THE DEMOCRAT

Amey South West Trunk Roads FULL WEEKEND CLOSURE  Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential resurfacing on the southbound A898 Erskine Bridge from

by Bill Heaney Emergency teams searched a waterfall deep pool at a beauty spot near Loch Lomond after a woman was reported in difficulty in

PICTURES by LINDA SPIER West Dunbartonshire Council  The Scottish Pipe Band Championships land in Levengrove Park this July — with bands from across the country

Craigard Tearoom IV by Melanie Andrews MBE After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that I intend to stand as an Independent candidate for

The areas of Scotland with the highest crime rates have been named, and West Dunbartonshire is one of them. Scotland’s “most dangerous” areas have been

The man was stretchered onto a lifeboat by rescue volunteers A man has been left with leg and chest injuries after a jet ski crashed

Argyll & Bute Council reported today “Our Building Standards team has been regularly inspecting the properties and carrying out essential safety works under statutory powers

Santé Bistro Helensburgh Small plates. Big flavours. Memorable moments. Discover Helensburgh’s Mediterranean escape at Santé Bar & Bistro. Mix, match and share your way through

Stewart Cunningham This year is the centenary of the very first TV broadcast by Helensburgh’s most famous son, John Logie Baird. I see that his

Stewart Cunningham It always brings a smile to my face. I grew up in the 60’s & early 70’s in Clydebank. When garden detritus or

Brendan O’Hara MP  The generosity, kindness, and solidarity the people of Argyll, Bute & South Lochaber have shown towards the beleaguered population of Gaza since

What will you read on holiday this summer, whether on a foreign jaunt or staycation? A distinguished list of Tablet contributors offer their summer books. The Tablet

Rhu Bay £2.19 PINTS! WOW – THAT TAKES SOME BEATING. 10-DAY SCOTTISH ALE FESTIVAL AT THE HENRY BELL The Henry Bell on James Street, Helensburgh,

by BILL HEANEY The SNP has been accused of a “complete failure” to support Police Scotland as new figures reveal the overtime bill for officers

DUMBARTON UNITED 2009s OPEN SESSION Saturday 11th July 12:00 PM  Dumbarton Common Due to huge interest, we’re holding an additional open session. Think you’ve got

DumbartonHarp Social Club Just over a month to go!  The countdown is on for an unforgettable night of Boyzone & Westlife classics with Boyzlive! Tickets are

Summer e-news: 9 July 2026 edition View this email in your browser Festival dates: 15-30 August Dive deep into events for all the family! We get it – in the

Image source: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority .Jet ski riders often carry out dangerous and risky moves on the loch. by Democrat

Cheaper vet fees and new ombudsman in biggest reforms to vet sector in half a century  Proposals for a new independent veterinary ombudsman to give

Helensburgh Community Council Some emails have been received by Helensburgh Community Council expressing concerns about the Waterfront Consultation on the proposed sale of our Common

THE DUMBARTON DEMOCRAT If your councillor fails to vote for a better deal for Home carers, then don’t vote for them when the election comes

Scotland fans took over Boston and Miami during the World Cup BBC Scotland News reporting The Tartan Army are being offered free tickets for events

GMB Scotland members vote for industrial action after bosses imposed changes Home care workers in West Dunbartonshire have overwhelmingly backed strike action after managers refused

All you need to know about the 2026 Commonwealth Games Many Scottish athletes will dream of enjoying success like the bronze medal-winning women’s 4 x

by David Maddox, Athena Stavrou & Kate Devlin in The Independent Tuesday, 07 July 2026 14:33 BST Watch Nigel Farage speech live as Reform UK leader to

by Democrat reporter THE CONSTRUCTION of new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at HM Naval Base Clyde took an exciting step toward completion recently when the

West Dunbartonshire Libraries Dumbarton’s new public library, which cost around £10 million to move from Strathleven Place to Glencairn House in Dumbarton High Street. A

West Dunbartonshire Council  Summer of Sport 2026 is delivered in partnership with Sportscotland and funded by the Scottish Government and will offer a fantastic range

Aughrus Peninsula in Connemara The world-famed OMEY RACES – an afternoon of pony racing and fun, around a course on Omey Strand – takes place

Dogs.ie, owned by Synora Technologies, raised concerns that the ‘repeated use of parliamentary proceedings’ was levelling serious assertions about its business.  by Marie O’Halloran in

