Scottish opposition parties are saying the Government is not doing enough to support the NHS.

Tue 24 Dec, 6.20 pm

As shoppers hit the high street for last-minute Christmas gifts, there's a warning that the UK economy is "headed for the worst of all worlds".



Revised fiscal figures show zero growth over the summer months, the Office of National Statistics said. 



Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the UK government faces a huge challenge in fixing the economy, insisting her October budget would ultimately deliver growth.

Political Reporter

Laura Alderman

Growth figures from the ONS show the UK economy flatlined between July and September.

Revised figures show economy ‘did not grow during summer’

A pilot has died in a light aircraft crash in Fife.



The 50-year-old man was the only person on board the plane which came down near Kinglassie on Monday morning.



An eyewitness described how he heard the engine stalling and then saw the plane 'nosedive'.

Susan Nicholson

The plane came down at around 11.40am on Monday near the village of Kinglassie.

Pilot dies after light aircraft crashes in Fife

Scotland's top law officer has criticised the police investigation into a surgeon thought to have harmed more than 200 patients.



Sam Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside until he was suspended in 2013.



Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain says the six-year inquiry by Police Scotland "has simply not progressed as it should have".

Lynne Rankin

After years of campaigning, patients were granted a public inquiry last year.

Lord Advocate criticises police investigation into Eljamel scandal

It's a staple in the Christmas calendar, but a Glasgow primary school has put a modern spin on the nativity story.



The adaptation sees three friends make their way to Scotland to meet a new baby and are treated to celebrations of light around the world on their journey. 



Teachers hope the show, which incorporates other festivals such as Eid and Diwali, represents the school's multicultural pupil population.

Fergus Matheson

STV News went along to meet the pupils and find out how they transformed the nativity into a modern tale. 

Primary school puts modern spin on the nativity story

Rail, road, sea and air. Thousands of Scots are travelling for the festive period on what's been described as one of the busiest travel days of the year so far.



Poor weather conditions have seen the cancellation of some ferry services along the west coast.



Some travellers have cancelled or changed their plans as the Met Office warns there will be widespread travel disruption with conditions forecast to worsen across the country.

Vanessa Taaffe

Ferries up and down the west coast and Western Isles have been cancelled or delayed.

Poor weather conditions hit travellers heading home for Christmas

A retired nurse says she feels 'let down' after being refused an allowance to help her family care for her.



Agnes Wardlaw from Glenrothes in Fife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after returning to Scotland from Cyprus, where she'd spent 13 years of her retirement.



She has now been told she does not qualify for an attendance allowance because she has been out of the UK for more than two years.



Her family say they are financially and mentally drained by trying to navigate what they say is a confusing benefits system.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

Agnes Wardlaw was diagnosed with Parkinson's after spending 13 years of retirement in Cyprus.

Retired nurse ‘let down’ after being refused care allowance

More victims of crime are to receive support through fines paid by offenders.



Child victims, rape survivors and those who have suffered domestic abuse are among those who will benefit.



This can include help with essentials like food and clothing and emotional support.

Academics warn there are still inequalities that need to be addressed.

More victims of crime to receive support through offender’s fines

Charities are warning they face a 'perfect storm' of rising costs and a lack of funding which could force many to close.



One organisation supporting disabled people is looking at making almost half of its staff redundant after dipping into reserves to pay higher bills.



Others say they will struggle to afford the increase in employer national insurance contributions announced in the UK Government budget.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

They say the situation now is worse than during Covid with many fearing for their future.



Charites warn ‘perfect storm’ could force many to close

Arlene and John Mitchell from West Lothian became proud parents to Ben, Noah, Harrison and Rory.



Naturally conceived quadruplets are extremely rare, with doctors estimating the odds at about one in 700,000 births.



Well, now the boys are home, and the family are preparing for their first Christmas together.

Laura Piper

A team of 17 doctors and midwives helped to deliver them safely.

Family celebrate having quadruplets home for Christmas

A neo-Nazi who amassed an "armoury of weapons" at his Falkirk home and discussed an attack on an LGBT group has been jailed for 10 years.



Prosecutors described the actions of Alan Edward as deeply disturbing.



As well as collecting an array of weaponry, the 55-year-old posted and shared material online of a racist, homophobic and violent nature, including information associated with extreme right-wing groups.

Sharon Frew

Alan Edward also shared material online of a racist, homophobic and violent nature.

