Too many women are being failed in Scotland

She took her own life after having an operation cancelled, and being told of an 18-month wait.

Since Ms Thyne died, her family and friends have set up Nicola’s, a support group for women in West Lothian in her name. The support covers a range of different women’s health issues, and hundreds of women have accessed the group since it was set up.

But they want to go further.

They are calling for “Nicola’s Law” to be introduced in Scotland. This would make women’s health education and training mandatory for all NHS healthcare professionals.

June Smillie, a family friend who is leading the campaign, tells us today: “A lot of women feel dismissed, which is why we came up with Nicola’s Law to look at education for GPs and other NHS health professionals.

“We really want education to be there for women’s health. I believe trainee doctors get it, but there is nothing that is ongoing and mandatory.”

It is a call The Scotsman would wholeheartedly support. The very fact that this does not already exist exposes some of the huge issues in the health service.

Nicola’s story is unbelievably sad, but tragically far from unique.

Says Ms Smillie: “We need to be heard – Nicola went to A&E several times and was sent away and told the pain was to be expected.

“You can get Viagra or help if you’re going bald, but women are viewed as hysterical. Things need to be improved so no one else goes through what we do because we lost Nicola and she cannot be replaced.”

Nicola’s has now submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament to ensure Nicola’s Law is formally introduced in Scotland. We would urge all to support it today, and politicians to take note.

Too many women living with debilitating conditions are being failed in Scotland today. It has to change.

Eclipse viewing? Lettuce entertain you

Miss it, and you will have a long wait. What will be the UK’s fullest solar eclipse for the next 54 years happens tomorrow, and cloud cover depending there should be a decent view in swathes of southern and eastern Scotland.

More than 90 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

But how to watch it? Sunglasses are not sufficient protection. Solar eclipse glasses are a good option, and even better say experts is a solar telescope. Assuming you have neither, perhaps have a rummage in the kitchen.

According to Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer: "You can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in – point the colander towards the Sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes.”

So there you have it. Sort out the salad for dinner and then head to the garden for the solar treat.