News

Reports of a “severed head” on the busy clubbing strip in Edinburgh.

POLICE are investigating a fresh allegation of sexual assault against Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland.

A woman reported the alleged incident, said to be “non-recent”, to Police Scotland, shortly after Mr Salmond died, aged 69, last month, while attending a conference in North Macedonia.

It has also emerged that up to six women approached the SNP more than two years ago, to lodge complaints about Mr Salmond’s behaviour.

The complaints, said to be of a sexual nature, are believed to have been reported to Ian McCann, the party’s compliance officer, who was responsible for disciplinary issues.

They were said to have been brought to the attention of the SNP’s then-chief executive, Peter Murrell, but were not taken any further.

The SNP is bracing itself for the possibility of more women coming forward, claiming to have been victims of the former party leader’s unwanted sexual advances.

Mr Salmond’s alleged inappropriate behaviour with women is claimed to date back almost 40 years, and to have been well known among leadership figures and aides, according to a senior party insider.

It is claimed those closest to the leader often warned young female MSPs and MPs, party workers and civil servants not to allow themselves to be left alone with him.

The insider said: “Around two years ago five or six complaints of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature were reported to the party and went as far as Peter Murrell.

“The allegations date as far back as the 1980s, including in Alex’s Banff and Buchan constituency. They were generally interpreted as bring of a ‘less serious nature’, which may be why it was decided not to report them to the police.

“Because Alex was no longer a party member, or an employee of the party – and therefore no longer subject to its disciplinary procedures – it was felt that there was nowhere for an internal investigation to go.”

Mr Salmond walked free from Edinburgh’s High Court in March 2020, after being cleared of 14 counts of sexual assault and attempted rape.

At the time of his death, he was in the midst of suing the Scottish Government for its botched handling of complaints against him. The Scottish Government had pledged to vigorously contest the legal action.

A source close to the party said that, shortly before the trial, a complaint was made by a female MP who claimed that Mr Salmond groped her while they were posing for a photoshoot.

The source said: “She was shocked, traumatised, and angry but she didn’t go to the police because she didn’t want to do anything that might prejudice the trial.

“She believed she would get justice, indirectly, through the trial but the jury saw things differently.”

Another source said: “I can’t begin to describe the shock and bewilderment inside the party when Alex was cleared of all charges.

“While no-one could argue with the verdict – he was judged and cleared by a jury of his peers – it arguably acted as a break on anyone else coming forward with fresh allegations, until now.

“Alex was a powerful and litigious figure and there’s a belief within the party that some women might not have come forward because they were scared of challenging him and the political establishment surrounding him.”

The trial irrevocably fractured Mr Salmond’s relationship with Nicola Sturgeon, his former protégé, successor, and closest ally.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault. The information is being assessed.”

An SNP spokesperson said: “SNP disciplinary processes can only be invoked against current SNP members.”

Mr Salmond’s solicitor was approached for comment.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

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LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

All the heat and power of Mars arrives in your own sign and you can almost feel yourself growing taller and stronger.

There’s nothing and no one you can’t take on!  But Mars also carries a risk of impulsive actions and words, so make sure you prepare well for meetings or dates. 

In love terms, Venus is pure pleasure, at least one of your secret fantasies is close to coming true. 

DESTINY DAYS 

Only answer a work question when you’re really ready on Monday. 

Mean what you say at home on Thursday. 

Allow yourself to dream, on Sunday.

PERSONAL PLANET POWER

Leo is ruled by the Sun, the central planet of vitality, verve and leadership.

UPSIDE 

You thrive on drama and you’re confident and warm, a shining light of confidence and charisma. 

You never fail to step up when required, and to lead with love and inspire others.

You have strong sense of purpose and can adjust words and actions to achieve the best. 

DOWNSIDE  

There’s so much pride invested in the sun and this can take over.

You love the spotlight and can be too reliant on compliments and support – making criticism hard to take. 

Confidence is great, but do balance it with compassion.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

ARIES

MAR 21 – APR 20

As Mars marches on,  you can also feel the need to get moving – and take that next step towards a role linked to style or entertainment. 

