Public services across central belt of Scotland most 'broken' as councils struggle to deliver

Almost three million Scots have cut back spending on food and groceries as a result of increasing energy costs, according to advice charity Citizens Advice Scotland.

Happy New Year from everyone at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail. We hope 2024 brings you all lots of treasured moments and lasting memories.

A tornado warning has been issued for a 260-mile stretch of the UK.

A couple who sank their life savings into renovating a hotel in the Highlands say they've "lost everything" after a flood wreaked havoc on the property. Des Thomson, 50 and Sinead Finnegan, 40, walked into a nightmare when they returned from a trip in Sri Lanka on December 19 to find their beloved Osprey Hotel, in Kingussie, completely destroyed.

Comedian Paul Black and singer Lewis Capaldi are among the most influential Scots on social media platform TikTok, according to research.

Scots have been urged to seek support if they are struggling with their energy bills - ahead of a new price hike coming into force on New Year's Day.

A Greater Manchester MP has been slammed after he said most children who struggle in his town are 'products of c**p parents'. James Daly, Conservative MP for Bury North, made the claim while speaking to the i newspaper about 'working-class conservatism'.

Antiques Roadshow regularly has viewers on the edge of their seats as they eagerly wait to find out what certain objects are worth, but the BBC show also occasionally reduces fans to tears. Over the years, hundreds of guests have appeared on the show, with some taking on very sentimental objects to have them valued by the team of experts, sometimes in the hope of cashing in and other times out of curiosity. There's been tears when the experts have told guests the story behind their item and also when they've revealed the valuations.

Almost 300,000 baby boxes have been delivered to expecting families in Scotland since 2017, according to figures published by the SNP. The party said the Scottish Government has delivered 283,118 baby boxes over the last six year period, stating the project was started to give children of all backgrounds an equal start in life.

Over 27,000 properties have been hit by power cuts in the north of Scotland as Storm Gerrit continues to cause chaos across the country.

A big-hearted Scot who was moved after hearing stories of those who were struggling has delivered over 100 Christmas dinners to those most in need.

A woman who claimed to have had a seven-year affair with Gordon Ramsay revealed why the festive period is the most miserable time of the year for her.

Kate Middleton has a clever trick up her sleeve to ensure she's incognito when venturing out alone, a source has revealed.

The cheapest and most expensive areas to live in Scotland have been named in a new report by the UK Government.

Two East Ayrshire community councils have taken differing views over a new bid for the £60m Barony eco-therapy park.

A pioneering approach to substance misuse has won Dumfries and Galloway’s Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service a top national award.

SNP ministers have been called on to protect jobs and public services as the Scottish Government prepares to reveal its annual budget.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning and warned of 'danger to life' this weekend.

A convicted Scots sex offender wanted in connection with the death of his partner has been placed on the Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted list. Richard Scatchard is being hunted by police after 61-year-old Kelly Faiers was found dead in his home in Minehead, Somerset, on October 15.

A plea will be made this week for all councillors to unite and demand more support from the Scottish Government to fund police and fire services in Dumfries and Galloway.