Published 07 June 2023 Cllr Michelle McGinty and some of the unidentified beneficiaries. By Bill Heaney There may be no money in the Council’s bank

Published 07 June 2023 Cllr Michelle McGinty and some of the unidentified beneficiaries. By Bill Heaney There may be no money in the Council’s bank
McGinn brothers and Chloe Norma Craig join Cllr Clare Steel to open the new games area. By Lucy Ashton Pupils from Our Lady of Loretto
By Bill Heaney Jackie Baillie MSP has renewed calls for a 24-hour lab service to be restored at the Vale of Leven Hospital after it
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire· Encourage neighbours and relatives to sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotlandfree alerts to receive the latest information about community
NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY Read it and weep. What is below is a report on whether the new Labour administration at West Dunbartonshire Council should
By Lucy Ashton Over the past few days, Police Scotland have seen large groups of young persons enjoying the weather in areas such as Balloch
Retailers should get behind calls to curb the polluting gadgets By Bill Heaney There’s more in the long grass that is the curse of West
By Bill Heaney The owners of the Daily Telegraph faces administration after a breakdown in talks over loans the business has racked up over the years. Lloyds
By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, pictured left, has today said SNP ministers are spinning dentistry statistics to cover up how
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire With the weather making our beautiful scenery even more attractive, please remember to keep your dog under control at
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Buying alcohol for UNDER 18S IS ILLEGAL Underage drinking plays a huge part in antisocial behaviour, crime and violence
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire The water might look safe and shallow but Loch Lomond has steep drops close to the shore! Don’t
Published 06 June 2023 By Lucy Ashton Staff and pupils at St Ronan’s Primary School are celebrating after the school was given the highest grade
By FINTAN O’TOOLE IN THE IRISH TIMES To understand the strangeness of current Irish politics, you have to start by recognising that it is a
A recall petition could now take place in Rutherglen and Hamilton West after disgraced SNP MP lost her appeal against suspension Ferrier: MP was suspended
Archbishop Nolan, pictured above, recently made the following appointments in Glasgow and Dunbartonshire and intimates he is grateful to those involved for their readiness to
Student Eva Strang – Volunteering at the Vale of Leven Hospital has been a life-changing experience. By Lucy Ashton Volunteering at the Vale of Leven
By Lucy Ashton NHS Scotland spending on locum doctors and agency and bank nurses soared to £567 million in 2022-23 – up more than a
Jonathan Graham and Jasmine Herron died after the January 2020 crash in Argyll BBC Scotland is reporting that a drunk driver who killed his two
With a string of live dates lined up for the summer and her debut EP due out in August, it’s shaping up to be a
By Lucy Ashton Children and young people are being ‘abandoned’ by the SNP, Scottish Labour has said today, as new figures show 7,701 children and
WAITING 12 HOURS AT A&E SOARS BY 70% IN JUST ONE YEAR By Lucy Ashton Health Secretary Michael Matheson needs to ‘clean up the mess
INVESTIGATION by Rob Edwards of The Ferret Proposed safety limits for a toxic pesticide widely used on salmon farms have been made 23 times weaker
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called on the Health Secretary to finally take action on
Alarming that women from more deprived areas, such as West Dunbartonshire, are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie
CANON GERRY CONROY The Bible has a tendency when talking about God to place side by side two statements that are almost contradictory but that
By Lucy Ashton New research from Labour has revealed the Tory government’s economic mismanagement has left Scots £1,633 a year worse off. That’s about £30
Investigation by Paul Dobson in The Ferret Coffee giant Costa – they have a branch at the old Claude Alexander’s tailor shop in Dumbarton High
HM NAVAL BASE CLYDE By Kim Hardie PERSONNEL at HM Naval Base Clyde bid a fond farewell to Captain Gibbons on Thursday, June 1, as
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic beat Inverness Caley in the Scottish Cup final Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has agreed to become Tottenham Hotspur’s ‘s new manager on
A debris flow shelter estimated to cost up to half a billion pounds is being planned for Rest route By Christina O’Neill on STV News A long-term
Thousands of people across Scotland have started their journey to become Carbon Literate. By Lucy Ashton Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has expanded its range
