Pushed to the margins of the Holyrood chamber following May’s election, the Scottish Conservatives have been looking for a way to force their return to centre stage.

This week, John Swinney handed them an opening when he travelled to Cardiff for a press conference that critics portrayed as an exercise in constitutional mischief.

The First Minister appeared alongside leaders of Irish nationalism and Wales, openly discussing a political agenda that opponents say is aimed at breaking up the United Kingdom.

For Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, it was the moment he had been waiting for: Swinn Fein.

At First Minister’s Questions, Findlay attacked Swinney over his engagement with Sinn Fein, saying the party had “never denounced IRA terrorism”. He reminded the SNP leader that Sinn Fein had defended violence which killed countless people, including Scottish soldiers.

In Findlay’s view, Swinney’s willingness to meet Sinn Fein demonstrated how firmly he is controlled by an impatient and uncompromising nationalist grassroots movement. In that sense, he suggested, the First Minister is something of a political prisoner.

The Tory leader spoke with evident revulsion as he cited Swinney’s response in May to questions about working with Sinn Fein and the controversy such co-operation could provoke: “I really do think people have got to move on.”

Would Swinney offer the same advice to people in Gaza, Findlay’s allies might ask?

The SNP benches erupted in protest. Findlay’s central challenge was stark: why should people in Northern Ireland be expected to move beyond the Troubles when Swinney himself cannot move on from what he called a “sodding” independence referendum?

Mr Swinney snapped that he had ‘always expressed my sympathy to the victims of terrorism’ and, what’s more, he had ‘also accepted, in good grace, the outcome of the referendum’.

The Tories and Reform cracked up at that one. The man has never accepted anything in good grace in his puff.

If you gave him the winning lottery numbers in advance, he’d complain about the cost of a ticket.

He assured Mr Findlay that, ‘People in this country would be surprised if I did not stick to the principled reason why I entered politics’. 

People in this country would be surprised if Mr Swinney could locate a principle with a GPS and ground-penetrating radar.

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All the while, the din was building, as was the irritation on the Presiding Officer’s puss. Unrepentant racket- merchant, Mr Kerr – Stephen (Tory), not Thomas (Reform) – was hooting and yelling and making a nuisance of himself.

His boss was still up on his pins, giving Mr Swinney what for: ‘Why is his constitutional obsession more important than fixing Scotland’s broken public services?’

This is where the Tories lose me, all this get-on-with-the-day-job stuff. The SNP exists for one reason and one reason alone: to smash up the United Kingdom and turn Scotland into Brigadoon.

Admittedly, in recent years, that vision has evolved slightly. Now they want Brigadoon to fly the Pride Progress flag and run an economy on windmills and the industrial theories of East Germany circa 1972.

This is them getting on with the day job, and it appeals to enough voters to have kept them in power for 19 years.

At some point, and two decades should have been plenty long enough, the Tories and Labour will have to reckon with the fact that this devolution experiment has handed one government after another power without responsibility.

The SNP won’t be the last mob to take advantage of that.

Mr Findlay landed a fair few blows but Mr Swinney swung back by taunting him about a supposedly imminent merger, what he branded a ‘marriage of convenience over there between the Conservative Party and Reform’.

At which point, the Scottish Tory leader rammed his fingers down his throat as though about to vomit.

I believe the Earl of Liverpool made a similar philosophical point during a debate on the Corn Laws.

By now Stephen Kerr was hollering at Mr Swinney: ‘Answer the question! Answer the question!’

Settle down, Bamber Gascoigne. The Presiding Officer had a word. Mr Kerr doesn’t need a word, he needs a sedative.

Too many travel itineraries steer holidaymakers towards a city’s most built-up, tourist-friendly districts, often missing the places where everyday local life is at its most vibrant.

But some of a city’s most stylish and characterful corners can be found just beyond the familiar visitor trail. Take a turn off the main route and follow the lead of locals in the know.

Travel experts at Time Out have unveiled their list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2026, featuring standout districts in Asian metropolises and European cities.

The selection ranges from the winning district in Seoul to colourful, graffiti-covered enclaves in cities including Lisbon and Melbourne — and many of the neighbourhood names may be unfamiliar to visitors.

Exploring these districts offers a closer look at how locals live, along with access to some of each city’s finest food and drink.

