It's forecast that the rate of child poverty will drop further here than in the rest of the country, but one child in five is still suffering.

Wed 29 Jan, 6.00 pm

Scotland closed down today as Storm Eowyn brought hurricane-force winds.



Most people heeded the red alert and stayed at home as the storm wrought its worst.



More than 100,000 homes are without power while houses have been damaged by falling trees and roads have been blocked.



Schools, shops, and workplaces remained closed. Wind gusts of more than one hundred miles per hour were recorded.



Tonight, we will see some of the most dramatic images of the storm, and we will have reporters across the country to tell us what has been happening.

Sharon Frew

Schools, shops and workplaces have closed across the country.

Over 100,000 without power as Storm Eowyn hits Scotland

In the Lothians and Fife emergency services were kept busy with numerous calls to fallen trees and damaged buildings.



At one point police urged people not to go outside and inspect the damage because of the risk of falling debris.

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

In the capital there were a number of fallen trees - many of them cleared away relatively quickly.

Police warn locals not to inspect storm damage amid threat of falling debris

A book that helps expectant parents bond with their unborn baby has been praised by families and healthcare professionals.



Hello in There Wee One was launched as a partnership with NHS Tayside and the DCA to encourage all expectant families in Dundee to talk to their baby bump.



Now, a Dundonian version of the book has been created ahead of Burns Night.

Felicity Clifford

A Dundonian version of the book has been created ahead of Burns Night.

Baby bonding book praised by families and healthcare professionals

Businesses in Uist have warned soaring delivery rates will have a detrimental impact on the local economy.



The transport courier DFDS increased costs last month to ensure economic viability, but businesses say it’s led to a 120% rise.



There are now calls for the Scottish Government to support struggling businesses.

Reem Satar

They say they are facing a 120% rise in rates from courier DFDS.

Island businesses warn soaring delivery rates will hit local economy

As people around the country prepare to celebrate Burns Night, a galaxy of new poems has been collected in memory of our National Bard.



It comes as a rare, celestial alignment of the planets coincide with this weekend's celebrations.



STV News has been speaking to an Aberdeenshire poet inspired by the night skies.

Anne Smith

This celestial event has inspired Aberdeenshire poet Shane Strachan.

Rare Burns Night planetary alignment inspiring Scots poet

Emergency alerts have been sent across the mobile network to every phone in the country urging people to stay at home.



A red weather warning has been issued for the central belt.



We're being urged not to travel. Forecasters are predicting hurricane-force winds, some of the most intense weather to hit Scotland in recent years, with gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.



Public transport is being suspended, schools closed, and routine hospital operations cancelled.

Forecasters are predicting there could be gusts as strong as 100mph.

Scotland braces as rare red weather warning issued for wind

The families of two young people who took their own lives while in custody say they hope today is a turning point for reform across the prison system.



The relatives of Katie Allan and William Lindsay spoke after the justice secretary announced immediate action to tackle systemic failures identified as contributing to both deaths in YOI Polmont.

Katie Allan and William Lindsay both died while in custody at Polmont in 2018.

Families hopeful of reform following deaths of two young people at Polmont

A woman who was attacked by a group of teens on-board a bus in Edinburgh is backing calls for more support for youth services to help curb anti-social behaviour.



Aaliyah Matos, 20, was assaulted by around five teenage girls while on her way home from work.



It comes amid concerns of increasing incidents of youth violence in the city.

Amie Flett

20-year-old Aaliyah Matos was assaulted while on her way home from work.

Woman attacked by teens backs calls for more youth services

Residents affected by RAAC in Dundee and Angus have had their concerns about the crumbling concrete raised at Holyrood.



One Monifieth resident says deterioration in her home makes her feel anxious and unsafe.

Lynne Rankin

STV New spoke to one of hundreds of residents stuck in homes built with the lightweight concrete.

RAAC affected residents have concerns heard at Holyrood

The lack of skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector, is back in the spotlight, with the First Minister blaming the failure to devolve immigration powers to Holyrood.



John Swinney also says it's dragging Scotland "in an anti-growth direction," and wants a special graduate visa to help boost the working age population.



He says he wants to work with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a "tailored" migration policy that could allow overseas students to remain in the country after finishing their studies.

Political Reporter

Laura Alderman

Swinney said a 'tailored' migration policy for Scotland would help boost the working age population. 

FM blames lack of devolved immigration powers for worker shortage

Scotland's first inland surf destination is encouraging people to take part in sessions designed to benefit their physical and mental health.



