The First Minister says there should be no talk of a second state visit from President Trump to the United Kingdom until he has some assurance that the United States will stand firm in supporting Ukraine.

Sun 02 Mar, 6.15 pm

The number of teenagers vaping is a growing health problem in Scotland and governments in Holyrood and Westminster are both trying to tackle it.



A ban on disposable, single-use vapes is coming in from June.



But, there's a warning about a new problem so-called "big-puff" vapes are about to become a big issue.



Scotland's main vape manufacturer and retailer - VPZ - has told STV News unregulated large devices will drive youth vaping and harm the planet if they're not properly regulated.

Vanessa Taaffe

Scotland's main vape manufacturer and retailer VPZ said unregulated large devices will drive youth vaping

‘Big-puff’ vapes to be the next big issue, says retailer

There's a warning for parents and children about online criminals using Snapchat.



An Edinburgh school has discovered a pupil who's just eight years old has been targeted by someone sending explicit, threatening messages.



One mum found her daughter - who attends Gilmerton Primary - being messaged on Snapchat by a predator trying to persuade her to send indecent images.

Amie Flett

The eight-year-old pupil was targeted by someone sending explicit, threatening messages.

Warning after schoolgirl targeted by predator on Snapchat

Protesters are calling for the Home Office to reform a policy they say leaves asylum seekers "frozen out of work".



Those within the asylum system are currently given around £8 per week for essential living costs.



But campaigners say this leads to many living in poverty for years while their skills are wasted.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Campaigners say this leads to many living in poverty for years while their skills are wasted.

Protesters call for reform on asylum seeker work policy

Stealing a dog could soon be a specific criminal offence in Scotland, with new legislation put forward which aims to recognise dogs as part of the family instead of a 'stolen item' under current law.



Those who've lost a dog say the proposed Dog Theft Scotland Bill could have a huge impact.

Laura Piper

New legislation has been put forward.

Stealing a dog could become specific criminal offence

It's been around for 160 years, allowing people in Dundee a space to grow their own crops.



But now, the Clepington Gardens and Allotments Association is facing a massive fundraising effort to save its site.



It comes after the land's owners announced that they're selling up.

Callum Clark

Clepington Gardens and Allotments Association is facing a mammoth fundraising effort.

Allotments dating back 160 years facing battle as owner to sell site

Hundreds have gathered in Aberdeenshire for the first agricultural show of the season after a turbulent winter season.



The Royal Northern Spring Show in Inverurie is a chance for the sector to buy for the season ahead and show off their livestock.



There was some optimism but also a warning that food shortages could be on the way.

Reporter

Haley Bouma

There was some optimism but a warning too that food shortages could be on the way.

Farmers gather for first agricultural show of the season

Oil giant BP has announced that it will drastically cut investment in renewables and increase oil and gas production.



In a major change of direction from the company's previous goals, the CEO today said he was "fundamentally resetting" BP's strategy.



This means that the company will now invest around £8bn a year in oil and gas extraction.



However, environmental groups are warning of the damage caused by increased fossil fuel production.

Steven Brown

This means that the company will now invest around £8bn a year in oil and gas extraction.

Oil giant BP U-turns on cutting investment in renewables

The cost of our gas and electricity bills is going up - again - for the third time in a row.



The energy regulator Ofgem is increasing the price cap for the spring by 6.4%.



There's concern that thousands of Scots already have significant energy debts, and it's going to get worse.



We're all being urged to look at fixed deals to see if they're cheaper.

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

There's concern thousands of Scots already have significant energy debts and it's going to get worse.

Ofgem to raise energy price cap for third time in a row

MSPs have approved the Scottish Government's tax and spending plans for the coming year.



In just the last few minutes, they voted for the Budget, with only the Conservatives rejecting it while Labour abstained.



Ministers say the £63bn plans will deliver a record settlement for the NHS and councils and end the two-child benefit cap.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

Ministers say the £63bn plans will deliver a record settlement for the NHS and councils.

MSPs approve Scottish Government Budget for coming year

Dentists in Scotland are warning the industry is on a "knife-edge" as it continues to struggle with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost five years on.



Figures show that nearly 40% of people who have registered with a dentist have not seen one in two years.



Practitioners say they're struggling to fill and retain staff - making it harder for people to access NHS appointments.



Today the Scottish Government agreed to increase its spending on dentistry by around 15%, taking the total to around £500m.

Figures show nearly 40% of people registered with a dentist have not seen one in two years.

