The windfall tax on profits, made by oil and gas companies in the North Sea, will come to an end in five years, but a new tax, will then take over. 

Wed 05 Mar, 6.00 pm

A mother has told STV News how she feels time is running out for her daughter, who has a rare heart condition and is need of a transplant.



London's Great Ormond Street Hospital has apologised to five-year-old Brie's family for their distress after she was deemed too ill for planned surgery. 



The hospital added it's working to place the youngster on the list for a new heart.



After waiting three months already, Brie's parents are urging medics to speed up this process before their daughter's condition deteriorates.

Sharon Frew

Brie McCann's parents were told she was too ill for planned surgery to take place.

‘Time running out’ for daughter’s heart transplant, says mum

Children as young as 14 should be able to leave school for an apprenticeship or college place, according to the Scottish Conservatives.



The party says it's a “bold” move to expand youth opportunities and boost Scotland's economy.



But the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association dismissed the proposal as "silly" and the education secretary described it as "Dickensian".

Political Editor

Colin Mackay

the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association dismissed it as 'silly' and the education secretary described it as 'Dickensian'.

Children should be allowed to leave school at 14, say Scottish Tories

More than 200 million journeys have been made as part of a scheme allowing young people to make bus journeys for free.



The measure was introduced just over three years ago and anyone aged between five and 21 can apply for a pass.



However, bus drivers say anyone abusing staff should have their card suspended or taken away.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

The measure was introduced just over three years ago.

Over 200 million journeys made with under-22 free bus scheme

Edinburgh Council has announced plans to get "climate ready".



Over the next two years, proposals to help the city adapt to the impacts of climate change will be implemented including planting 25,000 trees a year.



A flood study will also be undertaken to determine the long-term management of existing defences along the coast.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

Plans include planting 25,000 trees a year in the city. 

Edinburgh City Council announces plans to get ‘climate ready’

Shona Robison says it's the "right time" to stand down as an MSP after more than 20 years serving Dundee.



She's added her name to a growing list of Holyrood politicians announcing they won't run again at next year's elections.

Fraser Nicoll

She's added her name to a growing list of Holyrood politicians announcing they won't run again.

Robinson: It’s the ‘right time’ to stand down as MSP

Residents in Aberdeen will pay almost 10% more council tax from next month.



The city council voted to increase charges by 9.85%, meaning all bands are now over £1,000 a year.



It also voted through cuts to some community projects and increases in things like parking charges, but councillors said they would also invest in improving schools.

Oliver Wright

This means all bands are now over £1,000 a year.

Aberdeen councillors vote for 9.85% council tax rise

Drivers caught parking on pavements in Glasgow will now face fines of £100.



The new rules follow the introduction of legislation in Edinburgh, which became the first city to implement a ban last year.



Campaigners, including disability charities, say pavement parking can cause serious safety hazards but some narrower streets could receive exemptions.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Driver found to be breaking the rules will be on the line for a £100 fine.

Pavement parking ban comes into force in Glasgow

Getting technology to give you a helping hand for almost anything from homework to writing a song is becoming ever more common, particularly for young people.



But concerns have been raised over the benefits and risks of Generative AI, which can include grooming and harassment.



Experts want more safety checks and they say knowledge is power when it comes to understanding these new digital tools.

The risks of Generative AI could include grooming and harassment.

Pupils lean about the dangers of AI at new workshops

More than 100 toddlers in Falkirk could face the upheaval of leaving their nurseries if changes to free hours goes ahead in Falkirk.



The local authority is considering removing options at private nurseries, meaning funded provision for three and four-year-olds would only be available at council-run establishments.



Private nurseries and parents are concerned about the impact it will have on children and childcare in the area.

Rahim Cham

Private nurseries and parents are concerned at the impact it will have on children.

Parents face changing children’s nurseries due to funding changes

In the past 15 years, 400,000 apprenticeships have been created in Scotland, from butchers to bakers and even candlestick makers.



At one butchers in Dundee, apprentices are an important slice of its success.



Whether it's stringing sausages, mincing meat or preparing pies, the sector is keen to attract new blood.

Lynne Rankin

At one butchers in Dundee, apprentices are an important slice of its success.

Over 400,000 apprenticeships created in past 15 years

Councillors in Orkney have voted to increase council tax by 15%, the highest increase of any local authority in Scotland so far.



The move comes despite an online petition, which gathered more than 1,000 signatures against the increase.