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and justice spokesperson Yi-pei Chou Turvey. by Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and party justice spokesperson

Arrochar’s shore filthy with sewage and protestors, including Jackie Baillie MSP and former environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham. by Bill Heaney Loch Long is possibly the

ScotRail will charge ticket dodgers a minimum £10 fare. By Claire Thomson of BBC Scotland ScotRail has started charging ticket dodgers a minimum £10 fare

The Pawn CABARET DAY IS BACK! You all loved our Cabaret Day last year so much… we’re doing it all again! Get Sunday 26th July

John Kane Funeral Directors Linda McCluskey (McKean) 11th December 1947 – 25th June 2026On behalf of the family, we have been asked to share details

Loch Lomond Rescue Boat Loch Lomond Rescue Boat were tasked at 23:50 last night as part of a multi-agency response involving Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance

NHS Golden Jubilee We are seeking a qualified or trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) to join our Advanced Practice Team. Based initially within the Interventional

Picture by James Duncan Sparrowhawk (male): a real close encounter, only feet away from the photographer, showing off the bird’s deadly talons as he watches

West Dunbartonshire Community by Nicola King Had a great local walk the other day, courtesy of Zoe, from our Friends of Havoc Meadows. A great

Dumbarton Parish Church Looking for something to do this summer? There’s always a warm welcome at Dumbarton Parish Church. Whether you’re looking for good company,

Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Our community policing team were out in Helensburgh alongside mounted officers and our Road Traffic officers, taking part in

by Lucy Ashton It is one thing having your grant slashed in half by £25,000, but quite another when your calls for help are ignored

Yes Scotland campaigned during the 2014 independence referendum. by Democrat reporter Police are making inquiries after a complaint was made about the finances of Yes

HISTORIC BUILDING CONSERVATION WORKSHOP AT RHU & SHANDON PARISH CHURCH A practical, hands-on workshop and training day is to take place, organised by SPAB Scotland

by  LUCY ASHTON Liberal Democrat MSP Yi-Pei Chou Turvey has today received the Rising Star Award from the European Liberal Forum at the 50th anniversary

by Lucy Ashton A five-star holiday park located at the foot of Ben Lomond in Balmaha is for sale as the owners prepare for retirement

Most Scottish travellers will have to pay the charge  Barcelona is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Scots. by Lucy Ashton New rules

US president tells supporters communism is ‘the enemy of July 4th, 1776′ during Mount Rushmore address David Smith in Washington Saturday,  July, 4 2026  Donald

by Bill Heaney There has been an initial negative reaction to a proposal to strengthen policing in Faslane, Helensburgh and the surrounding road network by

The former Deputy First Minister also claimed she had the support of the public in 2023 Kate Forbes was a rising star in the SNP

DUMBARTON NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY It couldn’t be that King Charles, like Prince Harry, has turned up his regal nose at Dumbarton, or could it?

This week in Parliament   Summer recess begins The Scottish Parliament is in recess from 27 June to 30 August. No parliamentary business will take

Pictures montage: Craig Sutherland and DFC Executive Director Cameron Watson shaking hands on his appointment; We Are the People Rangers banner on Sutherland’s web page; 

Your gift will have TWICE the impact Dear Democrat readers, Don’t miss your chance to make sure your kindness goes twice as far! Thanks to

by BILL HEANEY His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of First Minister John Swinney, has appointed five new Senators to the College of Justice,

by Democrat reporter A programme of free cycling and walking activities will be on offer for young people over the school holidays as part of

by Bill Heaney It’s the traditional Dumbarton Fair Holiday Fortnight. Holidaymakers heading to Helensburgh or Honolulu or anywhere else over the summer are being warned

Last updated Jul 2nd, 2026 at 16:36 STV News is reporting that four people have been arrested after police and immigration officers targeted dozens of

by Democrat reporter West Dunbartonshire Council has launched a fun-packed programme of free and engaging activities over the school holidays.   The Council’s “School Holidays

The sunny season always stirs the appetite for adventure.  So, when the time comes for the big, summer escape, pack as much luggage into the

Dumbarton Labour MSP Jackie Baillie and SNP Justice Secretary Neil Gray. by Bill Heaney Dumbarton Labour MSP Jackie Baillie has blasted the SNP Government’s plans

