THE DEMOCRAT

Celtic squad and team boss Brendan Rodgers visited the hospital on Monday By Peter Cassidy Celtic Football Club have presented a donation of £10,000 from

 November 2023 By Lucy Ashton Young people and staff at Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s High School are celebrating after the school was recognised with

Over 1,700 people have signed a petition protesting against the Bank of Scotland’s decision to close branches. Politicians support customers in bid to keep Argyll

By Lauren Crooks More than 800 additional properties will be made available throughout West Dunbartonshire as part of a new affordable housing plan for the

Health Board chairperson John Brown and Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokesperson. By Bill Heaney NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde chairman John Brown held

Thousands of Scots are facing painful and dangerous long waits for hernia treatment, Scottish Labour has warned today. Statistics obtained by Scottish Labour have shown

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today revealed that seven independent schools in Scotland have identified the presence of reinforced

By Lucy Ashton Police have found a ‘cannabis cultivation’ in the now derelict Rialto bingo hall in Dumbarton. Police Scotland officers forced entry into the hall in

Dame Jackie Baillie and Marie McNair, MSPs for Dumbarton and Clydebank constituencies. By Bill Heaney Proposals for a major redrawing of Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries

As well as recounting events at a dinner he admits he was not invited to, the author also claims that Laphroaig (which IS the King’s

Israel says its ground forces are operating ‘in all of Gaza’ Israel’s military ordered more areas in and around Gaza’s second-largest city of Khan Younis

Dumbarton man Patrick Harvie makes an appearance on the BBC. By Lucy Ashton Greens Minister Patrick Harvie has defended his government’s pursuit of “clean, green

Full story on The Ferret website Author: Karin Goodwin in The Ferret Charities have called on the Scottish Government to declare a national housing emergency,

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called on the SNP/Green Government to enhance investment in mental

Shona Robison and King Charles, who went to Gordonstoun School. By Bill Heaney  The use of mobile phones has been highlighted as one of the

Pix By Pedro This fantastic picture of Dumbarton in the snow was taken by Pedro. The best snow picture I have seen today. It’s not

It’s not too late to make it home for Christmas Spend Christmas in Ireland with the people and places that feel like home – whether

On this day in 1967 – Death of poet and novelist, Patrick Kavanagh, who was born in Inniskeen, Co Monaghan in 1904. Patrick Kavanagh was

Saturday 2 December 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the war with Russia is entering a new stage.Credit: AP/Srdjan Nedeljkovic and Felipe Dana By ITN reporters

Local editor uses local computer repair and replacement business My IT equipment is as old as this picture of me when I was a young

Friday 1 December 2023 at 10:53pm Hamas says that more than a hundred Palestinians have been killed since fighting between the proscribed terror group and

Caroline Glachan, 14, was found dead by the River Leven in 1996. Murder accused ‘threatened to batter schoolgirl’ before her death Teenager was unconscious but

By Bill Heaney Conservative justice spokesperson Russell Findlay, right,  wants so-called bully dogs banned – and has urged the government to be quick about it.

Vale of Leven Football & Athletic Club It’s 55 years and 1 month since Vale last took on Auchinleck Talbot. On Saturday 19th October 1968

Local football history A picture from Bill Adam.  Main Street Primary School. Russell Cup winners 1961. Back row: Mr Crichton (janitor / team manager), Peter

Lomond Radio November  Would you like to GO along to their Fundraiser on Saturday 9th December? They’ve got a limited number of tickets remaining and

DUMBARTON 5 Annan Athletic 4 Picture special by Jon Leino SONS WIN MEMORABLE CUP TIE News Scottish Cup Dumbarton advanced into the fourth round of the

NOVEMBER 27 By Lucy Ashton Women are being failed by the SNP, Scottish Labour has said today, after rapidly expanding waiting times for a hysterectomy has

Opinion Why destroy your own city? Because it doesn’t feel like it belongs to you, you don’t feel welcome in it, writes Adam Doyle, the

Sunday 26 November 2023, 6:40pm Emily Hand, a released hostage, reunites with her father.Credit: AP via Israeli Military Hamas and Israel have now exchanged three

Sunday 26 November 2023 Emily Hand, who was originally feared dead, is among the latest hostages to be freed by Hamas and has been reunited

West End will be transformed into a festive wonderland … By Declan McConville in Lost Glasgow Vinicombe Street is set to be transformed into a

