THE DEMOCRAT

by Democrat reporter MSP Jackie Baillie has blasted “cynical” moves to delay a decision on the future of Helensburgh’s fire crews. Scottish Fire and Rescue

by Democrat reporter Bishop Brian is SCIAF’s Bishop President and cares deeply about poverty and injustice around the world. He said “What can be more

We have carried out a Dementia Friendly Environment Assessment in Ward 4 West. The assessment brought together different perspectives, including lived experience, Alzheimer Scotland, and

Fewer people are rolling up to Mass on Sundays. The evidence of this was there for all to see when I took my wife along

  Pictured above: Kenny MacAskill speaking during an ALBA Special National Assembly meeting.  by Democrat reporter ALBA Party leader Kenny MacAskill has contacted all members

Rhu Bay The Rosslea Hall Hotel in Rhu has confirmed that “our hot food offering has been temporarily paused” a move they describe as necessary

Happy Retirement Georgina After an incredible 47 years in the Early Years sector, Georgina is retiring. Georgina started her early years career at the age

Argyll and Bute Council  ‘Services could be lost. Local jobs could be lost. That’s the harsh reality. Setting the council budget must be about matching

by Bill Heaney Every household in the country would get a rebate worth hundreds of pounds under Scottish Conservative plans to turn the government’s annual

by Democrat reporter At their spring conference, Scottish Liberal Democrats have passed a motion calling for a major boost to Scotland’s gaming industry, including proposals

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice £50,000 a Week – The Cost of Compassionate Care at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice At St Margaret of Scotland

Andrea Egan Unison General Secretary Elect “Working‑class people have always been organisers, fighters and leaders,” said new UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan. An inspiring women’s

We provide FREE rides in the fresh air in our unique trishaws to allow older people and  those of all ages with limited mobility to

A range of priority projects in Argyll and Bute coastal communities are set to benefit new Crown Estate funding. The Scottish Government confirmed in November

ScotRail ScotRail is introducing a £10 minimum fare (exceptions apply) for customers who board one of our services without buying a ticket before they travel.

Argyll and Bute Council A World first for Argyll and Bute Congratulations to Cardross Primary School, now the first primary school in the world to

West Dunbartonshire Libraries Come and join us at Dalmuir Library as we get creative and celebrate #InternationalWomensDay with DIY Zine making and canvas portrait painting.

Helensburgh Book Festival Meet two of Scotland’s brightest young crime writers, Foday Mannah and Callum McSorley, on Saturday 28th March at 4pm at the Helensburgh

West Dunbartonshire Council  A82 westbound overnight closure The A82 westbound between Dunglass Roundabout and Dumbuck junction will be closed from 8pm on Sun 22 Feb

West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau We are here for everyone in West Dunbartonshire. Our freephone number is covered by our small pool of qualified advisors

Craighelen Lawn Tennis & Squash Club Junior Tennis at Craighelen Tennis Club Looking for a fun and active activity for your child? Our sessions focus

Helensburgh Community Council The future of the Annexe ground at Hermitage Primary remains uncertain, currently it sits on the sites for disposal list. Helensburgh Community

Dumbarton and the Vale Camera Club James Duncan  Ben Ime – the highest mountain in the Arrochar Alps at 1,011m and a Munro, also known

Scotland will play at their first World Cup since 1998 Council officials have recommended that there should be no additional bank holiday in Argyll and

Don’t believe all you read in the newspapers. Some of us journalists don’t even believe what we write in them. That is not so remarkable

by Bill Heaney MSP Jackie Baillie has pledged that a Scottish Labour government will tackle rising violence on Scotland’s streets by getting tough on the

Officers are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 64-year-old man hill walking in the Fort William area of the Highlands. Brian

by Democrat reporter Pesident Donald Trump has said the US administration will impose an immediate 10 per cent global tariff, “over and above normal tariffs

First Minister John Swinney, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain and Conservative leader Russell Findlay. Dumbarton Notebook by Bill Heaney On 19 January, John Swinney received a

by Charlotte Morris A major new research report, Multilingualism and New Scots Refugee Integration, combining findings from two expert roundtables and contributions from leading scholars, educators,

No trace of Mary Duncan has been found since she vanished from her home in Bonhill 50 years ago. The police have searched endlessly for

Vale of Leven History Lynn Watson sent us this picture of the Balloch Juveniles. Her dad, John Mullen, is the goalkeeper. From around the late

