Courier News

Former councillor wades into Aberfeldy hydro debate from other side of the world

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:33:00 +0000

Debate over controversial proposals for a hydro scheme at the Birks of Aberfeldy has reached the other side of the world.

Angus Council urged to avoid 'knee jerk' reaction to Carnoustie flood warning

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:47:00 +0000

Coastal works proposed for Carnoustie have been criticised as a ''knee jerk'' response to the risk of flooding.

Strathearn councillor attacks Scotland's 'mad dash for wind power'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

The relentless pressure to identify new sites for windfarm developments has been described as ''economic and environmental folly'' by a Perthshire councillor.

Dundee City Council planning new support for staff suffering domestic abuse

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Dundee City Council is set to adopt a new policy to deal with gender-based violence affecting its employees.

Call for independent investigation into Fife chief constable's car crash

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Police in Fife are probing the circumstances surrounding a head-on car crash involving their own chief constable, it has emerged.

Twins Ayley and Chloe welcomed home with Carnoustie party

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch have been given a homecoming to remember after life-changing surgery to give them the use of their legs.

Chinese firm's comments bring new call for Forth Replacement Crossing contracts inquiry

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:45:00 +0000

There are fresh calls for a review of contracts for the new Forth crossing after further questions were raised about the project.

'The very worst' — staff nurse lists serious problems at Victoria Hospital

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:51:00 +0000

A staff nurse has called on health chiefs to take action after lifting the lid on what she believes is a shocking state of affairs at a Fife hospital.

Queen to make a diamond jubilee stop in Perth in July

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:29:00 +0000

The Queen is to visit Perth as part of a nationwide tour celebrating her diamond jubilee.

Force warning public to be on guard for police-themed telephone con

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Brazen conmen have been impersonating police in an attempt to dupe people out of cash.

Fife Council promises public won't be caught short by toilet closures

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:18:00 +0000

Assurances have been given that no public toilets in Fife will be closed until suitable alternatives have been found.

BT Openreach expected to gain approval for superfast broadband cabinet in Montrose

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:46:00 +0000

Tuesday's meeting of Angus Council's development standards committee is expected to approve a superfast internet exchange for Montrose.

Dundee City Council says £131,000 occupational health scheme is a good deal

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Dundee City Council has spent £131,000 to help create a ''positive health and wellbeing culture'' for its employees.

Drainage problems delay St Andrews road closure

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:49:00 +0000

A planned closure of a St Andrews street to cater for resurfacing works has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Police appeal after suspicious fire in centre of Perth

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:01:00 +0000

A fire which closed off a street in the centre of Perth on Saturday is being treated as suspicious.

Disillusioned Royal Mail customers turned to Broughty Ferry Scouts for Christmas post

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Broughty Ferry's Scouts enjoyed a staggering 40% increase in the volume of mail delivered by their Christmas card postal service, and their success has been attributed to widespread disillusionment with the Royal Mail.

Perthshire business chiefs accuse Virgin Media of ignoring rural areas in broadband push

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:48:00 +0000

Perthshire business leaders this week accused communications giant Virgin Media of abandoning communities by failing to provide high-speed broadband to rural Perthshire.

Dundee University experts share vision of Crieff's future

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:19:00 +0000

An overhaul of Crieff High Street could radically raise the town's fortunes, a new study has determined.

Tonight's the night for Rod Stewart fans

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0000

A signed photograph showing Rod Stewart cheering on Celtic during a match against Dundee United at Tannadice is to be auctioned for charity in Dundee tonight.

'Open for business' — Whitehall Theatre looks to start new era

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:15:00 +0000

"The Whitehall Theatre is open for business.''

Anstruther RNLI stalwart chalks up 30 years of service

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:46:00 +0000

A volunteer with the Anstruther lifeboat has passed yet another milestone.

Professor Iain Stewart made Royal Scottish Geographical Society president

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:10:00 +0000

Geologist Professor Iain Stewart was this week named president of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Dundee planning more charging points for electric vehicles

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:15:00 +0000

Dundee City Council is planning to add more support for electric-powered vehicles.

Plans lodged for energy plant at Perthshire farm

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Plans to create a renewable energy plant to power more than 1,000 houses have been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.

