It's a sex abuse scandal which has cast a dark shadow over one of Scotland's most successful football clubs.



And today, more than 50 years since the first boy was targeted and criminal prosecutions spanning decades, Celtic Football Club has agreed to a seven-figure settlement for abuse survivors.



It follows a US-style class action launched by 28 former Celtic Boy's Club players who were targeted and sexually abused by founder Jim Torbett and coach Frank Cairney.

Reporter

Olly Dickinson

28 former Celtic Boy's Club players who were targeted and sexually abused.

Celtic FC agree seven-figure settlement for sexual abuse survivors

Scotland's rent control measures have come to an end, so what's next for tenants here?



The Scottish Government's next protection for renters are proposals to introduce rent caps in big cities like Glasgow and Edinbugh.



Those are still making their way through parliament and may not be in place until 2027.



One country that does have rent caps is Sweden. Prime properties can be rented there for £600.



But it's not a perfect system. Decades long waiting lists and a black market for leases are common.

Vanessa Taaffe

Sweden has rent caps, but their system is not perfect with long waits for properties.

Special Report: Could Sweden help Scotland’s renters?

A Scottish charity that provides support services to young people with additional learning needs is warning that it will increasingly struggle to remain financially viable.



CrossReach says the rise in employers' National Insurance Contributions, which comes in today, will significantly raise its staffing costs.



The UK government says it "understands the pressures people are under".

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

The UK government says it 'understands the pressures people are under'.

Additional needs charity warns of cuts as NI rates rise

Olympian Hannah Miley says they are the secret to her success, but for youngsters these days, swimming lessons aren't so easy to come by, as costs continue to increase.



A campaign is looking to change all that and make sure all pupils leave school confident in the water.

Rahim Cham

A campaign is looking to make sure all pupils leave school confident in the water.

Swimming lessons for kids too hard to come by, says Olympian

An exhibition showcasing the works of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano has opened in his home town of Methill in Fife.



The iconic painter died suddenly last month in France at the age of 73.



Now, a range of his work, including artist and studio-proof prints as well as exclusive unseen paintings, has gone on display and is already attracting visitors from across Scotland.

Vanessa Kennedy

The iconic painter died suddenly last month in France at the age of 73.

Exhibition of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano opens in home town

Could a disused railway station building in Highland Perthshire be the answer to the area's shortage in affordable housing?



ScotRail is working with the community in Blair Atholl to explore redeveloping their vacant station building into residential flats.



Work is ongoing up and down the Highland Main Line to protect pieces of railway heritage.

Fraser Nicoll

ScotRail is working with the community in Blair Atholl to explore redeveloping their vacant station building.

Disused railway building could become residential flats

Dundee University has been accused of "academic and economic vandalism" after it emerged 700 people could lose their jobs due to the financial crisis.



In a letter to Holyrood's education committee, interim Principal, Professor Shane O'Neill said plans to cut 632 full-time roles could impact many more people.



Unions are continuing to call for the leadership team to resign and want a revised recovery plan that protects more staff.

Lynne Rankin

It comes as news that 700 staff could lose their jobs amid a financial crisis.

Dundee University accused of ‘academic and economic vandalism’

The number of offshore windfarms is set to more than double by 2030 but scientists fear their impact on the wider marine environment isn't fully understood.



As part of a four-year study, scientists at Aberdeen University are looking at a range of different factors to determine their effect.



Fishermen say the information must be analysed quickly, or else it could jeopardise their industry's future.

Haley Bouma

Scientists and fishermen fear their impact on the wider marine environment isn't fully understood.

Concern as number of offshore windfarms to double by 2023

Another blow to bills. Rents are predicted to skyrocket, as legal protections for tenants come to an end.



Key Scottish Government legislation, which was brought in to help with the cost of living, allowed tenants to challenge increases in rent and had them capped at a maximum increase of twelve per cent.



But now, huge hikes could be on the horizon. Rents can be set at the open market value - meaning landlords have more power to set the price they want.



One woman has told STV News her rent has jumped from £638 to more than £900.

