The Snuts write eloquent letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon asking her to support their industry

coronavirus in the last 24 hours in Scotland - the highest rise in cases since May 16.But there have now been no new deaths related to the killer virus since July. Latest figures show the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country now stands at 15,096.

PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS: Live news as it happens The latest guidance from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon means the charity can move to the final stage of preparing its plans and procedures for the gradual and safe reopening of services at its gyms and swimming pools by the end of the month. Access is likely to be on the basis of pre-booked time slots and details will be shared as they are finalised.

Nicola Sturgeon has made a renewed call for the UK Government to extend the furlough scheme beyond October amid fears unemployment will rocket when it is removed. The First Minister said the Treasury should follow the example of France and Germany by extending economic support for businesses which were forced to close during lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon has said she was not aware of female civil servants being advised not be alone with her predecessor Alex Salmond.But she said MSPs probing the Scottish Government’s handling of sexual harassment allegations made against the former first minster were “perfectly entitled” to take up this issue.She vowed she was “absolutely committed to fully complying with the inquiry”.Her comments came after concerns were raised about “huge swathes” of information provided by the Scottish

NHS Tayside has said. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the 43 positive cases identified so far, as part of an outbreak at the 2 Sisters food processing plant, as "a significant cluster".

Nicola Sturgeon has said Scotland is not in the midst of a second coronavirus wave despite a recent spike in cases. The First Minister said at the Scottish Government's briefing on Wednesday that the increase - from two daily cases in early July to 50 in the most recent figures - is a "spike in the first wave".She added it is not clear if there will be a second wave of the virus.

Join thousands of others and get the latest Scottish politics news sent straight to your inbox every Friday.Nicola Sturgeon said there are no outbreaks of coronavirus in primary schools after concerns pupils were testing positive.The First Minister confirmed more cases since the return to class full time in Scotland last week, but said they were linked to communities rather than schools."We are not seeing outbreaks in primary schools, we are seeing individual cases of primary school aged

pupils contracting Covid-19 is inevitable, Nicola Sturgeon has said. The First Minister spoke about the clusters of the virus across the country, including those affecting schools, at the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed last month an “indicative date” of September 14 for gyms reopening.That date is set to be renewed on August 20 and could potentially be brought forward to August 30.

school results scandal.The First Minister praised Professor Mark Priestley, who came out for the SNP at the general election, for his skills and experience and said he is the right person for the job.Education Secretary John Swinney this week made a u-turn after confirming that around 120,000 downgraded results would be reversed following a backlash by pupils and parents.Get all the top Scottish politics news sent straight to your Inbox by signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood,

John Swinney has held on to his job after surviving a no-confidence vote over the pupil grades scandal. He was kept in post after securing the support of the pro-independence Scottish Greens.

Stonehaven train crash as 'an extremely serious incident' as emergency services work on the scene.A train derailed near the Aberdeenshire town around 9.45am this morning prompting the First Minister's response.A huge police, fire and ambulance presence has been spotted on the scene amid reports of serious injuries and carriages being on fire.Nicola Sturgeon was briefed by emergency services just before standing up at Holyrood for First Minister’s Questions.She will be having meetings with

West Lothian chart toppers The Snuts have sent an open letter to Nicola Sturgeon asking for industry support.The lads have been hit hard financially in recent times because they had to postpone planned gigs during the global health crisis .The West Lothian Courier reported last week how fans of the group had started a crowdfunder to help them pay their road crew.The letter to the First Minster, dated August 4, asks that she support the music industry whilst also listing the many virtues that

SNP is on course for a crushing victory at the next Holyrood election, according to a new poll.  The snapshot found the Nationalists on 57% in first-past-the-post constituencies, which would help the SNP secure a sizeable majority.  In another boost for Nicola Sturgeon, support for independence stands at 53%, which is in line with recent polls.

“There will for example be a lot more hand washing, some schools will have staggered starts and lunch breaks, and at West Calder school lunches will have to be ordered on an app.“I know that there will be anxiety for students parents and teachers this week and I think that is entirely understandable,“All of us know that the reopening of schools is important for children’s education, personal development, general wellbeing and happiness.”

pupils across Scotland caught up in an exams fiasco which penalised pupils in poorer communities.The First Minister made the significant apology days after pupils protested and calls were made for Education Secretary John Swinney to resign.At her regular briefing, Sturgeon said: "I do acknowledge that we did not get this right and I am sorry for that."The U-turn comes after defending a system brought in to grade pupils who were unable to sit normal exams because of the Covid-19 health

Nicola Sturgeon has said it is "bonkers" for people to question her commitment to Scottish independence as she confirmed her intention to stand in next year's Holyrood election. The First Minister also stated she would serve another full term if elected in the 2021 vote for the Scottish Parliament.

Covid cases has broken out in the Greater Glasgow area. The First Minister said there were 17 confirmed cases in Scotland's largest health board yesterday - which includes the city as well as the neighbouring council areas of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Nicola Sturgeon has said all pupils who are unhappy with their exam results will be able to appeal them for free as the Scottish Government faced mounting criticism over how grades were awarded. For the first time in more than 130 years, Scottish youngsters did not sit down for exams in May as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

bars and restaurants could face a “further shutdown” if Scots do not abide by strict public safety rules.The First Minister said pictures of a large queue outside an Aberdeen bar had made her want to cry.A key part of the Government’s policy of coming out of lockdown involved the reopening of pubs and restaurants.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 on