A man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault in Dundee last week.

Wed 16 Apr, 6.00 pm

The debate around what defines a woman in the eyes of the law has been one of the most controversial in recent years.



Today, the UK's Supreme Court provided its answer.



Judges backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which has argued that the legal definition is based on biological sex and not trans people with a gender-recognition certificate.



However, they added that the decision should not be seen as a victory for one side or the other.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

The court stressed that the trans community still has protections against discrimination.

Supreme Court rules definition of a woman based on biological sex

Flu deaths have hit a 45-year high in Scotland, with the number of people dying almost doubling so far this year compared to last.



Meanwhile, flu vaccinations this winter were down by a fifth.



One woman who lives with a lung disease says she's been forced to restrict her lifestyle due to the threat of flu and would like the Scottish Government to widen out the age group for those eligible for a vaccine.

Amie Flett

This winter vaccinations were down by a fifth.

Flu deaths hit 45 year high, doubling from last year

Sewage may have been discharged into Scotland's rivers, lochs and seas every 90 seconds last year.



That's according to campaign group Surfers Against Sewage.



It estimates there may have been more than 360,000 sewage discharges, with nearly 2,000 swimmers reporting falling ill.

Laura Piper

Surfers Against Sewage estimates there may have been more than 360,000 discharges.

Sewage discharged into Scotland’s waters every 90 seconds, say campaigners

Women in Glasgow are grappling with a “deepening safety crisis” and what's been called a "shocking" rise in gender-based violence.



According to figures from the Safe Glasgow Partnership, instances of domestic abuse and rape have increased by more than 40% and sexual assault in the city has risen by 28% in just one year.



Meanwhile, charity bosses have told STV News they're stretched to breaking point and unable to keep up with the overwhelming demand for support services.

Caitlin Hutchison

According to figures instances of domestic abuse and rape have increased by more than 40%.

Women take up self-defence classes as violence rises

A teenager from Midlothian has scooped up a prestigious award at the world's greatest dog show for the second year in a row.



15-year-old Gemma Mackenzie and Mayhem the 14-year-old German Spitz took the lead at Crufts as Gemma put her dog pampering skills to the test, winning the title of Dog Groomer of the Year.



STV News went along to meet the winning pair.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

STV News went along to meet the winning pair.

Midlothian teen wins Crufts awards for second time

The leader of Dundee City Council says he has taken "feedback on board" after a campaign to save a community centre from closure.



The local authority had been consulting on shutting Douglas Community Centre as it looks to move several services into the new super-school campus at Drumgeith Park.



But following an outcry from locals, the centre now looks set to stay.

Fraser Nicoll

The local authority had been consulting on shutting Douglas Community Centre.

Community centre closure plans reversed after public outcry

It's a hereditary disorder that slowly damages the brain.



Now, a new study has shown Northern Scotland has one of the highest rates of Huntington's disease in the world.



Scientists at Aberdeen University are urging anyone who may carry the gene to get tested.

Nicola McAlley

Scientists at Aberdeen University are urging anyone who may carry the gene to get tested.

Northern Scotland is Huntington’s world hotspot, study finds

What was once a 100-year-old department store in Aberdeenshire has re-opened as a community-owned cafe and cinema.



The Huntly Development Trust took over the old Cruickshanks store in the town centre six years ago.



Today, after millions of pounds of renovations, it officially re-opened.

Finlay Jack

The Huntly Development Trust took over the old Cruickshanks store in the town centre.

100-year-old department store re-opens as community hub

A man has been jailed for ten years after violently raping a woman in her own home.



The brutal attack happened in the Murrayfield area in January 2023.



Bradley Shand's conduct was described by the judge as "absolutely disgraceful".



The court heard the crime has had a "devastating effect" on his victim, a 61-year-old woman.

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

Bradley Shand's conduct was described by the judge as 'absolutely disgraceful'.

Rapist jailed after breaking into woman’s home and attacking her

They've been without a reliable ferry service for six months - plagued by cancellations and breakdowns, and now a replacement vessel that can handle only 45 passengers.