One woman has told STV News her rent has jumped from £638 to more than £900.

Tenants brace for rent hikes as price cap to end

Tomorrow marks the start of the new financial year - but it will also pile more pressure on the cost of living.



It's the day many of our annual subscriptions, like the internet and phone contracts, go up in price. And big rises in council tax kick in too.



Put simply the cost of living is your spending on life's essentials - the things you need to get by.



We know there have already been substantial rises in food prices in the last few years - and those are forecast to keep going up - and of course many people's mortgages have increased sharply as they come out of lower interest fixed deals.



Everyone's council tax goes up tomorrow too - in this area they'll feel that most with the typical Band D home in the Falkirk Council area seeing their bill rise by more than £200 a year.

Council tax, subscriptions and contracts are due to rise on April 1.

Cost of living to go up as bills and taxes set to rise

The health secretary insists a £200m investment will reduce waiting times in the NHS.



Neil Gray set out plans to improve access to treatment and ensure no one is waiting longer than a year for treatment within 12 months.



Opposition parties have described the Operational Improvement Plan as full of recycled ideas.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

Opposition parties have described the Operational Improvement Plan as full of recycled ideas.

Health secretary insists £200m NHS investment will cut waiting times

The public are to have their say on the number of taxis on the streets of Glasgow.



The city is currently the only in the UK with a cap on the number of private hire and black cab licenses.



App-booking service Uber say the cap should be scrapped to help increase city centre footfall but taxi firms say it would make it harder for drivers to earn a living.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Glasgow is currently the only in the UK with a cap on the number of licenses.

Public consultation to open on city taxi driver cap

A digital training programme designed to help young people build cybersecurity awareness has been launched in Edinburgh.



The "Stellar Elevate" course is designed to educate students of all ages on digital safety and build awareness about how to protect against potential online threats.

The Stellar Elevate course is designed to educate students of all ages 

New course helping pupils learn cybersecurity awareness

After three years of construction, and around a decade in the planning, the Cross Tay Link Road is now open to drivers.



The £150m route, including the new Destiny Bridge stretching over the River Tay, links the A93 and A94 to the A9 just north of Perth.



It's designed to reduce congestion in the city centre.

The £150m route links the A93 and A94 to the A9 just north of Perth.

Destiny Bridge and Cross Tay Link road open to commuters

The window of opportunity to secure the future of the North Sea is closing fast.



That's the warning from a task force created to look into the future of the sector.



In its final report, it's called for the windfall tax to come to an end sooner than 2030 and says making the country a "renewables powerhouse" should be a "national mission".



It argues unless governments act swiftly, there will be no transition.



But environmental groups say the report is simply more of the same from the oil industry.

Steven Brown

But environmental groups say the report is simply more of the same from the oil industry.

Government must act to save North Sea future, industry report says

Amid a difficult time for town centres throughout Scotland, one Aberdeenshire town is bucking a national trend.



Inverurie has a shop occupancy rate of more than 98% and just three vacant units out of more than 200.



But recent changes to parking are leaving some businesses frustrated - with some fearing for the future.

Finlay Jack

Inverurie has a shop occupancy rate of more than 98%, and just three vacant units out of more than 200.

Village businesses fearful of new parking charges plan

Shoplifting is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Scotland with Glasgow and Edinburgh worst affected when it comes to reported incidents.



Now, a dedicated police taskforce is being set up to tackle it, backed with £3m of Scottish Government funding.



A specialist team of officers and detectives will operate within the most targeted areas to help reduce shoplifting and attacks on retail workers.

A specialist team of officers and detectives will operate within the most targeted areas.

Dedicated taskforce set up to tackle rampant shoplifting

A campaigner from Edinburgh who was dubbed "Kira the machine" as she battled a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma has backed a proposal to invest more money into researching and treating lesser known forms of the disease.



Kira Noble and her mum, Aud, say the bill proposed by MP Scott Arthur could be transformational for the experience of young people.

