8 reasons why you’ll want to discover one of Scotland’s most enjoyable staycation destinations this year

More than one million people over State Pension age living in Scotland will be able to claim two new devolved benefits starting before the end of this year. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) will be worth up to £300 per household and is set to replace the annual Winter Fuel Payment, currently delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Social Security Scotland has confirmed thousands of people claiming Carer’s Allowance will receive two one-off payments for £288.60 - totalling £577.20 - before the end of this year. Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made in June and December by the Scottish Government to recognise the important contribution made by unpaid carers.

It could be a big year for Prince Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as he celebrates his fifth birthday with numerous events on the cards. Since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kept their family life away from the spotlight and have only occasionally shared details of their firstborn child, Archie, four and daughter Lilibet, two. Royal fans were delighted when Harry openly spoke about Archie during an appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show in 2021.

From working 70 hour weeks due to staff cuts, to turning off lights and the heating on quiet days or shutting altogether, the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills are forcing pub landlords to take drastic measures in a bid to stay afloat.

Heavy rain and snow have sparked travel chaos as Storm Kathleen batters large parts of Scotland.

A scheme worth one billion pounds is being offered by the UK Government to help more than 300,000 families across Great Britain heat their home for less this year. The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to help low income households save up to £400 on their annual fuel bills through new energy efficiency upgrades.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling posted her idea of an April Fool’s Day gag today, describing various criminals, a model, a TV presenter and others – all of whom identify as trans women – as women before writing, “Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren’t women at all, but men, every last one of them.”

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Want to learn a new language for your next big trip or just to improve your skillset? You’re in luck.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe might face disappointment in the transfer market with rivals Manchester City tipped to beat them to their top summer target. Sir Jim has already discussed his key targets with senior figures at Old Trafford, ahead of an expected summer transfer splurge.

The BBC commissioned half of all UK TV scripted last year, defying the slowdown that hit its rivals and streamers and spending big on kids shows and thrillers, according to new research.

People living in Scotland are in a unique position as there will be 15 benefits and payments only available for those living north of the border by the end of this year. A pilot rollout of Carer Support Payment is already underway in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles and will gradually replace all new claims for Carer's Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced last week that an update on the progress it is making to identify and rectify historical State Pension errors will be published before the end of this month. Pensions Minister Paul Maynard MP said that the report will cover progress made up until the end of February this year.

Star Wars‘ Millennium Falcon.The special coin will be released this year, with the Royal Mint also unveiling three other vehicles from the franchise that will adorn coins this year – namely the TIE Fighter, X-Wing and Death Star II.The Millennium Falcon coin depicts the ship mid-flight, as well as the Rebel Alliance symbol that reveals itself when the coin is titled towards the light.“We are delighted to celebrate the Star Wars franchise’s numismatic return with a series of coins dedicated to its iconic vehicles,” said Royal Mint’s Rebecca Morgan.A new @StarWarsUK™ coin featuring one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of cinema has landed.The legendary Millennium Falcon is the first to appear on a UK 50p.Add to your collection here – https://t.co/7B0cvZ1XBs pic.twitter.com/mf8I6FvQCp— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) March 18, 2024“We are excited to enthuse new and existing coin collectors across the world and capture the imaginations of Star Wars’ thriving fan base.”The Royal Mint previously released a series of character coins to mark Return Of The Jedi‘s 40th anniversary last year, including Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.In other Star Wars news, a report released last week from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed just how much money Disney has made from the franchise since it bought Star Wars over a decade ago.According to the report, the company has made around $12billion from Star Wars, almost three times what it paid for the franchise ($4.05billion).However, it doesn’t stand as Disney’s most profitable franchise, with Frozen, Toy Story and the Avengers being the top three most valuable assets for the company.Meanwhile, star Ewan McGregor has given fans an update on season two of Obi-Wan

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show the State Pension currently provides regular financial support for nearly 12.7 million older people across the country, including over one million retirees living in Scotland. This payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is currently 66 for men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.

Shameless actress Tina Malone has said she's feeling "overwhelmed" with the outpouring of support and kind messages she's received following the tragic passing of her husband, Paul.

Actress Tina Malone has thanked fans for their support after the death of her husband Paul.The 61-year-old, known for her roles in Brookside and Shameless, wrote a heartfelt note to thank everyone for their overwhelming support. She posted on X: "I am totally overwhelmed at the cards, flowers, messages, calls, txts, emails I've received from friends, family, colleagues, Paul's army brothers ,it's a great comfort for us. "I will reply to everyone soon as I am able to, the support and kindness on here to has deeply touched me too xx." One fan responded to her post saying: "Tina, I am so sorry for your loss.

The Scottish Government recently announced a new devolved disability payment designed to provide additional financial support for people of State Pension age will not include a mobility component. However, it has also confirmed the new benefit will not include any face-to-face assessments as part of the application process - unless requested by the claimant.

Addie Morfoot Contributor British director Dan Reed (“Leaving Neverland”) spent four years filming Sandy Hook Elementary parents as they attempt to hold Alex Jones — the infamous talk-news conspiracist guru of InfoWars — accountable for the lies he spread about their children’s murders in 2012. The result is the HBO documentary “The Truth vs. Alex Jones.” Bringing Jones to trial involved years of effort by the grieving parents and their legal teams and culminated in two jury trials for damages in Texas and Connecticut.

The Scottish Government's new controversial hate crime law will finally come into force next month.

Protesters have covered the entrance to the Scottish Parliament in red paint.