Clyde 1  Congratulations to wee 10 year old Jessica from Gavinburn Primary in Old Kilpatrick who is the winner of our Clyde 1 Christmas Card

  By Bill Heaney The Connemara Chamber of Commerce is to honour Brendan Flynn at a special event in Clifden this weekend Brendan Flynn founded

By Lucy Ashton A campaigner has welcomed a new policy at Scottish universities requiring students offered places to declare violent criminal charges. Rape survivor Ellie

There will be free parking at all Helensburgh’s council-run car parks in the run-up to Christmas, it was announced this week. Argyll and Bute Council

The Pawn Customer Christmas Party Vale of Leven Trust The Pawn Customer Christmas Party The Pawn have generously announced that they will donate their Christmas

Barlinnie prison, where today a prisoner has escaped to the roof and is throwing down slates. More on this later …        

George Square is looking spectacular in its festive guise Photos from Brian McGinley

By Bill Heaney SNP Minister Angus Robertson’s trip to China, has come under fire from the LibDems. News of it was  released without any mention

Ardardan Farm Shop, Garden Nursery & Tearoom Our Saturday supplier shout out this week has to go to our most seasonal of all products…..yup Christmas

Food For Thought – West Dunbartonshire Bring Joy to Children in Need this Christmas Support Our Foodbank’s Toy Drive As the holiday season approaches, our

English Literature Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening BY ROBERT FROST Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the

Oban Christmas Lights Switch 2023 Santa returned to Oban complete with his reindeers on Saturday. Starting at the Corran halls, he will travelled down George Street

Jo Farrell has apologised for ‘error of judgement’ after requesting a car to drive her home just weeks into her new role NOTEBOOK by BILL

ANNAN ATHLETIC 4 DUMBARTON 5 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑫𝑨𝒀 And we’re up for the cup!  

By Lucy Ashton Plans are afoot to transform a derelict Ministry of Defence site on the banks of Loch Long into a tourist destination. Developer Ardnagal Estates Ltd

Banned Green Brigade turned up at Celtic Park before Motherwell game Green Brigade: Fans congregated on Celtic Way. By Peter Cassidy Banned supporters group The

Helensburgh Community Hub  

It’s only ONE WEEK to go until our Loch Lomond Shores #ChristmasFestival and we have a HUGE lineup of fabulous stallholders coming along! For everyone

By Lucy Ashton Old Kilpatrick won big this week as several community members had their postcode pulled in the People’s Postcode Lottery netting them at

The drawings depict the fire which destroyed the Mackintosh building. By Pauline McLean, BBC Scotland arts correspondent Three watercolour paintings depicting the fire that destroyed

The second ferry being built by Ferguson Shipyard, Glen Rosa, is still on the slipway By Lucy Ashton The construction of two delayed and overbudget

Lomond Radio tells us that Coriolis Energy has submitted plans for the Vale of Leven Wind Farm to the Scottish Government. The company is holding

The History of Whisky in the Scottish Highlands: From the earliest documented references to distilling in the 15th century, to its influence on popular culture today,

West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau Responding to the Autumn Statement, Citizens Advice Scotland’s Social Justice spokesperson Erica Young said: “Increasing benefits in line with inflation

 25TH NOVEMBER 2023  Scottish Labour MSPs Pauline McNeill and Katy Clark. By Bill Heaney Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against

If you would like to join us you can book by emailing us at info@valeofleventrust.com, calling us on 01389 752629 or pop by and see

By Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour education spokesperson Today the SNP-Green Government teamed up with the Tories to deny young disabled people a fighting chance at a

Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire We are at the Scottish Police Federation awards at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh where we are celebrating bravery, Courage, and

Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Health Board CEO Jane Grant and retiring chairman John Brown. By Bill Heaney Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was welcomed the

What’s On This Weekend? Fri 24th -TONIGHT – 7-9.30pm – Stirling Distillery Monthly Cocktail Masterclass is on tonight! You will be given a welcome cocktail

Happy birthday, Billy. Bet you got loads of pressies. And a few books. We would love you to help us with a library problem. All

Ben View We are now on the count down to Santa Dash. 9 days to go !!!! You can sign up until Thursday at 4pm on

By Bill Heaney Dame Jackie Baillie has reacted to the ‘unexpected honour’ of being named the Herald’s Scottish Politician of the Year. At a ceremony

