THE DUMBARTON DEMOCRAT

Boris Johnson against MPs’ pay rise, says No 10 spokesperson Boiler suit or not – no MPs including Boris Johnston should receive a pay rise.

By Democrat reporter Detectives are appealing for information after a 62 year-old man was targeted by bogus callers in Dumbarton. Between April and November, the

Scottish Tories might have concluded last week that there is no bad situation which Boris Johnson cannot make worse.  His capacity for saying daft things

Covid: Patients still being sent to care homes without negative tests Care homes in Dumbarton which were caught up in the Covid-19 tragedy.  By Democrat

By Canon Gerry Conroy There is an important lesson for us I think in the recent setback in our progress with dealing with the pandemic.

NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY The first question people ask when you meet them in the street is usually how are you? It’s just a greeting.

UK defence: £16.5bn enough to modernise armed forces, says Minister Ben Wallace refuses to say how much of funding will be taken from overseas aid

Staff rooms a key risk for spread of Covid-19 in schools, health officials warn By Carl O’Brien Education Editor, The Irish Times Teacher staff rooms and

Philantropist Sir Tom Hunter’s Loch Lomond plans to be decided on Monday Conservative councillor Sally Page and Ross Priory from the Loch. Pictures by Bill

By First Minister Nicola Sturgeon The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1,089, which is 4.6 per cent of all tests reported. The

Your granny may never have looked like this young lady, but I’ll bet you thought the world of her anyway.  Tell us who she is/was

Scottish Parliament election ‘may be spread over several days’ By Bill Heaney The Scottish Parliament election in May could be spread over several days with

MSPs call for action to tackle ‘institutional racism’ in public sector employment Black faces are a rarity in the ranks of of Scotland’s public bodies,

TEACHERS HAVE BEEN HUNG OUT TO DRY By James Halfpenny, of the EIS teaching union Now that we have been placed in Tier 4 in

COPD patients has a huge impact on affected patients. By Democrat reporter Today is World COPD Day (18 November) and in the year of the

By Rob Edwards in The Ferret The company that runs the port at Hunterston in the Firth of Clyde wants to use it to break

St Andrew’s Cathedral in Clyde Street, Glasgow, with the congregation observing social distancing for Sunday Mass. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the Archdiocese

First Minister Sturgeon and SNP Council leader McColl. Stay in the house and No, sir, you can’t boogie By Lauren Crooks West Dunbartonshire has been

Local woman dies after Government computer’s failure to plot where she lived By Democrat reporter The husband of Helensburgh pensioner Margaret McKell, 73, who has

Concerns raised after pictures show crowds gathering with drinks bought from pubs Slainte No More – nearly but Irish government backs off plan to ban

Attention pantomime scriptwriters: Oh no it hasn’t …. It’s too late to undo the worst of the damage caused by the government Getting the Vote

NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY Some people tell me I am too hard on West Dunbartonshire Council. That what I have to say in my column

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie – fighting for a break for people in debt. By Bill Heaney New statistics have revealed that Scottish Labour campaigning has

Children take a lot of looking after and need safe places to play. By Democrat reporter Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has successfully secured

Tourism business helps Santa go virtual Santa Claus gets ready to deliver the goods for Christmas. By Democrat reporter A SCOTTISH tourism business has stepped

Swinney says Level 4 lockdown ‘not inevitable’ Deputy First Minister John Swinney will make an announcement on tiering tomorrow. By Democrat reporter Scotland’s deputy first

Covid in Scotland: Teachers asked if they would strike First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith. BBC Scotland is reporting that teachers

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and her partner university spin doctor Susan Stewart, left. Above: Reuters news agency picture of Freeman looking fed up. NOTEBOOK by

Pictures by Bill Heaney JJ CHALMERS – the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 star and former Royal Marine – has gone overnight from bottom of the

BJR’s Charles Wheeler Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcast Journalism 2020 British Journalism Review and the University of Westminster invite you to the annual presentation of BJR’s

The EIS teachers’ union have been asked to comment and will get back to us. West Dunbartonshire Council have also been asked to comment but

