Angus Council has launched a probe after a 'proportion' of ballot papers for an upcoming by-election were sent to the wrong addresses.

Fri 19 Apr, 6.00 pm

The first known victim of murderer and serial rapist, Iain Packer, has called for the body that investigates police complaints to be scrapped and replaced by an independent and transparent system.



Magdalene Robertson told MSPs her plea to reopen a complaint about failings in her case has been repeatedly ignored and her next step may be civil action.



Her call for reforms has been backed by a grieving mother who described what she endured as a "hellish merry go-round" after complaining about the handling of her son's death.

Sharon Frew

The criminal justice committee is considering a bill that will include plans to overhaul the process

First Packer victims calls for police complaints body to be scrapped

Figures obtained by STV News have revealed nearly 35,000 calls for advice to NHS24 were abandoned last month alone.



The NHS's 111 phone service should be the first port of call for anyone looking for health advice-- and keep people away from busy A&amp;E departments.

Oliver Wright

The Health Secretary has apologised to people who've had to wait longer than expected.

35,000 calls to NHS24 abandoned, new figures show

A women who endured violence and emotional abuse at the hands of her ex partner says at times it felt like she was living through a warzone - and Danielle Prill says the prosecution process left her feeling traumatised all over again.



It comes as a review found in 80% of 60 domestic abuse cases prosecuted across Scotland , the overall quality of communication was unsatisfactory.



The Crown Office has accepted the report's recommendations and said it "profoundly regrets" that it has not always got it's dealing with victims right.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

Campaigners for women's safety say there has to be a complete reform in the system

Domestic violence survivors calls for prosecution process review

A major film and TV studio campus has opened on an old Ministry of Defence site near Stirling city centre, promising to bring thousands of jobs to the area.



The former defence base has more than a hundred thousand square feet of production space making it one of the biggest media hubs in Scotland.

Brandon Cook

The local council say it will be a 'game-changer' and put the city on the map

New film and TV studio campus opens in Stirling

Residents affected by the RAAC concrete crisis in Aberdeen, have been protesting outside the city council.



The Housing Minister admitted yesterday it's likely to be a further six months before there's any government funded solutions.

Gráinne Ní Ghréacháin

500 properties in the Balnagask area of the city are affected

RAAC affected residents protest in Aberdeen

The family of Sheku Bayoh have said the public inquiry into his death is entering its most important stage.



Today an official who was involved in preparing a legal report on the evidence surrounding the events in Kirkcaldy in 2015 faced questions.

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

They've taken aim at the Crown Office - saying it is responsible for a "betrayal of justice"

Sheku Bayoh’s family say public enquiry entering most important stage

MPs at Westminster are about to vote on landmark legislation that could ban the sale of tobacco to everyone aged 15 or younger for good - phasing out smoking completely, over time.



The law has the backing of the Scottish Government, who want to have a ban in place by April next year.



But dozens of Conservative MPs have attacked the move.

Westminster Correspondent

Paris Gourtsoyannis

All the devolved governments back the plan, so it will be applied in Scotland



MPs to vote on banning smoking for anyone born after 2008

College lecturers have begun almost three weeks of rolling strikes in a long-standing dispute over pay.



Staff from colleges in Glasgow were out on the picket line this morning -- with strike days planned at others across the country until the third of May.

Courtney Cameron

College Employers Scotland says it's made a full and final offer

College lectures walk out in three weeks of rolling strikes

Protesters are urging people to boycott the Redcoat Café at Edinburgh Castle, if their demands for a name change are not met.



Historic Environment Scotland say the café has had the name for more than 30 years and that it reflects the military history which is told throughout the Castle - but they say it is currently being reviewed.

They say the name is associated with the killing of Scots at the Battle of Culloden in 1746

Protesters urge boycott of Edinburgh Caste café over name

Energy giant SSE is to become the first company in Scotland to introduce a new immersive safety training centre at their Perth headquarters.



Using actors and real life scenarios more than 20 thousand workers will be trained across the next 3 years

Abigail Taylor

The new facility will also bring 60 jobs to the city

SSE introduce Scotland’s first immersive safety centre

The Housing Minister says it's likely to be a further 6 months before any government funding solution for Aberdeen's RAAC concrete problem is confirmed.



