20 h. ago Drones, DNA and AI: How technology is transforming the search for missing people

From social media appeals to facial recognition and sonar searches, new technology is revolutionising how police locate the missing – and how fast they can bring them to safety

Events

35 h. ago From the Met to maximum security: Joyce DiDonato is on a mission to bring opera to the people

The celebrated American mezzo-soprano has graced the world’s top opera houses, but is equally passionate about performing to first-timers – and inmatesGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailAmerican mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato apologises for the bed hair as we chat via zoom from Tasmania, where she’s preparing a series of concerts to mark her first time performing in Australia. “I’m windswept”, she laughs as she pats down her signature spiky blond hair. “I’m having a week of vacation, which is rare for me.” Downtime for DiDonato is made rarer by a punishing touring schedule that sees her perform around the globe in recitals showcasing her extraordinary vocal technique, while juggling major roles in classical and contemporary opera. She’s a regular at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has sung in the world’s top opera houses, including Milan’s La Scala and Covent Garden in London.Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend,...

Events

41 h. ago Rewilding charity plans to reintroduce four wild species to Scottish Highlands

Rewilding charity Trees for Life hope to “breathe new life into the Highlands“ by reintroducing lynx, red squirrels and a cross-breed of cattle called the tauros

Politics

43 h. ago Rewilding charity wants £3.6m to bring back 'missing species' in Scotland

A funding appeal has been launched this month.

Economics

5 d. ago How to get help when a child goes missing – and when to call 999

More than 70,000 children were reported missing last year, and the majority went missing more than once. The Independent has partnered with the Missing People charity to provide a free service which will help bring young people to a place of safety

Events

9 d. ago Inside New Zealand camp ahead of facing Scotland: Golf, Braveheart, bagpipes and special week for Sititi

All Blacks know what’s at stake in Murrayfield showdown

Politics

9 d. ago Ayr United star bids to bring Miss Scotland crown to Somerset Park

Ruby McRae has made the final 10 of the prestigious pageant.

Politics

2 w. ago ANDY BURNHAM: 'Helping hand from Rachel Reeves will go down a treat this autumn'

Rachel Reeves' Budget this November could signal the start of a long-term mission to bring down the cost of all the essentials - and draw a big dividing line with the ­Populist Right, writes Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham

Events

2 w. ago 'Special guy': Duhan van der Merwe's unusual Scotland debut and the story behind it

Fraser Brown on a unique occasion and the first of a record-breaking try haul

Politics

2 w. ago SFA ‘to SCRAP performance school network’ which helped develop the likes of Scotland hero Billy Gilmour

THE SFA are to pull the plug on the seven-strong network of performance schools which helped develop Scotland heroes such as Billy Gilmour, it's being reported. Specialist partnerships between schools and Scotland's governing body across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Motherwell have been operating since 2012 to support the development of talented youngsters between the S1 and S4...

Economics

2 w. ago Trump sanctions have swift impact but will world stop buying Russian oil and gas?

Analysts say president’s war on Russia’s fossil fuel revenues is a chance to bring peace to Ukraine and profit to USDonald Trump’s stated mission to broker peace in Ukraine could come down to this simple question: can the US president convince the world to stop buying Russia’s fossil fuels?Last week, Trump imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to damage Moscow’s ability to fund its war machine. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Refugee misses chance to apply to bring family to the UK by 13 minutes after visa route closes

Refugees in the UK are unable to reunite with their loved ones after the Home Office paused a lifeline visa scheme in September

Events

3 w. ago 18 Scottish wildcats released into Highlands bringing total to 46

Just a few years ago, the species was teetering on the edge of extinction in Scotland.

Politics

3 w. ago The 'Big 5' species being targeted for conservation boost in north east Scotland

The species chosen are of conservation concern.

Events

3 w. ago Rare migratory bird spotted in part of Scotland for first time

The RSPB has recorded a surge in sightings of the species across Scotland

Politics