Hamilton Homebase faces uncertain future as firm goes into administration, with the Hamilton branch now up for sale. The DIY and garden chain entered administration, risking thousands of jobs. Administrators have reached an agreement with retail group CDS to acquire 70 stores, leaving 74 stores, including the Hamilton outlet, in need of buyers by November…

North Lanarkshire Council has introduced a new information service for residents to assist them throughout the winter season. The service offers guidance on various aspects of winter safety, consumer advice, travel, gritting, events, and activities, accessible through the council’s website. Councillor Helen Loughran, the Convener of the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, emphasised the…

Gatehouse-based cycling group, Wheels of Fleet, has received a generous financial boost of £2,000 from Kirkcudbright Rotary Club. This funding was raised through the Rotary’s annual cycling sportive event held in August, which aims to support local cycling charities. Wheels of Fleet, located in Gatehouse of Fleet, is dedicated to promoting cycling for all by…

Aldi’s Vegan Footlong Pigs in Blankets: A Taste Test Aldi has unveiled its newest offering, the world’s first foot-long vegan pig-in-blanket, as part of its Bottomless Pigs-in-Blanket Restaurant experience. As a vegetarian, I decided to take the plunge and give this innovative vegan twist on a classic festive treat a try. Pigs in blankets are…

Opera fans in Stewartry can look forward to a special festive treat next month as Blackbird Opera presents Christmas Carols at Barwhillanty House near Castle Douglas. The performance on Saturday, December 21 will include a mix of popular opera, classical highlights, and audience sing-along carols, promising a delightful experience just before Christmas Day. The concert…

Battlefield Conflict Erupts Over Proposed Battery Hub in Perthshire Residents of Perthshire are in uproar over plans to construct a battery storage hub on the historic site of the 1644 Battle of Tippermuir near Tibbermore village. The controversial proposal, which involves building a 50-megawatt battery storage system for renewables, has sparked heated debates among locals.…

A new £36 million Blairgowrie Recreation Centre is set to open early next year, becoming Scotland’s first ultra-low energy swimming pool and recreation centre. The centre is a replacement for the existing Blairgowrie Recreation Centre and is on track to open ahead of schedule to avoid disruption to Blairgowrie High School’s prelim timetable. The new…

A man who disappeared last year has been found alive and well after his family’s relentless search for 18 months. Shane Barnett went missing after leaving the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on May 7, 2023, as seen on CCTV footage. Despite numerous efforts from South Wales Police and his family to locate the…

Dalbeattie High School in Scotland has been honoured with the prestigious Silver UNICEF UK Right Respecting School Award. The school community collaborated to gather evidence towards three main outcomes: teaching and learning about rights, teaching and learning through rights, and being ambassadors for the rights of others. The evidence presented included various initiatives such as…

Gatehouse SWI members were treated to an entertaining presentation by local quilter Elaine Milven at their most recent meeting. The gathering, which also included the AGM, was hosted by President Margaret, who welcomed everyone before introducing Elaine. Elaine, a member of both the Quilters of Shambellie House and Machars Quilters, shared insights into her family…