Elderly Scots hospital patients infected with coronavirus to be sent into care homes as Jeane Freeman faces furious backlash

Colin Smyth, Labour’s South Scotland MSP, added: “He said: “People across our region have worked really hard over the past couple of months and their sacrifices have paid off when we look at the latest Covid-19 figures.“This change to level one is very welcome and while everyone recognises that the virus is still dangerous, and we must all remain vigilant until we can all receive a vaccination, it is long awaited and overdue.”

Kaleem Aftab British film “Limbo,” a wry refugee drama, directed by Edinburgh-born director Ben Sharrock and produced by Spain’s Irune Gurtubai, won the Golden Pyramid for best film at the Cairo Film Festival on Thursday.Told in a pleasing deadpan style, “Limbo” recounts the story of a Syrian musician, played by the BIFA nominated rising star Amir El-Masry, who is placed on a Scottish island when awaiting his request for asylum to be processed.

police - because it is not “essential travel”. The Scout Scotland Santa Run in Stewarton, which has been running for decades, was halted after officers said the sleigh ride through the town breached lockdown rules.

coronavirus scams being used by fraudsters across the country. Both the Test and Protect scheme and the support fund for self-isolation have been used by criminals trying to steal people’s personal information, according to evidence collected by Trading Standards Scotland.

lack of contact for families who had been expecting regular visits of up to four hours and close contact with relatives.Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay raised the concerns in a tense exchange at Holyrood on Tuesday which saw him brand SNP depute leader Keith Brown "ignorant" and a "clown" for heckling.Findlay called for urgent talks across political parties led by by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman on emergency legislation to get safe and secure contact for families and care home residents.He

stole their own grandparents’ life savings have hit out after they escaped jail - and dodged an order to pay back the money.Heartless Clair and Louise Smith, 25, posed as doting carers while swiping £8,000 from the bank account of their grandparents in Irvine, Ayrshire.The twins pleaded guilty to clearing out the cash while running errands for vulnerable Crawford Pirrie, 73, and wife Marlene, 75.Yesterday the twins were sentenced to a three-month tagging order - branded a “slap in the face” by

link.The owner of Northcare – who runs two care homes in East Kilbride – confirmed she had been given notice that residents and staff in Rosaburn House would be vaccinated by next week.Dates have yet to be confirmed for Lindsayfield Lodge - Northcare’s other facility in the town.Managing director of Northcare, Margaret Sawers, told the News: “We have no reason to have cause for concern over the delivery of vaccinations – the Scottish Government now need to provide what they have said they will

coronavirus vaccine has arrived in Scotland with the first jabs being given out on Tuesday. Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced the major step in ridding the country of 'this terrible virus'.

priority health care and vulnerable groups. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has previously set out plans to reach a million Scots by spring.

EXCLUSIVE: Filming has wrapped in Scotland on under-the-radar UK horror The Origin, starring Chuku Modu (The 100, The Good Doctor), Kit Young (star of Netflix’s upcoming fantasy series Shadow And Bone), Iola Evans (The 100), newcomer Safia Oakley-Green, Arno Lüning and Luna Mwezi (Platzspittzbaby).

Christmas celebrations with lights, markets and Santa all lighting up the country for the month of December. The pinnacle of winter, it's hard to imagine a time when Scotland didn't make a huge effort with its Christmas celebrations.

Santa is facing restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, despite recently being cleared as a key worker by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. New research by smart home security firm, SimpliSafe, has revealed that kids across Scotland are already planning ways to keep them and their families Covid-19 safe during his visit this Christmas.

Join thousands of others who have signed up to the weekly Scotland Now newsletter for the latest Scottish heritage and culture news.At the end of November every year Scots come together to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint.Saint Andrew is a much loved figure not only here, but also in countries as far reaching as Barbados, Greece, Russia, Colombia, Romania and Cyprus where he is also the patron saint.But how much do we know about the saint and why we celebrate his life?Andrew began his

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.This time last year Crieff was being held up as a shining example of how success can be achieved when businesses and the community join forces to promote and attract visitors to their town.Buoyed by a Facebook post, which was seen by over 150,000 people, Scotland’s only Santa’s Post Office opened its doors in the town's James Square.Praised by the likes of actor Ewan McGregor, a Crieff native, within weeks

Derek McInnes has blasted the SFA’s Covid protocols after three of his players were forced into self isolation after returning from Under-21 duty. Aberdeen have been rocked by the news that Ross McCrorie, Lewis Ferguson and Connor McLennan will miss the next three games after being caught up in the Scotland Under-21s Covid outbreak.

breakthrough drugs are given the formal green light in time.Scotland's health secretary Jeane Freeman set out the timeline and who will get vaccinated first in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.She said one million people could be vaccinated by the end of January.Freeman said it will be among the "biggest civilian logistical challenges in our lifetime".The first wave of vaccine distribution, from December to February, will go to frontline health and social care staff, older residents in

Garry Faulds has revealed the coronavirus pandemic was the "best thing" that ever happened to him. The rising star, who has been dubbed the new Kevin Bridges, opened up about how the rollercoaster last few months "stripped him bare" but saved his marriage, helped him become a better dad, and improved his finances.

covid testing for all health and social care workers. Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon called for the ‘immediate’ routine testing that received support from all parties in a vote at Holyrood on Wednesday evening.

Santa Claus for the first time has melted the hearts of thousands. Toddler Olivia Friel visited Cardwell Garden Centre, near Gourock with her mum, Ashleigh, who filmed her daughter’s amazing reaction when Santa appeared on a balcony to wave to youngsters.