The First Minister kicks the Greens out of the Scottish Government.  In revenge, they turn on Humza Yousaf.

Thu 25 Apr, 6.00 pm

Scotland is facing a "very dangerous moment" as it tries to set up a new plan to tackle the climate crisis.



That's the warning from the chief executive of the advisory Climate Change Committee just days after a key target was scrapped by the Scottish Government.



Chris Stark said the next 12 months would be a crucial test of how serious the Scottish Government is on its climate credentials.

Laura Piper

The focus now is on the detail - the delayed plan the Scottish Government has failed to provide

Scotland facing ‘dangerous’ time with new climate plans

Health and social care workers were "left to rot" during and after Covid.



The public inquiry into the pandemic has heard that the social care sector was under prepared.



The head of the Scottish TUC, Roz Foyer, said care was already in crisis before the pandemic struck.



Under-staffed and under-resourced, she said it had been a perfect storm. The trade union leader said many lessons had not been learned.



The efforts of the people in the sector, she said, needed to be "honoured and recognised".

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

Unions representing health and social care workers will give evidence later this week.


Health and social care workers ‘left to rot’, hears Covid inquiry

Police investigating the murder of a retired groundsman, shot while walking his dog on the outskirts of a Perthshire town, have admitted, two months on, they have no suspect or motive for the killing.



The detective leading the investigation into Brian Low's death says she is confident they will solve the case - and that the answer lies in the local community.

Susan Nicholson

It was initially thought Brian Low had died of natural causes.

No suspect or motive for Perthshire shooting, admit police

The vision is to build a new world class specialist centre to transform cancer services across the Lothians and beyond.



It's a bold ambition for Edinburgh's Western General hospital that comes with a £1bn price tag and plans are now on hold due to a Scottish Government spending freeze.



On the existing site, the health board say it's modernising where it can and has refurbished two units to cope with an increasing number of patients.



A leading cancer charity fears without major investment, the current set-up will struggle to meet future needs.

Sharon Frew

NHS Lothian say demand for cancer services has significantly outgrown existing facilities

Cancer centre plans in limbo after government spending freeze

A rail line is set to remain closed for another week after a massive sink hole appeared underneath the tracks.



Engineers initially detected the one-metre deep fault between Caldercruix and Drumgelloch in Lanarkshire on Sunday.

Brandon Cook

The sinkhole has expanded with repairs being described as “potentially complex”

Sinkhole knocks out North Lanarkshire train services

City leaders say Edinburgh's most famous shopping street could be on its way to economic recovery.



But there's a warning it has to balance building retail, hospitality and entertainment venues.



Over recent years, Princes Street has been severely impacted economically, but the opening of a major new retailer has restored faith that it does have a future.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

UNIQLO chose this location to open its first ever store in Scotland 

Princes Street revival hopes as major retailer to open

An Easter Ross group that has helped almost 50,000 vulnerable people with odd jobs around the home is marking its 30th anniversary.



ILM Highland also sells refurbished electrical goods and says the cost of living crisis means services are in demand.

Nicola McAlley

Over the years ILM said it has collected 32,000 tonnes of electrical waste.

Highland refurbishment and odd jobs group celebrating 30 years

It's one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is taking the North East by storm.



More people are joining the roller derby craze, and an Aberdeen based club is going from strength to strength.



With a recent win against Glasgow’s Maiden Girders, Granite City Roller Derby are looking for more people to join in the action.

Gráinne Ní Ghréacháin

The club are set to host a fresh intake this May, teaching brand new skaters the basics.

Aberdeen roller derby club calling for more to try the skates

A group of mothers have joined forces to help transform lives in their local community in Dundee.



The ‘Wee Night In’ offers parents a support network as well as the chance to learn new skills.

Abigail Taylor

It's bringing people together, boosting confidence and helping form friendships

Group of mothers join together to set up community evenings

The Scottish Government was leading the world in tackling the climate crisis, but it has scrapped its flagship target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 after accepting that it is now "out of reach".



The move has been branded the worst environmental decision in Holyrood's history - and climate campaigners say the announcement is "bitterly disappointing".



But the Scottish Government insists the target to reach net zero by 2045 - five years earlier than the UK - remains.

Even though the targets are legally binding, they have been missed for eight out of twelve years.