Today the islanders of South Uist met with the transport secretary who said the impact of the disruption was "very sobering".



Fiona Hyslop confirmed funding will be granted this year to start the process of building a new ferry for the Lochboisdale to Mallaig route.

Steven Brown

Islanders have been without a reliable ferry service for six months.

Hyslop confirms funding to build new vessel for Uist ferry route

Glasgow is blessed with arguably some of the finest architecture that any city has to offer.



Its streets are littered with the works of Alexander “Greek” Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.



But it’s also a city that faces challenges when it comes to maintaining and restoring some of those historic works.



Now the council says it has held constructive talks with the UK Government about changes to VAT rates to encourage developers to renovate rather than rebuild.

Olly Dickinson

The city is facing challenges when it comes to maintaining and restoring some of those historic works.

Glasgow in talks with Westminster over VAT cuts to save heritage buildings

After years of challenges, new affordable housing has finally been unveiled on the island of Colonsay.



The rural Hebridean community has a severe lack of housing, making it difficult to attract - and keep - young workers.



Now, the Colonsay Community Development Company has delivered nine new affordable homes.

Vidushi Tiwari

The rural Hebridean community has a severe lack of housing.

New affordable housing unveiled on the island of Colonsay

Scotland is facing a litter emergency according to an environmental charity.



Keep Scotland Beautiful say they are seeing more discarded bottles, wrappers and vapes every year.



STV News joined a group of volunteers clearing up their village in Fife as part their annual Spring Clean campaign.

Felicity Clifford

Keep Scotland Beautiful are seeing more discarded bottles, wrappers and vapes every year.

Scotland facing litter emergency, says environmental charity

More Scottish Government funding is being considered for Dundee University, as around 700 staff face losing their jobs.



Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said on Tuesday she expected an announcement on extra financial support in the coming weeks.



The Scottish Government has asked the university to scale back the number of proposed job cuts as it tackles a £35m deficit.

Susan Nicholson

Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said she expected an announcement on extra financial support soon.

Further funding considered as 700 Dundee University staff face axe

Lecturers at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen are warning of further strike action if the institution doesn't stop compulsory redundancies.



It comes as members of the EIS union began their first day of industrial action – calling on the university to find alternative solutions.



RGU says compulsory redundancies will always remain a last resort.



Further strike dates are set for next month.

Grainne NiGhreachain

RGU says compulsory redundancies will always remain a last resort.

Robert Gordon University lecturers warn of further strike action

The prospect of HGV convoys on a number of narrow roads in the Highlands has sparked fears for public safety and tourism.



Beauly and surrounding villages are at the centre of a major upgrade to the electricity network.



Some residents and business people say they're gravely worried about the scale of expansion.



The developers maintain the work is essential to meeting green energy targets.

Iain Ramage

Beauly and surrounding villages are at the centre of a major electrical network upgrade.

HGV convoy plans spark safety fears in Highland villages

In the coming weeks, the Scottish Parliament will decide if it backs plans to allow people to have an assisted death.



The bill, brought forward by Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur, will be the third time the issue has been voted on in Holyrood.



But, unlike previous occasions, the outcome is tough to call.



The balance of the power could hang on the decision of as little as ten to 20 MSPs, who are currently undecided.



STV News has been speaking to some who are weighing up the decision.

Alison McCallum

It will be the third time the issue has been voted on in Holyrood.

MSPs prepare for free vote on assisted dying legislation

A mum from Renfrewshire has told STV News she's facing a bill of £4,000 to send her son to nursery because of a council policy change.



The local authority provides 30 hours of free childcare for all three-year-olds, but it only applies from the start of the school term - not from the child's birthday.



More than 500 parents have signed a petition demanding the local authority reconsider the issue.

Vanessa Taaffe

More than 500 parents have signed a petition demanding the local authority reconsider the issue.