Paul McLennan, has been giving evidence in the Scottish Parliament, and said the city council is going through an "appraisal process" to determine the best way forward.







But residents affected say they're unhappy about how the situation is being handled.

Haley Bouma

Around 500 homes in Torry's Balnagask area have the potentially dangerous RAAC concrete

Residents in limbo after minister confirms 6 month RAAC wait

A public consultation over closure plans for GP surgeries in Moray was a sham, according to campaigners.



They say internal emails from a freedom of information request reveal that health chiefs offered guidance on how to avoid a community backlash.

Iain Ramage

The campaigners have vowed to fight on, to have local services reinstated

Campaigners brand GP closure consultation a ‘sham’

An Aberdeen charity has warned its foodbank is operating at a critically low level.



Instant Neighbour say it's desperately in need of donations to continue supporting the large demand on its services.



With increasing numbers coming through the door each day, the charity says more people than ever are in need of help.

Nearly 200 people are coming to the foodbank each week

Aberdeen foodbank warns stock at worryingly low levels

A group of relatives who lost loved ones in controversial or violent circumstances have joined forces to call for changes in the way Scotland's legal system deals with sudden deaths.



The newly formed Families United want to see a radical overhaul, as they believe what is currently in place is shambolic and lacks transparency and accountability.



Relatives are calling for reforms including coroners' inquests, which are used in England and Wales, and which give families more involvement.

Lewis Michie

Campaigners would like to see the introduction of coroners inquests to Scotland

Bereaved families call for sudden deaths overall

Disabled people say it's vital they're given a say in how the new national social care service will work - because of the impact the right support can have on their lives.



Extra funding has been announced for services across Scotland which help ensure individuals get care which is best suited to them in order to live independently.

The minister for social care visited the Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living this morning 

Say in new national care service ‘vital’ say disabled people

One of the UK’s largest care home providers is closing three of its specialist dementia units in Lanarkshire.



HC-One's Milnwood, Mossend and Orbiston units in Bellshill are the only sites in the area which look after residents with advanced dementia needs.

Caitlin Hutchison

Families fear their loved ones could end up back on a locked hospital ward

Care provider to close specialist Lanarkshire dementia units

Residents have been urged to help shape a plan to tackle coastal erosion in Moray.



People living in those communities are now being encouraged to have their say.

Public consultations are underway in areas that have already been impacted

Residents urged to help shape costal erosion plans

A charity marking 100 years of helping young people in Aberdeen says demand for its services is continuing to grow.



Aberdeen Lads Club has been providing vital services in the east end of the city since 1924.

Set up in 1924 by local businesses, the club has played a pivotal role in so many local children's lives

Lad’s club sees demand for services still growing 100 years on

It was celebrated as a huge success for the city a decade ago - and now Glasgow could be in the running to host the Commonwealth Games, again, in two years time.



Talks have been ongoing since Australia withdrew - unsuccessfully so far - to find another host.



Now it's emerged a back-up plan has been drawn up for the competition to return to Glasgow if talks with other countries fail.

Adam Todd

It is Victoria in Australia's turn, but rising costs, called a a halt to that last year

Glasgow could be back-up host for 2026 Commonwealth Games

And who ate all the pies? Well a Wemyss Bay Butcher is hoping more people will be eating his after securing the top secret recipe behind Scotland's five time Scotch Pie Champion.



With the longstanding east coast pie maker retiring, both say this agreement will ensure the award winning pastry isn't lost.

For an undisclosed fee MacKaskies have acquired a slice of butcher history 

Butcher secures recipe for five-time award winning pie

An exhibition showcasing the power of data has been running at the city's National museum of Scotland as part of the Edinburgh science festival.



The interactive event includes artworks, objects, and virtual reality innovations developed by the Creative Informatics community.

Amie Flett

The aim is to encourage people not to shy away from the power of exploring data in their every day lives

Youngers take part in data exhibition at Edinburgh Science Festival

There are calls tonight for more to be done to protect Scotland's rivers, lochs and coastline after a worrying rise in sewage spills across the country.



The number of discharges rose by 10% last year, with critics accusing the Scottish Government of not doing enough.

Scottish Water say our rivers and seas are amongst the highest quality in Europe

Over 20,000 sewage spills reported last year in Scotland

A specially-designed programme to support people living with Parkinson's is going from strength to strength.