Lewis Michie

Kira Noble battled a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Rare cancer survivor backs increase in research funding

As one of Perthshire's most iconic landmarks, Blair Castle is steeped in medieval, Georgian and Victorian history.



Home to the Atholl family for more than seven centuries, it's seen guests including Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert.



But a new exhibition is uncovering the more hidden lives of the castle's 18th and 19th century servants.

Blair Castle is steeped in medieval, Georgian and Victorian history.

New exhibition uncovering life of servants in ancient castle

A cargo ship that collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea has arrived in Aberdeen for further inspection.



The Solong was towed to the city after crashing earlier this month off the East Coast of Yorkshire, sparking a major rescue operation.



One crew member is still missing, presumed dead, and the Solong's captain has been charged over the incident.



But the ship's arrival this morning has sparked concern from some, about any possible environmental impact here, after plastic pellets were washed up on beaches near where the collision happened.

The Solong was towed to the city, after the crash off the east coast of Yorkshire.

Cargo ship that collided with oil tanker arrives in Aberdeen

From the verge of extinction, red squirrels in Aberdeen are mounting an incredible comeback.



Scotland is home to more than three-quarters of the UK's red squirrel population, but they've long been threatened by non-native grey squirrels.



But now, thanks to a 16-year restoration programme, reds are thriving in the North East once again.

Red squirrels are thriving in the North East once again

Red squirrel populations thriving after restoration programme

A leading mental health charity has described cuts to funding in the North East as deeply concerning.



The board overseeing Aberdeenshire’s health and social care has said it no longer has the funding to renew a contract with SAMH.



But the charity says the decision is short-sighted.

Grainne NiGhreachain

The charity says the decision is short-sighted.

Cuts to North East mental health funding ‘deeply concerning’

A mother says she's preparing to launch legal action against NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde after her toddler was given the wrong dose of medication following surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children.



Ellie McAdam says two-year-old Theo was not given enough morphine following a heart operation, which caused him to wake up in agony.



It comes just days after STV News reported that the health board is investigating the human error that led to a newborn being given a massive overdose of paracetamol.



The health board has apologised and says a review into Theo's case is ongoing.

Sharon Frew

The health board has apologised and says a review into Theo's case is ongoing.

Mum to sue NHS after son given wrong morphine dose

Doctors are warning that GP practices are in crisis as more people are finding it harder to access care.



A report by Scotland’s spending watchdog has found that the Scottish Government has failed to improve services and is unlikely to reach its targets to recruit more GPs.



It's led to warnings that without a proper plan and more funding put in place, general practice could face even more cuts.

Amie Flett

A report by Scotland’s spending watchdog has found that the Scottish Government has failed to improve services.

GP practices are in ‘crisis’ as recruitment targets to be missed

An Edinburgh pensioner says she's losing sleep after being told she either has to sell her flat back to the Council or pay more than £200,000 in renovation costs herself.



Maria Duncan has lived in Linksview House for more than two decades and has owned the property for most of that time.



But as a major refurbishment prepares to get under way, she's been given an ultimatum.

Maria Duncan has lived in Linksview House for more than two decades.

Pensioner told to sell flat or pay for £200,000 renovations

People in prison are now being trained to use naloxone - a treatment that reverses the effects of a drug overdose.



The Bella Centre in Dundee, where low-risk women are housed in homes rather than cells, are helping train others to use the life-saving treatment and offering people the chance to choose a different path to drugs.

Naloxone is a treatment that reverses the effects of a drug overdose.

People in prison receive drug overdose training in new programme

The Granite City had a Royal visitor today as Prince William visited Aberdeen to unveil the latest project on his mission to end homelessness.



He was joined by celebrity entrepreneur Steven Bartlett as they rolled out a project that aims to help young people at risk of homelessness into jobs.

Oliver Wright

The project that aims to help young people at risk of homelessness into jobs.

Prince William visits North East to unveil new homeless project

In less than four months Aberdeen will play host to The Tall Ships Races.



Around 50 of the world's oldest vessels will sail into Aberdeen harbour in July, welcomed by an anthem, specially composed for the famous event.