Here is a look at the 40 most stylish neighbourhoods to put on your travel list…

1. Jongno 3-ga, Seoul

Named the coolest neighbourhood in the world, Jongno 3-ga in Seoul blends cafés and bars with traditional wooden homes, known as hanoks, as well as the city’s famed late-night food stalls.

Pochas — short for pojangmacha — began as inexpensive tented food stalls serving workers looking for a late-night meal on their way home. Today, they are popular with stylish young diners drawn by affordable prices and authentic dishes.

For independent boutiques and shopping, head to Seosulla-gil, where jewellery shops and a more upscale atmosphere await.

2. L’Ocean District, Rabat

Often overlooked in favour of more touristic destinations such as Marrakech, Morocco’s capital is not to be underestimated – and this coastal neighbourhood proves it.

It’s a blend of old and new. Palm trees, oceanic views and a promenade create a young, modern beachy ambience, while the nearby medina and Kasbah bring a sense of otherworldly historic charm.

Cool places to eat are abundant, and booklovers should make a stop at The English Bookshop, a slightly chaotic – yet thoroughly brilliant – place to browse paperbacks old and new.

3. Neos Kosmos, Athens

Neos Kosmos is a must-see part of Athens, filled with independent businesses and new restaurants.

Once a blue-collar community, it has been transformed by an influx of art and culture, including contemporary exhibition spaces and a new theatre.

Don’t miss the neighbourhood block party, held in October, where you can enjoy booming music of the electronic – and DJ – variety.

4. Chinatown, Los Angeles

Los Angeles is mostly associated with entertainment and its Hollywood attractions – but Chinatown is where it’s at.

Food is, of course, a major draw here – from Chinese cuisine to Italian fare and more – and there are plenty of bars to explore. 

Visiting for the Lunar New Year is your best bet to enjoy the parade. Next year, it’s scheduled for February 13. 

5. Govanhill, Glasgow

The highest UK neighbourhood on the list is not in London or Edinburgh, as you might expect – it’s in Glasgow.

Govanhill is a residential part of the city that offers excellent delis, curry houses, trendy cafes and plenty of traditional pubs if you’re seeking something homely and comforting.

There’s lots to do beyond food and drink, too. Tramway theatre hosts films and plays while you can enjoy concerts and football at Hampden Park.

6. Kitakagaya, Osaka

Once a shipbuilding hub, Kitakagaya has morphed into an artist-filled haven a la Shoreditch.

There’s no shortage of galleries. Try MASK (Mega Art Storage Kitakagaya) for an industrial feel, Morimura @ Museum for conceptual works and Creative Center Osaka for indie markets and unique art.

Even a walk through the neighbourhood is like a step inside a museum, with graffiti and murals everywhere you look. 

7. Chapinero Alto, Bogotá

Bohemian and laid-back, Chapinero Alto in Bogotá is home to the city’s largest gay community and young, arty residents.

Empanada stands, bakeries, pubs and lots of vegetarian restaurants line the streets – which come to life at night with lots of bars and late-night food and drink spots.

It’s set against a mountain backdrop, adding a sense of drama to the relaxed community feel. 

8. Koenji, Tokyo

Vintage shops abound in Koenji, Tokyo, one of the Japanese city’s coolest hubs.

With a shabby-chic style and lots of clothes and retro stores, you can also find lots of exquisite temples.

Shukuhozan Koenji, a temple dating back to 1555, is one such spot, featuring quiet gardens, a tranquil vibe and a stunning appearance.

9. Downtown, St. Catharines

Waterfront Downtown in St. Catharines in Canada is filled with local art, vintage shops and farms.

Thanks to a property development boom, it’s transformed into a culture and entertainment hub.

Check out the top-tier wineries in the area, too, as well as Montebello Park, with its gorgeous rose garden and pavilion, used for festivals and performances.

10. Esquilino, Rome

Situated right by Rome’s main train station, Esquilino is within easy reach if you’re arriving by train into Termini.

Instead of the elaborate hotels and imposing tourist attractions, this quarter is best for budget hotels, traditional restaurants and a community feel.

A 20-minute walk from the Colosseum is the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. Here, you can pick up traditional cheeses and buy olives by the ladle-load, but you can also get your hands on Indian spices, soy sauce and exotic vegetables. 