West Dunbartonshire Council  Levengrove Park Community Art Exhibition This Community Art Exhibition is to give those artists within the community an opportunity to display their

by Democrat reporter The business was once described as “a licence to print money” but this week it is being reported that Scottish broadcaster STV

The story of Govan’s shipbuilding heritage and celebrations of Glasgow’s modern-day multiculturalism are among the focuses for this year’s Govan Music Festival, as the 2026 programme

The appointment comes after allegations Dame Antonia was previously spoken to about her management style by Democrat reporter Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Britain’s

Cara was one of 28 former patients who spoke to the BBC Disclosure documentary. by Jax Sinclair of BBC Scotland A report into the  children’s

England N. Ireland Scotland Alba Wales Cymru Local News My News BBC News Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.  It comes

by LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER Glasgow City Council has been considering an application to create a 940-person capacity premises on empty land on the corner of

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay. by Bill Heaney Russell Findlay has today called on the Lord Advocate to consider her

by Elizabeth McMeekin Researchers have found more evidence that microplastics are impacting freshwater wildlife in different countries around the world. A new study, led by

The SSPCA says 90 grey seal pups have been admitted to its national wildlife rescue centre iin the space of five months by Democrat reporter

Liam McArthur says assisted dying should be available for people who are sound of mind but are living with a terminal illness by Democrat reporter

and Politics Scotland Business Edinburgh, Fife & East Glasgow & West Highlands & Islands NE, Orkney & Shetland South Tayside & Central Alba Duvall played

by Bill Heaney Frontline police officers should have access to guns which are securely stored in their vehicles, according to the Scottish Police Federation (SPF).

  by Bill Heaney Skinflint Rangers have been ordered to pay former star Alex Rae more than £12,000 after he claimed he was unfairly sacked

Peter Murrell ‘sent Amazon fraud parcels to Nicola Sturgeon’s sister and parents during £81k splurge’ Chris Musson , Associate Editor (Politics)| Craig Robertson PETER Murrell sent

BOOK REVIEW by BILL HEANEY You have to know where you came from in order to know where you are going, it is often said

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice chief executive Sister Rita Dawson welcomes the late Queen Elizabeth to the hospice at East Barns Street in Clydebank. by

by Democrat reporter Motorcyclists in West Dunbartonshire  are once again being offered the opportunity to enhance their riding skills and road safety knowledge as part

By Bill Heaney Prime Minister Keir Starmer has abandoned plans to postpone local elections for councils in May in yet another U-turn for the government. The elections

Church of Scotland A group of elders who have served the Kirk for 500 years between them have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament. Cross-party

  by Bill Heaney First Minister John Swinney has often boasted about running a ‘transparent’ administration – even though he has personally blocked the release

GlasGael , Glasgow’s brand new Irish Festival is coming to Glasgow Green, on Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May 2026!! A massive celebration of Irish

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opened in 2015 and above the Royal Hospital for Children. by Democrat reporter The health board at the centre of the

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP, has confirmed that Susan Douglas‑Scott CBE will continue as Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee

Public toilets across Argyll and Bute could be closed or taken out of council hands A proposal to save money by ending council involvement in

Bishop Richard Moth during his installation Mass as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster by Zahra Fatima The newly appointed leader of Catholics in England and

Rando Bertoia – the last survivor of the Arandora Star sinking – died in 2013 by Giancarlo Rinaldi Plans for a memorial day in Italy

Peter Murrell in the Scottish Parliament in 2020  The former chief executive of the SNP Peter Murrell is accused of embezzling £460,000 from the SNP over 13

Dumbarton Notebook by Bill Heaney The Health and Social Care Partnership is not answerable to West Dunbartonshire Council and could legally push forward with their

by Bill Heaney Clydebank’s Titan Crane is facing an uncertain future due – it is most probably destined for demolition – to the high cost

Sir Chris Wormald was appointed as cabinet secretary just over a year ago by Democrat reporter Sir Chris Wormald has been forced out as the

Pam Duncan-Glancy pictured with Sean Morton in 2015, two years before his initial conviction. by Democrat reporter MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy has defended her friendship with

Reach has announced plans to close its Saltire printing facility in Glasgow in the spring Newspaper publisher Reach has announced plans to close its printing

by Democrat reporter Scottish Liberal Democrat economy and finance spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP, right, has today announced that after securing £300 million in funding for