By Bill Heaney Jackie Baillie has called for a clear and robust increase in enforcement after it emerged that only three people have been prosecuted
By Bill Heaney Going “roon the shore” for a dook or a paddle was the thing to do in Dumbarton in the past when the
Women already taking an active part in public life in Argyll and Bute. Picture by Bill Heaney By Aileen MacLennan Argyll and Bute Council is
New research has revealed the “most desirable places to live” in Scotland ahead of the summer, including scenic spots such as Craigellachie, the Isle of
The new SNP cabinet secretaries pictured on the steps of Bute House – not shy about making use of government limos. By Lucy Ashton The
Vale of Leven and Clydebank Health Centres. By Bill Heaney Primary care in Scotland is at ‘breaking point’ due to rising demand and SNP cuts,
Tourism is a hugely important business in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll. By Lucy Adams with pictures by Bill Heaney The SNP-Green government will be forced
Joseph “Joe” Keeley, age 81, of Westmont, and formerly of Brucehill, Dumbarton, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2023, in Naples, Florida. He is survived
STV’s Sean Batty predicts that high and rare levels of UV radiation can be expected this week. By Lucy Ashton Scots are being warned that
Friday, 2nd June (World Peatlands Day) Harvesting peat in West of Scotland and Connemara in Ireland. Then and now. Pictures by Heather Greer and Bill
By Lucy Ashton The SNP-Green government cut nearly £20 million from the budget given to organisations supporting those with drug and alcohol problems last year,
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Labour has raised the alarm at findings that the number of prisoners placed on suicide or self-harm watch in Scotland has
Lee Bisset – ‘Heroine of the night is Loch Lomondside woman Lee Bisset’s Brünnhilde, her sumptuous soprano radiating passion whether driven by love, anguish or
Celtic won the Scottish Cup for the 41st time with a 3-1 win over Inverness. Andy Coyle reporting for STV News Celtic have completed a
Fr Sean FitzGerald, who served for 15 years as parish priest at St Kessog’s Church in Balloch. One of Glasgow’s retired and much-loved priests has
MSPs Marie McNair SNP and Labour’s Jackie Baillie have expressed concerns about the proposed changes. By Bill Heaney There are going to be a lot
Nicola Sturgeon with ex-Ferguson Marine boss Jim McColl. By Lucy Ashton Ministers failed to tell the truth about a £30 million loan to struggling Ferguson
‘Financial viability’ of Kilgraston School had been thrown into doubt due to the Covid pandemic Kilgraston: The boarding school will close its doors for the
A Type 45 frigate fires a missile. UK Defence Journal By George Allison Type 45 Destroyer HMS Defender deployed to Scotland’s Outer Hebrides for ‘Exercise
COSLA’s refusal to approach the Scottish government to help fund fair pay for council workers is outrageous, says UNISON By Danny Phillips UNISON, the largest
Investigation by Karin Goodwin in The Ferret Municipal Buildings in College Park Street. Councillors claimed them for their offices. Common Good assets are unique
By Lucy Ashton A new Scottish Liberal Democrat analysis shows that more than 2,400 nurses were absent from work due to Long Covid. Party leader
02 Jun 2023 The United Nations has today warned the UK and Scottish governments that they need to do much more to uphold children’s human
Moon was found at an address in Buckinghamshire two weeks after going missing. By Emily Ford A baby donkey stolen from a farm has been
Marna Ferguson was called a ‘Fenian’ by Robert and Alastair Kirkwood at Ibrox Stadium on February 6, 2022, when Catholic school teacher referee Willie Collum
Dr Charles Massie (centre) pictured with friends and colleagues. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Charles Massie on May 5th
The project to build the two CalMac ferries is £200m over budget. BBC Scotland is reporting that bosses at the troubled Clyde shipyard building two
By Bill Heaney New forecasts from the Scottish Fiscal Commission show a concerning gap between eligibility for, and uptake of, the Scottish child payment, according
By Bill Heaney The Community Pharmacy Scotland board has described the financial settlement that it has been offered as “derisory”, an MSP told the Holyrood
JUNE 1, 2023 By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie MSP, pictured above, has demanded a cap on bus fares and action to prevent cuts to bus
By Lucy Ashton Children and young people in West Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh and Lomond have been “abandoned” by the SNP, Jackie Baillie has warned. Latest figures
Some pictures to set the scene for those who have never been to Tiree. Tiree Music Festival (TMF), known for its beautiful scenery, iconic beachfront
By Lucy Ashton The Scottish Conservatives have said the Low Emission Zone which came into force in Glasgow today puts jobs at risk and could
