Should fireworks be banned in Scotland? Let us know your thoughts as New Year's approaches

A community will gather to pay an emotional tribute to a “loved” scots dad who tragically died after falling off a bridge in New Zealand on Christmas Day. Duncan Gordon, 39, from Dunkeld, fell backwards from the bridge in Dunedin at around 8pm following a social gathering with friends.

Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment are new health benefits replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA for Child) for people living in Scotland. The devolved benefits will provide financial support for young children and those between 16 and State Pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.

It’s true! Meghan Markle was not welcomed at Balmoral on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, according to Prince Harry!

An Ayrshire boozer and its punters have raised over £2,000 for a leading cancer charity after taking part in Coastwatch's fifth annual Polar Plunge event.

A new sighting has been confirmed of a man who disappeared from Fife on New Year's Day. Scott McLaren left his home in the Dollar Crescent area of Kirkcaldy around midday on Sunday, January 1.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 16-year-old boy on New Year's Day in Aberdeenshire. Emergency services rushed to an address on Keirhill Avenue in the Westhill area yesterday morning after receiving reports of 'concern' for the teenager.

Scotland has welcomed the first babies of 2023 as parents from across the country celebrate special arrivals on the first day of the year.

Thousands of revellers returned from all over the world to welcome in New Year at Scotland’s biggest street party. Over 40,000 people flooded into Edinburgh for the world-famous Hogmanay for the first time in three years.

Those who are planning to go out to see some New Year's fireworks might want to keep an umbrella to hand. This weekend will see in 2023, with Hogmanay taking place on Saturday, December 31, and New Year's Day taking place on Sunday, January 1.

With the arrival of 2023 looming, many of us will be planning to make some changes with some New Year's Resolutions. Most Scots will be tucking into some good food and drink to celebrate the festive period, but come January 1, many of us will be whipping ourselves into shape.

Can you give a loving new home to a friendly pooch?

The Scottish Government is working towards delivering a new benefit that will start to replace Carer’s Allowance by the end of next year, with a full national rollout planned for Spring 2024, according to a new progress report on the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

There is no doubt that nowhere celebrates New Year's Eve quite like Scotland, with a number of unique and historic traditions that are still followed to this day across the country.

With Christmas over and done, it is time to start thinking about Hogmanay — arguably an even bigger holiday in Scotland.

Scots are set to be lashed with rain as the Met Office has issued a fresh yellow rain warning for later this week.

The countdown to Hogmanay is on and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have already confirmed changes to benefit payment dates over New Year as a result of the subsequent bank holidays. Social Security Scotland has also announced similar changes for those on devolved benefits.

Social Security Scotland is encouraging young people who are starting a new job to claim a unique cash boost which could help with additional costs. Eligible 16-24 year olds who are already receiving certain other benefits or Tax Credits can apply for Job Start Payment - a one-off payment worth £267.65, or £428.25 if the applicant is the main carer of children.

We will bring in 2023 later this week, and while it is a period full of hope and excitement for many, it is also a period of disrupted bin pick-ups.

The number of calls to a leading energy advice service has more than quadrupled over the last year as Scots struggle with the cost of living crisis.

This festive period will be a different type of holiday for many households due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Soaring energy bills and record-breaking inflation means that money matters are at the forefront of spending, prioritising practical needs and staying in the black rather than stretching household budgets to breaking point.