Do you litter? Someone you know must…… Millions admit to littering in research published ahead of #SpringCleanScotland – the nation’s biggest mass litter pick Half

by Democrat reporter Children’s Mental Health Week runs from Feb 9-15 this year. This year’s theme of ‘This is My Place’ aims to spread the

by Áine Allardyce Three Worlds for Forest, the acclaimed verbatim play exploring the uncertainties facing UK forests in a time of climate change, has launched

‘It’s OK to Ask’ questions about your healthcare NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging people to feel confident asking questions at their medical appointments,

by Elizabeth McMeekin An international team of researchers, led by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal, is investigating whether reverting to

by Bill Heaney Who cares for the carers? We’ll see this afternoon when a demonstration against a “redesign” of their service to West Dunbartonshire’s elderly

Standards Commission’s brutal clampdown on free speech … by Nick Kempe Yesterday I went to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) headquarters

Doyle, a former Downing Street Director of Communications under Sir Keir Starmer, was made a life peer last month. by Bill Heaney Sir Keir Starmer’s

by Democrat reporter Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Health Secretary Neil Gray. by Democrat reporter Scotland’s Health Secretary has been urged to “come clean” over

Heller Gonzalez Pena I also jumped on the trend of asking ChatGPT to create a caricature of me and my work based on everything it

Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson welcomed Chief Inspector Lynn Edwards to L Division. Chief inspector Edwards has joined the senior

First Minister John Swinney, Conservative MSP Pam Gosal and Finance MInister Shona Robison. by Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire faces an ever-increasing number of incidents of

by Bill Heaney The mortality rate of salmon being farmed off the West Coast will be investigated by cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon, pictured right, she

by Dermocrat reporter A local man who subjected his partner to years of abuse has been banned from contacting her for three years. Iain MacPhee

Helensburgh Leisure Centre closed last year as a result of extensive roof damage by Andrew Galloway A leisure centre damaged during Storm Éowyn more than

Church of Scotland A theatre group who have battled wind, snow and Covid to perform an annual Passion Play are set to celebrate 10 years

by Bill Heaney Warnings that a significant proportion of the medical workforce – and that includes carers – is experiencing stress, anxiety and burnout have

Brunton Miller Solicitors closed suddenly in November The Law Society has confirmed it retains a large number of files following the sudden closure of a

by Democrat reporter February is LGBT+ History Month, and Equality Network and Scottish Trans are encouraging LGBTQIA+ people and their friends, families and allies to

by Bill Heaney The Scottish Conservatives have today written to the SNP justice secretary demanding that she dismiss a “crackpot” recommendation for a presumption against

The broadcaster’s fee will rise by £5.50 from 1 April The TV licence fee is to rise by £5.50 from £174.50 to £180 from 1 April, the

by Democrat reporter Danone has recalled several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate baby formula because of the possible presence of a toxin linked to the poisoning

Dumbarton Notebook by Bill Heaney What is it about old folk that West Dunbartonshire Council just don’t like? Why do they seem intent on making

Professor McQueen previously said she did not recall making the comment. by Angus Cochrane Senior political journalist BBC Scotland News An alleged comment made by

First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay clashed at Holyrood. by Bill Heaney All froth and no beer. That’s how Conservative leader

by Democrat reporter MSP Jackie Baillie has backed her party’s plans to implement a mobile phone ban in classrooms, if Scottish Labour comes to power

Conservative spokesman Liam Kerr and Justice Secretary Angela Constance. by Democrat reporter SNP justice secretary Angela Constance must confirm she will urgently publish details of

by Democrat reporter With just a few months now before exam time, secondary students will be hitting the books to make sure they move onto

by Gillian Morrison NHS 24’s Breathing Space service has marked a major milestone with the unveiling of its 100th Breathing Space bench, installed in collaboration

by Democrat reporter A private school attended by children from wealthy Catholic families has announced it will close at the end of the school term,

An incredible impact for an entire school Dear Bill, Could 2026 be the year you change the future for an entire school? My name is Claire,

by Democrat reporter The supposedly “super hospital” which takes adult patients and sick children from West Dunbartonshire  is STILL unsafe despite the SNP Government’s repeated

By Bill Heaney Three NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff members and one nursing team have been named as finalists in the nationally recognised RCN

Disappointed members of the cast of TV soap opera River City. by Lucy Ashton End of the road for fictional Glasgow neighbourhood Shieldinch as the