Even if only in your own mind, creating a clear vision of a different you, is such a power move. 

Passion may feel all over the place, but Mercury keeps Venus in line, as two sets of words merge into one. 

TAURUS

APR 21 – MAY 21

Being the calm and patient one at home may be a role that’s growing stale – now you can voice your feelings. 

You can still respond so well to others, but have the right to be heard as yourself. 

Changing your own approach is the key to changing much more. 

Instead of fretting where a career path will end, just make a confident start – and keep going. 

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUNE 21

You have new fire in your communication zone and this adds urgency to messages and chats – people know you mean business. 

A skill for unearthing fun facts and deep feelings can lead you on to a local team. 

In love?  Deal with the dull practical stuff, and the passion quota of a bond can be even better. 

Single? You first spoke to “the one” two days ago. 

CANCER

JUNE 22 – JULY 22

The way the moon works with you this week is to help you face difficult feelings and tackle difficult tasks – setting a daily schedule can be a key part of this. 

When feelings come, let them flow instead of holding back. 

You can start to feel so in control again. 

Mars adds strong cash instincts and the ability to spot brilliant bargains and prize potential, everywhere you go.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

All the heat and power of Mars arrives in your own sign and you can almost feel yourself growing taller and stronger.

There’s nothing and no one you can’t take on! 

But Mars also carries a risk of impulsive actions and words, so make sure you prepare well for meetings or dates. 

In love terms, Venus is pure pleasure, at least one of your secret fantasies is close to coming true. 

VIRGO

AUG 24 – SEPT 22

With the sun warming all key connections, you can afford to set pride aside and speak from your heart. 

But if you offer another chance, be sure to set limits around it, of time or love. 

You’re not a natural gossip, but if you find yourself using words as weapons, at work, or among friends, do check this. 

The moon highlights a nature-based building as significant for you. 

LIBRA

SEPT 23 – OCT 23

You are so naturally sociable, but your chart suggests you could be spreading yourself too thin. 

There are certain people in your life who need more from you this week – close your eyes, and their faces will appear to you. 

A career decision that has crawled along can pick up speed suddenly, so get facts in line. 

Love finds joy in sharing some everyday jobs. 

SCORPIO

OCT 24 – NOV 22

Your co-mentor planet Mars takes charge at the top of your chart and more than ever you can be the big boss sign. 

Any sense of doubt disappears as you start ticking off key life decisions. 

There’s extra passion power on offer here too, to go right up to that special someone and simply start, or re-start, the love conversation. 

History-linked questions can lead to luck. 

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 – DEC 21

Above all this week, you’re breaking boundaries and setting new standards – for yourself at first, then for key people around you.

But yours is also a chart of learning to let go with love, rather than holding on through fear. 

Only you know exactly what this means. 

A personal moon brings insight early in the week that reaps rewards by the end. 

Passion calls your name twice.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 – JAN 20

This is a week to consider if you really want to change, or just to “be changed”. 

No one can do the work for you, and with the warrior planet engaged, this is your moment. 

You do know what to do. 

Your personal Pluto power pushes through at work, and you impress by your ability to refresh team spirit. 

Love-wise, secret hurt can heal when you meet “J”.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 – FEB 18

If you’re feeling swamped by demands and dates,  the moon encourages an audit of how (and who with) you spend your time. 

Too many surface-only bonds steal you away from those that are so much more than skin-deep. 

Meanwhile, stepping up at work suddenly seems so simple – when you decide to trust yourself. 

Passion posts a heart emoji in an unexpected place.

Luck waits where numbers are discussed. 

PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 20

Looking at why you work so diligently – is there any space there for your own dreams? 

You give so much to others, now claim something, Mars-like, for yourself. 

That class or course you’ve been thinking about – why not make it happen. 

Passion can be all you hope for this week, as you find a bold, cheeky voice to ask for exactly what you want.  And receive even more.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

As Mars marches on, you feel the need to get moving and take that next step to a role linked to style or entertainment.

Even if only in your own mind, creating a clear vision of a different you is such a power move.

Passion may feel all over the place, but Mercury keeps Venus in line as two sets of words merge into one.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Being the calm and patient one at home may be a role that’s growing stale.