By Bill Heaney BBC Scotland is reporting that former first minister Alex Salmond has launched a fresh legal case against the Scottish government. Mr Salmond

Friday 24 November 2023 at 9:50am ITV News Reporter David Harper outlines the latest developments as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas begins A four-day

Updated • a minute ago Live 34 arrests, 13 shops damaged and garda vehicles destroyed in night of disorder Two children, including five-year-old girl, and their

Updated / Thursday, 23 Nov 2023 19:56 By Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, RTE NEWS A five-year-old child and a woman in her 30s are in a

Yo ho,ho,ho … For the past few years, Aggreko, Dumbarton, has been a wonderful support to the Charity, with fundraising, donating food, toys and uniforms,

The trial is taking place at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. Above: Ballet West in Argyll. By Lucy Ashton A woman has told a trial that it

Tory leader Douglas Ross and First Minister Humza Yousaf. By Bill Heaney Get the broomsticks and pointy hats out. A witch hunt is officially underway

By Lucy Ashton Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has told the club’s annual general meeting the financial gap with Europe’s top clubs is “getting bigger”. In

Emily Hand’s family do not know if Israeli-Irish child will be among hostages who are due for release Hamas will release dozens of hostages being

By Lucy Ashton The Lib Dems are calling on the Chancellor to reverse Conservative tax cuts to the banks, as the party’s analysis of new

By ANAS SARWAR, Scottish Labour leader                 In the short time Humza Yousaf has been First Minister, the record

Thursday 23 November 2023 By Bill Heaney A man who never made a mistake never made a discovery… These were wise words from Samuel Smiles.

By Aileen Maclennan Ambitious plans to build hundreds of new affordable homes across Argyll and Bute, which includes Cardross, Helensburgh and the Rosneath Peninsula, have

By Bill Heaney Unpaid carers are struggling to look after family members and friends and relatives who require their services when no care homes, hospital

22 NOVEMBER 2023  Dame Jackie Baillie has urged the SNP Government to make the roll-out of diabetes technology a priority for those living with the

The only operating crude oil refinery in Scotland, and one of only six remaining in the UK, supplies 80 per cent of the country’s fuel

By Elaine Brewer Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is taking an important step forwards on its journey to Net Zero, with a

Commenting after the UK government Autumn Statement, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, pictured right,  said “After 13 years of chaos, decline and broken promises, no-one believes

Health Secretary Michael Matheson and Dame Jackie Baillie, the MSP for Dumbarton. By Bill Heaney Football, communications and politics were all in the headlines in

Wednesday 22 Nov 2023 Chancellor backs business and rewards workers to get Britain growing Plan for stronger economy will reward hard work, putting £450 back

22 NOVEMBER 2023 By Bill Heaney The SNP must take urgent and drastic action to tackle the cancer care crisis, Dame Jackie Baillie has said,

  Your donation matched! Great news Bill DONATIONS ARE DOUBLED! We have incredible news! From today until 22 January 2024, every donation made to our

By Lucy Ashton Community groups are being invited to bid for cash grants to support projects which will benefit West Dunbartonshire communities. A total of

By Helen Silvis The Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: “I read with a sense of

Michael Matheson says he is not interested in the teams his boys watched on TV. By Lucy Ashton Scotland’s Health Secretary has said he wasn’t

Reports have suggested the Treasury will hike duty on whisky by 15% when chancellor Jeremy Hunt gives his autumn statement  By Bill Heaney Politicians are

McMonagle’s Boat Still so proud of our team winning this award !! We’ve had such a busy weekend. Thanks everyone for your support xxx

Lennox Herald  It’s old news really, and it’s certainly not good news. The Lennox Herald is clinging to its position as the leading local newspaper

Food For Thought – West Dunbartonshire See Poster for Information

NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY Billy Connolly once described the then brand new Scottish Parliament as “a pretendy wee parliament”. The Big Yin said it was

Bell Centre Butchers Dumbarton We are limited to the amount of WHOLE turkeys we have available this year so if this is what you are

Jimmy’s Cards & Gifts Shop local this Christmas and help save your small local towns

West Dunbartonshire Libraries is feeling festive Dumbarton library are once again helping West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare make Christmas special for local families. The ‘Giving Tree’ has pride

Community Councils Scotland Last chance to sign up! Community councillors can join our free webinar with Planning Aid Scotland on 21 November and learn more

The Sons, Rock & Rolls THERE’S NO BETTER CHRISTMAS GIFT THAN THE GIFT OF CAKE If you are struggling for gift ideas and looking for

NHSGGC launches winter campaign – and it’s as easy as ABC NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has launched a new campaign to make it

Calling all vegans & vegetarians!! This Friday we are hosting an all vegan and veggie menu for our weekly bistro night! And we need you!