Mandelson to step down after ‘shocking’ email allegations Peer faces police scrutiny after Keir Starmer orders officials to draw up legislation to kick him out

by Bill Heaney MSP Jackie Baillie has blasted the Scottish Government for failing to reveal when a decision on the controversial Flamingo Land development is

Helensburgh Community Hub Huge thank you to Minuteman Press Helensburgh and Lomond for our lovely Helensburgh Book Festival programme.  Get yours from the Book Nook

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice — Major Contribution to Our Building Appeal Our heartfelt thanks to our long standing friend and supporter, The W M

Dumbarton Notebook by Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire’s crackpot council is facing industrial action over their plans to introduce a new work schedule for care workers.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Join us for an early International Women’s Day Celebration on Monday 2 March 2026. We’ll share a

Women United Against State Pension Injustice Take note, Pat McFadden over 50,000 people have spoken. We are organised, documented, and determined. We are halfway there.

Taste of Home – Catering by Roo Picture this!  You book us to cater your private dinner party for your special event We turn up

St Vincent’s Hospice Your compassion. Their peace. A role that truly makes a difference.  “The hospice gave Jane peace – and gave me memories I

by Democrat reporter First Minister, John Swinney, has officially opened Luss Distillery, the new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience by Loch Lomond Group, located in

Drop-off charges will increase on Tuesday by Bill Heaney Holiday costs are about to rise for West Dunbartonshire people as Scottish airports are raising their

Chief Constable of Police Scotland Jo Farrell. There are calls for Audit Scotland to launch an inquiry into the taxpayer-funded payout of more than £134,000

On BBC News tonight there is a report by Steve Rosenberg that Russia has become the most hostile place in the world to be a

China has agreed to halve its import tariffs on Scotch whisky, offering export gains for UK distillers. At home, however, a new rise in excise

Susan Dick runs a not for profit pony therapy business at Bowling. by Jonathan Geddes, of BBC Scotland A local woman was left stunned when

by Jamie Whitehead Lord Mandelson says he has resigned his membership of the Labour Party as he does not want to “cause further embarrassment” by

Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events, sending a message of hope and unity around the

by Bill Heaney The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland has warned that workforce wellbeing in Scotland’s NHS is at a crisis point. Scottish

Professor  Caroline Hiscox (left) is the chief executive of NHS Lothian while Professor Jann Gardner (right) has the same role at NHS Greater Glasgow and

Molly Cuddihy died last year, aged 23, seven years after she had a hospital-acquired infection which her family say had long-term impacts on her health

by Bill Heaney More than 3,500 drink and drug driving tests were carried out by Police Scotland officers during the festive enforcement campaign. In West

Police said the officers were injured before Thursday’s match between Celtic and Utrecht BBC Scotland is reporting that four police officers were injured after missiles

by Bill Heaney Former Scotland, Nottingham Forest and Derby County winger John Robertson has been honoured by family, friends and former team mates at his

Reform making big impact in the polls for Holyrood elections Malcolm Offord and Nigel Farage. by Democrat reporter Reform UK has a five-point lead over

by Democrat reporter Junior Rate Submariners from HMS Ambush supported the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) through a dedicated volunteer

Health Secretary Neil Gray, Pam Gosal MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP. by Bill Heaney Health boards must ensure that all their facilities comply with relevant

Labour work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden apologised that women born in the 1950s were not sent individual letters about their state pension changes earlier,

by Bill Heaney The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital  and Royal Hospital for Children campus which replaced Yorkhill Hospital and serves West Dunbartonshire and Argyll  was

by Bill Heaney Anas Sarwar claimed today (Thursday) that he has found “damning evidence” that political pressure was applied to open super-hospital on time. Meeting

by Democrat reporter It’s more expensive for a person to stay the night in hospital or care home than it is to keep them overnight

by Bill Heaney John Swinney has been urged to rein in the SNP’s “unfair, unaffordable and unsustainable” benefits bill to deliver a tax cut to

by Democrat reporter Last year’s Tiree Music Festival contributed £1.6m to the Hebridean island’s economy, according to a new report. The event’s organisers said it

by Elizabeth McMeekin The University of Glasgow is to lead a new project which aims to improve fish welfare in the global ornamental fish trade,

Scotland’s councils risk becoming financially unsustainable Whilst councils have made significant savings, the cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding. This risks