Industry is on a ‘knife-edge’ amid staff crisis, warn dentists

A report has found that Fife Council is at a "turning point" and has tough decisions to make in order to deliver services while making savings.



The Accounts Commission found that while some areas performed well, there are deepening inequalities.



Fife Council says it highlighted a number of challenges that are “not unique to Fife” and that tackling them is at the heart of their plans.

Vanessa Kennedy

The Accounts Commission found that while some areas performed well, there are deepening inequalities.

Report finds Fife Council at ‘turning point’ in services delivery

Striking staff at Dundee University have lobbied members of its governing body over a £30m financial black hole.



Protests were held outside a university court meeting as a 15-day walkout by staff continued.



Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has announced an extra £15m for the body that funds universities.

Lynne Rankin

Protests were held outside a meeting of the Dundee University court amid a 15 day walkout.

University staff lobby government body as strike continues

An animal sanctuary in Aberdeenshire says it is facing a fight to survive due to a lack of funding.



Halfpenny Farm, based in Inverurie, cares for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.



Its owners say they are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and rising costs.

Reem Satar

Halfpenny Farm, based in Inverurie, cares for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.

Animal sanctuary ‘fighting to survive’ amid lack of funding

The Arnish fabrication yard on the Isle of Lewis has been awarded a new contract following its takeover by a Spanish firm.



Navantia bought the site from Harland and Wolff after the firm entered into administration last September.



The yard will be manufacturing subsea structures for a project in Trinidad and Tobago over the next year.

The yard will be manufacturing subsea structures for a project in Trinidad and Tobago.

Isle of Lewis fabrication yard awarded new contract after takeover by Spanish firm

A heartbroken family are taking their campaign to change awareness of stroke symptoms to the Scottish Parliament following the unexpected death of their dad.



Tony Bundy was 53 when he died following a series of strokes. However, he didn't display the normal symptoms, and his concerns were dismissed.



Now, his wife and children don't want anybody else to go through the same loss.



However, some stroke support groups don't back the call for change.

Rahim Cham

However, some stroke support groups don't back the call for change.

Family call for stroke symptoms change after father’s death

A St Johnstone supporter living with advanced terminal cancer has been named the Scottish Football Supporters Association's fan of the year.



Stewart Falconer won the award during yesterday's match at McDiarmid Park in recognition of his work for foodbanks around Perth.

Selena Jackson

Stewart Falconer won the award in recognition of his work for foodbanks around Perth.

St Johnstone supporter living with cancer named Fan of the Year

Residents in Angus will have to wait until Thursday to hear if they'll avoid a double-digit council tax increase.



The local authority's financial black hole now sits at £11.7m this year due to the rise in National Insurance contributions.

The local authority's financial black hole now sits at £11.7m this year.

Angus residents wait to hear how high council tax will rise

A 15-day strike by lecturers has started at Dundee University in protest over potential compulsory redundancies.



The University has run up a £30m deficit and it's feared staff cuts will be used to plug the financial black hole.

Susan Nicholson

The University has run up a £30m deficit.

Dundee University staff begin three-week strike action

Residents living in homes affected by potentially dangerous RAAC concrete in Aberdeen say they’re considering legal action.



Aberdeen City Council is offering homeowners valuations for their properties at the current market value.



But campaigners say this will leave them in financial ruin or homeless.

Grainne NiGhreachain

Aberdeen City Council is offering homeowners valuations for their properties.

Residents considering legal action over RAAC affected homes

The Scottish Labour leader is promising the biggest reform of the NHS in decades.



Anas Sarwar told delegates at his party conference in Glasgow he would end the growing culture of bureaucracy by cutting the number of health boards.



Outside the venue, Grangemouth workers accused politicians of being missing in action over the closure of the oil refinery.

The Scottish Labour told delegates he would end the growing culture of bureaucracy 

Sarwar promises biggest NHS reforms in decades at party conference

Parents of pupils at a Falkirk Primary school have told STV News they've been left with "utter chaos" after it closed following the discovery of major defects in the building.



Maddiston Primary had originally closed due to storm damage, but Falkirk Council say no pupils will be allowed in until August following the discovery.

Olly Dickinson

Maddiston Primary had originally closed due to storm damage.

Parents speak of ‘utter chaos’ after defects found in school

Could the way we shop for clothes help save the planet?



As Europe takes steps towards a crackdown on fast fashion, we hear from some sustainable businesses in Edinburgh about how to be eco-friendly with your fashion.

Sustainable businesses in Edinburgh are hoping tackle fast fashion.