This week you voice your feelings. You can still respond well to others, but have the right to be heard.

Changing your approach is the key to changing more. Instead of fretting when a career path will end, just make a confident start.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

You have new fire in your communication zone, which adds urgency to messages and chats – people know you mean business.

A skill for unearthing fun facts and deep feelings can lead you on to a local team.

In love? Deal with the practical, and the passion can be better. Single? You spoke to The One two days ago.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The way the moon works with you is to help you face difficult feelings and tackle tasks – setting a schedule can be key.

When feelings come, let them flow, instead of holding back. You can start to feel in control again.

Mars adds strong cash instincts and the ability to spot brilliant bargains and potential everywhere.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

All the power of Mars arrives and you feel yourself growing stronger. There’s nothing you can’t take on!

But Mars carries a risk of impulsive actions, so make sure you prepare for meetings or dates.

In love, Venus is pure pleasure, and at least one of your secret fantasies is close to coming true.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

With the sun warming connections, you can set pride aside and speak from your heart.

But if you offer another chance, be sure to set limits. You’re not a natural gossip, but if you find yourself using words as weapons do check this.

The moon highlights a nature-based building as significant for you.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

With the sun in your social sector, it’s time to get out and about[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

You are so naturally sociable, but your chart suggests you could be spreading yourself too thin.

There are people who need more from you this week – close your eyes and their faces will appear.

A career decision that has crawled along can pick up speed, so get your facts in line. Love finds joy in sharing.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Your co-mentor planet, Mars, takes charge and, more than ever, you’re the Big Boss sign.

Doubt disappears as you start ticking off key life decisions. There’s passion power on offer here, too, so go right up to that special someone and start the love conversation.

History-linked questions can lead to luck

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

You are breaking boundaries and setting new standards – for yourself at first, then for key people.

But yours is a chart of learning to let go in love, rather than hold on through fear.

A personal moon brings insight early in the week that reaps rewards by the end. Passion calls your name twice.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

This is a week to consider if you really want to change, or just to “be changed”.

No one can do the work for you, but with the warrior planet engaged, this is your moment.

Your personal Pluto power pushes through at work, and you impress with your ability to refresh team spirit. Love-wise, hurt can heal when you meet “J”.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

Mars power in your party sector makes you the life and soul[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

If you’re swamped by demands and dates, the moon encourages an audit.

Surface-only bonds steal you from those that are more than skin deep. Stepping up at work seems so simple when you trust yourself.

Passion posts a heart emoji in an unexpected place. Luck waits where numbers are discussed.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

When you look at why you work so diligently, is there any space for your own dreams?

You give so much to others, so claim something for yourself. Why not make that class or course you’ve been thinking about happen?

Passion can be all you hope for this week, as you find a voice to ask for what you want.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

Being the calm and patient one at home may be a role that’s growing stale – now you can voice your feelings. 

You can still respond so well to others, but have the right to be heard as yourself. 

Changing your own approach is the key to changing much more. 

Instead of fretting where a career path will end, just make a confident start – and keep going. 

DESTINY DAYS 

Push for a personal “yes” or “no” on Tuesday. 

Be there for a quiet friend on Thursday. 

Try a new meal-time routine on Sunday.  

PERSONAL PLANET POWER

Taurus is ruled by Venus, planet of co-operation, love and pure pleasure.

UPSIDE 

First up you’re a sex machine, totally at home in your own skin. 

You’re a romantic, a lover of music and art, able to make any house feel instantly like a home just by being in it. 

Venus also promotes peace-making, harmony and security, so you’re a caring colleague, cuddly parent and compassionate boss.  

DOWNSIDE 

You tend to cling to the familiar, in work, family or love, even when you know it’s time to try something different. 

You can get caught up in buying beautiful things and forget that beautiful feelings come free. 

Beware of judging by appearance.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUNE 21

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

You have new fire in your communication zone and this adds urgency to messages and chats – people know you mean business. 

A skill for unearthing fun facts and deep feelings can lead you on to a local team. 