Vale of Leven Academy For the past few months S2 and S3 at Vale of Leven Academy, pupils have been working on the project “Your

STOP PRESS 23.21 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026 SNP MUST RESPECT WILL OF PARLIAMENT AND RELEASE QEUH COMMUNICATION – SARWAR Commenting after MSPs backed Scottish Labour’s

by Democrat reporter  The number of deaths registered in Scotland in 2024/25 rose compared to the previous year following the largest seasonal increase in influenza

NHS 24’s Breathing Space is inviting people to take a moment outdoors this Breathing Space Day, highlighting the positive impact that time spent in nature

by Democrat reporter NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is celebrating a major achievement as a new study using genetic tests to personalise treatments reached its

by Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire Council’s Greenspace team is helping to facilitate a major environmental initiative bringing together local authorities, community volunteer groups, schools and

by Democrat reporter Following the news that Diageo will close the visitor centre at its Clynelish Distillery in Brora, Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland

by Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today raised the alarm over the crisis in social care as new figures revealed that

Dumbarton Harp Social Club Dumbarton Harp Social Club were honoured this week to be able to support two families by providing different types of funeral

Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they

by Bill Heaney People in Scotland are less likely to die from cancer, with the risk falling by 12% over the past decade, according to

Scottish Maritime Museum Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank Visit the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, Dumbarton to discover how William Denny and Brothers’ innovative and

The Chair, Fara and Gnoss raised the roof at the famous Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom with a special sold out Orkney inspired anniversary concert to mark the midway point of Celtic

Scotland Scotland Politics Scotland Business Edinburgh, Fife & East Glasgow & West Highlands & Islands NE, Orkney & Shetland South Tayside & Central Alba John

Greater Manchester mayor has applied to stand for Labour, setting up potential fight for PM’s political future Kiran Stacey, Geraldine McKelvie and Harry Taylor in The Guardian Keir

Josie Duncan says she loves being part of the traditional music scenes but has turned down jobs because who she would be working with. by

Thank you to everyone who has already popped into 2 High Street to say hello. We have loved meeting you all and booking some amazing

Amey South West Trunk Roads Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential carriageway resurfacing works on the A898 and M898 at Erskine Bridge

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and Justice & Peace Scotland “You are the salt of the earth”: International Catholic Bishops Call for Justice and

PICTURE OF FLYING DUTCHMAN IN OBAN HARBOUR by Bill Heaney by Democrat reporter An exhibition exploring the realities of life at sea and ashore is

DumbartonHarp Social Club Tickets are now available at the bar and from the Bell Centre Butchers for our fantastic Mother’s Day afternoon tea on 15th

Vale of Leven Academy Our hardworking S6 students have completed their university applications and have had a variety of amazing offers, including degrees in Architecture,

Officers are appealing to the public to help trace 57-year-old Michael Watson who has been reported missing in West Dunbartonshire. He was last seen in

Kimberly Darroch’s daughter Milly Main died while being treated at the Royal Hospital for Children by Democrat reporter The mother of a ten-year-old girl who

Scottish Labour has written to the First Minister seeking assurances that WhatsApps and other communications relating to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital scandal have not

High profile Burnham prevented from standing in upcoming by-election in move that risks sparking civil war within the party Mahmood, left: ‘Voters won’t forgive Labour

by Bill Heaney Scottish Water has announced it is to hike charges by more than eight per cent – costing the average household around £42

by Bill Heaney Police in Italy have charged over 40 Celtic fans following a clash with Bologna supporters last night, according to local reports. Men dressed in

Promotional shot for the Help for Heroes campaign, of which he is a patron. by Bill Heaney Donald Trump was “wrong” to diminish the role

Whistleblowers came to me with devastating evidence that children had died due to infections in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital — but their parents had

SNP Government presides over a cynical culture that is defined by arrogance, secrecy and cover-up, Russell Findlay (left) told John Swinney (right). by Bill Heaney

by Democrat reporter A volunteer team whose bravery has saved countless lives has been named Citizen of the Year at this year’s Provost’s Civic Awards.

Visitors to Loch Lomond Shores will introduce paid parking from Wednesday, January 28, as part of a plan to reinvest funding into its facilities and long-term

MSP Clare Haughey challenged Minister Richard Lochhead about meeting with credit unions. by Bill Heaney What is the Scottish Government doing in regard to its