Today, the tune was premiered to the public.

Anne Smith

The tune that will welcome the vessels was premiered to the public.

Anthem composed to welcome Tall Ship Race to Aberdeen

More money for defence, but deep cuts to benefits.



These were the main announcements from the chancellor Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement today.



There's also a warning the forecast for growth in the UK economy is poorer than thought.

Westminster Correspondent

Paris Gourtsoyannis

There's also a warning the forecast for growth in the UK economy is poorer than thought.

Reeves announces billions of cuts in Spring Statement

Frontline police officers in Scotland are to wear body cameras as a standard part of their uniform.



The technology has been widely used by forces in England and Wales since the early 2000s.



The chief constable said the move will help protect officers and reassure the public.



The Scottish Police Federation welcomed the move.

Felicity Clifford

The chief constable said the move will help protect officers and reassure the public.

Body-worn cameras to become Police Scotland standard uniform

Govan will be alive with the sound of music tonight as the town's fourth annual music festival makes some noise.



Cultural regeneration is the theme, and it brings a mix of genres to the programme that reflect the people who live there.



This year's event showcases around 300 musicians and participants, including pupils from across Govan’s primary schools.

This year's event showcases around 300 musicians, including primary school pupils.

Govan music festival celebrates fourth year of performances

A programme helping older adults maintain their independence has been helping people at risk of falls across the capital.



Edinburgh Leisure's "Steady Steps" is a 16-week physical activity programme specifically designed to improve strength, balance, and mobility for adults who have experienced falls or are at risk of falling.



STV News met one 90-year-old woman who is proving you're never too old to keep active.

STV News met one 90-year-old woman who's proving you're never too old to keep active.

Elderly independence programme helping those at risk of falls

An independent investigation into Dundee University's financial crisis will be the first of its kind.



The inquiry, launched by the Scottish Funding Council, aims to get to the root cause of the crisis.



It comes as the newly elected Rector called for the leadership to resign.

It comes as the newly elected Rector called for the leadership to resign.

Independent investigation launched into Dundee University finances

More than a hundred children turned out in Moray this morning to stage a mass walk to school as part of a plan to encourage active travel.



Bishopmill Primary pupils were joined by their parents along a recently upgraded route.

Nicola McAlley

Bishopmill Primary pupils were joined by their parents, along a recently upgraded route.

Moray pupils take part in hundred-strong walk to school

Concern over giant windfarms and the potential risk they could pose to the natural environment may result in Highland Council taking the Scottish Government to court.



The row follows a decision by ministers to overrule a public inquiry that backed complaints about a project in Sutherland.

Iain Ramage

Concerns about potential pollution in a special area of conservation were overruled.

Concern over giant windfarm’s impact on the environment

Five years ago, Scots were getting to grips with the reality of lockdown.



Very quickly, terms like shielding, social distancing and bubbles became part of our everyday language.



For many with weakened immune systems or in hospital, it was a time of isolation and separation.



Every family has their own story to tell of the time when we were all encouraged to stay at home.



STV News has been catching up with two families who were forced apart when the country locked down.

For many with weakened immune systems or in hospital, it was a time of isolation and separation.

Families share their stories five years on from Covid lockdown

An historic township in Argyll is facing permanent closure with Scots around the world being urged to help save it.



Auchindrain village, near Inveraray, is the last surviving example of a Highlands farm township.



For the last six decades it has been run as an open-air museum, but Historic Environment Scotland will withdraw funding at the end of this month.

Auchindrain village is the last surviving example of a Highlands farm township.

Last surviving historic township facing permanent closure

A film which follows the lifespan of a simple mug has been designed by pupils at Film Education Dunfermline. 



The Fife programme supports unemployed youngsters living with disabilities by giving them hands on experience with filmmaking. 



Fife Council hopes the initiative will help participants gain confidence to pursue careers in the film industry in the future.

Film Education Dunfermline looks to give local youngsters hands-on experience.

New filmmaking programme supporting youngsters with disabilities

Half of the oil and gas the UK needs in the next 25 years could come from the North Sea - but there's a warning it'll only be achieved if undeveloped fields are given the go-ahead.



