotland has warned spiralling costs of public inquiries are hampering the fight against crime after their bill ballooned to £27million. The force said without extra Scottish Government funding it is forced to absorb the costs with knock-on effects on budgets and staffing. That means fewer officers on the front line, crime prevention cutbacks and reduced capacity to tackle emerging threats.
Jail bosses blocked nearly half of early releases under government scheme due to 'risks'
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Prison governors blocked nearly half of all inmates set to be freed early under a government scheme, ruling them too high risk new figures have revealed. The Scottish Prison Service released 286 prisoners from November 11 and December 13 to ease the overcrowding crisis. However jail bosses vetoed 40 per cent – equivalent to 187 inmates – deemed eligible after considering them to be “an immediate risk of harm” to an individual or group.
Anger over trans activists telling young people how to self-medicate
Trans activists are advising young people on how to self-medicate using cross sex hormones. It comes amid concerns of a booming black market in illegal supplies in Scotland via online suppliers and street dealers. Experts warn self-medicating with illicit cross sex hormones and puberty blockers carries serious health risks, including potentially fatal contamination and dosing errors. But we can reveal a group called Trans Harm Reduction (THR) recently held a “Self‑Med 101” workshop in Glasgow.
Jailhouse hounds trained to sniff out illegal drugs honoured for vital role behind bars
Jailhouse hounds trained to sniff out illegal drug stashes have been honoured for their vital crime-busting role behind bars. Two talented inmates at Glasgow's Barlinnie jail spent three weeks working on stunning statues dedicated to the prison's pooch patrol, made entirely out of scrap metal. The duo, neither of whom had any background in art or fabrication, were supported by officers Iain, Graham and Phil to create the permanent tribute to the sniffer squad.
Cops seize more than 700 illegally ridden electric bikes and scooters in nationwide crackdown
More than 700 illegally ridden electric bikes and scooters were seized in a nationwide police crackdown last year. A total of 709 e-bikes and scooters were confiscated in 2025 – up by 660 on 2023, when 49 were impounded. Data shows Police Scotland seized 469 dangerous e-bikes and 240 scooters. Chief Inspector Greg Dinnie said: “Officers continue to respond to incidents where illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters are seen or reported by members of the public on the roads or other public places.
Terrorised Bothwell residents launch neighbourhood watch after 30 firebomb attacks
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Fed-up residents on Celtic legend Henrick Larsson's former street have launched a neighbourhood watch scheme in response to an organised crime spree in their posh village. The area in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, has become known as Britain's “firebomb capital” after more than 30 targeted attacks thought to be linked to underworld gangs . The latest saw two cars torched in separate incidents in Baillie Drive last month.
Scotland's roads becoming deadlier amid rising fatalities and surging traffic offences
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Scotland's roads are becoming deadlier amid rising fatalities and surging traffic offences , new police figures reveal. A total of 92 people were killed in car, motorcycle and cycling collisions between April and September – nine more than the same period last year, an increase of almost 11per cent. They included a child and six cyclists. Motorcyclist deaths rose to the highest level for five years with 27 during the period.
'Inhumane' prison suicide prevention strategy blasted 'unfit for purpose'
Mary Wright & Jennifer Hyland Scotland"s “inhumane” prison suicide prevention strategy is condemned as “unfit for purpose” in a scathing new review calling for its abolition. Among the most shocking findings are claims prison guards weaponised restrictive anti-suicide measures to intimidate and punish young offenders. Experts examining The Scottish Prison Service's “Talk To Me” strategy catalogued a series of systemic failings in their 206-page report.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre planning a 'season of hot hits' for 2026, opening with 'Clue'
Whether you're interested in classic or contemporary musicals from the American theater canon, edgy plays that seek to come to terms with uncomfortable parts of American history or theatrical revues, three Lancaster County theater companies have something for every audience member in their 2026 seasons.
Servant Stage 2026 season offers slate of family-friendly plays, musicals, youth shows, revues
Whether you're interested in classic or contemporary musicals from the American theater canon, edgy plays that seek to come to terms with uncomfortable parts of American history or theatrical revues, three Lancaster County theater companies have something for every audience member in their 2026 seasons.
Ephrata theater celebrates 45 years with Sondheim, '1776,' 'Spider Woman,' 'Cinderella'
Whether you're interested in classic or contemporary musicals from the American theater canon, edgy plays that seek to come to terms with uncomfortable parts of American history or theatrical revues, three Lancaster County theater companies have something for every audience member in their 2026 seasons.