Billy Connolly says public should ignore politicians and listen to comedians The Big Yin, Billy Connolly – “fewer people should listen to politicians.” By Democrat

By Democrat reporter The Helensburgh Advertiser is reporting that the town’s brand new Morrisons supermarket at Colgrain is on course to open in less than

By Democrat reporter With effect from Monday, 16 November, an alcohol ban will be applied at all of Scotrail stations and on all of our

Midwife June Cavin who has been delivering babies for 50 years. By Democrat reporter After more than fifty years of nursing and midwifery, June Cavin

By Bill Heaney Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has asked the Scottish Government to hold an urgent review of the financial support available for

NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY Scotland’s Public Services are to be renamed Scotland’s Secret Services to mark the fact that the SNP government and local councils

SNP health minister wanted to stop freedom of information during Covid-19 Local care homes, Crosslet and Castleview, public and private, about which the SNP believe

Roman themed play park launch along the route of the Antonine Wall, which begins (or ends) in Old Kirkpatrick, West Dunbartonshire. By Lauren Crooks A

Coronavirus in Scotland: 45 new deaths as country records 1, 212 cases in 24 hours © First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces daily statistics in parliament.

Rev Professor David Fergusson, who will take up the position in April next year. By Democrat reporter A renowned Church of Scotland theologian and former

By Democrat reporter Argyll and West Dunbartonshire remains one of the safest places to live in Scotland after violent crime fell by more than one-fifth.

BBC must embrace diversity and explore new mechanisms for engaging with audiences, says Kamal Ahmed Kamal Ahmed, who started out in journalism at the Lennox

BY Democrat reporter Police officers are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal road crash yesterday, Tuesday, 10 November, 2020. Around 4.40pm, police received

Crosslet House care home in Dumbarton. By Bill Heaney The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on home care has been revealed following an online survey

By Bill Heaney The importance of the work being done by cleaners and other ancillary staff in hospitals and health centres has been recognised at

Refreshed ‘Ready Scotland’ website to help communities work together Ben Lomond from Dumbarton. The Ben saw its first snow last week. Picture by Jim Crosthwaite

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has responded to the publication of Dame Elish Angiolini’s final report of her Independent

Shirley Floyd, 61, moved into the three-bedroom semi detached house in Inler Gate. By Lauren Crooks The first tenant in a brand new Council development

Scotland’s Bravest enlisted to make Inverclyde Royal Hospital signage. By Democrat reporter NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde extends its thanks to the Armed Forces Veterans

By Holly Thomas, Wednesday, 11 November ‌GOP ALL IN ON ELECTION REJECTION As President Donald Trump and GOP leaders line up behind the false claim

The high flats at West Bridgend in Dumbarton at times of flooding. By Lauren Crooks West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking comments from the Scottish Government

Visitors urged to check local restrictions before visiting National Park Lovely Loch Lomond – visitors asked to pay attention to new guidance introduced this week

It was the quietest ever Remembrance Sunday service at the Levengrove Park cenotaph in Dumbarton on Sunday. Jackie Baillie, the Labour MSP for Dumbarton, and

The Democratic next president of the US has somehow become the man for the moment By Suzanne Lynch in The Irish Times As Joe Biden took

Brian Wilson’s Column What was devolution meant to achieve?  I suppose most would say that it was about making government more accountable?  Or taking responsibility

Sean Szmalc from Titanic Honor and Glory where he spoke about the Titanic. By Judith Haw Online zoom sessions for Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre

The development of Luss and the power of the Colquhoun family laird By Nick Kempe of Parkswatch Scotland This investigation examines and comments on the

JJ Chalmers opens up on wife convincing him to compete on Strictly 2020: ‘She dragged me into it’ TENSE MOMENT: JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden

Commodore Donald Doull, who was accompanied by his wife Olivia, laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy.  Pictures by the Royal Navy, Faslane

In memory of my father, Douglas Hay, of West Bridgend, Dumbarton, who was a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy during World War II. Three