Industry body OEUK says firms could extract seven billion barrels before 2050 - but have called on the UK Government to look again at tax and policy.



However environmental groups say a lot of that additional oil would be exported and won't benefit UK households.

Environmental groups said the additional oil extracted wouldn't benefit UK households.

Half of UK’s oil and gas could come from North Sea, says industry

The east coast of Scotland is "lacking" in drug rehabilitation services for women - according to those who've overcome addiction.



Between 2020 and 2022, the number of women dying from substance misuse in Dundee hasn't reduced at the same rate as men.



A report focusing on female drug deaths and their access to services will go before city councillors.

Seven groups in Dundee have signed up to the Welcoming Women framework.

East coast ‘lacking’ in drug addiction services for women

Exclusive figures shared with STV News suggests renters are not turning to the Scottish Government's Rent Adjudication system for help.



Average rents have gone up by 9% - that's more than £70 a month.



Landlords want the increases to reach almost 20%.



One renter told STV News they're spending close to 80% of their income on rent.

Average rents have gone up by 9% - that's more than £70 a month.

Tenants not challenging rocketing hikes in rent

Detectives have said that finding gangs responsible for "reckless acts" of violence in Ediburgh is "paramount".



Police say they've gathered "significant" CCTV footage amid their investigation.



They continue to have a presence in communities where a number of incidents - thought to be gang-related - have taken place in the last three weeks.



They include the discharge of firearms in Niddrie and Pilton, as well as a number of fires.



Locals say it's "frustrating" while offciers have been performing road and vehicle checks as well as door-to-door enquiries.

Police say they've gathered 'significant' CCTV footage amid their investigation.

Finding gangs responsible for ‘reckless acts’ is ‘paramount’

The river had been drained for more than 60 years, to boost hydro-power generation.



Water was returned to the River Garry in 2017 and salmon eggs were used to kick-start the fish population.



Genetic studies show that wild salmon are now dominant, re-establishing the Garry as a vital breeding ground.

Susan Nicholson

Water was returned to the River Garry in 2017 and salmon eggs were used to kick-start the fish population.

Wild salmon return to Perthshire river drained for 60 years

Five years ago, the country spent its first full day in lockdown.



We were told to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. For many of us, that's a distant memory.



However, for others, the legacy of that time is still being felt, whether in their physical or mental health or in their daily lives.

Five years ago, the country spent its first full day in lockdown.

Five years on Covid still casts a shadow

Grant Paterson was staying in the Monteverde area of the city when his B&amp;B was destroyed in what is believed to be a gas leak explosion. 



The 54-year-old, who works for CalMac, had shared pictures from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in the run-up to the blast on Sunday. He remains in hospital this evening.

Grant Paterson was on holiday in Italy when there was a suspected gas leak.

Scots tourist ‘fighting for life’ in hospital after explosion at B&B in Rome

Families are calling on councils to make playparks more accessible for disabled children, as research shows that only around one in ten parks are inclusive.



Today the Scottish Government announced £25m worth of funding in the renewal of playgrounds across the country and encouraged local authorities to ensure they meet the needs of communities.

The Scottish Government announced £25m worth of funding in the renewal of playgrounds across the country.

Calls to make public playparks more accessible

A tractor that was set on fire by two hooded men on a remote Perthshire farm is being treated as suspicious by police.



The vehicle was set ablaze in the early hours of yesterday morning at Eastmill Farm in Glen Isla.



The farm manager has described it as "frightening".



A reward is being offered for anyone with information that leads to the culprits being caught.

The vehicle was set ablaze in the early hours of yesterday morning at Eastmill Farm in Glen Isla.

Tractor on remote farm set on fire by hooded men

Members of the EIS union at Robert Gordon University have voted in favour of strike action over threats of compulsory redundancies. 



The move comes after staff were told that more than 135 roles could be lost as the institution looks to make savings across the board. 



The university says it has exhausted all other possible actions to mitigate against the potential of compulsory redundancy.

