Scots Government agrees £200,000 contract with consultancy firm to advise on ferries debacle

the crisis facing the country. A report produced today by the Scottish Government's economic advisory group - chaired by ex-Tesco Bank boss Benny Higgins - suggested prioritising business plans to deliver "a green recovery".

Scottish Government advisor has voiced her opposition to the reopening of indoor pubs amid a significant cluster of cases in Aberdeen. Professor Devi Sridhar said that the opening of indoor hospitality “seems to be the step that causes super-spreading events”.

Join thousands of others who have signed up for the Daily Record newsletter.A Wishaw gym owner has hit out at the Scottish Government over a lack of support during the Covid-19 pandemic.Scott Allan runs Rivals Gym, a martial arts school in Wishaw, and said he has “no idea” when he will be allowed to open his doors to his students.He has also said he has received very little help in terms of money from the UK or Scottish Governments, as the building the gym is in is too big.Speaking to the Wishaw

signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood, Westminster and local councils, with a current focus on how our governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic.To sign up, simply enter your email address into the pink box near the top of this article.Alternatively, you can visit our newsletter sign up-centre.

Join thousands of others who have signed up for the Daily Record newsletter.Over 95 percent of people attending the Accident and Emergency department at University Hospital Wishaw waited less than four hours to be seen and treated.The latest statistics on A&E waiting times released by the Scottish Government for week ending July 19 show that across Scotland 94.5 percent of those attending were seen within the set four hour standard, and the Wishaw hospital fared even better at 95.1 percent.In

Luxembourg  has been taken off the list of countries exempt from quarantine, the Scottish Government said. It follows a similar decision about Spain on July 25.

News : “The health and social care visa’ is a real kick in the teeth for the care sector after their vital contribution to saving lives and helping to tackle the virus.

internal market between the four UK nations after Brexit. Mike Russell, the Scottish Government's spokesman on the constitution, told MSPs today the plan was not about smoothing trade but removing power from Holyrood and handing it back to Westminster.

Perthshire politicians to sign off on the deal. School safe from closure after review panel criticises council for process Launched in 2016, the Tay Cities Deal is a partnership between public, private and voluntary organisations across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth and Kinross through negotiation with the UK and Scottish governments.The terms were agreed to much fanfare early in 2019, but since then the UK Government has failed to sign off on its financial commitment.

shield from coronavirus have died, according to the Scottish Government. However, ministers have been criticised after saying they do not hold information on the causes of death.

coronavirus are being urged to take full advantage of the support available. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in people facing challenges around bills, rent and job security.

Alex Salmond debacle.A Holyrood committee wanted documents relating to the Government’s botched Salmond probe by the end of this month, but a civil servant has said even the end of August is “unlikely”.Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans cited “data protection obligations” and “legal restrictions” as reasons for the delay.Get all the top Scottish politics news sent straight to your Inbox by signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood, Westminster and local councils, with a current focus

to self-isolate at home upon their return from Spain should be compensated, Willie Rennie has said. The Scottish Lib Dem leader called on Holyrood ministers to offer support to holidaymakers who travelled to the popular destination under the impression they would not have to quarantine when they arrived home.

reimpose quarantine restrictions on passengers arriving from Spain has been branded "shambolic" as opposition parties questioned the U-turn. It was announced on Saturday evening that thousands of Scots holidaymakers will have to self-isolate at home for two weeks when they return from the popular tourist destination due to rising virus infection rates in the country.

casinos by announcing a date for their reopening after lockdown. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) made the plea, saying businesses need clarity.

Richard Leonard has said the Scottish Government has a "moral obligation" to help low-income families left struggling during lockdown. The Scottish Labour leader said an equivalent to the delayed Scottish Child Payment should be offered to those who are unable to make ends meet as soon as possible.

British sweet brand Swizzels is giving fans the chance to win a year’s supply of Drumstick Squashies. The sweet company is asking people to share a photo or clip of their summer to be in with a chance of winning this incredible prize for two people - plus £1,000 in cash.

hospitals.A probe into problems at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and Edinburgh’s Sick Kids starts next month and could take three years.Critics slammed the fee for public relations, which comes despite the Scottish Government and health boards employing their own in-house PR teams.Glasgow’s 3x1 Group has been awarded the PR contract, having secured a similar deal for the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry.Labour MSP for Glasgow Anas Sarwar said: “What matters is not media management

Nicola Sturgeon ’s economic advisers has criticised a lack of business experience in her government and hit out at “career politicians”. Tycoon Jim McColl said the problem is worse in Scotland and warned the country faces losing half its small and medium sized firms due to covid-19.

missing Scots mum who vanished in Clackmannanshire. Joanne Walker was last seen leaving her home in Stalker Avenue, Tillicoultry, at around 10pm on Friday.