Edinburgh business hoping to tackle fast fashion habits

Dundee isn't a place commonly associated with the Gaelic language, but there are signs it's slowly on the rise.



According to the latest census data, the city has almost a thousand Gaelic speakers.



But now it's hoped that a new book, Uncovering Dundee's Hidden Gaelic Roots, can encourage more people to engage with the language and learn about its influence on the city we know today.

Fraser Nicoll

The city has almost a thousand Gaelic speakers, according to latest census data.

Book uncovering Dundee’s Gaelic roots hoping to inspire learners

Businesses in Moray are facing a potential double whammy of new taxes under proposals to boost tourism.



Two separate levies are being shaped by the region's council and tourism promotions organisation.



Both argue that communities will ultimately benefit, but some business owners aren't so sure.

Iain Ramage

Two separate levies are being shaped by the region's council and tourism promotions organisation.

Businesses in Moray facing ‘double whammy’ of new taxes

It's a dish synonymous with fine dining, but wild venison is now being supplied to schools and foodbanks in Perthshire as part of a project to control deer numbers.



Processing larders are being installed on farms where deer are causing serious damage to land, crops and livelihoods.

Processing larders are being installed on farms.

Venison to be supplied to schools in bid to control deer numbers

As councils look to tighten their budgets, the third sector is asking local authorities to remember their importance.



Charities working under the banner of the Fairer Aberdeen Fund have come together as they urge the City Council not to cut their funding.

Charities working under the banner of the Fairer Aberdeen Fund have come together.

Charities unite to urge council not to cut their funding

A series of police raids have been carried out to foil a suspected human trafficking and drugs line linking Dundee and the West Midlands.



Three people have been arrested - a 63-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman in Dundee, while a 26-year-old man was detained in Birmingham.



STV News joined police on an operation to disrupt serious organised crime.

STV News joined police on an operation to disrupt serious organised crime.

Police raid homes in suspected human trafficking and drugs case

For the first time in its 110-year history, the charity Veterans Housing Scotland has launched a public fundraising campaign.



Bosses say that the costs associated with providing affordable rentals to those who have served have spiralled in recent years.

Lewis Michie

Costs to renovate homes have nearly doubled in the past three years, alongside other spiralling bills.


Veterans charity launches first-ever public fundraising campaign

Councillors in Dundee say they want to hold more "community clean-ups" to combat dumped rubbish and fly-tipping.



A three-day clear-up has been taking place in the Stobswell area this week - the 10th in the city since summer 2022.



Through the scheme, council teams are out on the streets, and local residents are urged to participate as well.

A three-day clear up has been taking place in the Stobswell area this week.

Dundee councillors want more ‘community clean-ups’

It's thirty years since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed, but campaigners say an entire generation of Scots has been failed by a lack of disabled access.



The charity Euan's Guide says a survey of almost 7,000 people found issues such as not being able to get into venues or a lack of suitable toilets.

Nicola McAlley

Disability campaigners say they hope authorities, businesses and service providers can do better.

Entire generation of Scots failed, say disability campaigners

From schools to leisure centres, bin collections to road maintenance, councils are facing tough choices to maintain services amid mounting pressure on their finances.



Local authorities are due to vote on their budgets over the coming weeks, with increases in council tax expected.



The Scottish Government has promised to increase local authority funding by more than £1bn.



But councils say higher costs and increased demand mean they will still need to cut services.

Local authorities say higher costs and increased demand mean they will still need to cut services despite a £1bn increase in funding.

Council tax expected to rise ahead of local authority budgets

It's seen as the crown of Dunoon, but the Burgh Hall is facing imminent closure if vital funds aren't raised to save the venue.



It comes as arts venues across the country are facing a funding crisis.



Now, acting A-listers Emma Thompson and Greg Wise are backing calls to support the iconic Victorian cultural centre.

It comes as arts venues across the country are facing a funding crisis.

A-listers back call to save Dunoon Burgh Hall from closure

The City of Edinburgh Council will set its budget for the next year on Thursday, with proposals including the increase of council tax by 7% to 10%.



But the local authority is also having to make cutbacks to plug a £30m blackhole.



Teachers and parents of children with additional support needs fear they are likely to be some of the biggest losers.

The local authority is also having to make cutbacks to plug a £30m black-hole.

Edinburgh local authority expected to hike council tax by 7%

A new opinion poll shows growing support for the re-introduction of lynx to Scotland.