Officers say they feel there is a ‘target on their back’ if they report issues amidst a ‘boys club culture’ within the force By Tara Fitzpatrick
Obesity specialists say council’s advice is inaccurate and discriminates against their patients According to guidance issued by the main medical authorities in Ireland, Ozempic is
01 June 2023 By Aileen MacLennan Argyll and Bute Council has declared a housing emergency. There has been a consistent reduction in available housing throughout
By Bill Heaney More than 18,000 patients died while they were on waiting list for treatment by NHS Scotland last year. The shock news was
By Canon Gerry Conroy There has been a lot of interest recently in the press about Artificial Intelligence and the threat that it may or
By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie has branded Humza Yousaf’s time as Health Secretary “catastrophic” as new figures reveal NHS waiting lists in Greater Glasgow and
By Aileen MacLennan Argyll and Bute Council has repeated its request for a formal meeting with the Scottish Government to discuss a possible extension on
This new sign at Milarrochy on the east shore of Loch Lomond appeared a few weeks ago Investigation by Nick Kempe of Parkswatch Scotland Six
Scotland’s beaches triumph in prestigious award celebration More than 50 beaches have scooped Scotland’s Beach Award from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and will be
Labour’s spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy and Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth. By Bill Heaney Re-building education in Scotland must take account of 16 years of SNP
WELFARE RIGHTS & MONEY ADVICE TEAM – W4U After making inquiries UNISON has discovered that Welfare Rights and Money Advice Team since 2016 has brought
By Glen Douglas Dumbarton FC confirmed today that, subject to SLFL approval, that they have reached an agreement with Broomhill to groundshare their stadium for
By Bill Heaney NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued a public reassurance ahead of Glasgow City Council implementing the City Centre Low Emission Zone
By Bill Heaney The foul smell which once filled the air on Clydeside used to be called Shieldhall No 5 in deference to the world
We are delighted to extend an invitation to the whole of Scotland to help us celebrate Carers Week 2023. This year we have partnered
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Labour has accused the SNP of failing to prevent a “ticking time bomb” of cancer deaths following the pandemic, as cancer
Archdiocese of Glasgow By Bill Heaney Archbishop Bill Nolan has accepted the resignation from the Office of Parish Priest of Saint Brendan’s, Yoker, of Father
East Dunbartonshire Council The Campsie Show returns to Bogton Farm, Torrance, this Saturday (3 June 2023). For more info visit http://www.campsieshow.co.uk and http://www.facebook.com/CampsieAgriculturalShow The event
Investigation by Billy Briggs in The Ferret A French drinks company with a major presence in Dumbarton – it owns a total 14 distilleries in
By Cameron Brooks The head of a Christian charity which fights global poverty has been elected the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the
By Cameron Brooks The Assembly Trustees of the Church of Scotland are encouraging people to be bold, take risks and “imagine” an exciting future for
By Bill Heaney It was taps aff, swimming gear and wet suits on – maybe – as summer finally arrived in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll
Concerns increase after videos on social media show violent outbursts from pupils The Scottish Tories will use a Holyrood debate this week to call on
By Lucy Ashton Douglas Ross called for a skills revolution that prioritises vocational courses and training – as well as higher education – in an
By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie visited St Augustine’s Church Hall recently to find out more about the support they are offering to members of the
By Kim Hardie The 56th Keswick to Barrow 40 Mile Sponsored Walk took place on Saturday, May 13, with Team HM Naval Base Clyde all
Donald Findlay KC on his way to court. By Democrat reporter One of Scotland’s top defence lawyers has attacked the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce juryless
By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie has stressed that a full and proper appraisal must be carried out on the plans to improve the A82 from
By Lauren Crooks Improvements to a six-mile cycle route between Dalreoch and Balloch have been completed. The Council’s Greenspace team worked in partnership with West
By Bill Heaney Over 100,000 children are on social housing waiting lists, shocking new figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives can reveal today. A series
Author: Ferret Journalists A Scottish Government plan to put new protections in place for areas of Scotland’s seas has led to controversy in fishing communities.