Sturgeon favourite Antonio Giugliano who will stand for election to the Scottish Parliament against Labour’s Jackie Baillie at the election next May. SPECIAL REPORT by

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland A new publication detailing how councils in Scotland are funded is now available. The Chief Statistician at the Scottish Government has

Support for local farmers and crofters A sheep farmer working hard to look after his flock in Glen Fruin. Pictures by Bill Heaney By Democrat

Journalists covering a political press conference in Clydebank. Picture by Bill Heaney By Democrat reporter The Society of Editors has welcomed an apology from the

GPs bracing themselves for ‘toughest winter of their careers’ As the NHS prepares for the challenges ahead, medical workers say the hurdles are greater than

Editors say journalists should be allowed to cover protests like this one. BY MARIELLA BROWN The Society of Editors is to seek urgent clarification from

Live six minutes ago: Biden takes lead over Trump in Pennsylvania and Georgia US election count updates: Democratic candidate Joe Biden pulls ahead of president

Dodds slams Sunak over “last-minute” U-turn on furlough extension Anneliese Dodds criticised Rishi Sunak for a “last-minute” U-turn © UK Parliament / Jessica Taylor By

West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive Joyce White, Council HQ in Church Street, Dumbarton,  Cllr Jim Bollan, of the Community Party, and Clydebank Town Hall above.

Kelvin MSP Sandra White and Minister Clare Haughey. By Democrat reporter Students in the West End of Glasgow are suffering badly with their mental health

Looking after children, no matter how well behaved they are, can be a barrier to women getting back into work. Top: Most nurses return to

A specially equipped ambulance and crew to deal with the pandemic. By Democrat reporter Additional funding of up to £11 million is being given to

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ veteran Brian Warren. By Judith Haw For six years, summer visitors to Loch Lomond Shores may have enjoyed the bagpipes played

Coronavirus (COVID-19): daily data Published: 4 Nov 2020 Directorate:  Chief Medical Officer Directorate Part of: Coronavirus in Scotland, Health and social care Scottish numbers: 4 November 2020 Summary

Baillie and fellow MSPs demand the release of Salmond case legal advice Former first minister Alex Salmond and witnesses Nicola Sturgeon, Kenny MacAskill and Peter

Single malt cocktails: five original twists on the classics for autumn and Christmas From a fresh spin on the Hot Toddy to a single malt

Transparency laws must be extended to non-campaign material, urge editors BY CLAIRE MEADOWS Laws governing transparency in printed election material must be extended to non-campaign

BORIS IS IN BAD BOOKS OF THE BISHOPS Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, and Archbishop Justin Welby, of Canterbury, says reasons for church

Enjoy a luxury Christmas in a Scottish castle The five-star East Wing of the castle on Blair Estate in Ayrshire is available for both Christmas

NHS staff facing ‘perfect storm, says Professor’ By Democrat reporter BBC Scotland is reporting that the NHS is “facing a perfect storm” as staff shortages

It’s but a sprinkling but Harry Carey, intrepid walker, skier and lover of the great outdoors took this photograph today of the first snow of

Ruth Davidson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon went at it hammer and tongs. By Bill Heaney The scandal of deaths in Scotland’s care homes is

Crosslet House in Dumbarton where care workers are said to have done a terrific job despite trying circumstances. Pictures by Bill Heaney By Democrat reporter

Four killed by gunman who opened fire near synagogue and accomplice still at large By Democrat reporter Austrian police say the suspected gunman behind Monday’s

Archbishop Leo Cushley, the Holyrood parliament and top the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair for the Church of Scotland. Cushley picture by Bill Heaney By

By Democrat reporter A new technique which provides patients from West Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh with a more comfortable and efficient alternative to an endoscopy has

Changing the world, one ceremony at a time By Democrat reporter WE are living through extraordinary times, where the rituals associated with the cycle of

Adoption week 16th-20th November By Democrat reporter Adoption Week celebrates adoption in Scotland from the 16th-20th November, it is funded by the Scottish Government and

By Dermocrat reporter A heavy goods vehicle lorry driver from Vale of Leven was killed by a motorist who was still over the drink driving