Twenty organisations have signed an open letter to the First Minister, questioning his refusal to rule out their return.



The issue has been highlighted after four lynx were illegally released into the Cairngorms last month.

The issue has been highlighted after four lynx were illegally released into the Cairngorms.

New poll shows growing support for lynx reintroduction

Families have spoken out over proposed council cuts to health and social care in Aberdeenshire. 



A meeting of the body that oversees the services examined a predicted overspend of more than £26m.



STV News has spoken to families who are concerned about the impact on them and their loved ones.

Aberdeenshire Council will meet next week to discuss their budget for the coming year.



Families concerned for health and social care amid council cuts

Prisoners from Scotland's overcrowded jails are being released early in an attempt to lessen the pressure on the system.



The first of 390 inmates who have served 40% of a four-year sentence walked out of prison gates across the country on Tuesday. 



It's part of a phase of releases happening over the course of six weeks.



It won't include those who've committed the most serious crimes like murder or sexual offences.



Victim support campaigners claim the move is traumatising and are worried about their safety.

Prisoners who have committed the most serious crimes like murder or sexual offences will not be released early.

Hundreds of prisoners released early to tackle overcrowding

Scotland's justice system is still feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to campaigners and lawyers.



As the Scottish Covid Inquiry starts looking at justice, STV News has been told delays in the courts from the lockdown period mean cases are still taking too long to be dealt with.



STV News has been speaking to some of those who'll be giving evidence to the inquiry in the coming days.

STV News has been speaking to some of those who will be giving evidence to the inquiry.

Justice system still feeling Covid impact, say campaigners

It was once home to Scotland’s steelworks before its closure in the early 1990s.



Now, Ravenscraig is at the heart of a major housing regeneration initiative.



The Scottish Government's housing minister visited to see see first-hand what is being done to transform one of Europe’s largest brownfield projects.

Ravenscraig is at the heart of a major housing regeneration initiative.

Former steel works at heart of housing regeneration plans

A highly accurate laser is being used to help protect and restore some of Scotland's historic sites.



The National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland have been using the technology to create scans of Kellie Castle in Fife.



It'll enable teams to monitor and repair any damage to the heritage areas.

Felicity Clifford

The technology has been used to create scans of Kellie Castle in Fife, which will help teams monitor and repair damage going forward. 

High tech laser helping to protect and restore historical sites

Farming leaders have emerged "frustrated and angry" following talks with the UK Government about plans for a new inheritance tax.



Meeting Treasury officials at Westminster, they maintained that a 20% tax would destroy family businesses and threaten food security.



But there was no sign of a U-turn by ministers.

Farming leaders have maintained that a 20% tax would destroy businesses and threaten food security in the UK. 

‘Frustration’ as farming talks with ministers no further forward

Sophia Smith was just 11 days old when she died at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in 2017.



She had contracted a toxic strain of the MRSA bug.



A Fatal Accident Inquiry into her death began on Monday. Her parents say they felt “stonewalled” by the health board following their daughter’s death.



They said: "We hope that by the end of this process, we will know the truth about why our daughter's life was so tragically and heartbreakingly short."

Caitlin Hutchison

Sophia Smith was only 11 days old when she died at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Fatal accident inquiry begins into death of baby girl

Millions of children in Ukraine are now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.



Since the beginning of the war, one mother and daughter have been trying to combat the lasting effects of the conflict through art.



Now they're exhibiting children's paintings across the world and plan to bring the display to Scotland later this year.

Next week will mark three years since the war in Ukraine began. 

Ukrainian mother and daughter helping combat PTSD with art

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow have been learning English thanks to £500,000 of Scottish Government funding. 



The classes can be key to gaining employment for those settling in Scotland.



But many face years on waiting lists due to rising demand and education leaders say they need longer term commitment from ministers.

The classes can key to gaining employment for those settling in the country.

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers benefit from English lesson funding

Perth Theatre is celebrating 125 years of entertaining audiences.



It is home to Scotland's longest running youth theatre and has helped launch the careers of stars such as Ewan McGregor and Colin McCredie.



STV News has been for a look behind the scenes.

STV News has been for a look behind the scenes.

Perth Theatre celebrates 125 years of entertaining audiences

Electricity customers have now spent £2bn to compensate windfarm owners ordered to switch off their turbines.



The regular shutdowns are essential to avoid overloading the national grid, which frequently can't cope with the input from renewable energy projects.



Industry watchers say the cost is obscene.

Industry watchers say the cost is obscene.