The Lost Shore resort in Ratho has workshops specifically designed to help with breath regulation and lessons in how to stay calm in and out of the water.



More women are also being encouraged to take up the increasingly popular sport.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

More women are being encouraged to take up the increasingly popular sport.

Scotland’s first inland surf resort launches mental health sessions

A charity striving for better public transport says it has been left disappointed after the Scottish Government shelved plans to cap bus fares.



The transport secretary has ruled out a flat fare pilot over cost.



Bus Users UK believes the change could have encouraged more people to use public transport.

Callum Clark

A flat fare pilot has been ruled out by the Transport Secretary over cost.

Charity disappointed in bus fares can plan scrap

A major fire in Aberdeen has forced people from their homes and closed surrounding roads.



Crews were called to the blaze on Merkland Road East near Pittodrie Stadium around 8am.



Almost 100 residents had to be housed in a temporary rest centre at the city's Sports Village.

Grainne NiGhreachain

Firefighters battled to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.


Major fire forces hundreds to evacuate their homes near football stadium

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of a man and his daughter at a house in West Lothian.



Mark Gordon, 36, and six-year-old Hope were found at a property in West Calder.



Concerns had been raised after the girl failed to attend school on Monday.

Fergus Matheson

Mark Gordon and six-year-old Hope were found at a property in West Calder.

Police ‘not looking for anyone else’ after death of man and daughter

The parents of a three-year-old boy who was struck and killed by an elderly driver with dementia say unless the law is changed, a similar tragedy will happen again to another family.



A fatal accident inquiry found "significant defects" in the current system meant Xander Irvine's death could have been avoided - and the driver should not have been allowed behind the wheel.



Speaking about their grief publicly for the first time, Xander's parents Paul and Victoria are urging the driving licence authority, the DVLA, and UK Government to follow the Sheriff's recommendations and implement cognitive tests for drivers over 80.



They sat down exclusively with STV News.

Paul and Victoria are calling for a change in legislation to ensure a similar tragedy never happens again.

Parents of boy killed by elderly driver speak for first time

Police say the deaths of a man and a six-year-old girl at a house in West Lothian are being treated as "unexplained".



A large cordon has been set up around the property in West Calder.

The identities of the man and girl haven't yet been made public.

Death of man and six-year-old being treated as ‘unexplained’

The mother of Emma Caldwell is urging Scotland's new top judge "not to stand in the way" of justice in an inquiry on the police investigation into her daughter's murder.



It comes ten months after Emma's killer was convicted.



Then, promises were made in the Scottish Parliament of an independent inquiry to look into why Iain Packer was able to evade justice for two decades.



Margaret Caldwell has been told by the First Minister more time is needed to decide who will lead the inquiry.



Emma's mum says the judge must be from outside Scotland.

It comes ten months after Emma's killer was convicted.

Mother of Emma Caldwell urges new judge not to ‘stand in the way’

It's better known for empty units, burnt out buildings and dormant music venues, but one group is aiming to halt Sauchiehall Street's steady decline.



Plans are afoot to return Glasgow's legendary street to its former glory when current paving works are completed.

Vanessa Taaffe

The refurb of the pedestrian precinct has been delayed and prolonged. 

Plans under way to help ‘revitalise’ Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street

Charities are urging Edinburgh City Council to invest more in social homes in its upcoming budget.



But the local authority says challenges are mounting financially with a £30m shortfall to be plugged. Charities say it's not just about building new houses, but also maintaining existing ones.



STV News has been hearing from one council tenant who says issues of disrepair in his flat are "eating away" at him.

Lewis Michie

There is pressure to invest in social homes after the council declared a housing emergency.

Charities urge city council to invest more in social homes

The family of a seven-year-old boy, killed in a fatal road accident in Dundee 36 years ago, say they're "unsure" whether a police investigation will answer their questions around his death.



Danny Leech was knocked down by a lorry while crossing a road in the east of the city.



A public appeal for witnesses has been issued by police.



His loved ones are currently awaiting the findings of a review into his death.

Danny Leech was knocked down by a lorry while crossing a road in Dundee.

Family of boy killed 36 years ago ‘unsure’ of answers from investigation

The Lord Advocate has met campaigners calling for criminal charges against a surgeon who's thought to have harmed more than 200 patients.



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



Dorothy Bain KC met with lead campaigner Jules Rose who first complained to Police Scotland about Eljamel six years ago.



The force says it could take several years to establish whether a crime took place.

Sam Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside.