Crosslet House, Dalreoch House, Willox Park Home, and Townend ‘Poorhouse’ Hospital. By Bill Heaney The Scottish Government have been urged to scrap their plans for

Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and Bishop Joseph Toal,

A man will go on trial accused of pretending to be a nurse with fake uniform and forged ID at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Left: Supporters of Israel gather in solidarity with Israel and protest against antisemitism on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., November 14, 2023. Right: Protesters

FERRET INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM Author: Jamie Mann Ownership of Scotland’s forests is becoming increasingly dominated by wealthy estates, investors and absentee owners who live outwith Scotland,

Monday 20 November 2023  By Bill Heaney The latest round of UK Government levelling up funding is extremely welcome news for communities across Scotland, the

By Lucy Ashton A SCOTTISH female submariner who is about to undertake a gruelling Atlantic row is one of the inspirational figures featured in a

London Review of Books: Vol. 45 No. 23 · 30 November 2023 ‘You made me do it’ Jacqueline Rose on violence and its origins In response​ to the

Israeli shelling ‘kills at least 12’ at Indonesian Hospital, while 28 premature babies are taken across the border into Egypt Egyptian medics stand by with

By Bill Heaney Tomorrow in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Labour will vote for an immediate ceasefire. Scottish Labour will also add to the SNP motion

Published 20 November 2023 By Lucy Ashton A support group tackling the stigma around men’s mental health by offering safe spaces and activities around West

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Oxhill in Dumbarton, faces eight charges of conspiracy to murder and could receive the death penalty. By Bill Heaney The family

DEEP TROUBLE  Worst Royal Navy disaster since World War Two was averted at last minute … Published: 22:00, 19 Nov 2023 A ROYAL Navy nuclear sub

A survey of GPs found just 13% have sufficient access to urgent care while 29% said the same as pharmacy staff The study was carried

Children from the St Kessog’s section of the Balloch Schools Campus enjoying themselves in the now doomed Balloch Library which is set to be closed

Israeli military moved in on al-Shifa on Wednesday. By Bill Heaney Thirty-one premature babies have been moved out of Gaza’s main hospital and are receiving “urgent

NOTEBOOK by Bill Heaney Winter’s came, the snow has fell Wee Josie’s nose is froze as well Wee Josie’s froziz nose is skintit … Winter’s

Vale of Leven Trust is in Alexandria Here’s what’s coming up this week! Look forward to seeing you all at the Elvis Tribute on Saturday (uh-huh )!

By Democrat reporter BBC Scotland News is reporting that thousands of people have attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Glasgow to demand an immediate ceasefire in

The Phoenix Our partners in the Dumbarton Community Action Group would love to get your opinion on our area. The survey only takes a couple

Loch Lomond Shores is at Loch Lomond Shores Our #WeekendMarket is THIS Sunday, the 19th November, from 10am-4pm! We’ve a fantastic selection of vendors attending this weekend,

Looking for more in BookWeekScotland? Book Week Scotland: Find a Silver Ticket When you pick up a copy of this year’s free Book Week Scotland book, Adventure,

Monty’s Farm Park Our animals are mega excited for Festive Fun on the Farm! Sessions for December are still available to book on our website:

Tickets are on sale now for the Dumbarton People’s Theatre Pantomime, Pirates of the River Leven, at the Denny Civic Theatre from Saturday 2nd December

Roo’s Kitchen Plans for today? No? Well come down and join us for brunch! Served all day from 9am-2.45pm! Full cake cabinet! Including the very

Local artists displaying and selling lots of awesome and mega well priced work in our garden this weekend (thankfully under cover!). Ardardan Farm Shop, Garden

Macallan Adami 1926 sold at Sotheby’s in London after a bidding war between would-be buyers on the phone and in the room Auction: Just 40

Vulnerable road users and pedestrians, can you be seen? Can you judge the distance of oncoming vehicles from you correctly? Use crossings when available or

Al-Shifa evacuees flee amid gunfire, with IDF tanks on the move By Oliver Slow,  BBC News Hundreds of people including some patients left Gaza City’s