Electricity customers spend £2bn to compensate windfarm owners

For many, the hope of buying their own home has remained a pipe dream for years but new figures may signal hope on the house-buying horizon.



The number of first-time house buyers in Scotland has risen by more than a fifth since 2023, according to the latest analysis by the Bank of Scotland - but only if you've amassed a savings pot.



The amount required for a deposit has also gone up, with people now having to save an average of £43,500 to secure their first home.

Buyers now need to fork out an average £43,500 for their deposit.

Number of first time homebuyers rises by more than 20%

From next week, hundreds of prisoners will be released early under the latest move to reduce overcrowding in jails.



Behind bars, significant pressures remain. A major challenge is drugs - cutting the supply and tackling addiction.



To prioritise rehabilitation and recovery, the Scottish Prison Service has launched a new ten-year strategy.



Part of this includes prisoners being trusted to lead their own support groups.

Sharon Frew

STV News has been to HMP Low Moss to see the new approach in action.

Peer-to-peer support group trials under way in Scottish prisons

Families are appealing for a change in immigration rules which are keeping them separated from loved ones.



They are asking the UK Government to reform the minimum income requirement for family visas.



Currently people living here need to earn at least £29,000 to bring an immediate family member to live with them.



The Scottish Government wants the rule reduced or removed altogether.

They are asking the UK Government to reform the minimum income requirement.

Families call for visa rule change to be reunited with loved ones

An exhibition telling the story of the global effort to develop a Covid-19 vaccine has opened at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.



Injecting Hope looks at the UK-wide, behind-the-scenes work that helped deliver the life-saving vaccine.

Exhibition detailing global struggle against Covid opens in Edinburgh

It's one of the largest-ever infrastructure projects in Perth and Kinross at a cost of £150m.



The Cross-Tay Link Road opens next month and aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.



Members of the public have had a rare opportunity to get inside its main structure, the Destiny Bridge.

The Cross-Tay Link Road aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

£150m Perth and Kinross bridge set to open next month

Two farmers in Aberdeenshire have urged pet owners to keep their dogs on a lead after their flock of sheep were attacked. 



Two pregnant ewes have since died following the incident. 



They say the message is particularly important as the lambing season approaches for livestock farmers. 



Viewers may some of the images in this report distressing.

It comes as farmers prepare for the upcoming lambing season. 

Farmers call for dogs to be kept under control after sheep deaths

It was the first of its kind in Scotland when it was set up 40 years ago, with the aim of using art to promote health and wellbeing in hospitals.



Four decades on, Grampian Hospitals Art Trust continues to support thousands of patients across the north east.



As the charity prepares to celebrate its birthday, STV News has been meeting one Aberdeen woman to hear how painting and drawing has helped her recover from a brain tumour.

Anne Smith

The Trust was the first of its kind when it was set up in the north east of Scotland four decades ago. 

Grampian Hospitals Arts Trust to celebrate 40 years of helping patients

They are a common sight at beauty spots across the Highlands but there's a call to charge motorhome owners a tourism tax to help pay for the upkeep of roads and protect beauty spots.



A local MSP has said the proposed charge could follow the example of the Scottish Government's Visitor Levy, which aims to use funds raised to improve local areas.

Local MSP Emma Roddick says a charge should be imposed to offset the strain on beauty spots.

Call to charge motorhomes tourist tax in the Highlands

Young people with learning disabilities aren't getting the same medical care for common and treatable illnesses - like epilepsy or pneumonia - as everyone else.



In fact, they're nine times more likely to die from a "treatable cause", according to Glasgow University research.



It also found death certificates for people with Down Syndrome often misrepresent the cause of death.

Vidushi Tiwari

The research also found they're nine times more likely to die from a 'treatable cause'.

Young disabled people not receiving equal care, finds report

Scotland's first trans and non-binary football team say the club is a safe space for those who need it, in what they describe as 'dark times' for their community.



With trans rights continuing to be a contentious issue, the team is hopeful they can send a message that they belong in the sport.



Marking LGBTQ+ history month, STV News went along to meet them.

Ronnie Charters

Marking LGBTQ+ history month, STV News went along to meet the team.

Football team providing safe space for trans and non-binary community

The hills are alive on the Isle of Cumbrae on The Clyde.



Adults are getting free music lessons, and they say it's having a “life-changing” impact.



While it's often difficult to find local music teachers in rural areas, after the success of Cumbrae, Auchtermuchty and Glencoe will be the next communities to come together through the power of music.

STV News - National