Hello Democrat readers, Don’t miss your chance to save 20% this summer! There’s still time to take advantage of 20% off Flexi & Premium motorist

Pictured left to right are The Rt Hon. Dorothy Bain PC KC; Christine O’Neill KC; Liam Ewing KC; Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar KC; and Indranil

I was in Edinburgh for the weekend attending a graduation cum birthday party for my granddaughter, Jane Heaney, which gave me some time off to

New enforcement unit pursues billions lost to British taxpayers during pandemic Recovery efforts intensify as nearly 2,000 company directors are banned and 86 criminals are

Published 25 June 2026 by Bill Heaney Ellen McBride, a former teacher in St Stephen’s, Dalmuir, and one-time head teacher at St Peter’s, Bellsmyre, has

by Kim Hardie The arrival of two unassuming shipping containers at HM Naval Base Clyde marks a significant step forward in how the Royal Navy

by Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today challenged the First Minister on a sharp rise in sexual crime, as he

West Dunbartonshire Council Huge congratulations to all the talented golfers who competed in the West Dunbartonshire Schools Golf 2026 Championship. Our secondary school students took

by Bill Heaney The Scottish Government’s intentions to reform post-school education and skills lack a clear delivery plan. Progress is slow. The government needs to

The Tartan Army quickly won over the people of Boston and Miami, and now Texas can be added to that list. During the World Cup,

Olaf Stando delivering campaign leaflets for the SNP. by DEMOCRAT REPORTER John Swinney’s entourage of special advisers racked up a huge £4,600 expenses bill in

24 June 2026 by Democrat reporter Argyll and Bute Council is to ask for views on the proposal for the final part of the multi-million-pound

by Democrat reporter Scottish Liberal Democrat education and children spokesperson Duncan Dunlop MSP has today said that the SNP need to do better for care-experienced

The Waverley Bar It`s Book Club night! Whether you’ve finished the chapters or just fancy the chat or just want to take advantage of our

LibDems say the scale of the challenge facing police officers and our wider justice system is huge by Bill Heaney Scottish Labour has demanded action as

High street businesses backed with tax changes that will level the playing field. Government accelerates plans to scrap the duty relief on cheap imports and

Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband previously admitted to stealing from the SNP Peter Murrell’s police interviews released  Sturgeon was ‘utterly deceived’ as Murrell was sentenced for

Photographs by John Young Spent an enjoyable afternoon in Kippen at Graham’s The Family Dairy as they announced their biggest ever deal with Asda. The

West Dunbartonshire Council  A massive well done to St Mary’s, Duntocher, and St Martin’s Primary School, Renton,  who are the first in the UK to

by Democrat reporter James Fraser has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to tourism and heritage in the Loch Lomond and

HELENSBURGH RNLI EMERGENCY RESPONSE The Helensburgh Lifeboat completed four callouts in a single week, responding to a beached rib, an engine failure, a false alarm,

Photograph by James Duncan Northern Marsh Orchid. Loch Lomond National Park. The gorgeous northern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) is very recognisable, bringing splashes of bright

Clifden Station House Hotel If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit Connemara, this is it. With sunshine forecast and the landscape looking spectacular,

by Bill Heaney Scottish Labour has warned that victims of domestic abuse are being “let down” as a result of the pressures on Scotland’s justice

 by Bill Heaney MSP Jackie Baillie has voiced her “disgust” after fire chiefs pushed through a decision to downgrade Helensburgh Fire Station. The Scottish Fire

by Bill Heaney Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has told the Holyrood parliament that seven months after a national review into maternity services was committed

Reform UK leader Offord presses First Minister on social housing loophole, whereby thousands of new arrivals from outside Scotland can present as homeless  by Bill

Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty at Newry Crown Court on Monday by Jonathan McCambridge, Monday in The Independent  22 June 2026 Jeffrey Donaldson has been found

BBC News is reporting that Sir Keir Starmer has said he will quit as Labour Party leader, paving the way for a contest to decide

by Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire Council has shown clearly that it is out of touch with residents. Particularly on matters such as budget cuts, which

The Last Dinner Party (above) will perform on Saturday Perrie is one of the top acts lined up for this year’s TRNSMT festival Updated 19

The new recreation of the famous ship has been installed at the same spot as the previous replica by Calum Watson BBC Scotland A full-sized