Forth Ports denies Leith move is a blow for Dundee's renewable energy hopes

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The chief executive of Forth Ports has denied favouring Edinburgh over Dundee as its major offshore renewables manufacturing hub in the east of Scotland.

Council budgets: Angus told it has a spending plan for the future

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

A budget guaranteeing the future of the county was the message from Angus Council's finance spokesman.

Council budgets: Perth and Kinross finds money for schools in time of cuts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Perth and Kinross Council announced a £62m programme of investment in its schools over the next five years at its annual budget meeting.

Council budgets: Lord provost backs administration's plans for £3.5m of cuts in Dundee

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Dundee City Council decided to make savings of more than £3.5m as it froze council tax for the sixth year in a row.

Council budgets: Fife toilets facing the axe to save £200,000

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Every public toilet in Fife — with the exception of St Andrews Church Square and automatic conveniences — could be closed in an effort to save Fife Council £200,000 a year.

From pocket money to a Big Lottery Award — incredible community effort adds up to a happy ending for Birks Cinema story

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:34:00 +0000

The red carpet was rolled out in Aberfeldy for the Friends of Birks Cinema after it completed a feat of fundraising.

'It's been months of worry' — Dundee man tells of being ostracised before Crown dropped car vandalism case

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:02:00 +0000

A 61-year-old man who had been accused of scratching over 40 cars in the Baxter Park area of Dundee has had the case against him dropped.

Locked out — parents barred as Angus Council votes to raise 'superschool' case at Court of Session

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:41:00 +0000

Town campaigners were shut out of a debate that determined Angus Council will pursue a Court of Session appeal in its bid to create a £8 million Arbroath "superschool".

Rape cases at four-year high — but support groups say most still go unreported

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:13:00 +0000

The number of rape cases recorded in Tayside has reached a four-year high.

Heartbeat — Ninewells Hospital stepping up security with new police base

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Bobbies will go on the beat inside Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to reassure staff and patients and deter criminals.

Scottish Government pledges support in wake of Ross & Bonnyman collapse

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:41:00 +0000

A Government task force is to set up a Forfar event in a bid to help the workers hit by the collapse of town firm Ross & Bonnyman.

21 evacuated during fire in Perth flats block

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:24:00 +0000

A fire in a common close forced the evacuation of 21 people from their homes.

Dundee United manager Peter Houston faces Kingsway speeding charge

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:26:00 +0000

Dundee United manager Peter Houston has been charged with speeding on the city's Kingsway.

Former St Andrews University PhD student fined for homophobic abuse

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:04:00 +0000

A former St Andrews University PhD student who committed a prolonged homophobic offence in the town has been fined £720.

Whitehall Theatre customers told they should expect 75% refunds

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Ticket-holders left out of pocket following the closure of a Dundee theatre last year are to receive partial refunds.

SSE puts controversial River Isla hydro scheme on hold

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Power giant SSE has put on hold plans for a hydro scheme on the Angus-Perthshire border.

Dundee retailer first to be fined for selling cigarettes to under-age customer

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

An undercover operation has ended with a shop becoming the first in Dundee to be dealt a fixed penalty for selling cigarettes to a child.

Historic Dunfermline industrial buildings to become an 'urban village'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

A multi-million-pound urban village will transform a historic town centre remnant of Dunfermline's past.

Lloyds Pharmacy fails in High Court bid to prevent rival opening in Auchterarder

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:02:00 +0000

An Auchterarder pharmacy has failed in its High Court bid to prevent a second dispensary opening in the town.

City councillor George Regan standing down to concentrate on cancer battle

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Long-serving Dundee Labour councillor George Regan is to stand down at this year's local government elections.

Ex-Scoutmaster who abused boys over 40 years ago told to expect jail or hefty compensation orders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

A Perth sheriff has warned a retired Perthshire Scoutmaster who sexually abused three teenage boys in the late 1960s and early 70s that he faces a possible jail sentence.

Learner drivers frozen out on their test days

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:44:00 +0000

Dundee's driving test centre has been forced to cancel 50 examinations this week due to frost and ice.