Lord Advocate meets patients harmed by disgraced surgeon

As Glasgow prepares to celebrate its 850th anniversary, the leader of the City Council is refuting claims the whole place needs a deep clean for its birthday and insists it has been spruced up and is constantly being cleaned.



Susan Aitken also says that grand plans for investment have been hit hard by Covid, the housing emergency, and wider economic issues.

For locals, it's a set of mixed feelings about the state of their home town. 

Council leader defends city cleanliness ahead of 850th celebrations

A £470 million permanent solution for "Rest and Be Thankful" is being put to those who live and work along A83.



For over a decade, travel on the road has been disrupted by closures, diversions, and convoys due to landslips at the beauty spot.



Proposals would see a cover put over the road and deeper catch pits built.



Businesses along the route say they're welcoming the plans but insist they are long overdue.

Olly Dickinson

Proposals would see a cover put over the road and deeper catch pits built.

Businesses welcome ‘permanent solution’ plans for Rest and Be Thankful

Cameras are being installed across the nation to try and track hedgehogs.



With population numbers in stark decline, a nationwide monitoring programme is under way to help conservation efforts, using artificial intelligence and volunteers who are doing what they can to help.

Laura Piper

There are four sites already taking part with more due to sign up.

Cameras to be installed across Scotland to track hedgehog population

In just six months, Aberdeen will welcome almost 400,000 visitors with the return of The Tall Ships Race.



Fifty from across the globe are expected to attend the event at the quayside in Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour.



Aberdeen will be the only UK host port for the event.

Organisers say it'll bring a major economic and cultural boost to the North East.

Tall Ships race to bring 50 ships and 400,000 visitors

The King has praised a 99-year-old D-Day veteran as a "great example to us all" as he visited Aberdeen.



Queen Camilla spoke to students at Aberdeen University, and she met with those involved in community projects.

Oliver Wright

The Queen visited the University of Aberdeen and spoke to students about their projects.

King meets with D-Day veteran during trip to Aberdeen

The mother of a missing teenager in the Western Isles says she'll never stop trying to find her son.



Aleksandr Benga was last seen more than two months ago on the grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway.



Police launched a major search to try and find the 16-year-old.



Now, his mother, Viktorija, says she hopes to fund her own search through donations.

Steven Brown

Aleksandr Benga was last seen more than two months ago in the grounds of Lews Castle.

Mum vows to ‘never stop’ searching for son missing for two months

A solicitor has claimed that two young people were given a "death sentence" after being sent to Polmont young offender's institution.



A Fatal Accident Inquiry has found the deaths of 21-year-old Katie Allan and 16-year-old William Brown, who both committed suicide in Polmont, could have been avoided if reasonable precautions had been taken.



A sheriff described a catalogue of systematic failures. Both Katie's and William's families are now demanding a change in the law to allow prisons to be prosecuted.

The Scottish Prison Service, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Government have all apologised.

Deaths of youngers at Polmont could have been avoided, inquiry finds

If you've ever stayed overnight in major European cities like Paris, Berlin or Amsterdam, you may have noticed that there's an extra charge in the form of a visitor levy.



Now Edinburgh is on the cusp of introducing the first so-called tourist tax in Scotland. And other councils are considering the same.



Today, after hours of debate, with some councillors calling for the charge to be upped to 7% or 8%, the proposed 5% levy was set.



So what will that look like for visitors?



Well, it means that a room which costs £120 a night will go up by £6.



And that applies to all types of overnight accommodation and is capped at five consecutive nights.



The scheme will apply to overnight stays from the July 24 next year and for booked and paid-for visits on or after May 1.



Some hospitality businesses have expressed concerns that this doesn’t give them enough time to make the necessary changes.



The council says that £50 million extra a year will help improve the fabric of Edinburgh, not just the city centre.



The final vote with the full council will go ahead next week.



Argyll and Bute council have started a twelve-week consultation on a visitor's levy, but businesses in the area say they have major concerns over the impact on tourists and residents travelling in the area.

Concerns stretch across all areas of hospitality about the new levy.



Edinburgh on cusp of introducing Scotland’s first tourist tax

We previously reported on the end of the nugget as we know it, but now the famous dessert could be saved from extinction.



One man is taking the matter - and the nugget - into his own hands by starting a fundraising campaign to save the sweet treat.

Rahim Cham

STV News went to find out what it is going to take to keep the treat from melting away.

Famous dessert nougat could be saved from extinction

An Edinburgh Homeless charity is urgently seeking new premises after it was unexpectedly served an eviction notice.