Scottish Government scraps headline climate targets

The prescription of puberty blockers has been paused for new patients in Scotland.



The decision follows a major review into gender care that found the medicine was built on shaky foundations.



However opposition parties say the decision should have been taken weeks ago.

Caitlin Hutchison

Equality campaigners claim the move will harm trans young people.

Puberty blocker perceptions paused for new patients

This report contains images which some viewers may find upsetting.



Glasgow's cleansing workers say its time for the council to declare a "rat emergency" and that the city's over-run by rodents.



They insist chronic understaffing is making the job impossible and fuelling a rat pandemic.

Glasgow City Council say staff absence continues to be a problem, but worker safety is a priority.

Time to declare ‘rat emergency’ say Glasgow cleansing workers

Daffodil growers are enjoying record sales following this winter's cold weather.



Grampian Growers, who represent farmers, say more than 8 million bunches have been sold, the highest amount in the co-operative's 55 year history.

Haley Bouma

An early season in England also saw high demand for the Scottish flowers.

Scottish daffodil growers see record sales following cold weather

Record demand for the use of an oxygen chamber to treat MS and a host of other illnesses has left an Inverness charity struggling to keep up.



A rise in illnesses post-Covid has added to the financial pressure.

Iain Ramage

The centre catered for 6,500 appointments last year.

Charity struggling to keep up with record oxygen chamber demands

Scotland's ferry policy is "manifestly dysfunctional" and must be overhauled, according to a transport expert.



But operator CMAL says the report "oversimplifies a highly complex matter".

Scotland's ferry network carried over 9 million passengers in 2022

New ferry policy ‘manifestly dysfunctional’ says transport expert

The mother of a schoolgirl murdered in 1996 says justice has been done but she will always feel the "void" left by her daughter's death.



Caroline Glachan's mum was speaking outside court after one of the teenager's killers was jailed for at least 17 years.



Donna Marie Brand is the third person to be sentenced for her part in what the judge described as a plan to inflict murderous violence.



Brand, acting with others, then left Caroline to drown in the River Leven in West Dunbartonshire.

Caroline Glachan was left to drown in the River Leven.

Third person jailed for 1996 murder of schoolgirl

How much exercise do you do? Well, a new study suggests as many as one in four of us in Scotland don't do any at all, with less than half regularly taking part in sport or physical activity.



The research, commissioned by a sport think-tank, also highlights widening health inequalities - with respondents from poorer backgrounds less likely to participate.

Fraser Nicoll

These findings will add to worries about the nation's health - and the impact on health services


One in four Scots don’t do any exercise, new research finds

Young Ukrainians living in Scotland have been working with professional actors and directors to help bring their stories to life, in a playwriting workshop in Edinburgh.



It's the first time the international programme for Ukrainians has been held in Scotland since the Russian invasion.

Amie Flett

STV News has been along to speak to some of those involved.

Young Ukrainians take part in playwriting workshop

Immediate action must be taken to tackle water scarcity in Scotland, according to experts at Dundee University.



There's a warning the country is being left "vulnerable" due to climate change and increased water usage.



A new report is calling on people to change their behaviour to help the nation become more resilient.

Saul Sievwright

Last June, SEPA issued warnings across every part of Scotland.


Water scarcity must be tackled with immediate action, says report

Just days after a key climate target was ditched, one of the world's biggest offshore floating windfarms is set to be built off the north east coast.



The Green Volt Project has received the green light and will see up to 35 turbines located off Peterhead.

Steven Brown

Its backers say the decision will create around £3bn in investment.

Green light for North Sea massive floating offshore windfarm

Plans to build "giant pylons" across Aberdeenshire to upgrade the electrical network have been met with fresh opposition by farmers.



More than 20 tractors took to the roads between Crathes and Kintore to protest against the proposals by SSEN Transmission.



SSEN claims the pylons are essential for meeting government targets, and that it will work with communities affected.

Farmers say the structures will damage their livelihoods and the landscape

Tractors take part in protests against proposed ‘giant’ pylons

A service which transports families of prisoners to make visits says it's taking on more costs at a time loved ones are struggling to afford the expense.



STV News has been meeting an Edinburgh volunteer driver and one of his regular long-standing passengers.

Lewis Michie

The travel service is operated by the charity Sacro, but at a loss.

Free prisoner family transport service struggling to continue

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STV News - Glasgow