If the prelude to this very important football match was Mardi Gras, then the game itself was Ash Wednesday. Morocco scored a shock goal after

by Bill Heaney The Glasgow city centre dispersal zone was established in March 2026 to support efforts to address anti-social behaviour and disorder. The zone

by BILL HEANEY Not many of us in journalism took up this trade to make friends and influence people, although there are exceptions to that

by Democrat reporter The original World Cup is coming home to West Dunbartonshire almost  140 years after Renton FC became the first ever club to

Israeli military carried out a wave of deadly strikes in Lebanon on Friday after planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland were cancelled U.S. President Donald Trump says

by Bill Heaney The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC), a multi-agency group chaired by Police Scotland, is marking its 10th anniversary in June 2026.

by Democrat reporter Pupils from West Dunbartonshire took part in an open water swimming experience at Loch Lomond this week to equip them with vital

This week in Parliament   Scottish Parliament’s Opening Ceremony  It was announced that Their Majesties The King and Queen will join MSPs at the official

by Democrat reporter Dumbarton Health Centre is recognised as a priority within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde primary care estate, Scotland’s new Deputy First

Industrial action looms in frontline care as GMB Scotland ballots members by Bill Heaney Home care workers in West Dunbartonshire will vote on strikes after

by Bill Heaney At First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP challenged John Swinney over the SNP’s miserable progress in tackling dangerous

by Bill Heaney The UK Government’s move to restrict social media for under 16s and tackle live streaming and stranger contact is a welcome indication

The iconic mascot of BBC Children in Need, has embarked on his first-ever round-Britain voyage this summer, and Rhu was amongst the stops on an

by Bill Heaney People with learning disabilities and complex needs are being “abandoned”, Scottish Labour has warned, as hospital waits of over six years are

Liv Dawn at The Helix Park and the Kelpies WOWEE, we had such a fun time supporting The Kooks at Helix Park. Plus, the sun was

Please stand for your community council Community councillors represent their community in lots of different ways. They are consulted by the Council and they can

by Bill Heaney A popular Irish pub in Glasgow city centre has been granted changes to its alcohol licence after an objector claimed music from

No birthday, no party for Faslane submarine service kids … by Carys Williams It wouldn’t be a birthday without a party, and that’s why the

Rohl is heading to Austria, with Rangers set to receive around £1.5m in compensation Rangers expected to agree a deal with Hearts boss Derek McInnes

Are our loadsamoney councillors and officials worth all this cash? WEST Dunbartonshire councillors who are presiding over the shambles that passes for local government in

by Bill Heaney John McGinn’s unique celebration will now be forever etched in Scotland’s World Cup history. The Aston Villa midfielder’s goal in the 28th

by Bill Heaney Councils are facing a collective budget shortfall of about £530m in 2026-27, a spending watchdog has warned. The Accounts Commission has warned

West Dunbartonshire Council marked Armed Forces Day at the weekend by paying tribute to its military community as part of the global celebration. The event

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC is to be appointed as Scotland’s new Lord Advocate – the country’s most senior law officer Ruth Charteris KC is

Graeme Stuart from Balloch says his Motability car is his lifeline Updated 16 June 2026 06:03 BST Disabled drivers in rural Scotland are worried they

Long queues built at Boston’s South Station as fans waited to board the trains to Foxborough Updated 16 June 2026 06:02 BST BBC Scotland is

SCOTLAND 1 – HAITI 0. Scotland Claim Crucial World Cup Opener. A memorable, tense 1-0 victory over Haiti in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener

Mary’s Meals, the Scottish charity which works out of a shed in the back garden of a house at Dalmally near Oban in Argyll, does

Maggie O’Farrell  Now that’s what I call “a good crowd” who turned up when Maggie talked to Caroline Lang about her new novel, Land, to

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston following Scotland’s opening World Cup match: “I want to recognise the conduct of football fans across the country

by Bill Heaney The Scottish Conservatives have today (Sunday) outlined 13 of the key questions that an inquiry into the Peter Murrell scandal should answer.  

by Democrat reporters BBC Scotland is reporting that an anti-racism rally in Glasgow has been disrupted by a masked group following violence in the city

by Bill Heaney Where is Haiti? Scotland, having been drawn against them in the World Cup, will not be travelling to the island to meet

King Charles III and Queen Camilla appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Red Arrows flypast by Ella Kipling Crowds gathered in