Streetreads, run by Simon Community Scotland, provides a warm and safe space for those sleeping rough in the city, but has been forced to close until an alternative location is found.

Staff say it couldn't have come at a worse time.

Homeless charity urgently seeking new premises after eviction notice

It’s been in the planning for five years or so, but an Eden Project in Dundee could still be four to five years away, if it happens at all.



Bosses say the green tourism attraction would bring 500,000 visitors to the city every year, as well as hundreds of jobs.

Fraser Nicoll

They now need millions of pounds worth of funding.

Dundee Eden project could still be five years away

There are calls for immediate action to address concerns over the long-term viability of the salmon farming industry.



Record fish mortalities and environmental pollution are some of the issues raised by a parliamentary inquiry.



The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee say the Scottish Government must do more to control the industry.

A new report  is urgently calling on the  Scottish Government to do more to control the sector.

Calls for action to address ‘long-term viability’ of salmon farming

After 30 years, the St Giles Shopping centre in Elgin will close for the final time on Monday.



Retailers and staff were left shocked when the mall's owners announced they were to close due to financial pressures less than a fortnight ago.



Business leaders say they're doing all they can to help stores find new premises and save around 100 jobs.

Nicola McAlley

Some stores are managing to relocate to other town centre units.

Retailers ‘shocked’ as St Giles centre to close after 30 years

Aberdeenshire residents are calling for tougher action on fly-tippers after cannabis plants were found at a beauty spot.



They say discarded materials are appearing on a regular basis and have reported the matter to police.

Haley Bouma

Rubbish began appearing on private land around Hatton of Fintray last summer.

Cannabis plants among rubbish found at fly-tipping site

A bunker and a bomb shelter used on an East Lothian RAF base during the Second World War are being made available for public viewing for the first time.



Both, which had either fallen into disrepair or been filled in, have been restored by the National Museum of Flight, which is based at East Fortune Airfield.

During the Second World War this airfield in East Lothian was RAF East Fortune.


Bunker and bomb shelter at former WWII airfield open to public

A funding initiative in Dundee is empowering communities by allowing them to decide how the money is spent.



A support group for parents in Lochee says it's helping them to make new friends and improve health and well-being.

Susan Nicholson

Bids for funding can be made over the next 18 months.

Funding initiative to allow communities to decide how money spent

Scotland is set to receive the UK's most advanced air ambulance helicopter.



The aircraft for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance service will be based in Aberdeen and will be ready for operation in the autumn.

It comes ahead of a major fundraising campaign.

Air ambulance charity to receive state-of-the-art helicopter

"If we don't fight for pensioners, who will?"



That's the call from the North Lanarkshire couple who are taking both the UK and Scottish Government to court over the decision to stop universal winter fuel payments.



Lawyers for Peter and Florence Fanning appeared at The Court of Session in Edinburgh today.



The couple want the payment restored in full.

Universal winter fuel payments for pensioners were cut by the Chancellor last year.

Scots couple to sue UK and Scottish Governments over fuel payment cut

The First Minister has guaranteed to end the two-child benefit cap earlier than expected - if the system can safely be put in place more quickly.



John Swinney says, although that remains the expectation, payments could be made later this year.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

Holyrood ministers have promised to mitigate the UK Government policy in April next year.

Two-child cap will be ended sooner if system in place, says FM

Potholes are among drivers' most common frustrations, ranging from a daily annoyance to threatening life.



Now, the cost of repairing the damage to vehicles caused by dodgy roads is at an all-time high.



According to the AA, the total cost of fixing vehicles that had broken down because of poor road surfaces in 2024 was £579m.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Glasgow City Council say the winter weather comes with more pressure on the roads.

Cost of pothole damage hits record high with repairs totalling £579m

Campaigners are calling for an inquiry into the demolition of a B-listed building in Paisley.



The former Territorial Army hall on the town's High Street was severely damaged in a fire five years ago and has been sitting derelict since.



Hopes for its restoration were dashed last week after the council served it with a dangerous buildings notice.

Vidushi Tiwari

Renfrewshire Council issued multiple stop notices to the company.

Campaigners call for inquiry into demolition of listed building

Edinburgh's first vertical farm has officially opened in the city, using artificial intelligence and advanced technology to grow crops.



Scientists at Scotland's Rural College say it will help students develop essential skills for the future of farming and offer vital insights into growing conditions for researchers.

Vertical farms can produce fresh produce all year round and use less resources.