Group takes step forward in deciding Corse Hill windfarm community benefits

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:13:00 +0000

A group set up to discuss community benefits offered by a planned Angus windfarm has announced the area in which the windfall can be discussed.

Artist Jack Vettriano fined for drink and drug offences

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Artist Jack Vettriano has apologised to a court after admitting drink-driving and possessing drugs in Fife.

'Paula will attempt to rebuild her life and her career' — family rally round cleared Tayside Police officer

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:49:00 +0000

Tayside Police officer Paula Wales collapsed in tears when she was cleared of a charge of neglect of duty at the end of a four-day trial at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Opposition councillors question level of support for 7.2% increase in Angus rents

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:05:00 +0000

Angus Council's proposed 7.2% rent rise for local authority tenants has triggered a political spat as opposition councillors question the level of local backing for the jump.

Police open investigation into sudden closure of property firm Clear Lets

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000

Hundreds of tenants and landlords across Fife have been left out of pocket after a lettings firm closed suddenly.

Cold caller sought by police investigating high-value thefts in Perthshire

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:00 +0000

More than £11,000 worth of jewellery has been stolen in the latest in a spate of high-value break-ins in Perthshire.

Dundee swimming pool opening date slips into 2013

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:07:00 +0000

Dundee's new swimming pool is behind schedule and will not open to the public until next year.

PICTURE FEATURE: Out on the Tay with Broughty Ferry RNLI

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:33:00 +0000

They are the everyday heroes who help keep the coastline safe for us all.

Financial support means bright future ahead for Caird Park velodrome

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The velodrome at Caird Park is set for a major upgrade thanks to an investment of over £300,000 by Dundee City Council and sportscotland.

Contractors ready to start work on dangerous stretch of A92 in Angus

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:06:00 +0000

A £2.1 million project is about to get under way to realign a blackspot stretch of Angus coast road.

NHS Tayside expecting Ninewells Hospital to benefit from park and ride scheme

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:38:00 +0000

A planned park and ride in Dundee will ''greatly assist'' efforts to ease parking pressure at Ninewells Hospital, an NHS Tayside official has said.

Justice For Megrahi campaigners claim there is an 'orchestrated desire' to block Lockerbie investigations

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Campaigners have claimed there is a ''lack of political will'' to find out the truth about the Lockerbie bombing.

Edinburgh developer proposing new Perth supermarket

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Plans have been revealed for a £30m supermarket development which would create up to 400 jobs in Perth.

'Why do they want a secret meeting?' — councillors urged to open up debate on future of Arbroath schools

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Angus parents have called for a council vote on the future of the Arbroath ''superschool'' proposal to be held in public.

Family's belongings stolen while they slept

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:11:00 +0000

A young Dundee family have had their treasured possessions stolen from their home as they slept.

Fine and ban for drink-driver who caused chaos at Inveralmond roundabout

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0000

A Romanian drink-driver caused chaos at one of Scotland's busiest junctions after driving across the middle of a roundabout and ploughing into a traffic light pole.

Court gets to the bottom of women's Xbox spat

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:44:00 +0000

A Montrose woman has appeared in court for sitting on top of her ex-girlfriend after a spat over an Xbox.

'A truly appalling crime' — addict jailed for cowardly attack on defenceless pensioner

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:37:00 +0000

A cowardly drug addict who battered an 84-year-old Dundee grandmother in her home before stealing her cash has been jailed for five and a half years at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Donald Trump claims 'hideous and noisy' windfarms will make Scotland a laughing stock

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:16:00 +0000

Donald Trump has claimed an increasing proliferation of windfarms will make Scotland the ''laughing stock'' of the world.

'He was very cold' — Joanne Rennie's sister describes unease around man who went on to murder her sister

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:33:00 +0000

The grieving sister of Angus murder victim Joanne Rennie has spoken of the young woman's ''eerie'' killer as he faces a life sentence for the brutal crime.

Court hears pensioner sold car and quit driving after near-miss with police

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000

A pensioner has vowed to give up his licence after a near-miss with a police car led to a dangerous driving conviction.

Fife Council tenants facing 6.6% rise in rents

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:38:00 +0000

Council house rents in Fife will increase by 6.6% for 2012/13, it has emerged.

Skimming device found at Dundee University students' union cash machine

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:06:00 +0000

A sophisticated cash machine scam has been uncovered at Dundee University.

Rottweiler removed from the Dryburgh home involved in mauling case

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Another rottweiler has been taken from the house in the Dryburgh area of Dundee from which two of the same breed attacked a 10-year-old child.

Aberdeen man jailed for acting as courier for £15,000 of heroin

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:23:00 +0000

A drugs courier who was caught transporting more than £15,000 worth of heroin after his car skidded off the road and hit a tree has been jailed for two years.

Dunkeld man argues roundabouts could cut A9 junction dangers until dualling is completed

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

With work not due to start on dualling the A9 until 2017, a Perthshire man is calling for immediate action to cut the accident toll.

British UFO Research Association says object seen in the sky was a 'moon dog'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:04:00 +0000

The UK's elite UFO unit has revealed the analysis of a mysterious object seen above Angus.

Parties working for quick resolution of waterfront land dispute

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:35:00 +0000

A Dundee business leader has expressed hope that the Dundee waterfront land problem can be solved as quickly as possible and without the need to go to court.

Perth scheme cited as way of tackling cyber-bullying

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:21:00 +0000

Statistics showing the toll of cyber-bullying on pupils and teachers mean an online mentoring programme piloted in Perth must be rolled out across the country, a leading charity has claimed.

'Like a horror movie' — mother forced to give birth on pavement after buzzer confusion at Victoria Hospital maternity unit

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:22:00 +0000

A young mum had to give birth on the pavement outside a new maternity hospital because she was pressing the wrong door buzzer, it has emerged.

Dundee Airport braced for strike action over pay dispute

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:32:00 +0000

Workers at Dundee Airport could march out on strike as early as next month over a long-running pay dispute.

Golden Haddock chip shop owner ready to survey damage after teatime fire

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:02:00 +0000

A senior fire officer has praised Arbroath chip shop staff for their textbook response to a dramatic tea-time blaze at the High Street premises.

Spacious and secure — Friarton prison hall going on market

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:34:00 +0000

A mothballed prison hall in Perth is set to go on the open market in the spring after authorities finished clearing the site.

Woman 'critical but stable' after crash near Cowdenbeath

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000

A woman seriously injured in a road accident in Fife remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Braeview Academy pupil reported to Youth Justice Assessor for alleged assault on teacher

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:16:00 +0000

A pupil of Braeview Academy in Dundee has been reported after allegedly assaulting the school's deputy head teacher.

More fun for Forfar Marafun

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:57:00 +0000

Forfar Rotary Club has moved to increase the popularity of its biennial Marafun by opening race donations up to other charitable organisations.

Dundee Heritage Trust appeals for help to save High Mill building

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:07:00 +0000

A Dundee mill could be demolished if funding to protect the historic building cannot be found.

Rector warns Scotland could be 'sleepwalking into a possible disaster' with Curriculum for Excellence

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:14:00 +0000

The rector of one of Scotland's top schools has warned we are ''sleepwalking into a possible disaster'' thanks to the new national curriculum.

'The worst thing is not knowing' — Perthshire mother describes the pain of missing loved ones

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:29:00 +0000

In 2006, Pitlochry couple Elizabeth and Douglas Templeton's son Alan disappeared without trace. Theirs is one of the cases highlighted in a BBC documentary about missing people. Alan's mother tells Jack McKeown why she decided to take part in The Missing.

Class A drugs still being smuggled into Perth Prison

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Drugs including cocaine, heroin and various tablets have been found in Perth Prison.

Swinney hints at college funding concessions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Finance Secretary John Swinney has indicated he is rethinking cuts in college funding as he finalises his Budget.

Angus Council tenants facing 7% rent rises

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Hard-pressed council house tenants in Angus face a 7% hike in rents this week.

Police chief says Coppers TV show was 'interesting and positive'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:14:00 +0000

The man in charge of policing in Perth and Kinross feels a TV programme on four recruits ''portrayed a positive picture'' of Tayside Police.

