News
North east experiences extreme weather pattern of blizzards, thaw, and rain
Scotland’s north east experienced significant snowfall during the initial 10 days of the year, followed by persistent rainfall that has continued with minimal respite.
Scotland's north east has experienced a significant amount of precipitation since the start of 2026, with heavy snow falling in the first 10 days of the year, followed by persistent rainfall.

Aboyne, a town in Aberdeenshire, received over 277mm of rain in January, which is approximately four times the average monthly rainfall.
In Aberdeen, a record has been set for the longest period without reported sunshine, with no sun seen since January 21, surpassing any previous sunless period since Met Office records began in 1957.
The prolonged rainfall has had a wide-ranging impact, affecting various sectors such as football, the oil industry, agriculture, and road maintenance.
The question on many people's minds is what is causing this prolonged period of rainfall.
According to experts, a "blocked weather pattern" is to blame for the persistent rain.
This weather pattern has prevented significant movement in the jet stream, limiting the possibility of more settled and dry conditions.
Climate change is also a contributing factor, as it can lead to more intense rainfall events.
Met Office data suggests that a 1.5C increase in temperature could result in up to 16% more winter rainfall in Aberdeen and 13% more in Aberdeenshire, compared to the 1980s and 90s.
For Aboyne, this January has been the wettest on record since 1989.

In contrast, Aviemore, located 40 miles west of Aboyne, experienced less than half its average January rainfall.
The continuous heavy rainfall, often accompanied by strong winds, has had a significant impact on various aspects of life in the north east of Scotland.
Several North Sea oil companies have evacuated staff from their installations due to the challenging weather conditions, which have hindered supply efforts.
Aberdeenshire Council has found it difficult to repair potholes due to the ongoing weather warnings and flood alerts.
The council stated that the region is experiencing persistent heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding and affecting parts of the road network.
The council advised residents to exercise caution when traveling, urging them to drive according to the conditions and heed road closure signs.
The severe weather has also affected wildlife, with puffins struggling to survive due to a lack of food, resulting in deaths and rescues.
The heavy rain has also disrupted sports events, including the postponement of Celtic's Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen.

Celtic expressed regret over the late postponement of the match, sympathizing with fans who had already begun their journeys or arrived in Aberdeen.
The club emphasized the need for earlier decision-making regarding match postponements.
The postponement of Aberdeen's Scottish Cup match against Motherwell was also announced.
Despite the weather, Aberdeen's Spectra festival of light is proceeding, with organizers encouraging attendees to dress warmly and enjoy the event.
Kevin Gilbert, the north east chairman of NFU Scotland, stated that the record rainfall is having a significant impact on farmers.
Gilbert, who farms near Kintore in Aberdeenshire, told BBC Scotland News that low-lying fields are completely submerged, and farmers are struggling to care for their livestock.

He explained that the prolonged rainfall is making it challenging for farmers to plan and work on their land.
Gilbert described the situation as "horrendous" and emphasized that the extreme weather is a significant challenge for farmers.
He noted that while farmers often complain about the weather, these extreme conditions are particularly difficult to manage.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) reported issuing 81 local flood warnings in January.
Sepa also stated that there are currently eight regional flood alerts and five local flood warnings in effect due to high tides and large waves along the east coast.
BBC Scotland Weather presenter Gillian Smart said that the weather outlook remains unsettled.
Smart explained that while wet and wintry weather is common in Scotland during January, this year's weather has been remarkable due to a blocked weather pattern.

She noted that the jet stream has been strengthened by cold conditions in North America, propelling Atlantic low-pressure systems towards Scotland.
At the same time, high pressure has become anchored over Scandinavia, creating a block that prevents weather systems from passing through and leading to persistent rain.
This pressure pattern has also brought persistent southeasterly winds to Scotland, resulting in the north east bearing the brunt of the rain and snow.
Smart explained that the ground is not getting a chance to dry out between weather systems, so even moderate rainfall is causing further flooding and disruption.
She forecasted blustery east winds and further rain for eastern Scotland on Friday.
The weekend is expected to bring an easing of the winds for most of Scotland, although it will remain blustery in the Northern Isles and north eastern coasts.
Smart predicted that the following week would bring a chance of more significant snowfall as the air turns colder.
The weather pattern is expected to continue, with plenty of cloud and patchy rain, and any snow confined to the mountains.
The prolonged period of rainfall is likely to continue, with no significant change in the weather pattern expected in the near future.
University of Glasgow's Prof Hester Parr, a cultural geographer, focuses her research on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects many during certain times of the year.
According to Prof Parr, the weather has a unique impact on each individual, influencing their mood and behavior in distinct ways.
For those who experience severe depression during specific periods, such as winter, Prof Parr notes that this can be characteristic of seasonal affective disorder, which has a profound effect on their mental wellbeing.
Prof Parr predicts that people will be spending more time indoors, leading to what she terms "wet lives," which can have negative consequences for mental health.
During periods of bad weather, many people tend to isolate themselves, staying indoors with curtains closed, but Prof Parr warns that this can exacerbate mental health issues, rather than alleviate them.
Establishing a daily routine that incorporates outdoor activities and exposure to natural light can have a positive impact on mental health, increasing energy levels and improving mood, according to Prof Parr.
By venturing outdoors, individuals can discover that their surroundings are not as bleak as they seemed, and that even on the cloudiest days, there is still an abundance of natural light to be found.
Prof Parr emphasizes that spending time outside, even on the darkest days, can be highly beneficial for mental health, as it allows individuals to tap into the natural light available in their environment, which can have a profound positive effect.
News
Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire
Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.
The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.
Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.
The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.
Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.
With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.
The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.
An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.
A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.
Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.
Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.
If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
-
News10 hours agoAustralian Politics Faces Questions Over Gender Equality Amid Sussan Ley’s Appointment
-
News7 hours agoFarage Says Reform to Replace Traditional Tory Party
-
News7 hours agoWrexham Pair Seek Win Against Former Team Ipswich
-
News12 hours agoLiberal Party Removes Australia’s First Female Leader
-
News10 hours agoUK Braces for Cold Snap with Snow and Ice Alerts Expected
-
News7 hours agoHusband’s alleged £600k theft for sex and antiques blamed on drug side effects
-
News2 days agoSunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people
-
Business13 hours agoBBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool
