Bustin Jowie

I see there have been some reactions from Aberdeen University staff to this story - should say my DM's are always open for anyone who wishes to talk further, and my email is justin.bowie@dcthomson.co.uk for anyone who has any story tips which may interest me.

Exclusive: Aberdeen University eyes £12m cuts days after staff announce strike dates Managers say costs must be slashed in the next two years unless they can find a way to bring in more income.

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Exclusive: Aberdeen University eyes £12m cuts days after staff announce strike dates

BREAKING: Victory for Eljamel patients as NHS Tayside resets time bar for legal action Campaigners harmed by the disgraced neurosurgeon have been fighting for their right to sue the health board over harm caused.

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Victory for Eljamel patients as NHS Tayside resets time bar for legal action

Full list of defections to Reform UK in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen so far Who has made the jump to Nigel Farage’s growing party, and why?

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Another Aberdeenshire councillor has joined Reform UK today.

A full list of defections to the party in the north-east so far here.

5 key findings as Cairngorm mountain railway inquiry makes taxpayers' cash warning The Scottish Parliament has been probing spending on the funicular railway after detailed investigations by The Press and Journal.

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The future of the Cairngorm mountain railway faces fresh scrutiny in a critical report which raises the alarm over the mounting costs of maintaining the structure.

Here are five key findings from the critical Holyrood inquiry.

The challenges to keep Cairngorm Mountain funicular open - from winter storms to moss on the line A detailed inspection report reveals complex work behind keeping the mountain railway ticking one year after it reopened.

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The challenges to keep Cairngorm Mountain funicular open – from winter storms to moss on the line

Dundee University trade union blasts 'life-changing consequences' of latest job cuts Principal Professor Nigel Seaton’s plans to axe up to 180 full-time roles have sparked an immediate backlash.

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Dundee University trade union blasts ‘life-changing consequences’ of latest job cuts

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University eyes 180 full-time job losses in new voluntary severance scheme Principal Professor Nigel Seaton hopes the institution can save at least £10 million as he takes drastic measures to balance the books.

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EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University eyes 180 full-time job losses in new voluntary severance scheme

EXCLUSIVE: NHS Tayside took months to start extra Eljamel record checks after discovering evidence destruction A letter obtained by The Courier outlines the health board’s response to the row over vital theatre operating logbooks being binned.

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EXCLUSIVE: NHS Tayside took months to start extra Eljamel record checks after discovering evidence destruction

Aberdeen University boss says it would be ‘irresponsible’ to rule out compulsory job losses as staff to strike Principal Professor Peter Edwards spoke to The Press and Journal about challenges facing the institution days before workers backed industrial action.

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Aberdeen University boss says it would be ‘irresponsible’ to rule out compulsory job losses as staff to strike

Perth businessman behind anti-immigration protests ‘pushing’ Reform UK after party talks Businessman Lee Stronach said he is “definitely” backing Reform UK after holding talks with senior local party members in the Fair City.

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Perth businessman behind anti-immigration protests ‘pushing’ Reform UK after party talks

Who is the paedophile ex-Moray councillor at heart of Labour crisis? Sean Morton’s sexual offences and friendships dating back to Fochabers school days have caused chaos from Downing Street to Holyrood.

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Paedophile Sean Morton's high-profile Labour links were used by political rivals to attack Sir Keir Starmer at Westminster today.

Here's how he went from Moray councillor to shamed sex offender - and how his friendships have rocked his old party.

We put the same question to Dunfermline and Dollar MP Graeme Downie.

A spokesperson said he will also not be commenting.

24 hours on from Anas Sarwar's press conference - and not a single Fife Labour MP seems to have a view.

Fife Labour MP Richard Baker is still declining to say where he stands. We asked a spokesperson for him if this meant he was refusing to back Anas Sarwar.

The spokesperson said: "No comment."

Dundee and Fife MSPs break silence in shock Labour civil war It comes the morning after Scottish party leader Anas Sarwar called for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to quit.

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Dundee and Fife MSPs break silence in shock Labour civil war - but which side are they backing?

Can NHS Tayside chief facing resignation calls weather storm over Eljamel evidence destruction? Patient anger at Nicky Connor grew after the health board shredded files which could have shone a light on disgraced ex-Ninewells surgeon Sam Eljamel.

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Can NHS Tayside chief facing resignation calls weather storm over Eljamel evidence destruction?

Aberdeen city centre councillor stands for Holyrood election - nearly 200 MILES away Desmond Buchanan represents the George Street/Harbour ward - but has his eyes on a contest far from the north-east.

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An Aberdeen Lib Dem councillor will contest the Holyrood election in a constituency almost a four-hour drive away from the city ward he represents.

Electoral crystal ball gazing with Ballot Box Scotland The Scottish Parliament election is three months away and every party is starting their campaign conference, beginning with Jeremy Corbyn’s new left alternative party meeting in Dundee this…

You can catch me on this week's @thecourier.co.uk / @pressandjournal.co.uk Stooshie podcast with @justinbowie1997.bsky.social, talking about the prospects for each party in May, with a good bit more detail and nuance possible across a solid 20 minutes of chat!

Dunfermline Labour MP breaks ranks with party leadership over teen social media ban Graeme Downie warned Anas Sarwar’s proposals for under-16s risk “isolating young people”.

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Dunfermline Labour MP breaks ranks with party leadership over teen social media ban

Eljamel patients angry at delay for answers on NHS Tayside evidence destruction Victims of the disgraced surgeon told The Courier the public inquiry should immediately invoke special powers to penalise the health board.

www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...

Eljamel patients angry at delay for answers on NHS Tayside evidence destruction

Exclusive: Leaked email shows Aberdeen University chief's forced response to 'alarming' 443 job losses Principal Peter Edwards justified the fall in staff headcount and explained why figures were shared with The Press and Journal before employees.

www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...

Exclusive: Leaked email shows Aberdeen University chief’s forced response to ‘alarming’ 443 job losses

Exclusive: Aberdeen University sheds more than 440 permanent staff over two years in cost-cutting drive Trade union officials say there has been a “lack of meaningful engagement" over future job losses as strike action remains on the table.

www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6943...

EXCLUSIVE: Aberdeen University sheds more than 440 permanent staff over two years in cost-cutting drive

Clearly been on a lot of an organised crime kick re non-fiction this year. Another solid look at crime in Italy, and again a clear-headed look at the legacy of violence through more than a century.

And back to non-fiction - a very personal and harrowing look at the Camorra in Naples and its legacy of violence.

And speaking of which...one of my favourites for 2025. A spiritual successor to One Hundred Years of Solitude in many respects but a great read in its own right.

Spanish language writers are always great for a multi-generational family epic and this is no different.

Admittedly found this one fairly tough going at certain points, even for an old classic. But rewarding when you're into it and builds to a great conclusion. Some memorable (and very flawed) characters.

One of Greene's best. Pretty much the archetype for flawed religious protagonists who you nevertheless root for.

Back to fiction - a great fictional look at Vladimir Putin's Russia. Blasted through it and if anything wished it had been longer.

Another great non-fiction read here from @samfr.bsky.social. Clear-headed look at a lot of what's wrong in contemporary British politics. Should be a must-read for anyone working in the political sphere.