29 May 2023 By Aileen Maclennan People in Argyll and Bute will have the opportunity to comment on the Scottish Government’s plans to establish at
Louise Slorance pictured with husband Andrew and three of their children. Orwellian intelligence-gathering operation has been ordered by Health Board bosses to monitor criticism in
By Kim Hardie ROYAL NAVY Submariners at HM Naval Base Clyde will have the opportunity to get ship-shape with the opening of a new fitness
By Bill Heaney Alarming new figures reveal that more than 8,000 nursery and childminding staff have been absent due to mental health issues over the
By Lucy Ashton A West Dunbartonshire food bank is to receive more than £55,000 in funding over the next three years to support families struggling
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar must clarify his party’s position on new investment in the North Sea oil and gas sector, the
By Lucy Ashton NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – the local health board – are helping to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia as part of
Holidays Even an editor has to have holidays. That is why I have just returned from a week off in Edinburgh and St Andrews. There
By Lucy Ashton Families are stuck in “permanent crisis” due to rising cost of living, Scottish Labour has warned. New analysis of Scottish Welfare Fund
By Bill Heaney SNP colleagues will be looking forward to one of their most experienced MSPs retiring says the Greens co-leader in a brutal dismissal
Find out how your local secondary school fared in the latest league table. By Bill Heaney The SNP Government is under fire over the performance
Health Board pays out to patient whose testicle was removed without his consent By Bill Heaney Alarming new figures reveal that the Scotland’s NHS has shelled
Liam was one of the young people who contributed their views to the report By Lucy Ashton BBC Scotland is reporting that a radical shake-up
Grand opening sees QEUH Gro-Garden blend greenspace, art and well-being multi-partner approach brings garden concept to life By Lucy Ashton A wonderful new garden has
By Cameron Brooks The Church of Scotland has been instructed to prepare a statement of acknowledgment and apology for its involvement with and connection to
By Bill Heaney Representatives of Police Scotland’s rank-and-file say they have been “kicked into the gutter” by their chief constable’s claim the force is “institutionally
Sir Iain Livingstone roasted for ‘hand-wringing’ over racist and sexist police admission Calum Steele said the Chief Constable’s bombshell statement will make life a nightmare
By Cameron Brooks The Church of Scotland has decided it would be “unwise” to take a corporate position on Scottish independence and on whether a
SNP’s tourist tax could drive visitors away from Bonnie Banks and holiday destinations By Bill Heaney reporting from Edinburgh The Scottish Government’s financial outlook for
Martin Rooney, Michelle McGinty and Douglas McAllister. BILL HEANEY’s notebook column Secret Scotland. Tell me about it. The Dumbarton Democrat, the only independent media platform
25th of May, 2023. By Cameron Brooks The son of a Church of Scotland minister who first attended the General Assembly 45 years ago has
Thursday 25 May 2023 Conservative leader Douglas Ross, FM Humza Yousaf. Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill and LibDem MP Wendy Chamberlain. Top of page Police
By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie has accused the Scottish Government of allowing communities to be become seriously rundown. He revealed new
By Lucy Ashton Dumbarton 800th Anniversary celebrations to conclude with a 21 gun salute at Dumbarton Castle. The salute will be the last set of
Inchlonaig Island, which contains a two bedroom cottage and three bothies, is on the market for offers over £995,000 An island situated in Loch Lomond
Toxic dust from demolition site contaminated water supply and led to killer infections at £1 billion hospital Newly released documents suggest the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Greens minister Lorna Fraser is claiming her ‘unworkable’ bottle recycling plan may be ‘unviable’ but she’s been accused for trying to ‘pass the buck to
By Bill Heaney Slow boats and even no boats. That is what Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has today accused the Scottish
May 19, 2023 By Cameron Brooks Ministers, elders, deacons and special guests are gathering for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh
By Lucy Ashton Scotland’s social care watchdog has said that children as young as 12 are allowed to consent to the use of puberty blockers,
By Bill Heaney The safety of residents of flats which have dangerous cladding similar to Grenfell Tower is “an absolute priority” for the Scottish Government.