11. Russafa, Valencia

Russafa, not quite as polished as Valencia’s old town, is filled with cool bars, art studios and the creative vibe that is often synonymous with uber-chic neighbourhoods.

Colourful buildings line the streets, alongside places for brunch, boutique shopping and terraces (which come to life in the evening, in true Spanish style).

‘Russafais, without a doubt, the place to be for tardeo (early evening drinks) in Valencia. As the sun begins to set, its terraces fill with life, good music, and an unbeatable atmosphere,’ Visit Valencia says.

12. Tân Định, Ho Chi Minh City

Tân Định is perhaps best recognised for its Barbie-pink church – but there’s more to it than just a single photo opportunity.

The market in Tân Định is a standout attraction, with fresh food, local delicacies and – its best-know feature – a fabric section.

Bánh Xèo 46A, meanwhile, is known for its Vietnamese signature crêpes as well as its chargrilled meat and seafood.

13. São Bento, Lisbon

More than just the São Bento Palace, this Lisbon neighbourhood is bursting with culture, from the fado star Amália Rodrigues House-Museum to the Igreja de Jesus church.

Café de São Bento, a popular local steakhouse, has often been ranked as serving the best steak in Lisbon, with its secret sauce.

‘First of all, you literally have to ring a doorbell to get inside,’ one guest wrote. ‘Hello secret society of good taste. Immediate vibe check passed. We did the lunch menu for €29 (£24.80) which honestly feels illegal for how good it is.’

14. Talat Noi, Bangkok

Bangkok thrives on beautiful chaos – and in the creative hub of Talat Noi, there’s always an eclectic sense of discovery here.

Famous for its old car parts shops, it’s become one of the places locals actually go to. 

A new wave of Thai fine dining is putting elevated spins on the city’s legendary street food, and emerging dining districts such as Talat Noi are bringing fresh energy to the capital with their concept-driven eateries, bars and cafés. 

15. Slakthusområdet, Stockholm

Next up is Slakthusområdet in Stockholm, an already chic enough city as it is.

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Previously industrial, it’s now an unusual Art Nouveau-style district, filled with restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

It’s perhaps best during the summer months, and is often host to Stockholm music festivals and concerts.

16. Humayunpur, Delhi

With more than 50 spots for dining, and both Indian and international cuisine, Humayunpur has risen in the ranks to become one of India’s coolest spots.

It has long been a student hub, and is filled with the likes of tattoo studios and K-pop merchandise shops.

Humayun’s Tomb is the 16th-century, Persian-style complex that inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra – well worth a look.

17. Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro

One of Rio’s oldest neighbourhoods, Laranjeiras was established during the 17th century.

With a community feel, the hub is great for exploring local foods and goods, from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts.

Attractions here include the Palácio Guanabara, the seat of the state government, the Palácio Laranjeiras, the official residence of the state governor and the Fluminense Football Club HQ.

18. West Town, Chicago

Chicago’s inclusion on this list is hardly a surprise, but West Town is one of the highest-ranked US neighbourhoods by Time Out. 

International influences are everywhere you look here – you’ll find Filipino restaurants, American diners and the Polish Museum of America all within one neighbourhood.

‘This cultural melting pot is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laidback taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art – both in the galleries and on the streets,’ according to Choose Chicago. 

19. Rákóczi tér, Budapest

Next up in the list is Rákóczi tér, located near the Palace District in Budapest.

The 19th-century market hall is a key attraction here –  described by visitors as ‘non-touristy’, ‘lovely’ and, as one guest said, filled with both ‘authentic traditional Hungarian food… [and] new Ramen and Korea Street food options’.

It’s also home to the popular Rákóczi Square, one of the city’s greenest spots.

20. Jalan Besar, Singapore

Singapore might feel too ‘perfect’ and built-up to be cool – but that doesn’t apply to Jalan Besar.

The major road is filled with homes in a range of pastel shades, from pink to blue and yellow, giving it an old-world charm.

The neighbourhood is also home to Jalan Besar Stadium, the birthplace of Singapore football.

Alan Carr’s proposal to turn part of his newly acquired Scottish castle into a community café and estate shop may face an unexpected obstacle: bats.

The Celebrity Traitors champion has been carrying out renovations at Ayton Castle after purchasing the extensive Scottish Borders estate for £3.25million earlier this year.