Edinburgh’s first vertical farm opens using AI to grow crops

Wild salmon are returning to the upper parts of a Perthshire river for the first time since the 1950s.



The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board revealed the findings at the River Garry ahead of the first day of the new fishing season on the Tay. 



Broadcaster Paul Murton had the honour of casting the first line.

Last year's Salmon fishing season on the river was described as very encouraging.


Wild salmon return to the upper Garry for first time since 1950s

The former Michelin tyre factory in Dundee is facing a new future with the promise of 400 jobs.



Angus-based textile firm Wilkie will move its operations from Kirriemuir to the site, invest £50m, and triple its workforce to 600.

The firm has become the major shareholder in the Michelin Innovation Parc in Dundee.

Textile firm to invest £50m and treble workforce at Dundee site

Aberdeen City Council could be taken to court if it decides to make bus gates permanent.



Lawyers acting on behalf of a city retailer have threatened the local authority with legal action if it fails to get consent from the Scottish Government before making the move.

Finlay Jack

Since the gates were introduced nearly 18 months ago, millions of pounds worth of fines have been sent.

Retailers threatens legal action if city bus gates made permanent

A former Scottish Government cabinet secretary has branded the refusal to accelerate work on the dualling of the A9 as ‘deeply disappointing’.



Fergus Ewing’s comments come as a new report advised against accelerating the project to dual the road between Perth and Inverness.

The Scottish Parliament will debate the issue tomorrow.

Ewing brands decision not to speed up A9 project as ‘disappointing’

House owners across Scotland forced out of their homes by the risk of lightweight concrete - better known as RAAC - have taken their fight for fair compensation to the Scottish Government.



They say they've been left in limbo - locked out of their homes which they are still paying mortgages on.

Ministers say any remediations would have to been funded by their UK counterparts.

RAAC affected homeowners take their fight to the Scottish Government

A team of scientists from Edinburgh are pioneering a way to turn fatbergs from sewers into a sweet-smelling perfume.



Their research comes as a report from the House of Lords science committee warns that the UK has already lost its position as a world-leader in engineering biology - and is in “severe” danger of slipping further behind.

Their bacteria can break down fat while producing a much better-smelling oil.

Scientists develop new method to turn fatbergs into perfume

Scotland's first ever para-gymnastics team are aiming for gold with their sights set on the Paralympics in 2032.



The discipline has now been made part of the games for the first time, giving Scottish hopefuls a route to the top.

After success at their first tournament in Norway, STV News went to meet the team at their training session.

Scotland’s first ever para-gymnastics team going for gold

Dozens of charities across Edinburgh are at risk of closure this summer as the board managing health and social care services is set to cut £4.5m of funding in June.



STV News has been hearing from some of the service users about how the loss will affect them.

The Murrayfield Dementia Project is just one of 64 services whose future is at risk.

Edinburgh charities at risk as board to cut £4.5m from budget

Members at a closure-threatened golf course in Dundee say "time is of the essence," with just a few months left to save it.



The council-run Caird Park course is due to shut in April, as part of £500,000 worth of cost savings.

The club has met with a potential investor, who thinks he can keep the facility running.

Golf club members warn time is running out to save course

Marine organisations have accused the Scottish Government of dragging their heels on important fisheries and environmental legislation.



Ministers are asking for evidence on two key policies.



But with the Holyrood elections due next year, some fear proper protections won't be put in place on time.

The Scottish Government says it's committed to protecting the marine environment.

Marine organisations accuse Holyrood of dragging feet on legislation

An investigation is under way after a major fire at a recycling plant closed the Friarton Bridge on the outskirts of Perth.



Large amounts of smoke forced the M90 to be sealed off as nearby residents were told to keep windows and doors shut.

Recycling company Enva, which operates the site, say the likely cause was a battery.

Investigation under way following major fire at recycling centre

It's seven years later than planned and millions and millions of pounds over budget but the Glen Sannox is finally sailing.



Having started its first full day of service from Troon on Monday, she's expected to have carried more than 1,000 passengers by the end of the day. 



The journeys on Monday may have been smooth but it has been far from plain sailing to get the vessel completed.

Expectations are high from islanders now the new ship is part of the fleet. 

Long-delayed and over budget ferry Glen Sannox enters service

As far as islanders are concerned, this ferry has been a long, long time coming.



They need a reliable service and the last 12 months have been particularly challenging - for locals and tourists alike.



STV News spent the day on Arran hearing their concerns.

STV News - Aberdeen