Israel-Palestine conflict: Published on November 17 2023 UN aid deliveries to Gaza are suspended again due to shortages of fuel and a communications shutdown Gaza

By Lucy ASHTON Colin Lee, an equalities champion with 30 years’ experience, has been appointed to the Board of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National

November 17/2023   We look forward to seeing you there Bill you’re invited! Glasgow 25 and 26 November Get your free Christmas Market tickets With

Sir Keith Starmer on a tour of a whisky distillery this week. By J.P. McHugh Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party has today

Come along to our Christmas Fair next Friday 24th November, 6pm-8pm and get in the Christmas spirit with crafts and games for the kids. Be

By Bill Heaney Care workers’ champion Dame Jackie Baillie, Labour’s health spokesperson in the Scottish Parliament, has told the First Minister that the social care

Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Health Board leadership chief executive Jane Grant, chairman John Brown, and First Minister Humza Yousaf. By Bill Heaney Scottish Labour leader

Mr Matheson said the roaming charges were caused by his sons watching football. By Angus Cochrane BBC Scotland News Health Secretary Michael Matheson has admitted

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has he challenged First Minister Humza Yousaf on his government’s failure to deal with the prevalence

JUST PUBLISHED A HISTORY OF RUGBY IN LEINSTER DAVID DOOLIN Leinster – one of the most successful and influential Irish sporting teams of all time.

Rangers announce slight annual profit and focus on more transfer market success Last updated on 13 November 2023 By Lucy Ashton Rangers have announced an

Dumbarton FC fans marked Remembrance Day as well as celebrating victory over East Fife at Methil in Fife. Pictures by Jon Leino

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. By Bill Heaney SNP leader Stephen Flynn told the House of Commons yesterday that in

Wednesday 15 November 2023 Jess Phillips quits the Labour frontbench to defy Starmer on Gaza ceasefire. By Bill Heaney Sky News is reporting that a

Health Secretary still has ‘serious questions to answer’ over iPad scandal Michael Matheson remains under pressure over his iPad usage in Morocco Michael Matheson has been

Humza Yousaf and Shona Robison have been accused of misleading parliament. By Democrat reporter BBC Scotland is reporting that First Minister Humza Yousaf has been

A speech by Alex Cole Hamilton, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon during the debate on government transparency … William

By Bill Heaney Dame Jackie Baillie appears to have accepted the closure of Balloch Library by her Labour colleagues on West Dunbartonshire Council. Asked by

15 November 2023 By Lucy Ashton Pupils at Hermitage Primary are advocating for safer streets and a greener environment at their school by launching a campaign

Wednesday,  November 15, 2023 Israel Defence Force says it is ‘carrying out a precise and targeted operation’ against Hamas By Helen Sullivan in The Irish

Wednesday 15 November 2023  Not only is it immoral, unworkable and incredibly costly for taxpayers – but the Supreme Court has confirmed that it’s unlawful

By the Editor If West Dunbartonshire Council refuses point blank to speak to The Democrat and continues to defy the residents of Balloch, Jamestown, Haldane

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today asked the Scottish Government to justify claims made by the First Minister that more

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has accused Rishi Sunak of repeatedly failing to deliver on key policies. BBC News at Six is reporting that in

The trial at the High Court in Glasgow is believed to have been the largest prosecution of a child sex abuse ring in Scotland. By

Those trapped inside al-Shifa hospital reject Israel’s claims that it helped babies and others evacuate Palestinians injured in Israeli raids at Nasser Medical Hospital in

All we want for Christmas is for our libraries to stay open … By Lucy Ashton West Dunbartonshire Libraries are feeling creative. When you see what’s

By Lucy Ashton You just have to Love Loch Lomond – and Helensburgh too, of course. There are loads of Christmas Markets and Festivals this

Milly Main’s mother believes she will get justice over hospital death Milly Main died after contracting an infection at the Royal Hospital for Children. By

NHSGGC Annual Review 2022/23  The 2022/23 Annual Review of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde took place yesterday (13 November 2023) in the Queen Elizabeth University

Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Puppies and cats are not just for Christmas, but should you be looking for one for a child or

Ofcom said that, even after taking circumstances into account, Royal Mail fell short of its targets by a ‘significant and unexplained margin’ By Lucy Ashton

