Drug consumption rooms allow addicts to use safely. In Germany, they’re common; but in Scotland — Europe’s drug death capital — progress is painfully slow.

Seven years after Scots voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, the question of independence is front and center once again.

As voters head to the polls for the Scottish Parliament elections, the issue of independence is not far from people's minds. The Scottish National Party (SNP) is hoping for a majority in the 129-seat devolved parliament, which could pave the way for a second referendum on Scottish independence. Back in 2014, Scots voted by a margin of 55 percent to stay in the UK, but since Brexit, polls have indicated a rise in support for going it alone.

Scotland fans are in a jubilant mood in Glasgow despite a 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic in the opening round of the Euro 2020, as most look forward to the upcoming England clash.

Scotland fans celebrate their team's draw against a heavily favoured England in their second match of Euro 2020. "At the end of the day, Scotland is Scotland, England is England and Scotland are number one," says one fan.

Scottish salmon is sold all over the world, but the fish come from breeding farms with methods that are condemned by environmental groups. The intensive farming of salmon, in large pens where there are too many fish, leads to them dying before they reach adulthood, mainly because of a flesh-eating parasite: sea lice. There are fears that the sea lice are now spreading far beyond the farms, contaminating wild salmon in rivers. Our France 3 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Olivia Bizot.

Queen Elizabeth II speaks at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh saying the beginning of a new session is the time for renewal and fresh thinking after a particularly difficult time. She adds that she will attend the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November and that "the eyes of the world" would be on Scotland during the event.

Soldiers of the territorial defence force of Ukraine in Kharkiv cheered on their team on Wednesday night when they played in a World Cup qualification play-off match against Scotland. A very small screen in shelter was enough for the men to enjoy their team's 3-1 triumph at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

The leader of Scotland's government said Scotland was "ripped" out of the EU as she outlined a possible route to Scottish independence, including a referendum late next year.

Members of Scotland's ruling party have condemned a remark by the favorite to become next UK prime minister. Liz Truss said the best thing to do with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was to "ignore her."

Starting Monday, councils and education providers in Scotland are legally required to make period products available — free of charge — to anyone who needs them.

To kick off a new season, Annette Young is in Scotland whose haunting beauty has served as a backdrop to many films and TV series about sorcery and witches such as "Harry Potter" and "Outlander". But in the 16th century, a true horror tale began as thousands of women were persecuted, tortured and killed after being accused of witchcraft. Now 400 years on, the Scottish Parliament is set to clear their names. Annette Young meets the two women who are behind the campaign to get Scottish authorities to pardon the accused.