By Bill Heaney What action it is taking to assist any Scottish businesses that are struggling to recruit skilled workers? Tory Murdo Fraser put the
MSP Marie McNair and Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville. By Democrat reporter Is everyone entitled to Social Security Benefits claiming them? If not, what action is the
By Bill Heaney Pam Gosal, the West Scotland Tory MSP, wants to know when the Government whether it will provide an update on its commitment
THE DUMBARTON DEMOCRAT Send reports and pictures of your events to Bill Heaney at heaneymedia@btinternet.com See our digital news, sports and politics website at democratonline.net
Helensburgh & District Round Table are thrilled to announce that our beer menu for the upcoming festival is now LIVE! We’ve gone the extra mile
West Dunbartonshire Council: More information on this can be found on website; https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/…/102-main-street/
97% patient approval rating Nearly half (40%) of all patients to NHSGGC’s virtual A&E service are now fully discharged entirely remotely thanks to a team
By Bill Heaney First Minister Humza Yousaf today struggled to defend SNP Cabinet Secretary Jenny Gilruth over a “clear breach of the Ministerial Code” when
Child’s mother says that the Health Board is making the families’ lives ‘hell’ Mother of Milly Main, Kimberly Darroch, said: “Grieving families deserve justice but
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today questioned why sewage is regularly being discharged into sites with special environmental protections in
Imam Shaykh Hamza Khandwalla, Bishop John Keenan and the Rt Rev Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the Church of Scotland. By Peter Kearney, Helen Silvis and
By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie, pictured right, is backing Bladder Cancer Awareness Month this May in order to raise awareness of the condition which has
Published 17 May 2023 The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship are coming to West Dunbartonshire – and residents are being encouraged to get involved. Two
Scottish Police Federation received an ‘unprecedented’ number of complaints over the clean-shaven policy Police Scotland said the move will give workers the ‘best protection’ while
Council services such as health and social care, schools, roads, street cleaning, bin uplifts and leisure have all faced budget pressures in recent years. By
Pope Francis sacked the previous Caritas leadership team amid complaints about the workplace environment Alistair Dutton, the chief executive of Sciaf, and Archbishop William Nolan,
The problem with having an in-demand, unaffordable product is that people will look for alternative ways of finding it. A black market in baby formula
Mon, 15 May 2023 The competition watchdog is to investigate whether “any failure in competition” is leaving consumers paying higher grocery and fuel prices than
By Rory Carson BBC Panorama A leading NHS consultant psychiatrist has met me in person and concluded I don’t have ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity
By Lucy Ashton More than 30,000 people took part in an annual Spring Clean Scotland challenge this year. Running from 17 March until 17 April,
By Lucy Ashton Events surrounding the probe into the SNP finances scandal must be investigated by a parliamentary inquiry, the Scottish Conservatives have demanded. The
By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrats have today revealed that the repair bill for CalMac ferries hit £26.5 million last year, taking the total for
By Thomas Tankengin Railway services have resumed between Oban and Crianlarich after a fallen cable caused issues near Connel. Scotrail had announced on Tuesday afternoon
School Uniform Grant The 2023 School Uniform Grant Programme will open twice on 1 June 2023 at the following times: 1000 applications at 8.30am 1000
Citizens Advice Scotland say those seeking crisis support is up as well as those asking for advice on energy costs By Tara Fitzpatrick on STV News
Artist Lisa Cunningham, is also planning to paint the patient day room in the ward. By Lucy Ashton A new 12ft by 7ft mural is
Former Dumbarton striker Owen Coyle has quit as Queen’s Park manager after the Hampden side just failed to win promotion to the Premiership. Queen’s Park
Author: Karin Goodwin in The Ferret More than 200 people have died either in police custody or following contact by Police Scotland since the nationwide
The Defence Secretary had MPs laughing with his response to Patrick Grady who had tried to suggest Scotland was being left at risk from Russian
By Democrat reporter Jackie Baillie has given her support to Mental Health Awareness Week which this year is focusing on anxiety. Mental Health Awareness Week,
By Julia Patton Scotland’s first ‘School of Creativity’ is opening-up possibilities for young people through its innovative approach to placing creativity at the heart of
Labour spokesperson Jackie Baillie MSP, the RAH and Health Secretary Michael Matheson. By Lucy Ashton Health Secretary Michael Matheson must end the chaos in A&E
Helensburgh & Lomond Artisans Association’s next Craft Fair is on Saturday 27th May at The Bridge – Helensburgh Parish Church Halls between 10 and 3.
By Katy Scott & Catriona Renton BBC Scotland news website A couple say they have been driven from their home in Dumbarton’s West End after
15 May 2023 Council’s Spring Clean Up a success Almost 100 tonnes of waste was removed from West Dunbartonshire communities last month during the Council’s
Here’s a picture of Steamship Sir Walter Scott, taken at Loch Katrine this afternoon. We are working hard to complete the final tasks of the
By Nick Kempe of Parkswatch Scotland If you have not seen it and care about either conservation or outdoor recreation you should watch this video
New education secretary announces meeting with spokespeople across political divide By Tara Fitzpatrick of STV News Education secretary Jenny Gilruth says she hopes to “de-politicise”
By Lucy Ashton NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has announced the launch of Spring Coivd-19 booster drop in clinics for those who are eligible. As
NEW CANCER STRATEGY URGENTLY NEEDED, SAYS LOCAL MSP By Lucy Ashton Michael Matheson must deliver a new, patient-focused cancer strategy as a matter of urgency,
Children’s Hearings Scotland Scandal alleged lives and careers are “being ruined” By Lucy Ashton A campaign group has demanded a root-and-branch probe into the way
By Aileen Maclennan Kilcreggan Primary School has become the fifth school in Argyll and Bute to receive gold accreditation in UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School
Pictures from the game at the Rock by Jon Leino Cinch League 2 Play-offs: Result after two matches: Dumbarton 0 Annan Athletic 6 End of
By Lucy Ashton SNP claims that the majority of working Scots pay less income tax than those south of the border are no longer true,
Pernod Ricard owns several Scottish brands, including The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal The Chivas team now based in Glasgow and the Kilmalid plant which employs
SNP faces three-pronged attack from Labour, Tories and LibDems over ‘culture of cover-up’ Tory Craig Hoy, Labour’s Jackie Baillie and LibDem Christine Jardine attacked SNP.