Ardardan Farm Shop, Garden Nursery & Tearoom Looking for Christmas presents with a truly “local” touch to them? Then take a trip to Ardardan which

Tuesday 14 November 2023 By Bill Heaney The Scottish Conservatives have today issued an ultimatum to embattled health secretary Michael Matheson: hand over your iPad

By Lucy Ashton  Dame Jackie Baillie has given her backing to shopworkers at the start of trade union Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week. The latest

By Bill Heaney Embattled Health Secretary Michael Matheson must ‘hang his head in shame’, Scottish Labour has said today, as the worst weekly A&E statistics

Rhu and Shandon Community Council The Rhu Christmas Lights Switch On Event is happening! Keep your eyes on this page for: The Christmas Lights Switch

Closure comes as parts West of Scotland has again been hit by torrential rain in wake of Storm Debi Storm Debi stop press: Network Rail

  Good afternoon Mr Heaney, This is just a short email about the closure of the Balloch Library. I know that you are aware of

By Lucy Ashton Members of a Loch Lomond environmental group have voiced their “enthusiastic” support of the redevelopment of Loch Sloy power station, north of

By Bill Heaney Loch Lomondside singer songwriter Liv Dawn, aka Olivia Haggarty, and her friend Sophia Baverstock, enjoyed a much-needed break from her busy schedule

SONS WIN AT EAST FIFE cinch League 2 A first-half goal from Kalvin Orsi was enough for Dumbarton to earn three points against East Fife

Angela Constance (right) is “all over the place” says Russell Findlay (left) By Lucy Ashton Justice Secretary Angela Constance has been told her government are “guilty

By Lucy Ashton Bonjour de la Tour! Starting from this Friday 17th November, We are delighted to bring you a great selection of 4 movies

By Billy Briggs in The Ferret Hundreds of human rights checks have been made on companies seeking grants from Scottish Enterprise since 2019, and no

By Aileen Maclennan Vulnerable people in Argyll and Bute accessed more than £4.3 million of additional income in 2022/23 thanks to the council’s Welfare Rights

By Lucy Ashton A new driving fine is coming into force next month that can land motorists a £100 fine. Drivers in some areas will not

Humza Yousaf and Shona Robison face growing pressure over WhatsApp controversy By Lucy Ashton First Minister Humza Yousaf and his deputy Shona Robison should refer themselves to the independent

Three parliamentarians, the Lord Lieutenant and the Provost of West Dunbartonshire turned out for a parade and Remembrance Day service at Christie Park in Alexandria

Monday 13 November 2023 at 10:20am Suella Braverman has been sacked as home secretary and David Cameron has been appointed foreign secretary. ITV News is

Democrat picture special by BILL HEANEY

Milly Main died after contracting an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus. Her mother, Kimberley Darroch,  is pictured here with Labour leader Anas

NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY Sleekit. The Labour Group on West Dunbartonshire Council can only be described as such after their decision last night to carry

By Lucy Ashton More than half of Scotland’s hospitals have not been inspected in the past five years, according to “gravely concerning” new figures. Healthcare

By Democrat reporter MILITARY and civilian personnel at HMNB Clyde came together this week and paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Over

Violent far-right protesters arrested around Cenotaph: Palestine supporters stay peaceful Saturday 11 November 2023 Police have arrested 126 people in an effort to contain disorder

BBC News and news agencies are reporting … Demonstrators gathered at the Museum of Art in Tel Aviv  Many held posters with details of of

By Malu Cursino BBC News Pope Francis has fired the Texan bishop Joseph Strickland, a fierce critic who has questioned the Pope’s leadership of the

10 November 2023 The Green Brigade plan to hold a “day of action” at Celtic Park if their dispute with the club is not “satisfactorily

Picture by Heather Greer Festival will feature a great range of stalls Enjoy the SHS Events Christmas Festival at Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday 2nd

Levengrove parkrun Huge thanks again to Wilson, one of our core team members for another great run report Run Report Event Number 124 – 11th

Low cloud surrounds Duncryne Hill, Gartocharn, with Ben Lomond dominating the background with just a small dusting of snow on its summit today (Friday). Photo

By Bill Heaney Those of you, such as some West Dunbartonshire Council officials who enjoy fine dining and a glass or two of wine in

By Bill Heaney Former Labour leader Richard Leonard  has told the Scottish Parliament that Scottish Water  workers are angry over pay talks and that industrial

