Dominic Cummings and ‘that trip’, exams chaos and tragedy on tracks
In the second part of our look back at a dramatic year, Liv Mcmahon examines the main events in May to August
MAY
The Prime Minister marks a momentous point in the UK’S dealings with the coronavirus pandemic on May Day, declaring Britain is “past the peak” as citizens yearn for life beyond lockdown.
George Floyd, an unarmed black man, is killed during his arrest by a white police officer in Minneap - olis, Minnesota, sparking the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests across the US and around the world against police brutalit y and systemic racism.
Strains on the Union continue to show as the First Minister says she will not hesitate to follow a separate route to Westminster on easing lockdown rules and restrictions if it means saving more lives in the long run.
More than 80 per cent of S cotland’s visitor attractions are found to be at risk of going out of business due to the coronavirus pandemic. The National Trust for S cotland considers selling Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence, as it faces £28 million in losses.
S cotland is poised to bear the brunt of the pandemic’s economic impact due to its dependence on hospitalit y, tourism and Nor th S ea activities, all of which look to be gutted by months of lockdown.
Anger erupts at Westminster and around the countr y as it is revealed that B oris Johnson’s special adviser, Dominic Cummings, flouted lockdown with a 260 mile trip to Durham. The SNP blasts Downing Street for “breathtaking arro - gance” as Mr Johnson and his ministers defend Mr Cummings, refusing calls from backbench Tories and opposition par ties to sack him.
JUNE
The Scottish Government warns it could be forced to divert resources away from the pandemic if the UK government refuses to extend the deadline for talks, as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit looms.
S cotland is cautiously optimistic after no new deaths are registered in the countr y over a 24-hour period – for the first time since lockdown began.
Thousands in Glasgow and Edinburgh join Black Lives Matter rallies as activists target monuments to Britain’s colonial past. A statue of Edward Colston, a British merchant linked to slaver y, is toppled by crowds in Bristol and thrown into a harbour.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says “racist thugs shame S cotland” after antiriot police are called to contain a “far-right” group targeting a demonstration in George S quare against conditions facing asylum seekers in Glasgow hotels.
Dame Vera Lynn dies aged 103, leaving behind her a powerful legacy as the voice that inspired the nation through and beyond the war time years.
Following Alex Salmond’s acquittal at his trial in March, it emerges Ms Sturgeon and her husband, the SNP'S chief executive Peter Murrell, will give evidence at the Holyrood inquir y into the S cottish Government’s handling of complaints against the former first minister.
For the first time in months, S cots will be permitted to visit elderly loved ones staying in care homes as the S cottish Government gives the green light for phased reopening.
The month ends dramatically as stabbings occur at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Glasgow cit y centre. The suspect is shot dead by armed police and six, including a police officer, are treated in hospital.
JULY
Warning signs for Higher and National results appear with the SQA’S admission that it will not have time to consult teachers before downgrading pupils in revised results strategy.
Mr Johnson struggles to woo S cots as suppor t for independence grows to 54 per cent over a sustained period of opinion polling, according to Professor Sir John Cur tice.
There is joy for S cottish children as social distancing demands on those under 12 are lifted, as S cotland arrives at “significant milestones” in emerging from the pandemic.
Restrictions are eased on mixing indoors and outside, with pubs, restaurants, bars and hairdressers allowed to reopen and tourism stirring back into life.
Fears for the UK economy remain, however, as the fiscal watchdog warns that unemployment could rise to 13 per cent and the economy may not recover until 2024.
With young people looking to be marginally affected by sweeping job losses, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveils what the government claims is the biggest young unemployment package in decades.
Glasgow-born actor and comedian Johnny B eattie dies at the age of 93 following a successful career spanning comedy, T V, theatre and film.
Ms Sturgeon issues calls for a full inquir y into potential Russian interference in the S cottish independence referendum campaign in 2014, asking for Downing Street to complete a full repor t on the matter.
The month concludes with the resignation of S cottish Conser vative leader Jackson Carlaw, with his abrupt depar ture linked to low polling among par t y members and concerns about his appeal to voters.
AUGUST
Northern Irish politician John Hume dies age 83, with tributes paid to his role in arranging the Ulster peace process.
Douglas Ross is swiftly tipped as Mr Carlaw’s successor to the S cottish Con