By Democrat reporter Broken SNP promises to young people will lead to Scotland’s young people booting the SNP out of office at the next general
Conservative health spokesperson Dr Sandesh Gulhane and Health Secretary Michael Matheson. By Lucy Ashton Almost 75,000 NHS staff have been absent in the last five
By Lucy Ashton To mark International Nurses Day 2023, NHSGGC is celebrating the fantastic contribution nurses make to the health service by spotlighting some of
By Bill Heaney Two senior Church figures have signed a declaration calling on the Scottish Government to “do everything within its power” to ensure frontline
By Danny Phillips UNISON, together with other unions, has called on the Scottish government to provide additional funding to improve the pay offer for council
First Minister Humza Yousaf, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. By Bill Heaney The gloves were definitely
By Bill Heaney A steadily increasing number of solicitors have stated they will join a boycott of plans to pilot rape trials without juries in
Health Secretary Michael Matheson and Labour spokesperson Jackie Baillie. By Lucy Ashton Dumbarton constituency MSP Labour’s Jackie Baillie asked new Health Secretary Michael Matheson him
It’s almost a year since Scotland became the first country in the UK to impose a £5,000 fine for those who flout the ban Not
By Lucy Ashton The incredible work of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s frontline heroes will be showcased once again in a popular Channel 4 documentary
11 May 2023 Jim Hutchinson CEO Fusion, Scottish Transport Minister Kevin Stewart, Regional Director Stagecoach Sam Greer, President and Managing Director Paul Davies Public service
11 May 2023 Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway urges people to check whether they can apply by 31 May for support available through two dedicated
By investigative reporter Billy Briggs in The Ferret A salmon farming company has been fined £800,000 after an employee was crushed and drowned when he
Worldwide investigative journalism under threat Investigative journalism remains under threat worldwide from a “perfect storm of competing forces”, it has been reported this week. The
Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie and Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Finance Services, in Argyll and Bute Council. Pictures by Bill Heaney By Aileen
By Bill Heaney From Tuesday 16th May 2023, new Scottish Government guidance comes into effect on the use of face masks and face coverings within
By Democrat reporter In a crushing blow to mortgage holders and other borrowers, bank interest rates have been raised to 4.5% in 12th successive rise
Conservative leader Douglas Ross, First Minister Humza Yousaf and Labour leader Anas Sarwar. By Democrat reporter The Scottish Conservatives have challenged the SNP to scrap
By Bill Heaney Do you think you are safe out there? That you might be assaulted in the street or that your home will be
Residents at Scotland’s largest Veterans charity have celebrated in style as they came together to mark the coronation of HRH King Charles III. Veterans, staff,
By Lucy Ashton Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP has today emphasised the “vital” importance of the Scotch whisky sector and called on her
Val McDermid, pictured at the Edinburgh Book Festival, claims to be ‘anti-wealth’. By Lucy Ashton Millionaire crime writer Val McDermid has been mocked after being
By Cameron Brooks A minister with close ties to the Royal Family addressed the Scottish Parliament this week – three days after the Coronation of
By Lucy Ashton A new Healthcare Science Professional Lead hopes to highlight some of the unsung heroes of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Biochemist Karen
By Bill Heaney The mystery of what happened to half a dozen electric vehicles purchased by the SNP administration as a vanity project before the
By Lucy Ashton Tributes have been paid to a Scottish bag-piping celebrity who has sadly died aged just 47. John Elliott, also known as Jock,
By Lucy Ashton Nurses at Stobhill hospital have created a well-being area for staff members in memory of a late colleague. Kitty’s Cave was created
By BILL HEANEY We believed the SNP administration at West Dunbartonshire Council was a basket case and said that often on this digital platform. Now
Kevin Clancy booked Celtic captain Callum McGregor during the derby match A man has been charged over threats made to referee Kevin Clancy after a