Neo-Nazi who amassed ‘armoury of weapons’ in home jailed

The First Minister says the UK Government's refusal to compensate WASPI women, who lost out through changes to the state pension age, is a "serious embarrassment" for Labour.



At First Minister's Questions John Swinney accused the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar of making bold promises to WASPI women before the General Election, but delivering nothing for them in government.

Political Editor

Colin Mackay

Some of the women affected took their protest to the Scottish Parliament today.

Swinney calls WASPI compensation denial ‘serious embarrassment’

A Fife charity say they're supporting more people with essential items this festive season.



Every year Fife Gingerbread's annual Christmas Appeal gives out food, money and gifts to hundreds of families in the region.

Felicity Clifford

Staff say single parents as well as families who are in work are coming to them for help.

Charity says demand for essentials higher than ever

"It could completely change the way we treat cancer", say researchers at the University of Dundee who are trialling a new treatment for people with gastro-oesophageal cancer.



One woman from Broughty Ferry has become the first person with her type of cancer in Europe to receive the drug.

Callum Clark

It comes in the form of an injection and is made from technology used to create a Covid-19 vaccine.

Dundee researchers trialling new oesophageal cancer treatment

Youngsters in Aberdeen have been making a lot of noise about their newly found musical talents at a Christmas concert.



As STV News has found out, the programme has helped young people reach their full potential through music.

Anne Smith

Big Noise Torry provides free music lessons to one of the city's most deprived areas.

Aberdeen youngsters get together for Christmas concert

Hundreds of Scottish jobs have been saved after a multi-million-pound rescue deal was struck by a Spanish firm to take over troubled shipbuilder Harland and Wolff.



The firm went into administration in September, leaving workers at its plants in Fife and on the Isle of Lewis facing an uncertain future.



Today, it was confirmed that the yards have been bought, securing all jobs.

The Belfast-based shipbuilder went into administration in September.

Jobs to be saved after firm takes over Harland and Wolff

A motion citing a lack of confidence in Moray Council's leadership was passed by members this morning following confusion over the fate of seven libraries.



Communication was issued saying plans to close the facilities had been scrapped - but that hadn't been agreed by the full Council.

Nicola McAlley

The Moray Council leader broke down as she apologised.

Confidence motion passed at council over library closures

Nearly 200 North East farmers have taken part in the latest protest against proposed changes to inheritance taxes.



The sector says this is just the start of their opposition to the plans.

Haley Bouma

Labour say only a small number of farmers are affected by their changes.

North East farmers protest over inheritance tax changes

The Prime Minister is facing growing anger from pensioners, and his own party, over the UK Government's decision not to award compensation to the WASPI women.



The decision has been criticised by the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, but Sir Keir Starmer has insisted there isn't the money to compensate women who lost out when the state pension age changed.

Westminster Correspondent

Paris Gourtsoyannis

The row dominated Prime Minister's Questions, with MP after MP rising to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.

Starmer facing growing anger over WASPI compensation denial

An Edinburgh choir made up of people with dementia, their friends, and families have recorded and released a charity single to raise money for the Capital theatres' dementia-friendly programme.



STV News has been finding out if we may have a Christmas number one on our hands.

Lewis Michie

All proceeds will go towards Capital's Theatres dementia-friendly programme.

Dementia choir aiming for number one with Christmas single

A proposal for a crematorium on farmland on the outskirts of Dundee could go to Scotland's highest civil court for a second time.



Nearly 800 objections were made to the initial planning application for the Duntrune site in Angus.



Opponents say it would increase traffic and congest country roads but the developer says any impact would be minimal.

Plans for Duntrune crematorium were first put forward in 2020.

Crematorium plans could head to civil court for second time

A Highland charity that has provided mobility scooter services for three decades says it's under threat after NHS Highland rejected funding.



Shopmobility operates on a shortfall for the full service in Inverness and Dingwall and has already had to make redundancies.

Shopmobility previously received £35,000 a year towards its running costs from NHS Highland.  


Mobility scooter charity ‘under threat’ after funding rejected

Inflation has hit its highest level since March with just a week to go until Christmas.



The cost of goods and services increased to 2.6% last month, driven by fuel prices.

Steven Brown

It comes as the Bank of England will decide tomorrow if it'll maintain or cut interest rates.

Inflation rises to 2.6% ahead of festive period

With Christmas approaching, a North East charity is making sure children have a gift to open this festive season.