Orkney Islands Council previously said the rise was required to maintain public services and bring council tax in line with other areas of the country.

The move comes despite an online petition, which gathered more than 1,000 signatures against the increase.

Orkney Council votes for highest council tax rise in Scotland

A new farm is due to open in Aberdeenshire which hopes to give disabled people the skills they need to work in agriculture.



It's the idea of farmer Mike Duxbury, who's blind.



He runs a similar site in England, which has helped hundreds of people since it was set up four years ago.



But before the gates can open near Aboyne, £90,000 must be found.

Haley Bouma

It's the idea of farmer Mike Duxbury, who's blind.

New farm hopes to offer agricultural skills to disabled people

Unsuitable temporary homeless housing is having a "devastating" impact on the lives of Scotland's children.



A damning report, the first of its kind in Scotland, found children are facing situations harming their health and education.



One child told STV News the mould in the temporary home he was placed in with his family made him cough.



And more than 10,000 children across the country don't have a secure roof over their heads.



Some told stories of witnessing violence, sleeping in damp and wet bedrooms and finding used needles on the floor of shared bathrooms.



The Scottish Government say they're investing additional money to prevent homelessness.

Vanessa Taaffe

More than 10,000 children across the country don't have a secure roof over their heads.

‘Devastating’ impact on children from unsuitable housing, finds report

Scotland's only specialist school for sport is at risk of closing, after failing to secure future funding.



The Glasgow School of Sport based at Bellahouston Academy could be replaced by a bursary scheme next year.



But athletes say it would be a huge loss.

Iona Brownlie

The Glasgow School of Sport could be replaced by a bursary scheme next year.

Scotland’s only specialist sports school at risk of closure

An Edinburgh community centre says it's in "dire straits" as it appeals for funding help.



LIFT, which operates out of the Millennium Centre in Muirhouse, says costs are rising and essential repairs mounting as it asks the city council to step in.



Staff say it'll only cost the local authority more in the long run if the hub is forced to close.

Lewis Michie

LIFT says costs are rising and essential repairs mounting as it asks the city council to step in.

Community centre in ‘dire straits’ appeals for funding help

A family in Fife say they're using their grief to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer.



Isla Gear's brother Tam Barker died weeks after being diagnosed with the disease in November last year.



They've launched a petition calling for better research and a screening programme for the disease.

Felicity Clifford

Tam Barker died weeks after being diagnosed with the disease in November last year.

Family call for better pancreatic cancer treatment after dad’s death

A new arts project is helping to transform one of Aberdeen's most historic areas in an effort to bring more people into the city centre.



Local artists have been given free studio space to hold exhibitions and workshops in a disused building in the city's Shiprow.



It's part of a nationwide initiative to support the arts and help revitalise cities across the country.

Anne Smith

It's part of a nationwide initiative to support the arts and help revitalise cities.

Free art studios to help bring more people to Aberdeen city centre

Families are leaving and businesses are in debt in South Uist.



That's according to the island's Business Impact Group, which wants the government to improve the ferry services urgently.



South Uist is sharing a service with Barra after its main vessel was redeployed to cover CalMac's ageing fleet across the network.



Meanwhile, four new ferries being built in Turkey have been delayed again because of labour shortages.

The South Uist Business Impact Group wants the government to improve the ferry services urgently.

Families leaving and debts piling up, say island businesses

When a young mother was found dead at her home in Lanarkshire four years ago it was treated as suicide.



But the parents of Demi Hannaway have always believed police failed to properly look at the role of her abusive partner.



After meeting them at the Crown Office, the Lord Advocate has confirmed a full re-investigation will take place - which could finally answer the question over whether Demi was murdered.



The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here. 

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

Demi Hannaway's death was treated as suicide but her parents believe she was killed.

Crown to reinvestigate death of woman four years ago

There's a rare treat for stargazers tonight as seven solar system planets align in the night sky at the same time.



The great planetary display will see Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury line up with some of the planets visible to the naked eye.

Laura Piper

The great planetary display will see Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury line up with some of the planets visible to the naked eye.

Rare treat as seven plants to align in the night’s sky

Rare pictures of the royal family have gone on display at The King's Gallery in Edinburgh.



The exhibition explores the evolution of royal portrait photography over the last century while also revealing some of the stories behind some of the most famous images of the Monarchy.

Amie Flett

The exhibition explores the evolution of royal portrait photography over the last century.