Sport Aberdeen have created exercise classes to help those living with the condition.

The condition affects 13,000 people in Scotland, with 30 people diagnosed every week

Sport Aberdeen create programme for people with Parkinson’s

It's one of the greatest mysteries on earth, but now scientists are reaching new heights to reveal the secrets of Loch Ness.



Space agency NASA are to undertake a scientific sweep of the famous body of water using state of the art technology.

Nicola McAlley

The first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was first recorded by St Columba in 565AD

NASA to use state of the art tech in search for Nessie

A rape survivor who has had her complaints against a defence lawyer upheld, says she hopes the decision will set a legal precedent.



Ellie Wilson says she now feels vindicated after being left humiliated and traumatised by Lorenzo Alonzi's questioning and comments during the trial of her rapist two years ago.



The Faculty of Advocates complaints committee found Mr Alonzi had repeatedly crossed the line of what was acceptable and this amounted to unsatisfactory professional conduct.

Ellie's ex-boyfriend Daniel McFarlane was convicted of two rape charges and sentenced to 5 years


Rape survivor hopes to set precedent with lawyer complaints

A fatal accident inquiry into the death of a toddler hit by an elderly driver in Edinburgh will question if enough safeguards are in place when older people are renewing their licenses.



3-year-old Xander Irvine was killed when a car mounted the pavement in Edinburgh's Morningside area in June 2020.



The 91-year-old driver died before she could stand trial.

Political Reporter

Laura Alderman

Age Scotland say all older drivers should take steps to assess their safety on the roads

Fatal accident inquiry begins after toddler killed by 91-year-old driver

Business owners are wondering when their customers will return - as the slow demolition of a condemned Glasgow building continues.



Teams taking down the India Building say they're unable to give a fixed date due to the complexities of the job.

Residents have been evacuated, while contractors are working to preserve the building's historic stone sign

Demolition of condemned India Building gets underway

A Royal Navy Ship that is set to revolutionise the way the military will deal with underwater threats from sea mines was welcomed in Leith today by the Duke of Edinburgh.



RFA Stirling Castle is the new ‘mothership’ for leading-edge mine warfare technology – the 6,000 tonne vessel will be based at Faslane in Helensburgh.

The ship will be based at Faslane and is due to begin operations later this year

Royal Navy welcomes new minesweeper RFA Stirling Castle

Parents and children in Gorebridge are calling for more investment in their local football pitches following weeks of cancelled practice and games due to waterlogged fields in Goreglen.



STV News has been along to speak to some of the local teams.

Midlothian Council said that since October the pitches have been deemed unplayable six times  

Parents and children call for investment in waterlogged pitch

Friockheim Community Hub in Angus is warning locals to use the facility or risk losing it.



The Board of Trustees say the five year old centre is experiencing increased financial pressures, with rising running costs.

Saul Sievwright

The hub relies on grant funding and volunteers but is struggling to get people involved

Community hub warning locals to use the facility or risk losing it

Scientists are to study how seabird populations on the north east coast are affected by severe weather.



Figures suggest a dramatic decline recently.

Anne Smith

Experts at Aberdeen University will look at how the changing climate impacts some protected species

Scientists to study how seabirds are affected by severe weather

Campaigners against plans to put hundreds of new giant pylons across Scotland have lodged a petition with the Scottish Government - asking for a better consultation process for energy infrastructure projects.



That's as community councillors in Stonehaven have voted to write to operator SSEN - asking them to extend their consultation.

They say concerns from communities up and down Scotland are not being listened to

Campaigners petition government over new electrical pylons

The UK Government has been accused of betraying the North East after it's emerged that fewer civil service jobs will be created in Aberdeen than previously promised.



In December, the Cabinet Office Minister, John Glen said hundreds of jobs would be coming to Aberdeen.

Steven Brown

It's been revealed that only around 35 additional jobs will be created instead of hundreds promised

UK Government accused of betrayal over civil service jobs

The new Hate Crime Bill came into force at the start of this month.



And in its first week, more than 7,000 complaints were made to Police Scotland-- but just 3% classified as a crime.



The force says while they have received a "substantial increase" in complaints, the impact on frontline services has been "minimal".



The Justice Secretary says the statistics are evidence that the law has been managed well by Police Scotland.

