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STV News
17-07-2025
- STV News
Murder in the Mud: The Scottish ‘Soil Sleuth' solving cold cases
Professor Lorna Dawson's journey from the fields of rural Angus to the witness stands of Scotland's most high-profile murder trials is a remarkable one. It is rooted, quite literally, in her love of soil. 'I came from a family where farming was in their blood,' Dawson told Scotland Tonight. 'My mum took me out to identify the different wildflowers. My dad took me into the countryside in the Land Rover to look at fields and the different soils. 'I loved being outside. I loved looking at the differences you get in different soils and the different types of habitats.' That childhood fascination would later blossom into a pioneering career in forensic soil science. It's a discipline Dawson helped transform from a niche practice into a credible and respected tool in the fight against crime. Around 2005, Dawson – then working at the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research – got a call that would change everything. The National Crime Agency wanted to know whether soil could be analysed to help solve a drugs case. They specifically needed to ascertain the origin of soil found on a spade seized from a suspect. 'We ran this suite of analyses and compared that data with our database of soils,' she explained. 'I went with the officer from the Grampian Police to the site where I thought it had come from. Very quickly, they brought the dogs in, and the dogs found the drugs that had been buried in that woodland.' It was a pivotal moment. 'We realised then that the methods we used could be applied to soils to help work out where they come from,' said Dawson. Supplied/Scotland Tonight Christine Eadie and Helen Scott were killed in October 1977. One of the most significant cases she became involved in was the retrial of the so-called World's End murders – the 1977 killings of 17-year-olds Christine Eadie and Helen Scott. 'That particular case will always stay with me,' she said. 'I'd just gone off to university from the safe rural environment of the countryside of Angus to the big city of Edinburgh. I was 17 – the same age as the girls who were found dead. 'Young girls like myself were terrified to go out alone. We wouldn't go to pubs unless we were all together. There was a real sense of fear that continued for many years.' More than three decades later, Dawson's expertise proved crucial. Police asked her to analyse soil samples that had been collected from Helen Scott's feet in 1977 and carefully preserved. 'We could take those samples and analyse them…to help the police work out where Helen had been prior to her death,' Dawson explained. 'We developed an organic fingerprint, a distinctive profile of the landscape. We were able to see not just one, but two different materials. One from the wheat field where she was found and another from a grass verge.' STV News Serial killer and rapist Angus Sinclair was jailed for a minimum of 37 years. That evidence helped prosecutors finally convict Angus Sinclair in 2014, under new double jeopardy laws. 'It really showed that we could help the criminal justice system with this type of problem,' she reflected. After the trial, Dawson received a letter from Helen's brother, Kevin Scott. 'He said he had been overwhelmed to see how much work everyone had put in to bring justice for his sister. I treasure that letter because that's what really makes it all worthwhile.' Throughout her career, Dawson has remained committed to objectivity. 'We try not to know too much about the case context until after we've given evidence in court,' she said. 'We code each sample that comes in to minimise any potential bias in interpretation. We produce facts and opinions for the courts.' But even with that detachment, some cases have hit home. 'There was a case in England, a little three-year-old child had been killed by his stepfather. I was examining the pyjamas he was wearing to recover trace evidence of soil and vegetation. 'They were the exact same pyjamas my grandson had. I had to tell my daughter not to put him in them anymore. 'This was a little boy, an infant, and these pyjamas were the last thing he'd been wearing, like lots of other little children, before he was killed by someone he should have been able to trust. 'That really stayed with me.' Dawson also worked on the case of Karen Buckley, the young Irish student murdered in Glasgow in 2015. 'My daughter had just gone off to university,' said Dawson. 'Stranger murders are very rare, but by the grace of God, you can meet the wrong people. I think as a Scottish people, we felt very responsible and sad that she'd come to harm in our country.' Her analysis of soil found on Alexander Pacteau's boots and car tyres helped police identify key locations where he had driven after abducting Buckley, including the remote area at High Craigton Farm where her body was eventually discovered. This forensic link played a significant role in building the case against Pacteau and securing his conviction. Among her most high-profile cases, Professor Dawson played a crucial role in the investigation into Peter Tobin, the convicted murderer linked to the deaths of Vicky Hamilton, Dinah McNicol, and Angelika Kluk. Tobin is widely regarded as one of Scotland's most notorious serial killers. Police Scotland Tobin's victims, left to right, Angelika Kluk, Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol. Dawson's