Mum facing £4,000 nursery bill after council rule change

Four million oar strokes, 30-foot waves and way too much sibling bonding time.



Three brothers from Edinburgh have begun their bid to become the fastest-recorded human-powered team to row from Peru to Sydney.

The trio from Edinburgh have begun their bid to row from Peru to Sydney.

Three Scots brothers begin Pacific rowing record attempt

Councillors in Fife are looking to revisit plans for a vessel linking Kirkcaldy and the north of Edinburgh.



The idea was trialled back in 2007 with a hovercraft between the town and Portobello, but the project failed to take off.



Now, there is fresh hope that the idea can be considered once more.

The idea was trialled back in 2007 with a hovercraft between the Kirkcaldy and Portobello.

Plans for Edinburgh to Fife hovercraft to be revisited

STV News can reveal seven young cardiac patients were given just a tenth of the pain relief they should have received following open heart surgery last summer at Scotland's largest children's hospital.



NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has admitted the error was made repeatedly, and involved youngsters operated on in the same theatre on six different days.



On Friday, they reiterated an apology to the patients and parents affected.



Three of the seven families say their trust has been shaken, and they're still waiting for answers.

Sharon Frew

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has admitted the error was made repeatedly.

Seven young cardiac patients given wrong morphine doses

As a major wildfire continues to rage across North Lanarkshire, the owner and manager of a kennels and cattery near Cumbernauld have been speaking of their desperate efforts to get the animals to safety.



Crowbank Kennels and Cattery spoke to STV News about how they drove through flames as the outbreak was at its worst on Thursday night.



Firefighters remain at the scene and are continuing to tackle another outbreak on the island of Arran.

Firefighters remain at the scene today and are continuing to tackle another outbreak on Arran.

Major wildfire burns in North Lanarkshire as warning remains in place

A woman was left with a £700 repair bill when she was forced to rip out part of her kitchen to replace an outdated electricity meter.



Christina Milligan, from Wishaw in North Lanarkshire, said she felt compelled to comply with the upgrade or face increased energy bills.



All RTS meters will stop working at the end of June, and Ofgem, the energy regulator, says that if people don't replace the old equipment, they could lose heating and hot water.

Rahim Cham

Christina Milligan said she felt compelled to comply with the upgrade or face increased energy bills.

Woman left with £700 bill after replacing electrical meter

Artwork created by a group of young women across Scotland who have been leading a campaign to tackle peer sexual abuse and harassment has gone on display in Edinburgh.



The exhibition in Leith Library is part of the "Young Women Know" campaign, which focuses on creating resources on healthy relationships, safe spaces, and consent.

The Young Women Know campaign creates resources on healthy relationships, safe spaces and consent. 

Artwork aiming to tackle peer sexual abuse and harassment goes on display

For some of us the Easter holidays can be a time to rest and enjoy the sunshine.



But for more than 100 young musicians at the group Big Noise, it's been a week of learning several new pieces of music.



The group have been building up to a big performance on Friday.



Big Noise, which helps children from disadvantaged backgrounds pick up an instrument, has held its annual residential camp in Crieff.

Callum Clark

The group have been learning new music in preparation for a big performance.

Young musicians take part in annual residential camp

A heartbroken dog owner from Aberdeen is encouraging others to bin their rubbish after her dog died after swallowing a discarded bottle top.



Alison Cameron's nine-year-old pet, Bracken, became ill several weeks ago.



Despite surgery to remove the plastic, he couldn't be saved.

Anne Smith

Alison Cameron's nine-year-old pet, Bracken, became ill several weeks ago.

Heartbroken owner calls on people to pick up their rubbish after dog’s death

For much of Scotland it's been the warmest day of the year so far - with temperatures climbing beyond 20C.



While many of us have been able to enjoy the sunshine, emergency crews have had to deal with more wildfires.



It follows a spate of them amid the dry conditions of the last week.



Fresh warnings have been issued about the continuing risk of outbreaks.

There have been a spate of fires due to the dry conditions of the last week.

