Grim Gaza photographs a reminder of aid work risk

The images arriving from Gaza yesterday were grim: quite unusable by the UK media’s standards, but – for those who saw them – graphic confirmation of what had been reported following an Israeli air strike on an aid convoy.

Our image on page one conveys the grief of aid workers who risk their lives in an attempt to save others, while on pages 8-9 we examine the impact, both diplomatic and on the ground, where aid will become even more scarce. Our leader (page 22) examines the myth of waging a “precision war” in such a densely populated place, and offers a suggestion on what should happen next.

Our lead story reveals Humza Yousaf met senior officials from a big oil and gas company, with operations in the North Sea, while at the COP28 climate summit last year. The significance of this, of course, is that Yousaf ’s visit was billed as a chance to talk about a just green transition and Scotland’s role as a “good global citizen”. Campaigners see a contradiction, while the Scottish Government has insisted the talks were appropriate. See pages 4-5.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more uplifting, do read Alison Campsie’s interview with Andy Scott, the sculptor, in Scottish Life (pages

24 & 25). His biggest creation – the Kelpies – have just turned ten and, as Alison finds out, life has changed for Scott since the landmark was unveiled, not least because he’s swapped Maryhill for LA.

Given the dreich weather across much of Scotland this week, I’m sure we’re all prepared to believe that.