And in other news... seven stories that are not about the coronavirus

We've compiled a few recent stories which are important, interesting and, crucially, not about the coronavirus. 

Independent Scotland would be welcome in the EU - but at a price

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking during a press conference in Edinburgh (Image: Scottish Government)

A major academic report has claimed an independent Scotland would be fast-tracked into the EU.

However, it would have to rejoin the Common Fisheries Policy and commit to using the euro.

Accession could take four to five years, although reducing Scotland’s deficit below the EU target could mean a severe “spending squeeze”.

Rangers appoint DUP councillor and senior Orange Order figure as new PR chief

Herald columnist Neil Cameron described the hire as a "PR disaster for Rangers"

A DUP councillor and senior Orange Order figure is going to quit his role on Belfast City Council to take up a role as head of communications at Rangers.

David Graham will replace Jim Traynor as the new media supremo at Ibrox after standing down from his position as a councillor of the Balmoral district of the Northern Irish capital.

Traynor announced his intention to leave Ibrox when his contract expires in May after an eventful eight years in the role.

Appliance of science helps bass guitarists reach the right notes

Paul McCartney is perhaps the most famous bass player on the planet

Bass guitarists could be about to step out of the shadows and take centre stage thanks to the pioneering work of Scottish scientists.

Dr Jonathan Kemp of the University of St Andrews’ School of Physics and Astronomy has developed revolutionary strings using which allow bassists to play higher notes than before – and in a more pleasing harmony.

The better-sounding guitar was created by a Scottish team who tweaked the production process.

Springtime for red squirrels? 

The beloved red squirrel has suffered decades of decline (Image: PA)

It was feared Scotland’s red squirrels were on an inexorable path to extinction.

But fresh hope has been sparked after a survey indicated the iconic rodent’s population in many parts of the country remained stable last year.

A group called Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels even said the animal’s non-native grey cousin was being pushed out of several areas.

Scotland is home to 75 per cent of the UK’s red squirrels but their numbers have fallen to just 120,000, largely due to the spread of greys.

The Alex Salmond trial

Alex Salmond is on trial at the High Court in Edinburgh

Today, a court heard that a woman Alex Salmond is accused of attempting to rape was not at a Bute House dinner on the night the offence is said to have occurred.

Mr Salmond faces multiple charges of sexual assault including an attempted rape. He denies all the allegations.

Arguably, the case has not received as much attention as it normally would have due to the coronavirus crisis.

Lego bricks could survive in the ocean for up to 1,300 years, study finds

A Lego block is for several lifetimes, not just for Christmas

The world-famous children's toy is famed for its durability. 

But whilst Lego's longevity is great for kids, it could be bad for the environment. 

Researchers at the University of Plymouth analysed bricks that had washed up on the coastlines of south-west England and claimed one block could endure for between 100 and 1,300 years.