Council leader describes opponent's Kingdom Bakers comments as 'shameful'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Fife Council's leader has given his full backing to officers for their efforts to safeguard jobs at Kingdom Bakers in Kirkcaldy following criticism from his opposite number this week.

'You can never be sure' — ice warning after dog rescue at Clatto reservoir

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:41:00 +0000

A Dundee firefighter says a dramatic rescue from a reservoir at the weekend highlights the dangers of walking on ice.

First Minister's 'Gauleiter' remark increases tension in SNP/BBC spat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:52:00 +0000

Alex Salmond has been criticised for comparing a BBC staff member who banned him from appearing as a rugby pundit to a Nazi leader.

Pair due in court accused of assaulting man at home in Crieff

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:28:00 +0000

Two men are expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court today in connection with an alleged assault on a man in his home in Crieff at the weekend.

Police warn of 'tragic consequences' of carrying knives

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:52:00 +0000

The number of young people under the age of 18 caught carrying a weapon in Tayside has increased.

Angus Council planning to discuss Arbroath schools saga behind closed doors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:34:00 +0000

The next turn in the Arbroath superschool saga looks likely to be taken behind closed doors.

Discovery Film Festival helps DCA win Europa Cinema Award

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:08:00 +0000

A Dundee cinema and arts venue is to be recognised this week for its work in bringing the film industry to the attention of young people.

SWE's Hell for Lycra is heading for Perth

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Scotland's largest independent wrestling event is to make its home in Perth.

Kinross not giving up on dream of being home to a new national curling centre

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Around £1 million is needed if plans to create a national curling centre in Kinross are to become a reality.

Loganair celebrates 50 years as 'Scotland's airline'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Scottish airline Loganair celebrated its 50th anniversary this week.

NHS Fife hopes journey planner will alleviate travel problems at Victoria Hospital

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:26:00 +0000

NHS Fife is urging patients and visitors to use a dedicated journey planner to help them find the easiest way to get to Victoria Hospital by public transport.

Are Carnoustie folk really the unhappiest in Angus?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:09:00 +0000

A Carnoustie councillor says he is not surprised residents are reported to be the unhappiest in Angus.

Architect's report raises questions about Cardenden Travellers' site plan

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:38:00 +0000

Fife Council is reconsidering a proposed Cardenden Travellers' site over concerns about escalating costs.

V&A meeting hears Dundee will have to work together to realise the 'Guggenheim effect'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Academic, business and cultural communities must work more closely with the city council and enterprise agencies to ensure Dundee can fulfil its potential with the arrival of the V&A.

Child protection agencies welcome official opening of Dundee's Seymour Lodge

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:43:00 +0000

A new centre to protect some of the most vulnerable children in Dundee was officially opened this week.

Fellowship Smokies will bring some net gains for charity

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:19:00 +0000

The Arbroath smokie is being sent off to hungry homes across the UK as part of a charity drive.

North-east Fife property market showing signs of strength

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:54:00 +0000

One part of Fife seems to be bucking the trend when it comes to buying and selling houses during the recession.

Developer ready to 'get the skates on' after winning Kirriemuir supermarket approval

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:00 +0000

An Angus developer has outlined his vision for Kirriemuir's new supermarket.

Bank staff praised for preventing pensioner losing money to conmen

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Vigilant staff at a Glenrothes bank have been commended by police after they prevented a pensioner being conned out of thousands of pounds.

The fast show — Arbroath theatre company targets world record for new production

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0000

An Angus theatre company is aiming to break a world record held by a Dundee group for the last eight years.

Taxi blog post causes row at Dundee City Council licensing committee

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

A furious row has broken out over a blog post by a Dundee taxi driver.

Labour group leader accuses Fife Council of being the 'catalyst' in Kingdom Bakers' demise

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Fife Council has been accused of speeding up the demise of a crisis-hit bakery.

First Minister pressed on Forth Replacement Crossing steel contracts

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Alex Salmond has been accused of ''turning his back'' on steel workers by giving work created by the new Forth crossing to foreign workers.

Soaring prices making metal a magnet for thieves

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Thieves in Tayside and Fife have been preying upon farms and businesses in rural areas in an ever more thorough search for valuable scrap metal.