Fresh wildfire warning issued as Scotland sees warmest day of the year

Almost two and a half months after it hit, the damage wrought by Storm Eowyn is still impacting some smaller communities.



On the Isle of Gigha, three miles off the Kintyre coast, more than 750 trees came down at the island's historic gardens.



The community now need a further £25,000 to complete the clear up.

The community now need a further £25,000 to complete the clear up.

Clean up still ongoing on Gigha two months after Storm Eowyn

A major exhibition has opened at Edinburgh Printmakers showcasing work from eminent artists, including Tracey Emin.



Celebrating their diamond year, the gallery team say the exhibition will give visitors the rare opportunity to see works from internationally renowned artists, many of which have never been shown in Scotland.

Many of the works haven't been shown in Scotland before. 

Major exhibition opens at Edinburgh Printmakers

In a bid to tackle climate change, a north east charity is helping to restore the landscape of Royal Deeside.



Rising temperatures have had a devastating impact on the River Dee, with the water becoming too warm to support the salmon there.



The River Dee Trust has pledged to plant a million trees to provide shade, and has now reached half of its overall target.

Reem Satar

The water is now getting too warm to support the salmon population. 

Charity to plant a million trees to cool down River Dee

The board of NHS Grampian has agreed millions of pounds of savings amid growing financial pressure.



The health board has just months to come up with tens of millions of pounds of cuts that will help bring down its projected overspend of £68m.



On Thursday, the interim chief executive said the board and staff will "rise to the challenge".

The interim chief executive said the board and staff will 'rise to the challenge'.

NHS Grampian board agree millions of pounds of cuts

A warning has been issued that paedophiles are using dating apps to groom single mums and access their children.



A report by the child safety organisation Childlight and Edinburgh University found that sexual offenders are four times more likely to use matchmaking sites than other men.



It’s led to calls for tougher regulations - including ID checks and AI tools to help detect predatory behaviour.

A new report found sex offenders are four times more likely to use matchmaking sites than other men.

Warning paedophiles ‘using dating apps to access children’

New Home Office immigration rules for staff in social care are being blasted as "discriminatory and damaging".



Overseas workers must now be paid more than local staff, as the minimum salary floor goes up to £12.82 - higher than the minimum wage.



Those in the sector warn some services in remote and rural areas may even be forced to close as they struggle with recruitment challenges and rising costs.

Those in the sector warn some services in remote and rural areas may be forced to close as a result. 

New social care staff immigration rules ‘discriminatory and damaging’

The multi-million pound renovation of a key road in East Renfrewshire has been delayed for the second time.



Aurs Road will now be shut until spring 2026 - more than twice as long as developers initially hoped.



The plan is to upgrade the single carriageway and create a new promenade for cycling and walking.



However local residents and businesses have reacted the the latest delay with frustration.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Aurs Road will now be shut until spring 2026 - more than twice as long as developers initially hoped.

Multi-million pound renovation of key road delayed for second time

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has said it has been forced to cut staff and its opening hours as soaring costs make it a struggle to make ends meet.



The charity, which has been open since 1884, has seen rising energy bills and increased employment costs, among other pressures, like many other charitable organisations.

Lewis Michie

The charity, which has been open since 1884, has seen rising energy bills and increased employment costs.

Dog and cat home cuts staff and hours amid soaring costs

Dundee residents have described plans for a battery storage plant on the site of a former gas facility as a "disaster waiting to happen".



The developer says its proposals for the land near Drumgeith Park would help the city achieve its goal of increasing renewable energy production.



But locals have launched a petition over safety concerns.

Locals have launched a petition over safety concerns.

Residents say battery plant plans ‘disaster waiting to happen’

Residents in sheltered housing in Aberdeenshire have been told their buildings could be closed and they could be forced to move up to 20 miles away. 



Under new proposals, 17 of the region's facilities could be shut down in an effort to save over £100m.



But those living in the accommodation say they don't want to uproot their lives.