forensic soil analysis was instrumental during the search for Vicky's remains following the teenager's disappearance in 1991. Seventeen years later, her body was found buried in the garden of Tobin's former home in Margate, Kent. Soil found on bin bags used to wrap Vicky's remains was compared to earth samples from Tobin's former home in Bathgate. That helped to confirm the body had been buried there and then moved and reburied when Tobin moved 470 miles away to the south of England – a key detail in reconstructing the timeline of events. Police Scotland Serial killer Peter Tobin, who died in 2022. Dawson's meticulous work helped detectives build a stronger case against Tobin, linking him not only to the crime scene but also to efforts to conceal his victims. The case demonstrated the power of environmental forensics in historical investigations, especially when other evidence had long since degraded. Dawson's contributions haven't just supported prosecutions. Her work also helped in searches, such as that for Ben Needham, the British toddler who disappeared on the Greek island of Kos in 1991. Forensic analysis of a child's sandal recovered on-site revealed the presence of blood and supported the theory that he had been accidentally killed by a digger. Looking to the future, Dawson believes soil science holds even more untapped potential. 'We've got the inorganic minerals which tell us about geology, the organic part which tells us about habitat, and the biological part – that's the DNA,' she explained. 'Soon, we'll not only be able to see where a sample came from, but also when someone was at that location.' She's excited about the science, but also keen to demystify it. STV News Professor Lorna Dawson has been involved in some of Scotland's most high-profile murder trials. 'It's important that we communicate science to make people understand that it's not a mystery. Science is exciting, very interesting, and very useful,' she said. 'Soil can be used in many avenues – from agriculture to water purification – and also to work out whether material came from the crime scene, or from alternative proposition locations such as the home address of the accused.' As for the portrayal of forensic scientists on television, Dawson is realistic and has even worked as a consultant on Silent Witness. 'Like a lot of programmes, it's a mixed bag. Some are very good. Others are entertainment – a way for the public to go into dark places, but safely from their armchair.' Even as a child, Dawson was fascinated by the dark side. She said: 'I used to read and watch Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series…but safely, even though you ran up the stairs at night after being immersed in the stories, glancing behind at your peril.' Thanks to her dedication, passion and scientific rigour, generations of detectives – and victims' families – have found something more substantial than fiction: Truth, rooted in the earth beneath our feet. Professor Lorna Dawson is a Principal Scientist and Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute, and one of the UK's leading forensic soil scientists. Her work has contributed to dozens of criminal investigations across the UK and internationally. Watch Scotland Tonight: A Conversation with Lorna Dawson on Thursday at 8.30pm on STV and the STV Player. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
STV News viewers left baffled by major blunder live on air
The episode, Should we trash cash?, was due to be broadcast at 8.30pm NO SHOW STV News viewers left baffled by major blunder live on air STV viewers were left baffled after their screens showed an EMPTY studio. The broadcaster was preparing to televise its popular Scotland Tonight programme. Advertisement 1 STV televised an empty studio during the start of its Scotland Tonight programme The episode, Should we trash cash?, was due to be broadcast at 8.30pm. After the commercial break, the cameras faced an empty chair in a deserted studio. Moments later, it cut to a pre-recorded video, before Scotland Tonight was finally shown. The blunder didn't go unnoticed and some viewers took to social media. Advertisement Last night, one man posted: "Anyone watching STV right now? It keeps cutting to the studio with no one there." Another said: "STV news just broadcasting an empty chair is some proper doomsday s**t." A third person joked: "It's broke or aliens abducted them." Scotland Tonight is STV's current affairs show "which tackles the issues behind the headlines from a Scottish perspective".
The Herald Scotland
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
STV viewers perplexed as news opens to an empty studio
The show went out at 8:30pm to living rooms across the country. The scene of and empty studio quickly cut to pre-recorded video before normality was resumed afterwards. However, the gaffe was spotted by many who took to social media to register their surprise. READ MORE: One said: "Deary me. STV is having a nightmare with their Scotland Tonight segment. Is anyone in the news room with us right now." Another asked: "What's happened to STV News ?", while one poster on X (formerly Twitter) said: "Anyone watching stv right now? It keeps cutting to the studio with no one there." Anyone watching stv right now? It keeps cutting to the studio with no one there 😂 — Ross Cairns (@rosscairns95) July 10, 2025 Scotland tonight bills itself as "Exploring current affairs and tackling issues behind the headlines from a Scottish perspective."