Perth Farmers' Market returning to favourite base

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Perth Farmers' Market faces the challenge of succeeding in a tough economic climate as it returns for a 13th year on Saturday.

Councillors decide to leave engine running on up-front taxi fares decision

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:24:00 +0000

The city council's licensing committee has deferred until June a decision on whether taxi drivers should charge fares up front.

Fife-wide probe after pinhole camera found in Beacon Leisure Centre changing rooms

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:02:00 +0000

An investigation is under way after a spy camera was found in a changing cubicle of a Fife sports centre.

Sheriff decides against confiscating Forfar pub landlady's car for second drink-driving conviction

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:42:00 +0000

A pub landlady's car will not be confiscated, despite a second conviction of drink-driving in three years.

Online sellers cashing in on demand for Dalai Lama tickets

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:19:00 +0000

Tickets for the Dalai Lama's lecture in Dundee have begun changing hands for several times their face value.

New poll shows unprecedented support for SNP

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:52:00 +0000

The SNP has surged to its highest ever poll lead according to a stunning new opinion survey.

Dunfermline social care worker struck off

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 +0000

A Fife social care worker has been struck off after being found guilty of misconduct.

Man victim of 'cowardly' attack in Dundee

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:17:00 +0000

A man was taken to hospital after being attacked by a ''cowardly'' thug as he walked along a Dundee street.

D-Day for Perth incinerator plan

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:59:00 +0000

A senior councillor has called on colleagues to make the right decision for the future of Perth and reject plans for an incinerator.

Tokheim says Dundee lay-offs are the result of seasonal fluctuations

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

About 80 temporary workers have left a fuel pump manufacturing plant in Dundee.

Drink-driver with previous conviction spared jail after crashing on A9

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:51:00 +0000

A drink-driver who blacked out at the wheel and ploughed in a central reservation while driving on the A9 has walked free from court.

Many lose out in the great Dalai Lama tickets rush

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Tickets to see the Dalai Lama in Dundee sold out within hours as early risers queued through the city streets.

Authorities urged to ensure Fife workforce is ready to reap benefits of Samsung investment

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Labour politicians have called for assurances Fife workers will benefit from Samsung's jobs windfall.

Dunkeld man masturbated in view of sheltered housing complex

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:00 +0000

A man who pleasured himself while parked in a Blairgowrie street was spotted by horrified staff and residents at a sheltered housing complex.

Scottish Government halted Arbroath 'superschool' project because of council failings

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:54:00 +0000

The Scottish Government says inaccuracies and inconsistencies led to the refusal of the Arbroath ''superschool'' project.

Minister says Montrose railway station improvement work starts this month

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:36:00 +0000

Long-awaited access improvements to Montrose railway station are finally on the near horizon.

Crowning glory — famous St Andrews building regains its dome

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

An iconic St Andrews hotel passed a significant milestone in its restoration journey when a vital missing part of its original Victorian grandeur was put back in place on Wednesday.

Rottweiller owner Derek Adam to appeal sentence for girl's mauling

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:39:00 +0000

A rottweiller owner jailed for a year after his two dogs escaped and mauled a young girl in the street is to appeal against his conviction.

Kazakhstan is calling — telephone conman speaks like Borat

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:44:00 +0000

Bemused Perthshire residents have been targeted by a foreign fraudster with an accent like comedy character Borat.

Steel union calls for Forth bridge work to come to a halt

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:16:00 +0000

A powerful union has demanded a halt to work on the new Forth crossing following a dramatic twist in the row over foreign contracts.

Accounts Commission says Balmossie saga shows fire board put politics before public purse

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:55:00 +0000

A spending watchdog has criticised councillors for failing to back the downgrading of a Tayside fire station.

'People power' — parents relieved to have saved Arbroath primary schools

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:31:00 +0000

An Angus parent has expressed his ''relief'' after winning a 'David v Goliath' battle to save his children's school.

Dark Blues Dee-light — Fort Bar putting a lifetime of sporting memorabilia up for charity auction

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:41:00 +0000

A large collection of sporting memorabilia — much of it involving Dundee FC and which adorns the walls of a popular Broughty Ferry pub — is to go under the hammer to raise funds for charity.