Annan romped to a 6-0 victory over 10-man Dumbarton in the first leg of their cinch League One play-off to effectively guarantee their place in
The SNP MP claimed her chances of leading the party were ‘ruined’ by speaking out on transgender issues Warned: Joanna Cherry said she was cautioned
By Pat Roller A man is in a serious condition after being stabbed in an attack which police are treating as attempted murder. Police Scotland
HMS Maidstone was a submarine depot ship at Faslane on the Gareloch and was launched in 1937 at John Brown’s in Clydebank. She was used
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP, pictured right, has today criticised the Scottish Government for “giving criminals a free ride”
By Lucy Ashton The Scottish Government must act to support Scotland’s airports and develop new routes so that they can unlock the economic potential of
By Bill Heaney The SNP government have been accused of “betraying” brave Ukrainian refugees after shocking new figures revealed that more than 7,500 of them
23 mins ago Results on the final day of the cinch League Two season has confirmed who Dumbarton will meet in the semi-finals of the
Scottish Government set to push ahead with a consultation about whether to split the role of Dorothy Bain into two following concerns about the Alex
Pictures by Jon Leino
All at Dumbarton Football Club would like to thank Paul McDonald for sponsoring the last game of the cinch League Two season with Stranraer. Paul
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire We are appealing for information following the attempted murder of a man in Clydebank in the early hours of
By Canon Gerry Conroy This Gospel, it seems to me, is of value for those who feel their faith falls short of what they would
By Bill Heaney Concern amongst residents about the Church of Scotland plan to establish a secure unit for teenagers in the Kirktonhill area of Dumbarton
By Bill Heaney Scottish Labour has today revealed that a key commitment to recruit an additional 1,000 mental health roles made in the Scottish Government’s
By Bill Heaney and agency reporters King Charles III was crowned by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in a lavish coronation ceremony in London on
Big day out for Sons and Daughters of the Rock … Pictures by Jon Leino
By Lucy Ashton Junior doctors in Scotland have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a three-day strike amid a pay dispute with the Scottish government. In
Glen Sannox is still under construction across the Clyde in Port Glasgow. By Calum Watson BBC Scotland News website Ferry operator CalMac has run up
By Bill Heaney Car wash owners need to come clean when it comes to their tax affairs. MP Gary Sambrook told the Commons this week:
By Lucy Ashton Today marks International Day of the Midwife, a day where we celebrate the amazing work our midwives do for their patients and
By Bill Heaney Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has instructed civil servants not to send him government papers to read after 9 o’clock at night.
By Lucy Ashton Labour’s Alastair Campbell was probably the best known of all the spin doctors, or Sir Bernard Ingham, both pictured above, who worked
By Lucy Ashton Police investigating the SNP’s finances searched for basic household items including a women’s razor and a wheelbarrow when they raided Nicola Sturgeon’s home
NOTEBOOK by BILL HEANEY West Dunbartonshire Council is like the school bus services which they are sometimes prepared to provide for pupils who live too
Harry MacColl-Smith; Roxana Dulska; Leah Rosenburgh and Amelia MacLean. By Aileen Maclennan A Dunoon Primary pupil is the winner of Argyll and Bute Council’s schools
Women speak out about misogyny they face while working in the police force Dumbarton Sheriff Court, Police Scotland officers and Barlinnie Prison, the local jail.
Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Rural crime event at Oban Livestock Centre on Tuesday the 9th of May from 10.30am With representatives from Police
By Bill Heaney Allowing tenants to buy their council house was one of Tory PM Margaret Thatcher’s flagship policies. Now, however, Labour-controlled West Dunbartonshire Council,
By Lucy Ashton Staff at Andrew B Cameron Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Dumbarton were praised for their leadership during a recent unannounced inspection.
