People urged to plan ahead as early Christmas benefit payments due to land in accounts tomorrow

People across West Lothian are invited to say what they really mean when asked how they are, and have an open conversation about mental health.

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.

Almost three million Scots have cut back spending on food and groceries as a result of increasing energy costs, according to advice charity Citizens Advice Scotland.

It wouldn't be New Year's Eve without Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny on BBC Two. The show, which has aired for the past 30 years, has become a time-honoured tradition for many people as part of their end-of-year celebrations.

Jools Holland‘s traditional New Year’s Eve show on BBC2 has been announced.Jools’ Annual Hootenanny will see the likes of Rod Stewart, Joss Stone, Olivia Dean, Paul Jones, P.P. Arnold, RAYE, Sugababes and The Mary Wallopers seeing in 2024.Other guests include Boogie Woogie Queen, Ruby Turner and as always, the Pipes & Drums of the 1st Battalion Scot Guards will feature, as the hour strikes midnight.Details of which songs the artists will perform on the night are yet to be announced.This year’s show will air from 11.30pm GMT on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this Sunday (December 31).

Scots have been urged to seek support if they are struggling with their energy bills - ahead of a new price hike coming into force on New Year's Day.

Janey Godley has shared a snap wishing her fans a Merry Christmas and thanking the NHS amid her cancer battle.

Now that it is finally here, people all over Scotland will be enjoying spending Christmas Day with their nearest and dearest. And while you are going through your usual festive rituals and traditions, take a moment to think what the end of the year would be like with no Christmas.

Scottish Love Island star Camilla Thurlow has shared a sweet snap of her pregnancy to social media.

A charity walk will take place on Christmas Day in memory of a respected Scots journalist who lost his battle with cancer last year.

Christmas Day for the Royal Family is a day packed full of unique traditions, but it isn't just a time for roast turkey, mince pies and carols as it also sees one of the King's closest relatives celebrate her birthday. She is a treasured member of the monarch’s inner circle and trusted friend who was born in Belgravia on Christmas Day in 1936 as the second child of the Duke and Duchess of Kent.The Princess is now the eldest female member of the Royal Family, and the second eldest overall behind her brother, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Princess Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel of Kent was born on December 25, 1936 to Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.The princess was born on Christmas Day like her aunt, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.

Young carers in Scotland are being urged to do something for themselves during this season of giving and claim the financial support they are entitled to. Social Security Scotland is encouraging eligible people to apply for the annual £359.65 Young Carer Grant this winter.

Michael Beale's theory that Scottish Premiership strikers weren't good enough to be on his summer wishlist has been brutally shot down by Andy Walker - who claims that there were FOUR last season good enough to don the Blues shirt.

The Met Office has predicted that the UK will get a White Christmas this year - but not for many.

A Gartocharn resident has written to First Minister Humza Yousaf with concerns over plans for a windfarm in Alexandria.

Sir Rod Stewart is known for his blonde barnet, love for Scotland and his wacky wardrobe and his most recent social media post definitely combines all three.

People living in Scotland are in a unique position as there are now 14 benefits and payments only available for those living north of the border. A pilot rollout of Carer Support Payment began last month in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles and will gradually replace all new claims for Carer's Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It's set to be a wet but somewhat mild week across Greater Manchester as we head towards Christmas. While there's a slim chance of snow falling in our area next week, it's the most northern parts of the UK that are more likely to get a dusting.

The latest statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of July, some 93,880 people were in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)and of those, 42,620 were new applicants and 51,260 were existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) case transfers.

State Pension provides essential financial support every four weeks for 12.6 million people across Great Britain, including around one million living in Scotland. This regular payment of up to £203.85 per week for the full, New State Pension or £156.20 per week for the Basic State Pension (Category A or B) is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which increased to 66 for both men and women in October 2020.