Justin Bowie

2 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Justin Bowie

Former Kirkcaldy MP Neale Hanvey says he always knew nurse Sandie Peggie’s case against NHS Fife would be explosive. The Victoria Hospital nurse approached the Alba Party politician for help after she was suspended. Her treatment has grabbed national attention and become one of the most talked about employment hearings in recent history. On Tuesday, NHS Fife’s bid to stop the public from being able to watch the tribunal remotely when it reconvenes in July will be heard in private.

2 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Justin Bowie

NHS Fife wants to stop the public from being able to watch the employment tribunal brought by nurse Sandie Peggie online. The health board has asked the tribunal to restrict remote access to the hearing to the media only when it reconvenes in July. The initial two weeks of evidence in February were plagued by regular interruptions from livestream viewers. Day seven of the Dundee hearing descended into chaos due to disruptions – including from the sound of a crying baby.

2 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Justin Bowie

A falcon named Angel has been patrolling the skies above Inverness to scare away troublesome gulls. Lasers, nets, and spikes have all been deployed as a deterrent. Signs warn residents and tourists in the Highland capital not to feed the birds. But why is there suddenly such a panic over the number of gulls in Inverness, and what’s to blame? Inverness Bid, an organisation which represents businesses in the city, say it’s become much harder to cull them.

2 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Justin Bowie

A Highland care home boss says there is a drastic shortage of beds for patients across the region as he warned the crisis is “going to get worse”. Ron Taylor, who operates 12 facilities across the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire, signalled the alarm bell in an interview with The Press and Journal. “It’s an absolute car crash,” he told us. “The bed availability is just not there.”Mr Taylor, who owns the Parklands Care Homes group, spoke to the P&J at Eilean Dubh in Fortrose.

3 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Justin Bowie

Kate Forbes swept home with 56% of the vote in her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch seat at the last Holyrood election. The deputy first minister picked up more than 24,000 votes – contrasting with the Lib Dems in third with fewer than 7,000. Highlander Ms Forbes has the largest majority of any MSP in Scotland. In those circumstances, you’d maybe think she’s certain to win again.