Old Course Hotel warns Kenly Farm windfarm could damage St Andrews' appeal

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:42:00 +0000

The home of golf could lose its appeal if plans for a windfarm on the outskirts of St Andrews are given the go-ahead.

Perth police closer to making Co-op raid arrest

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:13:00 +0000

Perth police say they have a positive line of enquiry in connection with an armed robbery at a Perth shop.

Angus MEP says Scotland needs to 'get off the British sinking ship'

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:58:00 +0000

A Forfar-based MEP has waded into the independence row by stating it's ''time to get off the British sinking ship''.

Cellardyke plan clears way for someone to live in a public toilet block

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Plans to convert former toilets in Cellardyke into a house have been approved by Fife councillors.

'They do nothing' — police and council accused of ignoring Brechin 'boy racer' complaints

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0000

An Angus man has warned that torment at the hands of ''boy racers'' may end in him taking the law into his own hands.

Pitreavie Playgroup finds not even children's charity collections are safe from thieves

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Thieves have stolen a children's charity collection.

Defence secretary confirms plan to use Leuchars base for returning army troops still stands

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) remains intent on moving the army into Leuchars following the RAF's departure, despite fears the proposal was in jeaopardy.

Mystery surrounds Showcase the Street staff member's sacking

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

A staff member has been sacked from a Dundee organisation that opens the world of dance, drama, vocal skills and animation to young people.

Angus housing figures engaged in extraordinary row over Shelter report

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

A leading housing association figure in Angus has prompted an angry response after challenging a senior councillor over his reaction to the area's place at the top of a national evictions league.

Kingdom Bakers collapsed owing £93,000 debt to Fife Council

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:48:00 +0000

A crisis-hit bakery owes Fife Council at least £93,000 in non-domestic rates arrears, The Courier understands.

MSP calls for tightened regulation of non-affiliated sports clubs

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:47:00 +0000

A north-east MSP has warned thousands of children are being left more vulnerable to abuse because of a loophole in the law.

Minister confirms 2017 start date for dualling of A9 between Luncarty and Birnam

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:00 +0000

Transport Minister Keith Brown has announced the first step in dualling the A9 from Perth to Inverness will begin in 2017.

Bananas! — Sturgeon accused of being on slippery ground with alcohol pricing claims

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Scotland's health secretary has been branded ''bananas'' after claiming fruit and vegetables will drop in price once minimum pricing of alcohol is introduced.

Vincent Simpson says he has nothing to fear from Elizabeth McCabe 'cold case' review

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:38:00 +0000

The man cleared of murder in the notorious Templeton Woods case has said he has nothing to fear from a fresh police probe.

Education Secretary delivers shocking new twist in Arbroath school saga

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:19:00 +0000

The Scottish Government has killed off Angus Council's £8 million ''superschool'' application.

Samsung offshore wind trials raise prospect of massive jobs boost for Fife

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:57:00 +0000

Global giant Samsung Heavy Industries' plan to invest up to £100m in Fife and create 500 jobs is being hailed as a massive shot in the arm for east central Scotland.

SNP claim the momentum in new independence poll

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:55:00 +0000

Only half of Scots now support the country staying in the United Kingdom, a new poll has found.

Labour group's alternative budget proposes more money for education

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:49:00 +0000

The Labour group on Dundee City Council is to propose an alternative budget with more money for education.

Scottish Water deals with burst main in Invergowrie

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:52:00 +0000

Scottish Water has apologised to customers in Invergowrie for any disruption to their supplies because of a burst main.

Suspicious witnesses helped to catch Perth charity bin thieves

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Shoppers contacted the police after spotting an opportunistic pair stealing from a charity bin outside a Perth supermarket.

Taxi chief stands by up-front fares proposal despite police concerns

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

A leading figure in Dundee's taxi industry has reiterated his support for proposals that would see passengers pay for their journey in advance.

Sapientia et doctrina — Fife pupils learning the age-old benefits of Latin

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Kirkcaldy High School pupils have decided the best way to ''carpe diem'' is to learn Latin.