BRIAN WILSON Vladimir Lenin got at least one thing right. Ultra-leftism is indeed an infantile disorder, and a deeply destructive one. It is the curse

Heavy rain and high winds cause travel disruption, but no one’s going anywhere fast The A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful has been closed

Ballantine’s has created the ultimate blend of cultures with Ballantine’s 7 Bourbon Finish. By Democrat reporter It’s always been associated with Dumbarton.  Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky

Highly regarded and controversial foreign correspondent suffers stroke at Dublin home Robert Fisk, a credit to journalism and a great reporter. By Conor Pope in

The Church of Scotland are looking for a new Assembly Trustee.  Can you bring your professional expertise and passion for the Church to a rewarding

Dog owner charged over Chihuahua death attack on Edinburgh beach Helen Heaney’s dogs — Sky and Fudge (on the right) before the attack. By Democrat

When Nicola Sturgeon knew about care home transfers is being kept secret Neil Findlay has demanded answers from Nicola Sturgeon over the care home transfers.

Sir Bobby Charlton diagnosed with dementia as wife, Lady Norma, reveals Manchester United and England 1966 World Cup winning hero’s battle By John Hutchinson in

Boris Johnson announces four-week national Covid lockdown in England Restrictions in place from Thursday are needed to tackle coronavirus spread, PM says Boris Johnston who

By Democrat reporter Changes to the way people access A&E will be tested ahead of a national redesign of urgent care to help people get

What is at stake when the US votes on Tuesday? Almost everything US president Donald Trump looks worried about the outcome on Tuesday. By FINTAN

MADE GUID: WE ARE MOVING TO 4 PARK STREET IN DUMBARTON EAST As most of you will know we are moving premises to a bigger

Patients at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow enjoyed a spooktacular Halloween party yesterday.  Organised by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the hospital’s Play

A BBC chief has admitted there was shortcomings in the coverage of daily coronavirus press conferences conducted by Nicola Sturgeon, in a humiliating moment for

LibDem leader Willie Rennie is out looking support already for the election in May. By Bill Heaney Lib Dems unveil checklist for a federal future 

Information in lockdown to form focus of Scotland panel debate BY CLAIRE MEADOWS The difficulties of reporters in Scotland accessing information during the coronavirus pandemic

Unemployment support scheme ends this weekend By Paul Cassidy Jackie Baillie MSP, pictured right, has warned that furloughed workers face a “harsh winter” due to

Kris Kirstofferen and Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains performing at Celtic Connections in the Royal Concert Hall. Picture by Bill Heaney By Hannah Innes Internationally

Cllr Jonathan McColl – “Please do the right thing for West Dunbartonshire.” By Lauren Crooks The Scottish Government has announced West Dunbartonshire will be placed

By Bill Heaney The more the government attempts to clarify the Covid pandemic restrictions on the public, the more confusing they become. For example, now

Back to Mass amid pandemic: Where does the Church in Britain go from here? Three Catholic bishops point the way to attract parishioners back to

Minister says information from commission will be available if request passes ‘two tests’ The site of a mass grave for children who died in the

By Democrat reporter Police in Clydebank are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed. The incident happened around 1.45am on Thursday, 29 October and

The landmark Smollett Fountain at the junction of Bank Street and Main Street in Alexandria. By Democrat reporter New Council homes in Alexandria have been

Collective pardon for miners convicted during 1980s strikes It’s thought around 500 miners were convicted in Scotland during the strikes in the 1980s. Miners were

Highland couple toast legal battle win with national whisky firm in David vs Goliath battle  By Julia Bryce in the Press and Journal  The independent

Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust COMMUNITY CAFÉ & POST OFFICE.  After many years of dedicated service, Melanie Tonks, Pit-Stop & Community Café operator and

Committee told contact tracers can get ‘a fair degree of abuse’ from some people they call Dr Kevin Kelleher, assistant national director of the HSE

By Democrat reporter Stobhill Hospital, which serves West Dunbartonshire for certain procedures, has launched a same-day hip replacement programme and has successfully treated its first