By Lucy Ashton A unique programme funded from seized criminal assets has helped to provide new opportunities for more than 28,000 young people in the

By Bill Heaney Legal advice from the Scottish Government to the UK Covid 19 inquiry has been kept under wraps and seriously edited, the Holyrood

MATCH PREVIEW: EAST FIFE VS DUMBARTON cinch League 2 News 7 mins ago Dumbarton are back on the road tomorrow afternoon when they make the journey to

By Bill Heaney First Minister Humza Yousaf has apologised again – this time for “any shortcomings on our behalf that have caused any distress to the

By Bill Heaney Health Secretary Michael Matheson must pay out himself to cover the remainder of his £11,000 i pad data bill from his trip

By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP today said that failing to tackle Scotland’s sewage scandal,  which is much in evidence on

STOP PRESS: The Labour Group on West Dunbartonshire Councillor last night Wednesday disgracefully decided to close Balloch Library despite vigorous protests from the community. Look

7 November 2023 By Fergus Johnston Aldi has submitted plans for a new £4.7 million store on Castle Street, Dumbarton. The proposed new store marks

Published 07 November 2023 By Lucy Ashton People are being asked to share their views to create a new national qualifications body and new approaches

Published 07 November 2023  Wilful fire raising is a frequent offence in West Dunbartonshire. By Lucy Ashton Preventing and addressing antisocial behaviour will be the

Published 06 November 2023 By Bill Heaney Woman and girls will be better protected and victims’ needs prioritised as part of reforms to improve justice

Where was the national care service? Problem is government isn’t listening  By Christine McAnea, General Secretary The King’s Speech was a missed opportunity to announce

In this guide … What is the minimum wage? Why you may be being underpaid How to get what you’re due Why MSE doesn’t use

The GMB union said its female members were effectively ‘working for free’ for the rest of the year Workers protested outside the supermarket on Monday.

Author: Billy Briggs  Pictures by Bill Heaney A fish farm company has started legal action to stop an anti-salmon campaigner visiting its sites covertly. Scottish

The star-studded line-up for the fabulous Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. Wednesday 8 November 2023  Celtic Connections 2024 programme grows with seminal Bothy Band performance

MP says he wants to be a “strong advocate for the humanitarian ceasefire” but currently can’t do so from Labour’s frontbench Wednesday 8 November 2023

By Lucy Ashton Those looking for a fresh start will no doubt be interested in this rare job opportunity, as ScotRail are currently recruiting trainee

Nun accused of orphanage abuse ‘one of gentlest people’ Smyllum Park Orphanage in Lanark after it closed in the 1980s By Democrat reporter A nun

Music The Reeling set for epic 2024 return Glasgow’s newest festival announces first wave of spectacular acts The Reeling, Scotland’s newest traditional music festival, is

Scottish Government has been blasted for presiding over policing cuts which mean that there are significantly less cops on the beat. By Lucy Ashton The

Help loved ones back to their home comforts sooner By Lucy Ashton NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is calling for patient families and friends to

By Lucy Ashton It has been forecast today by polling company Ballot Box Scotland that First Minister Humza Yousaf will lose his seat and that

London Review of Books ‘The Refugee Problem’ Leila Farsakh writes about the Palestinians’ struggle for recognition Almost​ a month has elapsed since Hamas fighters broke the

By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie is encouraging residents across Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond to be prepared for winter and, if eligible,

By agency reporters The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza says the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing war with Israel has surpassed 10,000. The figures

By Bill Heaney Professor John Brown, chairman of the local Health Board, is retiring this month. He ended his eight-year term of office, which was

  By Democrat reporter SERVING AND VETERAN Royal Navy Submariners travelled to London at the weekend to remember those submariners who have gone on “eternal

UNISON says the action will have serious implications for water and sewage services By Democrat reporter UNISON sent notices to Scottish Water this week, to

Pictures from Levengrove by Gavin MacDonald, Jon Leino, Tom Gardiner and Pedro Dumbarton and Vale Camera Club

Elizabeth El-Nakla and her husband Maged were allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing Elizabeth El-Nakla and her husband Maged are back in Scotland.

Author: Paul Dobson Police Scotland’s use of a controversial form of facial recognition has tripled over the last five years, and is on course to

By Katie Hunter BBC Scotland reporter Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, pictured above,  has said the UK government should be doing more to secure the release of a