Among those - racism - represents the majority

Only 3% of over 7,000 hate crime complaints were crimes

Care workers from three Scottish council areas have come together to protest for better pay.



Home carers in Falkirk, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire - who are mostly low-paid women - have all walked out as part of the dispute.



The GMB Union is warning equal pay claims like these totalling tens of millions of pounds will risk sinking local authorities without government intervention.

Fraser Nicoll

Council bosses say they continue dialogue with trade unions

Care workers walk out on strike over better pay

Celebrations are taking place across Scotland - celebrating Eid - marking the end of Ramadan and a month of daylight fasting.



And for asylum seekers and refugees it is particularly poignant.



STV News has been to visit one mosque in Bathgate-- providing a sense of community to local asylum seekers throughout the holy month.

It's a significant time for the Muslim community to come together and celebrate

Muslims across Scotland take part in Eid

Teenagers can spend a lot of time on their phones - but researchers say there's a serious lack of information into how social interactions through apps like Snapchat and TikTok, can impact feelings of loneliness amongst young people.



A unique study at the University of Edinburgh is looking to recruit 200 young people to uncover how the influences of our digital world impact on young people's mental health.

The Generation Scotland project is open now

Study seeking to recruit youngers to study loneliness

The battery recycling plant - which went on fire in Kilwinning in Ayrshire on Monday - is still alight-- and the director of the company has now apologised to locals.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes

Company director apologises after battery recycling plant fire

A small local charity in West Lothian is urging supporters to help them open a heritage centre dedicated to the story of the Scottish Co-operative movement.



The group are nearing the finish line of their incredible £6 million pounds target which will result in the first attraction of its kind to be built in Scotland.

Laura Piper

If all goes well, the new discovery centre is set to open in Spring 2026

Charity urges donations for first Scottish Co-operative heritage centre

More than 90% of people in Aberdeen are opposed to the new Low Emission Zone in the city centre - according to a new survey.



The restrictions will see much of the city centre closed off to older cars - as Aberdeen joins Edinburgh and Dundee in enforcing the rules at the start of June.

Business leaders say it'll impact trade but the city council says it'll improve air quality

Over 90% of Aberdonians against LEZ, says survey

New legislation limiting where wood burning stoves can be installed has sparked concerns in rural communities.



The Scottish Crofting Federation say members are already facing high energy costs and rely on wood to keep their homes warm.



Under new rules, new homes and buildings as well as those undergoing major renovations, can't have heat sources that produce emissions.

The laws limit certain heating systems for homes as part of climate targets

New wood burning stove legislation sparks concern

A Highland man who's fundraising for life-saving cancer treatment has been speaking about the dramatic road crash which brought his illness to light.



Scans only detected Steven Fry's brain tumour after the oil tanker he was driving crashed into a shop in Beauly three years ago.

He's aiming to raise £50,000 for specialist immunotherapy treatment in London

Highland man fundraising for treatment after crash leads to cancer discovery

The second of the two long-awaited and over-budget ferries has been officially launched from Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow.



While today is a significant milestone for the MV Glen Rosa, it will be at least another 18 months before it's ready to serve passengers.



The ferry and its sister vessel have been a running political sore for the Scottish Government and for Fergusons, but controversy and challenges were put to one side for a ceremony that honoured Clydeside traditions.

The ship isn't due to be handed over to operators CalMac until September 2025


Long delayed ferry MV Glen Rosa launched at Port Glasgow

A former nurse who poisoned a young child has been sentenced to seven years in prison.



The boy, who cannot be named, was described as resembling a survivor from a concentration camp as a result of Menhinick's actions and, at one point when he was five years old, weighed just 10kg.

Olly Dickinson

52-year-old Tracy Menhinick gave the boy "industrial amounts" of a laxative - causing him to be hospitalised

Former nurse sentenced for poisoning child with laxatives

Residents in North Ayrshire who had to flee their homes when a battery recycling plant caught fire last night have told STV News it "sounded like a terror attack".



Loud banging noises were reported from as far as the neighbouring towns of Irvine and Stevenston, when the material inside the facility in Kilwinning exploded.

Firefighters are still at the scene more than 20 hours later

Residents evacuated after battery recycling plant catches fire

A rare comic book about one of Scotland's best known characters is expected to sell for thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer.