Rare pictures of the Royal Family go on display in Edinburgh

The leader of Angus Council says a sharp rise in council tax is necessary to "protect frontline services".



The authority's 11% hike is the region's highest in nearly three decades.



It follows significant increases across the country including Dundee City Council which backed an 8%.

Callum Clark

The local authority's rise is the region's highest in nearly three decades.

Angus council leader defends 11% tax hike

Cruise ship passengers, could soon have to pay a tax to enter Scottish ports in a similar way to how a tourist tax would work.



A consultation on the plan is under way and is looking at the impact a levy would have on coastal communities.



Orkney and Shetland along with other Scottish ports, have been welcoming cruise ships for decades.



But there are mixed views on just how the tax would make a difference.

Finlay Jack

Orkney and Shetland along with other Scottish ports, have been welcoming cruise ships for decades.

Consultation under way for cruise ship passenger levy

A major project to try to reverse depopulation in Tain in the Highlands reached a milestone today with the turf cutting of a new community campus.



The £1.6m initiative will offer hundreds of apprenticeships to young people in agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

Nicola McAlley

The £1.6m initiative will offer hundreds of apprenticeships to young people in agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

Turf cutting ceremony for project to reverse depopulation

A mother who says she had to “fight and fight” to secure the right support for her autistic son has told STV News she’s anxious he could end up back in mainstream education, due to lack of funding and resources.



It comes as Scotland's public spending watchdog warns the country must “fundamentally rethink” how additional support for learning is provided in schools amid skyrocketing demand.

Caitlin Hutchison

Scotland's public spending watchdog warns the country must 'fundamentally rethink' how additional support for learning is provided.

Scotland must ‘fundamentally rethink’ additional support needs education

Islanders on Mull will be told next week where a new campus for students will be built.



The council's preferred solution of a like-for-like replacement in Tobermory is facing push back.



Many islanders want a central location or a split-site campus with an end to pupils having to sail to Oban.

Olly Dickinson

Councillors are due to vote on proposals for a new education provision next week.

Parents on Mull call for end to mainland schooling

Council tax in Angus is to go up by 11%.



The region's minority SNP administration passed its budget earlier, as did the party's group in Dundee - which voted through an 8% rise.



It comes as council leaders in Perth and Kinross promise a 9.5% increase will improve services.

Dundee, and Perth and Kinross councils have also passed similar rises.

Council tax in Angus to rise 11% as budget passed

The Cairngorm Mountain train is back on the tracks after months of disruption.



The funicular railway was shut down after an inspection revealed major structural problems.



Repairs have cost taxpayers £25m. It's hoped the latest checks will guarantee safety for years.

Iain Ramage

It was shut down after an inspection, revealed major structural problems.

Cairngorm funicular railway to reopen after months of closure

Aberdeenshire Council has agreed a 10% council tax rise, which will come into effect in April.



A number of cuts to services, including education and childcare were made, as the authority says, it's facing significant financial challenges.'



STV News spoke to one charity supporting struggling families, in the region, who say a third of their funding, has been cut.

Grainne NiGhreachain

A number of cuts to services, including education and childcare are also to be made.

Aberdeenshire Council agrees to 10% tax rise

The number of teenagers vaping is a growing health problem in Scotland and governments in Holyrood and Westminster are both trying to tackle it.



A ban on disposable, single-use vapes is coming in from June.



But, there's a warning about a new problem so-called "big-puff" vapes are about to become a big issue.



Scotland's main vape manufacturer and retailer - VPZ - has told STV News unregulated large devices will drive youth vaping and harm the planet if they're not properly regulated.

Scotland's main vape manufacturer and retailer VPZ said unregulated large devices will drive youth vaping

‘Big-puff’ vapes to be the next big issue, says retailer

There's a warning for parents and children about online criminals using Snapchat.



An Edinburgh school has discovered a pupil who's just eight years old has been targeted by someone sending explicit, threatening messages.



One mum found her daughter - who attends Gilmerton Primary - being messaged on Snapchat by a predator trying to persuade her to send indecent images.

The eight-year-old pupil was targeted by someone sending explicit, threatening messages.

Warning after schoolgirl targeted by predator on Snapchat

Protesters are calling for the Home Office to reform a policy they say leaves asylum seekers "frozen out of work".



Those within the asylum system are currently given around £8 per week for essential living costs.