Oliver Wright

Those living in the accommodation say they don't want to uproot their lives.

Sheltered accommodation residents facing move 20 miles away

The health secretary has said he will continue to support NHS Grampian, but that the health board must get its finances under control as soon as possible. 



It comes after STV News revealed on Tuesday that NHS Grampian had been given more than £67m in a funding loan from the Scottish Government as the financial crisis at the health board continues.



Another £39m of savings have now been earmarked for this year.

The health secretary said the health board must get its finances in order.

Gray backs NHS Grampian after £67m government loan

It's a medical milestone that's brought new life to one Scottish family.



Baby Amy is the first to be born in the UK from a womb transplant.



Her mother Grace received the donation from her older sister after she found out she had a condition which meant she didn't have a uterus.



The historic operation was carried out by a Scottish surgeon in 2023 and has resulted in the family's greatest gift yet.

Baby Amy's mum Grace received the donation from her older sister.

Scottish family first in UK to have baby from womb transplant

A pupil support assistant has told STV News she has been forced out of her job because of the level of violence and aggression in the classroom.



Alana Gauffre spent two years at a primary school in Dunfermline and has described having a chair thrown at her and a child threatening to stab her with a broken coat hanger.



The pupils responsible were as young as six and seven.

Alana Gauffre spent two years at a primary school in Dunfermline.

‘Violence forced me out of my job’, says pupil support assistant

Inspectors have described Scotland’s largest prison as being in a “wretchedly poor state", which may be so bad that it could be breaching human rights.



A review by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow to be over 30% above its capacity.



It has “strongly urged” the Scottish Government to do more to tackle the “fundamental problem” of overcrowding.

A review by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found the facility to be over 30% above its capacity.

Inspectors describe Barlinnie as being in a ‘wretchedly poor state’

Toning down accents, bias within classrooms and being mocked for the way they speak - these are all things Scottish students say they've experienced while studying at Edinburgh University.



However it's not a new issue and the institution has been trying to tackle the problem, with training sessions for staff to address so-called "accent bias" in lectures.

Staff who have taken part in the sessions say they've gained a new perspective on the issue.

Training sessions to stop ‘accent bias’ at Edinburgh University

Dundee Football Club is likely to remain at Dens Park for at least the next two seasons as a long, drawn out move to Camperdown Park has stalled once more.



That's according to managing director John Nelms, who says he's waiting on approval from Transport Scotland.



But the Scottish Government body has accused developers of a lack of progress.

Dens Park has been home to Dundee Football Club for more than a century.


Dundee to remain at Dens Park as stadium move stalls again

As part of a two-day tour of the north east, Princess Anne has become the latest visitor to the Peterhead Prison Museum.



The scene of a violent riot back in 1987, the prison closed over a decade ago, before later reopening as an award-winning museum.



The Princess Royal was welcomed by local sea cadets and a pipe band.

Princess Anne was welcomed by local sea cadets and a pipe band.

Princess Royal visits Peterhead Prison Museum on tour of north east

NHS Grampian has been warned it must take swift action to get its financial crisis under control as it's predicted to have the highest overspend over the next year in Scotland.



The health board has received just over £67m from the Scottish Government in a loan, which must be paid back, to help plug the hole in its finances.



In papers to its board, seen by STV News, it shows that nearly £40m of savings will need to be made next year.

The health board has been warned it must take swift action to get its financial crisis under control. 

NHS Grampian receives £67m from Scottish Government to plug finances

As a country, Scotland has always prided itself on its open door policy to those fleeing their home country.



But could that be about to change?



Glasgow City Council has said the number of homeless refugees and asylum seekers is putting public services under too much pressure and they're struggling to cope with demand.



It comes as a UK Government minister cancelled their attendance at a meeting this morning with the Scottish Government, council and other representatives to discuss the worsening situation in the city.

Glasgow houses around 4,000 asylum seekers which the council warned is too many to cope with.