However, plans to repurpose a former potting shed and other ancillary structures on the historic grounds could be delayed amid concerns that the buildings may contain bat roosts.

Council planning officers have requested a detailed ecological assessment before the application can move forward.

Malcolm Ginns, ecology officer for Scottish Borders Council, said: ‘There is potential for the potting shed to host roosting bats and a daytime bat assessment should be undertaken.

‘This may require follow-up bat activity surveys, which would need to take place between May and September and cannot begin later than August.’

Carr’s scheme would restore a group of derelict traditional estate buildings, creating a café and shop intended for the local community while safeguarding the site’s original historic features through repair and conservation work.

Located near the English-Scottish border, Ayton Castle includes 17 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a five-storey Great Tower, turrets, a private chapel and 106 acres of listed gardens.

Carr has previously revealed that he intends to relocate permanently to the estate, with his renovation being filmed for a Disney+ documentary.

In response to the bat concerns, Carr’s representatives said a full ecological survey was already under way and that a report would be submitted once it had been completed.

They said: ‘Full awareness of the existing building’s historical significance is addressed and maintained and the adaptive use proposal sits well within the guidance issued by HES, allowing a long–term sustainable purpose for these estate buildings.

‘The proposal halts the further decay of these buildings and promotes a well–suited option for adaptive reuse.’

They added: ‘It is recognised that the building location presents potential for habitation by a potential variety of species.

‘To address this, an ecological study has been commissioned to determine the presence of any species within or adjacent to the buildings.

‘Tweed Ecology are currently undertaking a three–stage survey and their full report will be submitted shortly after the last stage survey has been concluded.’

No public comments have so far been submitted as part of the application.

Carr’s representatives have also acknowledged that some work was previously carried out by the former owners without consent, potentially requiring retrospective applications.

They said no recent applications had been submitted for work to the main castle, but some previous repair work had not been carried out or reinstated in the appropriate manner.

They said: ‘Some essential repairs have been undertaken which in some cases may not have seen full reinstatement by the previous owners.

‘Whilst this has no direct bearing on the potting shed application, the new owner and applicant is aware of these instances and is keen to work with SBC to ensure all permissions are retrospectively in place and work undertaken to fully reinstate significant features.’

The potting shed is currently described as being in a ‘general state of disrepair with severe dilapidation’, with missing doors and windows leaving parts of the building exposed to the elements.

A design and access statement from Lorn Macneal Architects Ltd, acting for Carr, said the plans form part of a wider effort to improve the estate and its visitor experience.

It states: ‘As part of a wider desire to enhance and improve the visitor experience to the estate and in tandem with a wish to properly manage and maintain the full range of estate properties, the applicant seeks to convert the potting sheds into a community cafe and estate shop.’

The potting sheds comprise four separate single-storey buildings, approximately 4m wide and 40m long, running north-east to south-west along the northern edge of a former walled garden.

The buildings are B-listed and are currently partially derelict and partially roofed, but are described as being in an overall dilapidated state.

The architects said the café would occupy the eastern end of the buildings, with the shop next door.

They added: ‘Ideally the cafe serves as a stopping point for dog walkers and estate ramblers but it is recognised that with no such facilities within the village of Ayton itself, there will ideally be a draw for local people to walk and cycle onto the estate to enjoy the nature and visit the cafe.

‘It is also anticipated that when the railway is operational, the cafe and shop will form a natural addition to this attraction, creating a small destination for narrow gauge railway enthusiasts.’

As part of his ongoing regeneration of the estate, Carr recently held an auction of around 400 unwanted items from the castle, offering buyers ‘the chance to acquire items from one of the Borders’ most distinctive country houses.’

Ayton Castle has a long and turbulent history as the site was originally associated with a medieval fortified tower, or peel, linked to the powerful Home family.

Its position close to the English border made it strategically important and, in the late 15th century, it was regarded as one of the strongest places between Berwick and Edinburgh.

In 1497, the castle was captured by the English, while the nearby village of Ayton gave its name to the Treaty of Ayton, signed that same year.

The medieval stronghold was later replaced by a more classical country house, which was destroyed by fire in 1834.

The estate was subsequently bought by William Mitchell-Innes, a banker connected with the Bank of Scotland, who commissioned the present castle.

The building seen today was constructed between 1845 and 1851 by architect James Gillespie Graham, with later additions by David Bryce and James Maitland Wardrop.