The Giving Tree Appeal - set up by Instant Neighbour - is entering its 35th year.



This year, it has supported 4,000 children, with the number growing due to the cost of living crisis.

Reem Satar

Presents purchased by the public are now being handed out to those in need.

North East charity providing Christmas presents for local kids

Campaigners have branded a UK Government decision not to compensate women affected by the way changes to the state pension age were communicated “absolutely disgusting”.



Campaigners say they've been stabbed in the back after women affected by changes to the state pension age.



The UK Government announcement comes in spite of a call from an independent ombudsman that found that compensation should be paid.

Campaigners say 3.6m women were caught out and lost thousands of pounds.

WASPI women criticise ‘absolutely disgusting’ decision compensation

A mother whose baby was stillborn at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's maternity unit two years ago says she'll never know if her child's life could have been saved.



Ashleigh Welsh has been speaking exclusively to STV News after a whistleblower report highlighted staff shortages and a toxic culture in the department.



NHS Lothian says an improvement plan has been put in place.

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

Ashleigh Welsh had a stillborn baby at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's maternity unit.

Mum of stillborn baby will ‘never know’ if she could have been saved

The former First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced he is stepping down as an MSP at the next Scottish election in 2026.



He quit as First Minister and SNP leader earlier this year after ending a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.



In a letter to Swinney, Yousaf stated that he is stepping aside to “provide an opportunity for the next generation of MSPs.”

Mr Yousaf says the time is right for him to move on from parliament.

Humza Yousaf to step down as MSP at next election

The former boss of the Post Office says she's been made a scapegoat by some witnesses during the Horizon IT scandal.



Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted after Fujitsu's faulty IT accounting system made it look like money was missing.



One woman from North Lanarkshire, who still runs the New Stevenson post office, says she's not had a single penny of compensation.

Caitlin Hutchison

Paula Vennells once again apologised for the mistakes made during her tenure. 

Former Post Office boss claims she’s been made a ‘scapegoat’ in Horizon scandal

This report contains images that some viewers may find upsetting.



Patients across Scotland who have inflammatory bowel disease are facing a postcode lottery on the standards of care they receive.



Charity Crohn's and Colitis UK found that Edinburgh's hospitals were the only services to be rated as excellent or very good by the majority of respondents.

Over 50,000 people in Scotland live with a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease patients facing ‘postcode lottery’

An international golf management company is teeing up plans to save a Dundee course from closure.



The company behind the multi-million-pound rescue plan for Caird Park wants to table its proposals to council and golf club bosses in January.

The council-run Caird Park facility is set to close in the spring, as part of budget cuts.

International company teeing up to save Dundee gold course

A new Veterans Activity Centre has opened in Moray, hoping to help hundreds of former servicemen and women.



Erskine has converted the former Victoria Hotel in Forres, which will provide a meeting place for veterans to help empower them to become part of the community once again.

Moray has the highest number of veterans of all Scottish local authorities.

Wellbeing centre for veterans opens in former Moray hotel

The First Minister has been urged to make what's been described as a "terrifying" 100-mile journey, facing many women in the Highlands requiring maternity care.



In a letter from Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Caithness MP Jamie Stone, John Swinney has been told to face up to the "dangerous realities."



The Scottish Government says it continues to engage on the matter.

Grainne NiGhreachain

Since 2016, many women in Caithness have had to travel to Inverness to access treatment.

Swinney urged to make ‘terrifying’ journey faced by pregnant women in the Highlands

Paramedics on the front line have told STV News they're simply "papering over the cracks" when it comes to dealing with a spike in mental health incidents - which they say they don't receive specialist training for.



They also told us what used to be seen as "winter pressures" are now felt all year round.



STV News spent an evening on shift with paramedics in Edinburgh on one of their busiest nights of the year.

STV News spent an evening on shift with paramedics on one of their busiest nights of the year.

Paramedics ‘papering over the cracks’ in mental health services

Ten years ago today, same-sex marriage was made legal in Scotland.



It was a monumental moment of acceptance and recognition for thousands of people across the country.



Susan and Gerrie were the first lesbian couple to have a wedding ceremony here, and while they're proud of how far society has come since then, they say there's still a long way to go until there's full acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

Amie Flett

In the last ten years there have been over 10,000 same sex marriages in Scotland.

Couples celebrate a decade of same-sex marriage in Scotland

A Glasgow charity is helping children facing poverty celebrate the magic of Christmas by delivering gifts across the city.