4 AM STOP PRESS: WE HAVE A VICTORY. SCOTLAND BEAT HAITI 1-0. GOAL SCORER JOHN MCGINN FROM WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE. Rhu Bay We Have a Dream  · The

The American flag met a chorus of boos during the opening ceremony at the Azteca by Ken Early in The Irish Times World Cup, Group

View online Hello, Democrat readers. Make 2026 the year of the best family road trip yet So, why not make that big family getaway happen

by Bill Heaney As Refugee Festival Scotland officially gets underway today, Friday 12 June, the nationwide event run by Scottish Refugee Council is proudly embracing

Committees, which are formed of MSPs and look in detail at a range of issues, were agreed to in the Parliament last week. This week,

by Democrat reporter Officers investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, 8 March 2026, have made three further

by Bill Heaney Police Scotland is preparing for a significant anti-racism protest expected to take place in Glasgow tomorrow.  Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said:

First Minister Swinney, Labour leader Sarwar and his deputy, Dumbarton Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, who was accused of talking ‘incoherent gibberish’ on the radio.  by

by Bill Heaney Leaders in healthcare, research and innovation came together at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus to showcase how collaboration is shaping the

Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Peter Murrell and First Minister John Swinney. by Bill Heaney The row over the SNP’s refusal to have an inquiry into

by Bill Heaney At First Minister’s Questions in the Holyrood parliament today, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP criticised the SNP government for presiding

Thursday 11 June 2026 at 9:37 pm The former Home Office minister takes on the defence secretary job after John Healey’s earlier resignation. by Bill

BREAKING NEWS:  Woman arrested and charged following protest activity A woman has been arrested and charged following the protest activity in the Main Street area

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

Thursday 11 June 2026 12:23 BST Defence Secretary John Healey has quit the Labour government, leaving PM Keir Starmer up the creek without a paddle.

Scottish Government Finance Secretary Ivan McKee hasn’t much to laugh about. 10 June 2026 by Bill Heaney Funding for councils such as West Dunbartonshire and

Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Planning to bring your Personal Watercraft (PWC) or motorised boat to Loch Lomond? While we want everyone to have

Helensburgh Winter Festival Sell great food or products? We want you Helensburgh Midsummer Festival is back this June! Sat 20th & Sun 21st June (10

Maggie O’Farrell  Land is OUT NOW! It has been a huge team effort getting this beautiful book out in the world and we are so

Drew MacEoghainn What do Dumbarton FC, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Leicester City have in common? Dumbarton FC is about to join these elite clubs by

Senior Pupil Leadership Team 2026 27 Jay MacKinnon (Captain) Kyle Freeman (Vice) Myle McGill (Captain) Claire Whyte (Vice) Sophie Stewart (Base Captain) We look forward

Dumbarton Harp Social Club SCOTLAND VS HAITI DRINKS PROMO If Scotland wins against Haiti, we will be giving anyone in attendance a free pint of

Broadmeadow Snacks Remember the classic car show is on this Sunday to raise cash for charity. We will be there in the macster for hot

NHS Golden Jubilee Our amazing volunteers came together for a Canal Walk as part of Volunteer Week  Organised by a group of volunteers, the walk

Dumbarton United Dumbarton United AFC invites everyone to our FREE Community Open Day as we celebrate Scotland’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup! Sunday 14th

Historic Scotland A border stronghold, an important royal castle in the Middle Ages, and later a mighty garrison fortress, Dumbarton Castle’s history goes back 1,500

The government will back an amendment calling for an independent review of political party finances in a bid to avoid a ‘nakedly partisan process’, STV

Armed Forces Day Parade 2026 Join us this Saturday, 13 June at 1:30 pm for our annual Armed Forces Day Parade. The parade will begin

The Argyle Care Home Therapy Pony Visit Residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful visit from therapy ponies Flicker and Wilson today. The ponies brought

Vale of Leven Trust It’s been a big planning week for us! Our management team has been busy shaping the future of the charity and

A biker has been treated in hospital after being involved in a crash with a police car near the Erskine Bridge. Police said the collision

West Dunbartonshire Leisure  WDC funded free Summer Activities for school pupils Saturday 27 June – Sunday 16th August • Free Juvenile Swim sessions for WDC

by Bill Heaney Councillors at the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee received updates on the latest progress in delivering a high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling

Labour MSP Carol Mochan and Social Care Minister Shirley Ann Somerville. by Bill Heaney This is Carers Week, and this year’s Carers Week report found

by Bill Heaney First Minister John Swinney has been asked what further measures the Scottish Government will take to tackle the rise in knife crime

by Democrat reporters Demonstrations were held in several locations across Scotland last night, Tuesday. Three men, aged 31, 18 and 18 have been arrested and

Jackie Baillie, John Swinney, Ross Greer and Peter Murrell – at odds over inquiry. by Bill Heaney SNP and Scottish Green MSPs have a “final

Gartocharn lass Esmi Doherty shows off the fabulous silverware at the hugely successful Drymen and Strathendrick Agricultural Show. The best presented stockperson went to 8-year-old Esmi with

by Lucy Ashton Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is supporting a proposal to encourage school pupils to embrace their national culture ahead of Scotland’s World Cup

June 9 2026   by Bill Heaney Argyll and Bute Council is appealing to private property owners to repair their buildings after it has had

by Lucy Ashton A once highly specialised technology has now become an essential part of modern patient care, as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde marks

by Bill Heaney NHS waiting lists “leaving Scots in agony”, Scottish Labour has warned as waits for pain management services rise.  The number of patients

by Bill Heaney Scottish Labour has urged MSPs to “back transparency over cover-up” as it lodges a motion calling for a Scottish Parliamentary Inquiry into

by Lucy Ashton Former Which? Director and former board member of the FCA, Richard Lloyd OBE, seeks views as he begins his Independent Review. Evidence

Two-thirds of respondents to the Save the Children Scotland and Young Scot poll said fighting child poverty was a priority by Bill Heaney Young people

Bank Holiday reminder Residents of Greater Glasgow and Clyde are reminded that GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed on Monday, 15 June, due

Vale of Leven Academy celebrated its annual Broad General Education Awards Ceremonies with more than 500 students recognised for a range of curricular and extra-curricular

‘MON SCOTLAND St Peter the Apostle Secondary School had some very exciting guests recently. Comedian Kevin Bridges and Scotland star John McGinn visited the school

Tom Morton Tom Morton #Shetland garage food. Apologies for the messy plated picture. I was halfway through guzzling my scallops, salmon, tatties, and spinach before

by Bill Heaney New figures show the “eye-watering” cost of continued reliance on NHS supplementary staffing, Scottish Labour said today. The latest NHS Scotland workforce

by BBC reporter Olivia Ireland Published 7 June 2026, 00:02 BST Delays in publishing a report laying out government defence spending have undermined the UK’s

by Bill Heaney Police and enforcement officers have swooped on local shops and seized almost 30,000 cigarettes and £thousands in cash being held illegally across

by Lucy Ashton The Erskine Bridge will be closed during June to allow extensive roadworks to take place on the 50-year-old structure over the River

All at Drymen Show would like to thank everyone who joined us on Saturday, 30th May, for our 196th show. The weather fared better than

Martin O’Neill guided Celtic to a league and cup double last season Martin O’Neill is set to continue as Celtic manager after two interim spells

Rhu Bay Annual Celebration – Fun Filled Family Day At Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Football Club Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh, G84 8YJ Tomorrow Saturday 6th

It was only right that we did something special to celebrate Volunteers Week.  Thank you to everyone who came this afternoon, to our CEO Joe,

by Lucy Ashton An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde unit has cemented its reputation as an international centre of excellence in burns care following the

West Dunbartonshire Council refuse to tell The Dumbarton Democrat who is in this photograph.  05 June 2026 by Lucy Ashton Young people across West Dunbartonshire

by Bill Heaney Bus passengers across Scotland are saving a fortune thanks to the £2 bus fare cap introduced in the Highlands and Islands. The

Friday, 5th June 2026 HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS Prince William joined Royal Navy submariners and their families this week to help mark the 125th anniversary of the

The 32-year-old will join the Premier League side on July 1 once his contract at Liverpool expires by Democrat reporter Scotland captain Andy Robertson has

The National Trust for Scotland said the funds will go towards Hill House in Helensburgh. by Democrat reporter An anonymous donation of £625,000 has boosted

The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has been ordered to make improvements by Susie Forrest Scotland health producer BBC Scotland Staff at Scotland’s biggest hospital described