The notorious Smyllum children’s home in Lanarkshire where children were abused by staff. By Democrat reporter Children are still being sexually abused by adults across

Local News Greens aim to ‘catch Labour’ in election Greens’ Patrick Harvie aims to ‘catch Labour’ at Scottish Parliament election. By Democrat reporter The Scottish

Deleted police records on thousands of Scots still held by other public bodies Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP. By investigative reporter Caitlin

Scottish journalists on a conflict reporting training mission in Africa with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders  back in the 1980s. The National Union of Journalists

Poll: Support for independence hits historic high of 58% STV/Ipsos MORI poll finds record support for independence and puts the SNP on course for a

Last year, sales of our Christmas cards and gift cards helped us to feed more than 3,500 hungry children with Mary’s Meals. You can order

By Hamish Mackay in the Scottish Review BBC Scotland has advertised the post of its political editor following the retirement of Brian Taylor after 30

By Holly Thomas Wednesday, October 28‌ FORECAST: HIGHEST TURNOUT SINCE 1908 More than 70 million Americans have already cast ballots in the U.S. presidential election,

NHS dentists’ fears of struggle to meet demand By Angie Brown BBC Scotland News James Craig said he could only wear the face fitted masks

Church of Scotland welcomes Nuclear Ban Treaty By Democrat reporter The Church of Scotland has welcomed the news that 50 countries have now ratified the

Thanks to Private Eye.

Meet the MPs who think they are worth up to £88,000 in expenses claims – while hungry children are worth nothing. They also claim a

Consultation opens to get your views on Balloch Station Square One artist’s view of what Balloch Station Square could look like, but your ideas are

Old Military Road – which runs parallel to the A83 through Glen Croe – remains open for motorists Rest and Be Thankful: The road will

By Bill Heaney NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which includes West Dunbartonshire, is today issuing an apology to members of the public for the way

By Democrat reporter The £100m of Scottish Government funding for employment support programmes is ‘lightweight’, according to Jackie Baillie, the Dumbarton MSP. She described the

Former Deputy First Minister named Moderator Designate for 2021-22 Lord Wallace of Tankerness chosen to be the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the

The SNP group on West Dunbartonshire Council celebrate following their election victory. By Bill Heaney The row simmering away behind the scenes of the SNP

New ways to donate to the Poppy Scotland Appeal by mobile phone. By Kim Hardie SERVICE personnel at HM Naval Base Clyde joined together to

 By George Monbiot in The Guardian By-passing the NHS and handing crucial services to corporate executives has led to the catastrophic failure of test and

Conference moves online to tackle conversation about the future of sponsorship in Scotland By Democrat reporter A CONFERENCE has moved online after its postponement in

By Canon Gerry Conroy I’d like to begin this short reflection on the Gospel commands to love God and to love our neighbour by reading

Summary of today’s Covid briefing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her Deputy John Swinney. New positive cases in the last 24 hours are logged at

Nick O’Neill, pictured with John Sweeney at Arnold Clark South Street in Scotstoun. And some residents from Erskine enjoy a day out courtesy the Royal

Covid 19: Bishops call for Christmas Day ‘truce’ on coronavirus restrictions Bishop John Keenan said strict restrictions on Christmas gatherings ran “the risk of destroying

27 TUESDAY FROM 19:00 UTC-21:00 UTC Paint and Prosecco – Beginners Watercolours, Harbour scene Online event   …  About …. Discussion ….. Interested ….  Going  …Invite

SNP facing legal action over ‘breach’ of all-female shortlist Mridul Wadhwa has been put forward as a candidate to contest the Stirling seat at next

Covid-related grants for local businesses Vale of Leven where businesses are struggling to cope with the downturn in trade. Picture by Craig Jump of Turkey

Willie Rennie, the LibDem leader in Scotland denounces FM’s ‘racist’ remarks. By Bill Heaney Responding to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s comments at a briefing

Braehead shopping complex taken over by new management Braehead shopping centre across the Erskine Bridge is a favourite venue with West Dunbartonshire residents. By Bill