Glasgow City Council ‘struggling to cope’ with asylum housing

"This is a moment for cool heads" - that's the warning from the Prime Minister as the impact of President Trump's tariffs are felt across the world's financial markets.



On Monday, Keir Starmer pledged to back British business against US tariffs. 



Meanwhile, the First Minister held talks with business leaders on the last day of a visit to New York, which saw him join the Tartan Week parade at the weekend.

Westminster Correspondent

Paris Gourtsoyannis

For Scotland's leaders gathered in New York, the message was: keep calm, and carry on marching.



Swinney joins New York Tartan Week parade as tariffs hit

A woman who was left in the dark around her mental illness for over 20 years says she wants to see more recognition of her condition.



Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - or PMDD - wasn't officially recognised as a mental health disorder until 2013.



But it can affect around one in 20 women.



Researchers say they'd like to see it more widely acknowledged in Government health strategies.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder wasn't officially recognised as a mental health disorder until 2013.

Woman calls for greater recognition of PMDD after 20-year battle

While some have been enjoying the rising temperatures, firefighters have been working around the clock as wildfires ravage parts of the country.



Six people had to be rescued by helicopter following a blaze in Galloway.



The fire is now "under control" but other wildfires are still burning on Monday evening.

The group had to be rescued by helicopter following a blaze in Galloway.

Six rescued after multiple wildfires burn across Scotland

The mum of a primary seven pupil with autism is fighting to have her placed in a specialist additional support needs school in North Lanarkshire, after the local authority rejected her application.



Ruby O'Hara has complex learning difficulties and her mum Jill says she'll suffer if she's placed in a mainstream high school.

North Lanarkshire Council rejected Jill O'Hara's application for a place in one of its specialist schools for daughter Ruby. 

Mum fighting for daughter’s additional needs school place

A girl who woke up partially deaf has had the chance to meet her rugby heroes.



Ten-year-old Ella suddenly lost her hearing in her right ear in January last year.



As a huge rugby fan and aspiring player, she was picked to meet some of her favourite Edinburgh Rugby players.



Despite her diagnosis, her family say her enthusiasm for the game is still as strong as ever.

Ten-year-old Ella suddenly lost her hearing in her right ear in January last year.

Girl who woke up partially deaf meets her rugby heroes

The north east's electricity network is about to undergo a multi-million pound upgrade in an effort to provide more resilience from storms and power cuts.



SSEN is spending almost £500m on revamping its distribution network.



But campaigners against other new energy projects are yet to be convinced.

SSEN is spending almost £500m on revamping its distribution network.

North east electrical network to get multi-million pound upgrade

The average income of farmers in Scotland has halved in the past year, with industry leaders saying it shows the deepening financial pressures on the sector.



Newly released figures show the amount of money made by Scottish farmers is at its lowest level in five years.



It comes as the industry fears further tax changes due to come in force next April, and tariffs imposed by President Trump.

Haley Bouma

The figures show the amount of money made by Scottish farmers is at its lowest level in five years.

Average income of farmers in Scotland ‘halved in past year’

New tariffs for goods entering America will come into force from tomorrow.



The US President Donald Trump has claimed the UK is very happy with how it has been treated in his plan.



However, the Chancellor has stressed the need for a trade deal as financial markets continue to tumble.



Companies here are waiting to see the full impact of the new charges with around a sixth of all international exports from Scotland going to the US.

Around a sixth of all international exports from Scotland go to the US.

Scots businesses worry as Trump tariffs to come into force

In New York, the party is getting started as ScottIsh performers prepare to take over the city for the culmination of Tartan Week.



The celebration of US-Scottish ties comes in spite of anxieties among businesses about what the future holds.

The celebration of US-Scottish ties comes in spite of anxieties among businesses.

Scottish performers prepare ahead of New York Tartan Week

Children across Scotland want safer streets for walking and cycling, according to a new survey by the active travel charity Sustrans.



84% of children said they would like more traffic-free paths and quiet routes, whilst 77% want more segregated cycle routes.

STV News - Dundee