West Dunbartonshire Council  Councillor Michelle McGinty and Councillor John Miller stopped by the Your Vale, Your Future exhibition at Alexandria Library this week – and

by Bill Heaney Council planning committees have no control over what is sold in shops — and that includes vapes. Planning authorities within local authorities

As questions grow over the £60k amendment to the indictment, Russell Findlay says: ‘This appears to be more evidence of Nicola Sturgeon benefiting from her

The taxman cometh — Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Peter Murrell and First Minister John Swinney. by Bill Heaney John Swinney will not get away with

by Bill Heaney If the Reform Party is what it says on the label and not a cohort of right-wing raving loonies as they have

Senior pupils in West Dunbartonshire have had a busy few weeks getting to take part in a range of hands-on work experiences to help them

SNP Health Secretary Angela Constance today made “a dismal attempt to defend the indefensible” in a car crash interview in which she was quizzed over

by Lucy Ashton Community groups are celebrating after receiving a share of £600,000 from the Pride in Place Impact Fund community grant scheme. Community groups

  As the filmmaker and actor’s composer son announces his dad has retired, we’ve looked back on some of the nicest, strangest, and funniest anecdotes

SNP’s Jenny Gilruth and Labour’s Michael Marra. by Bill Heaney Scottish Labour has urged the SNP to back its calls for a review of business

3 June 2026 First Minister John Swinney, Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie and Information Commissioner David Hamilton. by Bill Heaney The Court of Session has issued

by Angus Cochrane Senior political journalist, BBC Scotland More than £660,000 raised by the SNP for an independence referendum campaign has been used on the

Former Dumbarton-based reporter Eric Wishart discusses the mistreatment of journalists. by Democrat reporter The importance of solidarity among journalists was a key theme in the

Rhu Bay The Prince of Wales visited HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane and met the military community at Helensburgh yesterday afternoon. Travelling under his

When West Dunbartonshire Council imposed the budget cuts they were required to make on the instructions of the SNP government, did they realise they were

Pupils from three local schools have collaborated with a comic author to create a graphic novel marking 80 years since the end of World War

NHS Golden Jubilee Our volunteers had the opportunity to step behind the scenes and experience the NHS Scotland Academy as part of #VolunteersWeek. From exploring

Hermitage House, operated by Morar Living, is a purpose-built, 64-bed luxury care home located on Sinclair Street in Helensburgh. With the upper-floor balconies showcasing stunning

LATEST HELENSBURGH LEISURE CENTRE UPDATE … Further delays have hit the reopening of Helensburgh’s £23m leisure centre following the discovery of severe dampness inside the

by Bill Heaney In the wake of Peter Murrell’s court hearing today and confirmation that the majority of items bought with stolen funds have not

by Lucy Ashton After spending days in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), Willie Millar never imagined he would one day

Peter Murrell SNP embezzlement details laid out in court by Angus Cochrane Senior political journalist, BBC Scotland 2 June 2026, 12:04 BSTUpdated 15 minutes ago

by Democrat reporter Officers investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, 8 March 2026, have made six further

by Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has criticised the SNP for presiding over thousands of people waiting hours at A&E, huge numbers

Dalglish is Scotland’s most capped player of all time by Aadam Patel Football reporter, BBC, and Bill Heaney Scotland, Liverpool and Celtic great Sir Kenny

by Bill Heaney A memorial statue dedicated to British soldiers who fought at D-Day has been stolen from a town in northern France. Officials in

BBC Scotland investigative journalist Mark Daly, who cut his journalistic teeth in West Dunbartonshire, has been nominated in the Amnesty Media Awards. He was first

Waverley Bar The St Pat’s FC joined us on Friday evening to celebrate their victory in winning the West of Scotland Cup… Massive congratulations to

by Lucy Ashton A senior clinician has told how spending time gaming during the COVID pandemic led to the development of a virtual reality tool

Dumbarton and the Vale Camera Club James Duncan Capercaillie – Tetrao urogallus. Undisclosed location. The Capercaillie is a huge woodland grouse – the large black

Sturgeon says she’s ‘serving a sentence for a crime I did not commit’ by Holyrood magazine Staff Reporter 01 June 2026 Former first minister Jack

by Democrat reporter The media regulator has approved STV’s plans to amend its regional news licences, which will see the creation of new versions of