Cost of living crisis and food supply difficulties disrupting Dumfries and Galloway School meals

A Scots mum has told how she was forced to return to work while receiving treatment for cancer as she couldn't afford to pay her bills in the cost of living crisis. Joanna Shaw, 51, from Dundee, began a phased return to her job in sales in October, but struggled to survive on a reduced salary before returning full-time this week as she battles to make ends meet.

Men in West Lothian enjoy longer, more healthier lives than many of their peers in other areas of the Lothians - but it’s not great news for women.

People are being encouraged to check they are not missing out on extra money and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the benefits administered by Social Security Scotland - some of which are only available in Scotland.

High rates of respiratory illness such as the flu are being recorded across Dumfries and Galloway.

Janey Godley has urged her followers to look out for the four signs of ovarian cancer as her own battle continues.

The DWP has announced that millions of people on low incomes will receive a cost-of-living cash boost from this spring.

A charity has warned that council tax arrears could soar this year after new data showed its clients need help clearing debts almost three times higher than the average bill amid the cost-of-living crisis. Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) revealed that its clients owed a cumulative £12.7million to local authorities for unpaid tax bills between September 2021 and September 2022.

The UK Government recently announced a series of new cost of living payments to help millions of households across the country mitigate soaring inflation and ever-increasing energy bills. The new cost of living support package is worth £26 billion in 2023/24, in addition to benefits uprating, which is worth £11 billion to working age households and people with disabilities.

A Dumfries and Galloway social worker was applauded by dozens of councillors and officials for her national achievements.

The joint leaders of Dumfries and Galloway Council are maintaining their united front and insist it is business as usual.

A Scots shop owner has been handing out free 'sleeping pods' for homeless people in a bid to save lives this winter.

A well-kent face was spotted at Glasgow's Irn-Bru Carnival on Friday afternoon with many youngsters left star-struck when 'Peter Pan' turned up.

A Scots family have been left fearing for the health of their son and premature baby after a chronic mould problem in their council flat has made their lives a 'nightmare'.

The joint leaders of Dumfries and Galloway Council are maintaining their united front and insist it is business as usual.

Back in 1995, one of Scotland's most notorious imposters hit the headlines as a 30-year-old man managed to enrol as a 16-year-old pupil at his old high school in Bearsden.

A teacher has been reprimanded after she was caught lying about her role on a job application for a West Lothian school.

A warning has been issued that council services are at “absolute breaking point”.

A Scots teacher has been reprimanded for lying on an application for a new job, claiming she held senior roles at schools when she had not.

Dumfries cricketer Chris McBride has been making his mark on the pitch for Scotland in the heat of Namibia whilst his former Dumfries Cricket Club team mates have been putting the gloves on for the icy conditions at home.

John Swinney has said "difficult decisions" will be required to combat the cost-of-living crisis as he prepares to lay out the Scottish Government's Budget later today.