STV News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Paul Merton and Suki Webster return to Fringe with hit improv show
'Have I Got News for You' host Paul Merton is relishing a return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer alongside his wife and fellow comedian Suki Webster. The couple, who have become a regular highlight at the festival, will once again be fronting their celebrated improv comedy show at The Pleasance. Speaking from London ahead of their August run, Merton reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Fringe, which dates back to the 1980s. 'When you first come to Edinburgh, you haven't got a great deal of money or support,' Merton told Scotland Tonight. 'But now we have a very loyal audience and we can really just relax and do the show. There's none of that early-career stress anymore.' Webster echoed that sentiment, highlighting the festival's sense of community. 'It's just great fun, you run into all your friends,' she said. 'You might not see each other in London for months, but in Edinburgh you bump into everyone. It's like a reunion every year.' Their improv show is entirely unscripted, fuelled by audience suggestions and spontaneous performances from a rotating cast of comedians. Merton describes it as 'expect the unexpected,' noting that no two shows are ever the same. 'We have different guests every day, play different games every day. That's the fun of it – it's always fresh.' Webster added that while improvisation might seem daunting, the support of trusted collaborators makes all the difference. 'You're never alone on stage. If one of us goes blank, someone else picks it up. It's just like having a conversation – there's always an answer.' Merton likened their stage work to playtime. He said: 'It's like we never grew up. We just play. And when audiences see you having fun, they join in with the joy of it. That's what makes it special.' The couple admit that not every improv show is successful, and they both acknowledge that bad improvisation can be hard to watch. But, as Merton puts it: 'The beauty of improv is you can always pivot. If something's not working, you change it immediately.' The couple's chemistry on stage is helped, of course, by their real-life relationship. 'Being married is a plus,' said Webster. 'You know each other so well. You can just play together and have fun.' 'We get on in shows because we get on in life,' added Merton. 'And what holds us together is a shared sense of humour – and a legally binding contract!' The show features a stellar lineup of guests including Mike McShane of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, musical improviser Kirsty Newton, and well-known comics such as Rachel Parris, Fred MacAulay, Julian Clary, and Marcus Brigstocke. 'We've built up a repertoire of brilliant performers over the years,' said Merton. 'Even if the audience doesn't know who's coming on that night, the reaction when they appear is always fantastic.' The couple have even welcomed guests with no previous improv experience, including Doctor Who star David Tennant earlier this year. 'He was terrified,' said Webster. 'But he was absolutely brilliant. We always do a little workshop beforehand to help people feel comfortable and play to their strengths.' Merton agreed: 'That anxiety often turns into an incredible high after the show. David Mitchell was the same. They didn't know quite what hit them, but they loved it.' The key to good improv, they say, isn't just being funny, it's being a team player. 'If someone's a good listener and works well with others, they'll probably take to improv really well,' said Merton. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Frontline workers warn sector on verge of collapse amid soaring costs and staff shortages
At a small community centre in Dalry, a heated game of Uno is getting under way. Around a dozen adults with learning disabilities gather weekly to socialise and learn vital life skills. The sessions are run by Neighbourhood Networks, a charity providing social care to around 300 people at any one time across the central belt. Manager Michelle Carlyle told Scotland Tonight: 'Our service is really important for those who don't have anybody else there for them to help them get out and build that confidence and connect to the new groups within their communities.' STV News Michelle Carlyle. Michelle often runs money management sessions with members by planning budgets for mock days out. Alison is a regular at the events and says she was able to put those skills to good use on a recent trip abroad. 'I had to plan out the budget in Paris,' she explained, 'So I had to do that, but I've [also] learned how to be more confident going out and about more, with cooking and doing other things.' STV News Alison The Dalry group was set up five years ago during the pandemic and Michelle says it quickly became a lifeline for the members. 'Some of the members have no other support in place. So without us, some of them would really struggle to get on with life and they might become one of those statistics that are forgotten and slip through the gaps.' Neighbourhood Networks' chief executive Heather Calvo says there's a lack of understanding around how far-reaching social care can be. She told Scotland Tonight: 'People might think traditionally social care is going to peoples' houses, it's very practical support and helping with meal preparation, maybe personal care, but social care is also helping people emotionally. STV News 'Helping people get out and about, helping people develop skills, helping people be present and able to contribute to their community. 'Without social care, the challenges that the NHS is currently experiencing would be far worse. It's an investment, social care is an investment. It prevents people from ending up in hospital in the first place.' But Heather says the services, often provided by the third sector, are under enormous pressure. The UK Government has announced plans to end future overseas recruitment of care workers. And earlier this year, there was a 1.2% increase to employers' National Insurance contributions, along with a lowering of the threshold at which it is paid. Heather says the impact will be huge. 'Our National Insurance bill is going up by 35%,' she said. 'Given that most of our costs are staff, that's enormous. When I heard the news about the budget last October, my jaw hit the ground and my heart sank not just for us, but for social care organisations across the piece.' STV News Neighbourhood Networks is a member of the Coalition of Care Providers Scotland, which has carried out a survey centred on the outlook for the industry. Heather said: 'The statistics are stark. 57% of organisations may need to hand back contracts to local authorities because they can't afford to deliver it. 67% of organisations might need to tap into their emergency funds this year just to get through the year, and the worst of all is 91% of organisations have said that without significant change they might not be in business in four years' time. 'I think it's grim. I think this is a matter of what you want to see in your community, in your society. The impact on the NHS will be huge.' Watch the full report, Social Care Under Pressure, on STV's Scotland Tonight on Thursday at 8:30pm. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