In love? Deal with the dull practical stuff, and the passion quota of a bond can be even better. 

Single? You first spoke to “the one” two days ago. 

DESTINY DAYS  

Chase up a delayed message or payment on Monday. Be the friend who really listens on Friday. Stick to “the plan” on Sunday.

PERSONAL PLANET POWER

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, planet of learning, communication and connection.

UPSIDE 

An innate ability to talk and keep an audience entertained is your Mercury gift, plus the social skills to make friends anywhere with anyone. 

You think fast and smart even under pressure, and are an eager learner of new subjects and situations. 

This is the planet of youth, and your outlook is fresh and forward-facing. 

DOWNSIDE 

Strong opinions, an eternally restless spirit and a tendency to move on before you’re quite finished are some Mercury drawbacks.

There’s a danger of spreading yourself and your skills too thin. 

New is not always better!

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

CANCER

JUNE 22 – JULY 22

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

The way the moon works with you this week is to help you face difficult feelings and tackle difficult tasks – setting a daily schedule can be a key part of this. 

When feelings come, let them flow instead of holding back. 

You can start to feel so in control again. 

Mars adds strong cash instincts and the ability to spot brilliant bargains and prize potential, everywhere you go.

DESTINY DAYS 

Make sure to keep all promises you make on Monday.

Check in with a “W” friend on Wednesday. 

Set some listening limits on Saturday.

PERSONAL PLANET POWER

Cancer is ruled by the moon, planet of instinct, emotions, spirituality and nature.

UPSIDE 

You have a strong protective urge, towards yourself and others, and such a nurturing, caring nature.

Your intuition is strong and you “feel” before you “know” in so many situations.

You’re in tune with the world and everything in it and go with the flow of life’s ups and downs, accepting whatever life brings.

DOWNSIDE 

Security is a must and you may return to situations that are not the best for you, just because they are familiar. 

Comfort eating, or spending, comes with the territory, and caring can slip into clinging if you’re not careful.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 – FEB 18

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

If you’re feeling swamped by demands and dates, the moon encourages an audit of how (and who with) you spend your time. 

Too many surface-only bonds steal you away from those that are so much more than skin-deep. 

Meanwhile, stepping up at work suddenly seems so simple – when you decide to trust yourself. 

Passion posts a heart emoji in an unexpected place. Luck  waits where numbers are discussed. 

DESTINY DAYS: Monitor your words on Monday, as a secret could slip out. But say it how you see it on Wednesday. Be ready for a new work role on Friday.

PERSONAL PLANET POWER: Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, rebel planet of revolution, inspiration and innovation.

UPSIDE: There’s never a dull moment in Uranus land – this planet brings unusual ideas, independent thinking and the kind of self-belief that makes anything possible. 

You dream big, love to try new things and embrace technology in all its forms. An uninhibited, creative lover. 

DOWNSIDE: Beware of going your own way just to be different – sometimes it’s fine to follow the crowd. 

Better management of ideas can lead to actual success instead of a starburst of exciting possibilities. 

Pay attention to love, or you can come across as commitment-shy.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 20

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

Looking at why you work so diligently – is there any space there for your own dreams? 

You give so much to others, now claim something, Mars-like, for yourself. 

That class or course you’ve been thinking about – why not make it happen. 

Passion can be all you hope for this week, as you find a bold, cheeky voice to ask for exactly what you want. And receive even more.

DESTINY DAYS: Monday is made for a drastic wardrobe rethink.  On Thursday, only follow advice you really trust.  Friday is your day to swap roles at home.  

PERSONAL PLANET POWER: Pisces is ruled by Neptune, planet of imagination, idealism and spirituality.

UPSIDE: You can hover above life’s realities with your dreamy emotional intuition and insight, and occupy a unique spiritual space. 

You sense moods and read rooms so accurately, adore full-on romance and will do anything for anyone.  Dreams and fantasies are your natural happy place. 

DOWNSIDE: Try to keep at least one foot on the ground, to avoid the confusion and sense of self-sacrifice that can plague Neptune.

In conflict, you tend to choose flight over fight – but standing tall and standing up for yourself can combat feelings of regret or resentment.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.