Carr’s purchase also sparked controversy after he initially said he would become a baron and have his own tartan.

His comments on a podcast prompted a backlash from some locals, who accused him of ‘cultural appropriation’ and called him an ‘invader’.

Carr later clarified that he had turned down the opportunity to buy the title.

A Disney+ spokesperson confirmed that the option to purchase the Baron title came with the castle but said Carr had opted not to take it.

The spokesperson also said the estate’s gates would remain open to dog walkers and ramblers.

They said at the time: ‘Alan Carr is very much looking forward to making Ayton his home and getting to know the local community.

‘The gates will remain open for the dog walkers and ramblers to continue enjoying the estate grounds.

‘Alan hopes to host a few events at the castle to help cover the running costs, showcasing Ayton’s stunning backdrop and the surrounding area, with as little disruption as possible.’

Carr previously said on the podcast: ‘It is my home, I have bought it, and I’m selling up and moving up there. I’m 50, I want a change.

‘I’ve got the survey now, and I’m waiting for the keys to come. It’s a lovely community, really small, and I want it to be magical.

‘I’ll be a baron, and I get my own tartan.’

British businessman Owain Davies has died after a light aircraft crashed in the Swiss Alps, killing all three people on board.

Mr Davies, 55, was travelling in a propeller-driven Cirrus SR22T when it crashed close to the mountain resort of Leukerbad in Valais, southern Switzerland, on Tuesday. Two other people were killed, including another British national.

The father of two was remembered by his company, Amcanu, as an “unstoppable force” and a cherished friend.

Davies had led the Burry Port, South Wales-based engineering business since 2000, taking charge 25 years after it was established by his father, Spencer Davies OBE.

In a moving tribute, the company said: “He was a familiar face on the factory floor, an unstoppable force, a mentor and, for many people who have spent a significant part of their working lives at Amcanu, a very good friend.

“Above everything else, he was a husband, father and grandfather.”

Amcanu said Davies was “a real character” — determined, strong-willed and spirited, while also reflective and immensely proud.

It continued: ‘There was another side of Owain that not everybody knew about. He loved flying.

‘Owain was an experienced pilot and aviation was a genuine passion – technically, socially and simply for the freedom and enjoyment it gave him.

‘He had a large circle of friends within the aviation community and would fly his helicopter whenever the opportunity arose.

‘He didn’t make a great show of it. In fact, many people who knew him professionally may never have known how important aviation was to him.

‘At the time of the accident, Owain was travelling as a passenger, alongside two of his closest friends.

‘The circumstances of his death are devastating, but flying was something that brought Owain enormous happiness throughout his life.

‘Owain was admired. He was respected. He was sometimes formidable. He was enormously caring.

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‘He was a husband, a dad, a grandad, a son, a mentor, a leader and a friend… And he will be missed more than we can possibly express.’

Amcanu added that Mr Davies was ‘a proud Welshman and Welsh speaker’ and had been a trustee of Wales Air Ambulance Charity since 2017.

The charity’s chair of trustees, Dr Kyle Jacques, said he had made a ‘significant contribution to the Wales Air Ambulance and the vital service we provide’.

‘Owain was a valued colleague and friend, whose loyalty and generosity of spirit meant so much to us. He will be greatly missed,’ he added.

Mr Davies previously worked  as a helmsman with Burry Port Lifeboat for nearly 25 years, the firm said. 

Officials say the plane took off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley and crashed into a mountain slope around ten minutes later.

Firefighters, police and rescue teams in helicopters attended the scene but the cause of the crash is unknown.

A probe is underway by the Swiss Transportation Safety Board and Valais Police and the Office of the Attorney General are also investigating.

The Foreign Office has said it is ‘providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland’.

‘Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time,’ it added.

Mr Davies’s son, Aron, said the family had ‘suffered an unimaginable loss’, describing his father as ‘driven, determined and someone who simply didn’t accept that a problem was too big to solve’.

Formal identification of the other victims is under way. 

An image of the crash site shared by local police showed the wreckage of the plane on a mountainside.

In a statement, the force said: ‘Shortly after 4pm, for reasons yet to be determined, the aircraft collided with the northern slope of a mountain in the Fluhalp area of ​​Leukerbad. 

‘Signs of smoke were subsequently reported in the region.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.