But campaigners say this leads to many living in poverty for years while their skills are wasted.

Campaigners say this leads to many living in poverty for years while their skills are wasted.

Protesters call for reform on asylum seeker work policy

Stealing a dog could soon be a specific criminal offence in Scotland, with new legislation put forward which aims to recognise dogs as part of the family instead of a 'stolen item' under current law.



Those who've lost a dog say the proposed Dog Theft Scotland Bill could have a huge impact.

New legislation has been put forward.

Stealing a dog could become specific criminal offence

It's been around for 160 years, allowing people in Dundee a space to grow their own crops.



But now, the Clepington Gardens and Allotments Association is facing a massive fundraising effort to save its site.



It comes after the land's owners announced that they're selling up.

Clepington Gardens and Allotments Association is facing a mammoth fundraising effort.

Allotments dating back 160 years facing battle as owner to sell site

Hundreds have gathered in Aberdeenshire for the first agricultural show of the season after a turbulent winter season.



The Royal Northern Spring Show in Inverurie is a chance for the sector to buy for the season ahead and show off their livestock.



There was some optimism but also a warning that food shortages could be on the way.

There was some optimism but a warning too that food shortages could be on the way.

Farmers gather for first agricultural show of the season

Oil giant BP has announced that it will drastically cut investment in renewables and increase oil and gas production.



In a major change of direction from the company's previous goals, the CEO today said he was "fundamentally resetting" BP's strategy.



This means that the company will now invest around £8bn a year in oil and gas extraction.



However, environmental groups are warning of the damage caused by increased fossil fuel production.

Steven Brown

This means that the company will now invest around £8bn a year in oil and gas extraction.

Oil giant BP U-turns on cutting investment in renewables

The cost of our gas and electricity bills is going up - again - for the third time in a row.



The energy regulator Ofgem is increasing the price cap for the spring by 6.4%.



There's concern that thousands of Scots already have significant energy debts, and it's going to get worse.



We're all being urged to look at fixed deals to see if they're cheaper.

There's concern thousands of Scots already have significant energy debts and it's going to get worse.

Ofgem to raise energy price cap for third time in a row

MSPs have approved the Scottish Government's tax and spending plans for the coming year.



In just the last few minutes, they voted for the Budget, with only the Conservatives rejecting it while Labour abstained.



Ministers say the £63bn plans will deliver a record settlement for the NHS and councils and end the two-child benefit cap.

Ministers say the £63bn plans will deliver a record settlement for the NHS and councils.

MSPs approve Scottish Government Budget for coming year

Dentists in Scotland are warning the industry is on a "knife-edge" as it continues to struggle with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost five years on.



Figures show that nearly 40% of people who have registered with a dentist have not seen one in two years.



Practitioners say they're struggling to fill and retain staff - making it harder for people to access NHS appointments.



Today the Scottish Government agreed to increase its spending on dentistry by around 15%, taking the total to around £500m.

Figures show nearly 40% of people registered with a dentist have not seen one in two years.

Industry is on a ‘knife-edge’ amid staff crisis, warn dentists

A report has found that Fife Council is at a "turning point" and has tough decisions to make in order to deliver services while making savings.



The Accounts Commission found that while some areas performed well, there are deepening inequalities.



Fife Council says it highlighted a number of challenges that are “not unique to Fife” and that tackling them is at the heart of their plans.

The Accounts Commission found that while some areas performed well, there are deepening inequalities.

Report finds Fife Council at ‘turning point’ in services delivery

Striking staff at Dundee University have lobbied members of its governing body over a £30m financial black hole.



Protests were held outside a university court meeting as a 15-day walkout by staff continued.



Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has announced an extra £15m for the body that funds universities.

Protests were held outside a meeting of the Dundee University court amid a 15 day walkout.

University staff lobby government body as strike continues

An animal sanctuary in Aberdeenshire says it is facing a fight to survive due to a lack of funding.



Halfpenny Farm, based in Inverurie, cares for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.



Its owners say they are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and rising costs.

Reem Satar

Halfpenny Farm, based in Inverurie, cares for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.

Animal sanctuary ‘fighting to survive’ amid lack of funding

The Arnish fabrication yard on the Isle of Lewis has been awarded a new contract following its takeover by a Spanish firm.



Navantia bought the site from Harland and Wolff after the firm entered into administration last September.



The yard will be manufacturing subsea structures for a project in Trinidad and Tobago over the next year.