By Lucy Ashton Humza Yousaf has defended his government’s plans to ban fishing in large sections of Scotland’s seas despite a rebellion from several prominent
Here are some pictures of a Ladies’ Day at Kelso in the Borders. Pictures by Bill Heaney Lomond Radio Lomond Radio gave a big welcome
Food For Thought – West Dunbartonshire Breakfast club is on this week 8-11am on Tuesday and Thursday. Come with the kids before school or work
Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie – the political tide is turning. By Bill Heaney The latest polling figures show Scottish Labour hot on the heels
Leann Mclaughlin picked up the bronze award for Urology Nurse of the Year at the BJN Awards. By Lucy Ashton A urology nurse at Inverclyde
By Lucy Ashton Multi storey blocks across West Dunbartonshire will undergo a raft of improvements following a consultation with tenants. An action plan to enhance
By Bill Heaney Condensation. That’s the name of the game. And (almost) every local council plays it the same. Or did up to now. At
Salmond says SNP has reached “appalling state” if Cherry’s colleagues failed to defend her freedom of speech Alex Salmond with Joanna Cherry, who is being
Provost Douglas McAllister hosted a Civic Reception at Clydebank Town Hall this past weekend in honour of Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels and the fantastic achievements
Police Scotland are hosting a number of recruitment information events for women across the country. We are committed to increasing the number of officers and
Captain Dominic McCall will be at the helm when The Waverley visits his home town of Portishead (Image: Peter Gibbs) By Lucy Ashton The captain
World Press Freedom Day Shaping a Future of Rights The Society of Editors is today joining the United Nations, media organisations and worldwide press freedom organisations in celebrating the 30th
Both Humza Yousaf and Stephen Flynn were praised by an SNP source for the ‘hard work’ to install auditors who now have a tight deadline
The Board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde met on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. The full set of papers are here. This summary sets out key
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called on the Health Secretary to devise a new NHS
By Lucy Ashton Jackie Baillie has backed the Eve Appeal’s ‘Get Lippy’ campaign as the charity aims to improve awareness over gynaecological cancers. It is
Joan McAlpine saw herself relegated in the SNP list after she raised concerns about proposed gender reforms Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the press, where she
Local paper moves to digital-only news operation Running behind tech. Dumbarton Reporter will move to a digital-only operation. By Bill Heaney The print edition of
By Lucy Ashton The Scottish Conservatives will today (Wednesday) renew their calls for a statement from Humza Yousaf on the state of the SNP’s finances.
Anas Sarwar – Poverty plan includes scrapping school dinner money debts. By Democrat reporter The SNP must use every lever they have to tackle the
By Bill Heaney Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP, pictured right, has warned that police officers are being run ragged as he revealed
By Bill Heaney Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has “betrayed” students and teachers. Gilruth, just a few weeks into the post, stated that the £46 million
By Lucy Ashton A teenage farmer who died in a single-vehicle crash on the A83 in Argyll has been named locally as Alan Cameron. The
By Lucy Ashton Michael Matheson must act now to tackle the continuing NHS crisis as thousands of Scots have been left ‘high and dry’ in
Celtic and Rangers are both sponsored by betting companies By Lucy Ashton Scottish clubs should follow the English Premier League in banning betting sponsorship from
Scottish League Two Scottish League Two | Apr 29, 2023 Borough Briggs Elgin 1 – 0 Dumbarton Draper (90+4′) Yellow cards: Carswell (73′), Love (85′)
By Lucy Ashton Police officers are investigating after a 20-year-old woman was allegedly attacked in Princes Street Gardens at around 3.45am on Monday, May 1.
Early bird season tickets are now available for the 2023/24 season and we are delighted to announce a freeze in prizes from the current campaign.
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland Beatrice Wishart has today announced the party’s intention to hold Parliament’s first debate on planned Highly
By Lucy Ashton Scottish Labour has today accused the SNP government of reneging on its commitment to tackle the ‘national disgrace’ of food poverty. The
The Church should use any knowledge it has about past connections to slavery to educate people, and learn from this past, not to downplay or
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, Westminster leader Alister Jack, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Conservative deputy leader in Scotland Meghan Gallacher. Tories on parade at
Trade unionists protest outside West Dunbartonshire Council office in Dumbarton. By Bill Heaney UNISON, Scotland’s largest local government union, has overwhelmingly rejected COSLA’s pay offer
HMS Anson leaves Barrow for the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane. By Democrat reporter Secret plans from £1.3 billion Faslane-based nuclear submarine found in
SONS SET FOR ELGIN TRIP cinch League 2 News Dumbarton make the long journey north today (SATURDAY) as they travel to Borough Briggs to take on
Patrick Harvie wants Scots to get on their bike A new blueprint which could bring about a “revolution in everyday cycling” is being published by
By Bill Heaney Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie today described the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s speech to Scottish Conservative conference as “without vision and
By Lucy Ashton Labour has promised to make women’s health a priority, as breast cancer treatment targets are missed either side of the border. Anneliese
St Patrick’s connections with Dumbarton and Old Kilpatrick are recalled in the names of the churches and schools named after him and on occasion by