Spirit of Christmas started in a car park ten years ago and has grown to help more than 120,000 local kids with a gift bag full of presents.

STV News went along to find out how Glasgow's Spirit of Christmas is putting smiles on children's faces this year.

Charity brings Christmas magic to children facing poverty

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which cares for animals in central and eastern Scotland, has reported the highest demand for its services in its 140-year history.



With operational costs on the rise, the charity is calling for support this winter for its foodbank services and for rehousing the hundreds of animals it takes in every year.

With the cost of vital supplies soaring, they say they're relying on donations more than ever.

Dog and cat home sees highest demand in 140-year history

Police say they're becoming the first line of response for mental health incidents, attending thousands each year.



With a reduction in support services and strain on the NHS, officers say they're having to 'fill the gap', which takes them away from other front-line duties.



Figures revealed that officers have attended more than 1,600 mental health call-outs this year in the North East alone.

STV News joined officers on patrol at the weekend.

Police ‘filling the gap’ in mental health services with 1,600 call-outs in a year

New research suggests the number of farmers paying more inheritance tax after Labour's budget announcement could be five times higher than the Government's figures.



The Central Association of Agricultural Values says Labour has failed to take into account a number of likely scenarios. They estimate that 75,000 people over a generation could be affected.



Labour says its figures take into account those who would be affected by its plans each year and are based on claims data.

However, the UK government insists that their figures are correct.

Farmers paying inheritance tax ‘five times higher’ than government figures

The DVLA says it will consider changes for the licencing of older drivers next year following a fatal accident inquiry into the death of a three-year-old boy in Edinburgh.



Xander Irvine was killed by a 91-year-old motorist with undiagnosed dementia back in 2020. 



His parents say the rules must be tightened as quickly as possible.



A sheriff previously ruled Xander's death could have been avoided, and the current system of over-70s self-certifying was "significantly defective".

It comes after three-year-old Xander Irvine was killed by a 91-year-old driver in 2020,

DVLA says it will consider licensing changes for older drivers

One of the most high-profile council leaders in Scotland is facing several investigations into allegations about his personal and business conduct.



Cammy Day resigned as leader of Edinburgh City Council last week following claims he sent unwanted sexual messages to Ukrainian refugees. 



Day is now facing claims over his property dealings.

Day is now facing claims over his property dealings.

Cammy Day facing fresh personal and business allegations

It’s one of the busiest nights of the year as thousands of people across the country hit the town for their Christmas parties.



While it's a great time for the hospitality industry, it's often a time of over indulgence - and that can lead to problems later in the night.

Scots are urged to look out for one another while enjoying their festive nights out. 

Public urged to take care amid Christmas party season

There are calls for tougher controls over new build homes in Scotland.



It comes as an East Lothian man discovered a Costa coffee cup embedded in the side of his new house instead of a vent cover.

Justin Lee Anderson says he has a long list of issues he's experienced since moving into his new build home. 

Calls for new build controls after dad finds coffee cup in wall

A new programme in East Renfrewshire is using 'horse power' to support young people who may struggle to stay involved in the classroom.



The council is working with the British Horse Society to rekindle a desire to work or learn after high school pupils graduate.

Vidushi Tiwari

STV News went to an induction session at Barrhead High School to find out more.

New programme using ‘horse power’ to support young people

A community centre at the heart of one of Dundee's most deprived areas could be set to close under proposed plans by the city council.



Douglas Community Centre is one of several buildings being considered for relocation as part of the new East End Community Campus development.



Residents are making a desperate plea to save the site, which currently runs a number of groups to support those living in poverty and battling addiction.

Saul Sievwright

A public consultation on the proposed closure ends on Sunday.

Community centre could close under council plans

Charities in the north east fear an increase in National Insurance contributions could severely hamper their services.



From April, employers will have to pay more, which the UK Government claims will raise much-needed funds.

Those supporting families say 2024 has been one of the busiest to date.

Charities fear National Insurance increase will hamper services

Perth and Kinross Council has admitted it was wrong not to close floodgates in the North Inch area during heavy rainfall last year.



Properties and businesses in parts of Perth were flooded when the River Tay burst its banks in October last year.

The authority now says the decision 'may have contributed to the degree of flood damage'.

Council admits they were wrong not to close floodgates

Energy bills for households and businesses will come down "for good" as the country drives for clean power by the end of the decade.



That's according to the UK Government, which has unveiled its Clean Power Action plan.