The yard will be manufacturing subsea structures for a project in Trinidad and Tobago.

Isle of Lewis fabrication yard awarded new contract after takeover by Spanish firm

A heartbroken family are taking their campaign to change awareness of stroke symptoms to the Scottish Parliament following the unexpected death of their dad.



Tony Bundy was 53 when he died following a series of strokes. However, he didn't display the normal symptoms, and his concerns were dismissed.



Now, his wife and children don't want anybody else to go through the same loss.



However, some stroke support groups don't back the call for change.

However, some stroke support groups don't back the call for change.

Family call for stroke symptoms change after father’s death

A St Johnstone supporter living with advanced terminal cancer has been named the Scottish Football Supporters Association's fan of the year.



Stewart Falconer won the award during yesterday's match at McDiarmid Park in recognition of his work for foodbanks around Perth.

Selena Jackson

Stewart Falconer won the award in recognition of his work for foodbanks around Perth.

St Johnstone supporter living with cancer named Fan of the Year

Residents in Angus will have to wait until Thursday to hear if they'll avoid a double-digit council tax increase.



The local authority's financial black hole now sits at £11.7m this year due to the rise in National Insurance contributions.

The local authority's financial black hole now sits at £11.7m this year.

Angus residents wait to hear how high council tax will rise

A 15-day strike by lecturers has started at Dundee University in protest over potential compulsory redundancies.



The University has run up a £30m deficit and it's feared staff cuts will be used to plug the financial black hole.

Susan Nicholson

The University has run up a £30m deficit.

Dundee University staff begin three-week strike action

Residents living in homes affected by potentially dangerous RAAC concrete in Aberdeen say they’re considering legal action.



Aberdeen City Council is offering homeowners valuations for their properties at the current market value.



But campaigners say this will leave them in financial ruin or homeless.

Aberdeen City Council is offering homeowners valuations for their properties.

Residents considering legal action over RAAC affected homes

The Scottish Labour leader is promising the biggest reform of the NHS in decades.



Anas Sarwar told delegates at his party conference in Glasgow he would end the growing culture of bureaucracy by cutting the number of health boards.



Outside the venue, Grangemouth workers accused politicians of being missing in action over the closure of the oil refinery.

The Scottish Labour told delegates he would end the growing culture of bureaucracy 

Sarwar promises biggest NHS reforms in decades at party conference

Parents of pupils at a Falkirk Primary school have told STV News they've been left with "utter chaos" after it closed following the discovery of major defects in the building.



Maddiston Primary had originally closed due to storm damage, but Falkirk Council say no pupils will be allowed in until August following the discovery.

Maddiston Primary had originally closed due to storm damage.

Parents speak of ‘utter chaos’ after defects found in school

Could the way we shop for clothes help save the planet?



As Europe takes steps towards a crackdown on fast fashion, we hear from some sustainable businesses in Edinburgh about how to be eco-friendly with your fashion.

Sustainable businesses in Edinburgh are hoping tackle fast fashion.

Edinburgh business hoping to tackle fast fashion habits

Dundee isn't a place commonly associated with the Gaelic language, but there are signs it's slowly on the rise.



According to the latest census data, the city has almost a thousand Gaelic speakers.



But now it's hoped that a new book, Uncovering Dundee's Hidden Gaelic Roots, can encourage more people to engage with the language and learn about its influence on the city we know today.

The city has almost a thousand Gaelic speakers, according to latest census data.

Book uncovering Dundee’s Gaelic roots hoping to inspire learners

Businesses in Moray are facing a potential double whammy of new taxes under proposals to boost tourism.



Two separate levies are being shaped by the region's council and tourism promotions organisation.



Both argue that communities will ultimately benefit, but some business owners aren't so sure.

Two separate levies are being shaped by the region's council and tourism promotions organisation.

Businesses in Moray facing ‘double whammy’ of new taxes

It's a dish synonymous with fine dining, but wild venison is now being supplied to schools and foodbanks in Perthshire as part of a project to control deer numbers.



Processing larders are being installed on farms where deer are causing serious damage to land, crops and livelihoods.

Processing larders are being installed on farms.

Venison to be supplied to schools in bid to control deer numbers

As councils look to tighten their budgets, the third sector is asking local authorities to remember their importance.



Charities working under the banner of the Fairer Aberdeen Fund have come together as they urge the City Council not to cut their funding.

STV News - Aberdeen