Ayrshire College support staff prepared to strike in new year over pay dispute and job security

A Dumfries doctor honoured by the King in the New Year honours has expressed her gratitude for the award.

Russell Brand told locals in the tiny Scots village where he spent New Year that he wants to buy a holiday home next to them. The controversial comedian, who has been questioned by police over sexual abuse allegations, has stayed at seven-bedroom Brioch House in Kippen, Stirlingshire, for the last week.

The Traitors is back on BBC One with its second series this week, and a new group of contestants are competing for a prize fund worth up to £120,000.The show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, takes place at the Ardross Castle estate in Scotland. Among the contestants is Diane Carson, 63, who has already become a fan favourite on social media. Family life It's understood Diane, originally from Northern Ireland, lives in Lancashire with her husband, and she's a parent and grandparent.

Millions of people claiming their State Pension can look forward to a bumper income boost this year when payments rise by 8.5 per cent from April 8, 2024. Under the wages growth measure of the Triple Lock policy, those on the full New Sate Pension can expect an annual increase of £902, while those on the full Basic (or Old) State Pension will see an uplift of £692).

Chris Aitken heaped praise on new signing Bryan Boylan after title-chasing Kilwinning Rangers dazzled under the Friday Night Lights.

The Scottish Government recently announced a new devolved disability payment designed to provide additional financial support for people of State Pension age will not include a mobility component. However, it has also confirmed the new benefit will not include any face-to-face assessments as part of the application process.

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a woman at a Scots home on New Year's Day.

Scotland has welcomed the first babies born in 2024 - with one family receiving their little bundle of joy just minutes into the New Year.

Pulp brought in the New Year in Edinburgh last night with a live show in front of thousands of revellers at the Princes Street Hogmanay concert.The Britpop legends played their first show in the Scottish capital in 20 years in a show that was organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, alongside UniqueAssembly.The band played two sets, one each side of midnight, separated by the traditional fireworks show at the stroke of 12. It was the 30th anniversary of the Princes Garden Street Party.A post shared by Pulp (@welovepulp)A post shared by @jarvisbransoncockerAn unashamed joy to see Common People performed for the first ever time with a bagpipe accompaniment. And hearing Lipgloss, for the first time live this millennium, and Monday Morning.

With Christmas now out of the way, many of us will be looking forward to the final celebration - New Year.

Vogue Williams has been making the most of her time in snowy Scotland as she and husband Spencer Matthews could be seen taking a dip in a freezing cold lake on New Year's Eve. Model Vogue, 38, and ex-Made in Chelsea star Spencer, 35, have spent the festive period with their three young children -Theodore, five, Gigi, three, and Otto, 19 months - at their sprawling Scottish family estate, Glen Affric.The family's trip has consisted of cosy family outings, lots of gym sessions and "very chilled" time altogether, as well as freezing cold lake plunges - something that Vogue isn't as keen on as her husband is. Taking to Instagram, the mum-of-three shared a string of clips of her getting into a freezing lake alongside Spencer and a pal.

Happy New Year from everyone at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail. We hope 2024 brings you all lots of treasured moments and lasting memories.

It has been a turbulent time in Walford over Christmas already with further shock yet to unfold on EastEnders. Both Zack and Whitney are left speechless to find out she is pregnant in episodes to air over New Year.

A perfect way to celebrate the New Year is by making loads of little nibbles and snacking until the clock strikes midnight. Whether you are having people over for the bells, or just spending it chilling at home, getting the picky bits in is essential.

He is the current Sound of Scotland and Ayrshire rapper Bemz will be taking his Scottish Music Award to the world with a special gig in Edinburgh.

Love Island finalist Paul Knops looks unrecognisable and completely different five years on from starring on the hit ITV2 dating show. Former reality star Paul found fame on the programme in 2018 when he finished in second place alongside Scottish beauty Laura Anderson. But things quickly turned sour when they decided to split and Paul accused the ex air hostess of moving on with Islander Max Morley "weeks" before he ended their romance.

The New Year is on the horizon and more freezing cold weather and snow could be on the way as we head into 2024, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has discussed the possibility of an arctic blast hitting the UK, with the potential for a 15-day "snow bomb". Forecasters have said that weather maps have shown unsettled conditions will continue across the UK deep into the New Year, the Mirror reports.

The Met Office has issued its latest update on whether snow will hit the UK as the year draws to an end.

Mötley Crüe have cancelled their ‘Crüe Year’s Eve’ 2023 concert that was due to take place in California on New Year’s Eve.The band issued a statement Thursday (December 21), confirming that their December 31 concert at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs would not be going ahead.“It is with deep regret we must inform you the Crüe Year’s Eve show in Palm Springs is being canceled,” the band wrote in a brief social media post.“The very short time frame to produce the event resulted in issues beyond our control. We look forward to seeing you all in 2024!”It is with deep regret we must inform you the Crüe Year’s Eve show in Palm Springs is being canceled.