The first Oor Wullie annual, featuring the iconic image of the cheeky chap on his bucket on the front cover, forms part of a collection being sold off tomorrow.

It includes the first ever Oor Wullie annual from 1941 and a second from 1942


Rare Oor Wullie comics expected to go for thousands at auction

Volunteers at a Dundee foodbank are preparing to demonstrate outside their facility in a bid to fight off closure.



Mill O'Mains Foodbank - which lost its pavilion in a blaze in 2017 - supports the community from a sheltered housing unit.



But the council says it needs the space back.



Those connected to the group say it'll leave the charity with nowhere else to go.

Callum Clark

Dundee City Council issued a final eviction notice last month

Volunteers prepare to protest over foodbank closure

Farmers in the North East claim it's the wettest winter they've experienced.



They say torrential rain is pushing up costs and damaging crops and that the next few weeks will be crucial.

The weather is delaying spring crops being sown and impacting plants already in the ground

Wettest winter ever experienced say North East farmers

One of Scotland's largest dairies is demanding the UK Government re-think what it says are "crazy" post-Brexit product labelling plans that will cost the sector millions of pounds.



Graham's Dairies say the changes, which require products to carry a "not for EU" label, are too complex and creating confusion for customers.



The proposals are aimed at reducing checks and controls on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.



But four years on from Brexit, many Scottish businesses say they're still grappling with red tape and extra costs.

Graham's and others in the dairy industry are urging the UK government to scrap the proposals



Post-Brexit labelling scheme ‘crazy’ says dairy producer

From today, pensioners will get nearly one thousand pounds more per year, as the UK Government raises the state pension to keep up with the cost of living.



But pensioners claim the increase doesn't cover higher prices for basic necessities, while critics say the gains are being clawed back in taxes.

The triple lock means pensions rise with inflation, wages, or a minimum of 2.5% - whichever is highest

State pension up almost £1,000 per year after cost of living rise

Heritage leaders in Glasgow say the city - once renowned for its historic architecture and shopping mile - is like a "bombsite" and has been neglected for too long - with The Avenues Project in the city centre having faced delays.



But today the council says contractors returned to the site on Sauchiehall Street and works should be complete by the end of the year.

The council says it’s in the early stages of a huge transformation 

Glasgow like a ‘bombsite’ amid works delays, says heritage leaders

There are calls for beavers to be managed on a Perthshire river before irreversible damage is done to other species like salmon and more land is lost.



Many warned of the damage the controversial creatures would cause.But those behind the reintroduction of beavers say they are a benefit to the environment.

Lynne Rankin

Hunted to extinction 400 years ago, they were illegally reintroduced in Tayside 20 years ago.


Calls for beavers to be manged before ‘irreversible damage’ done

An Edinburgh woman who was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer believes she's within touching distance of opening Scotland's first dedicated support service for those living with the disease.



Lisa Fleming has fundraised millions since her diagnosis in 2017 - she's hoping to launch the house of hope in the Capital later this year.

The charity are selling bricks to raise the money to make the house of hope a reality

Woman with incurable cancer fundraising for wellbeing centre

A charity which provides food and home essentials to families living in poverty has seen demand soar.



Dundee Bairns say they're fire fighting a broken system, with 1 in 3 of the city's youngsters living below the poverty line.

Dozens of volunteers make meal deliveries every day across the city


Food and home essentials charity sees demand soar

The Scottish Government has lifted its freeze on capital spending to allow completion of a Highland hospital upgrade.



It's thought unlikely the U-turn will be repeated with other capital projects across Scotland.

It means Grantown on Spey will have its half-built hospital finished

Capital spending freeze lifted to allow hospital completion

A major milestone has been reached by Inverness and the Cromarty Firth's Green Freeport, which it's hoped will create around 10,000 jobs in the next 20 years.



The region is set to become one of the largest industrial hubs in Europe, for the offshore renewables industry.

New legislation to give tax breaks to investors begins today

Milestone reached in Cromarty green freeport development

A mother from Aberdeen has lodged a complaint against NHS Grampian after suffering a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy.



She says she was assured by NHS staff that she was not bleeding internally.



But half a litre of blood was discovered in her stomach during surgery and her fallopian tube had ruptured.

STV News - Dundee