Robert Gordon Univerity aims to cut more than 130 roles at the institution. 

University staff vote for strike action as fear grow over redundancies

Sports clubs across Scotland are set to benefit from new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and infrastructure after the UK Government announced £8.6m worth of investment in community sports facilities. 



Politicians and sports groups hope the money will improve diversity in football as well as creating more opportunities for women and girls to take up the game full-time.

Women's football is one of the key areas set to benefit fromnew funding. 

New investment aims to unlock ‘power of football’ for Scots

Fears over the boom in "Botox parties" across Scotland have led to calls for for greater legislation over the use of the treatment.



Botox is a prescription-only medication, but there is no legislation stopping unqualified individuals from administering it.



This lack of control has helped bring about a surge in events where alcohol and social settings blur the line between cosmetic procedures and risky behaviour.



A women left with permanent scarring after attending a Botox party told her story to STV News.

Caitlin Hutchison

Experts are warning over thedanger of permanent injuries after misusing the treatment. 

Safety concerns over surge in ‘Botox parties’ across Scotland

Golfers in West Dumbartonshire were left 'shocked and devastated' when the local council announced plans to scrap funding for Dalmuir Golf Course. 



But after public support from some famous golfers and the determination of lifelong members, the local club looks set to win a reprieve with funding in place to bid to secure the future of the greens for years to come.

Dalmuir Golf Course looks to have a bright future after locals rallied to save it. 

Famous faces from the golf world chip in to save local course

Scotland football fans trying to return home from Greece are among more than 200,000 people caught up in delays after a massive fire closed Heathrow Airport. 



The blaze at an electrical substation forced Britain's busiest airport to shut down for hours with counter-terror officers now investigating the circumstances surrounding incident.

Thousands of holidaymakers faced delays and disruption due to the blaze. 

Tartan Army left stranded after Heathrow fire grounds flights

The brother of a Scottish sailor, jailed in Bahrain after breaking up a street fight, believes he is a victim of a miscarriage of justice. 



Owen Haggerty from Refrewshire, has been sentenced to three months after being convicted of assault.



The 22-year-old's relatives say they feel totally helpless and fear for his mental health.



The Royal Navy say that they are in contact with both the British Embassy in Bahrain as well as local law authorities in a bid to allow the Scot to return home.

Owen Haggerty was sentenced to three months in jail for assault. 

Family of Scots sailor jailed in Bahrain ‘feel helpless’ and plead for his return

Fife Council has admitted it's worried about the impact a shortage of specialist engineers is having on its ability to secure flood-hit towns.



The region is said to be one of a number of authorities struggling to recruit and retain staff.



'Everything's just muddied and ruined' This is the damage sustained to their home in Cupar in the aftermath of Storm Gerrit. The damage left them out of their property for eight months.

Callum Clark

This is the damage sustained to their home in Cupar in the aftermath of Storm Gerrit.

‘Everything’s just muddied and ruined’: Flood damages family home

Nicola Sturgeon will not be prosecuted following a police investigation into SNP finances.



Police confirmed neither the former First Minister nor the party's ex-treasurer Colin Beattie will face charges. But her estranged husband Peter Murrell, who was the SNP Chief Executive, appeared in court this morning charged with embezzlement. 



The announcement follows an inquiry, known as Operation Branchform, during which the three were all arrested and questioned.

Police confirmed no charges will be brought against the MSP. 

Criminal investigation into former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon dropped

Nurseries across Scotland are warning rising costs mean some may have to close in the coming months. 



Several groups says the increase to national insurance contributions as well as higher wage bills are forcing them to push up prices to meet costs. 



Research published today shows the cost of a part-time nursery place for under-twos has risen 7% in the past year.

Rising running costs could see many groups close their doors. 

Nurseries warn that rising costs could force them to close

Dundee University is to receive a £22m lifeline as it prepares to axe more than 600 jobs. 



The money was confirmed by the Scottish Funding Council as pressure increased on the university's leadership team to resign over the institution's crippling financial crisis.

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