Police Scotland took US cops to Old Firm match for World Cup training
Mary Wright & Dan Vevers North American cops are being trained by Police Scotland in how to handle football matches ahead of next summer's World Cup. It has emerged 64 officers from Canada and the United States travelled over as part of a learning tour, with three bespoke courses having been delivered this year, including attending an Old Firm match.
Racist offences in Scotland on the rise and account for 60 per cent of all hate crimes
Racist offences in Scotland are on the rise, accounting for 60 per cent of all hate crimes, shock figures have revealed. Police Scotland recorded 5206 hate crimes between April and September – 317 up on the same period last year – with racially-motivated offences showing the “most notable increase”. Data shows 3164 were racial offences – 60 per cent – a rise of over 6 per cent, or 184 more, than the same period last year.
'Flipping Farms' reality show, partly filmed in Lancaster, hosts Manheim premiere
Gowns and glam met cowboy hats and Western wear on the red carpet Thursday night as the stars of the streaming reality series "Flipping Farms" held a premiere screening at the Junction Center in Manheim. The first season of the show, in which the father-daughter team of Rachel Trettin and Jeff Peiffer spar with light humor as they renovate a farm in Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, has been available to stream on Amazon Prime for several weeks.
Lancaster coffee shops get shout-out from 'Dancing with the Stars' couple on Olympian's podcast
In between chatting on an Olympic medalist's podcast about the recent season finale of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," two of the reality competition's cast members expressed their love for the coffee shops of Lancaster. On the Tuesday, Dec.
Children as young as 11 carrying knives as Scots cops frisk youngsters
Children as young as 11 years old were among almost 2000 youths frisked by police in three months, with dozens found to be carrying weapons such as knives. Police Scotland say 1832 under-18s were subject to stop and search between April and June – over 75 per cent of which failed to produce anything illegal. Data shows 17 youngsters aged 11 and younger were searched. None were found to be in possession of drugs, weapons or contraband.
Deep-frying Thanksgiving turkey cuts cooking time, adds flavor
Editor's note: This was originally published Nov. 16, 2016. Updated November 2025. ------ Sure, you can set your alarm for the early hours of Thanksgiving morning, drag yourself out of a warm bed, and put that big old bird in the oven so it's ready when your guests arrive at noon. Or you can sleep in, watch the Macy's parade, then go outside and cook your turkey in less than an hour. It's not a holiday miracle. It's the magic of deep-frying.
New Holland native oversaw animation on 'Wicked: For Good' film, opening today
When the much-anticipated "Wicked: For Good" film opens today on movie screens across the country, a Lancaster County native's contribution will be on full display. Academy Award-winning New Holland native and Garden Spot High School alum David Shirk was an animation supervisor on "Wicked: For Good," which is the second piece of a two-part musical movie based on the popular stage show that's been running on Broadway for 22 years.
Regional exhibits worth a drive, featuring 2 very different artists [Unscripted column]
In major museums and their exhibitions, painter Henri Rousseau's works are often exhibited next to paintings by his post-impressionist and primitivist contemporaries - artists I love. Though I've been intrigued with Rousseau's work - the weird and wide-eyed animals in his jungle paintings seem to stare out of his canvases and right into my soul - I confess I never took the time to investigate his art or his life the way I have with such artists as Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh.
Jonathan Groff's Broadway musical, 'Just in Time,' nominated for Grammy for cast album
Ronks native Jonathan Groff has another chance to rack up more hardware for his awards shelf. The cast album for "Just In Time," the musical in which he is now starring on Broadway, was nominated Friday morning for a 2026 Grammy Award for best musical theater album.
Holiday season kicks off on Lancaster County theater stages in November
The month of November kicks off the holiday season in many ways - including on the theater stages of Lancaster County. Plays and musicals with holiday themes are opening this month, along with theatrical cabarets, a reading of a history play by William Shakespeare, an evening of newly written works, a musical by the creator of "Rent," a performance of a play written as a decadeslong correspondence, a Jane Austen adaptation and more.
Almost 50,000 crimes left unsolved by Police Scotland in just three months
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Crime gangs tighten stranglehold in Scotland as drug crime and fatal overdoses surge
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Drug crime and fatal overdoses surging in Scotland as gangs tighten their stranglehold
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Police inundated with almost 700 mental health-related incidents a day, figures reveal
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Enjoy autumn flavors at fall food, beverage tasting events through late October
With the official start of fall just around the corner — Monday, Sept. 22 — it’s time to get out and enjoy autumnal foods and the festivals and other events at which they’re served. Here are some of the food tasting events that are on the menu for Lancaster County, and beyond, through the end of October. READ: Whoopie Pie Celebration returns to Shady Maple with more than 45 varieties TAILGATING FESTIVAL • When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20.
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