It aims for the country to achieve a target of 95% clean power across the UK by 2030.



That means up to 50 Gigawatts of offshore wind capacity within the next six years, and around 29 Gigawatts of onshore wind.



However, the Government says these will be the most ambitious reforms to the country’s energy system in a generation.



Some campaigners are worried about what it means to increase transmission infrastructure across the country.

Labour has made no secret of its plans to change the country's energy system.



Energy bills to come down through green power, says Government

The health secretary has told STV News that he believes mothers can still have confidence in Edinburgh's maternity unit - despite a report into concerns from whistleblowers highlighting staff shortages and a toxic culture. 



Neil Gray was speaking during a visit to the NHS24 call centre, where he said he would meet NHS Lothian to ensure improvements are made. 



Midwives have said there are still problems due to high levels of burnout and absences.

It follows a report into concerns from whistleblowers highlighting staff shortages and a toxic culture.

Gray says mothers can have confidence in Edinburgh maternity services

Workers have taken the fight to save their jobs straight to the First Minister. 



Haven Products, in Larbert, employs around 60 disabled people to manufacture garments for the NHS and digitise documents for the Scottish Government.



But this contract has now ended, with no renewal in sight.



Haven's workers have written a letter urging John Swinney, who opened the factory nine years ago, to step in.

Once a bustling factory floor these days, Haven's sewing stations lie empty. 

Workers write letter to FM after factory employing disabled people to close

Preventing rough sleeping during a national housing emergency is posing extra challenges for homeless charities this winter.



One Glasgow organisation has decided not to run a night shelter and is tackling the issue behind closed doors.



The backlog of people living in hotels, B&amp;Bs, and hostels is greater than ever, but Glasgow City Mission wants to move them into permanent homes to clear space and prevent rough sleeping.

The charity is hoping to get people out of a temporary home and into a permanent one. 


Homeless charities facing extra challenges this winter amid housing emergency

Toddler who was given just 48 hours to live when he was born has beaten all the odds against him and has now been named the guest of honour at a special carol service held for parents with children in hospital.



The charity supporting Hector raise vital funds to help families stay together during critical times.

Medics fought to save him and after 23 operations, he’s home for Christmas.

Toddler who was given 48 hours to live named guest of honour

More and more schools are offering practical courses for pupils to help them gain employability skills.



One high school in Cowdenbeath has been offering barista qualifications where the young people have been learning how to make coffee as well as bake.

It's all part of an initiative to help young people gain more employability skills.

Scots school offering barista qualifications for pupils

Musicians of the future have been making a big noise about their newly found talents at a Christmas concert.



Big Noise launched in the Douglas area of Dundee in 2017 and provides free music tuition in one of the city's most deprived areas.

The transformational power of music has helped children forge a positive future.

Musicians of the future show off new skills with Christmas concert

There's a warning that another critical incident may be declared in the coming months if more bed capacity can't be found at NHS Grampian.



Last month, some ambulance patients were redirected to Dundee or Inverness as Aberdeen Royal Infirmary came under significant pressure.



The health board has said there's no money in its budget to help find the additional temporary beds required to avoid a repeat of that incident.

Lat month, pressure at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary became so severe a critical incident was declared.


NHS Grampian warns critical incident may be declared again ‘within months’

"It's justice for our charities, but it doesn't compensate for hurt and betrayal".



These were the words of a fundraiser after she learned that her former best friend, who deceived her for a decade, had three months to pay back every penny she stole.



Lindsay McCallum is serving a three-year jail term after admitting to embezzling £95,000 from Rainbow Valley and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Lawyers have now stuck a deal that gives McCallum until next March to return the cash.

Fraudster ordered to repay £95,000 stolen from charities

There's continued pressure on rehab spaces for those battling substance use - that's despite the First Minister insisting the Scottish Government is on course to achieve its target number of beds by 2026.



Today, he launched a charter of rights for those impacted by addiction, but providers say funding and capacity remain significant hurdles.

There is continuing pressure on spaces for those battling substance abuse.

Swinney insists rehab beds target will be met by 2026

In some of Glasgow's most deprived communities, a unique support service is a lifeline.



Community Links Workers work alongside GPs to tackle health challenges beyond medical issues, helping individuals facing social barriers like poverty, housing instability, and mental health struggles.



Now, over 70 are embedded in GP practices across Glasgow, providing support to thousands of people each year.

STV News - Aberdeen