MP urges council to 'stand firm' with people by rejecting Grundon waste-to-energy plant plan

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

The MP for Perth and North Perthshire has urged the town's council leaders to reject a controversial application for a £100 million waste-to-energy plant.

Dundee punter's £32,000 payout is his second big win at bookies

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:27:00 +0000

A mystery punter has won more than £32,000 from a £5 bet at a Dundee bookies.

135 jobs lost with collapse of Kirkcaldy firm Kingdom Bakers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Fife has been dealt a savage jobs blow with confirmation that 135 bakery workers have been made redundant following the collapse of an independent Fife firm.

Nicole stuck for a place to stay after falling victim to scam on Gumtree

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:06:00 +0000

A Dundee woman has warned potential house renters looking for accommodation on Gumtree not to fall for the same scam which has rendered her homeless, despite paying her rent in full and cleaning and redecorating her new flat.

Blairgowrie mum admits subjecting workers to racial abuse after son's car accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

A Perthshire woman directed a racist tirade at a group of foreign students after her son crashed into their minibus, Perth Sheriff Court has heard.

'Gull pie in the sky' — councillor says colourful idea to curb Arbroath's bird problem is a real red herring

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:39:00 +0000

An Angus councillor has described a Dragons Den-like idea to curb the county's seagull problem as ''gull pie in the sky.''

Tragic Fife couple's case leads to calls for national norovirus review

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:55:00 +0000

Cowdenbeath MSP Helen Eadie has called for an urgent investigation into hospital hygiene following the deaths of an elderly couple who contracted the deadly winter vomiting bug.

Rossi the eagle owl's Dundee adventure brought to an end

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:37:00 +0000

A rare bird that touched down in Dundee earlier this month is now resting at a specialist centre in Fife after being captured.

Bookies have Perth sitting second in city status race

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:12:00 +0000

Bookmakers have placed Perth agonisingly close to the top of the race for winning city status.

Businessman says Kirriemuir supermarket plan has 'overwhelming and unprecedented' public support

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

The developer behind plans for a Kirriemuir supermarket is preparing for his third — and final — bid for success.

10-year-old boy seriously hurt in teatime accident in Lochee

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:25:00 +0000

A 10-year-old Dundee boy has been taken to Ninewells Hospital with serious injuries after being involved in a collision with a car on the Lochee bypass.

Dundee councillor welcomes minister's move to end sex offender housing row

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Veteran Dundee councillor Ian Borthwick has welcomed the Scottish Government's assurance that sex offenders will not be given top priority for public sector housing.

Angus legal figures warn Scottish Courts Service review against proposing closures

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0000

The Angus legal fraternity is preparing a pre-emptive strike against any threat to the future of Forfar Sheriff Court.

April reflects on 'fantastic' World Schools' Debating Championship victory

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

A Dundee High School pupil says her membership of the Scotland team that won the World Schools' Debating Championship in South Africa as ''a fantastic experience.''

Mast fault forces Dunkeld folk to get mobile to make a phone call

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Dunkeld residents have taken to sitting in a lay-by on the A9 to make phone calls after more than a week without mobile reception.

Angus Council to build new data centre after suffering months of IT problems

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:16:00 +0000

A new Angus Council computer nerve centre has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Local consultation finds strong resistance to Rosyth being used for nuclear storage

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:00 +0000

Rosyth has said an overwhelming no to nuclear waste from redundant submarines being stored locally.

Blade runner — Hawkhill Harrier Ronnie on trail of Oscar Pistorius

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Double amputee Ronnie McIntosh could be on the way to becoming Dundee's blade runner.

Campaigners demand greater support for those who fight to preserve Scotland's built heritage

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0000

The proposed demolition of Perth City Hall and the award of £173,000 costs against a St Andrews heritage campaigner is evidence that officialdom is systematically demolishing the building blocks of Scotland's heritage, it has been claimed.

Joanna Findlay parents say Trogdon brother has no credibility to demand retrial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:42:00 +0000

The family of a Perthshire lecturer convicted in the USA of trying to shoot her husband have dismissed calls for their daughter to be retried for murder after it emerged that the man making the fresh complaint is a convicted sex offender.

Brooke Ramsay's family feeling let down by NHS

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:21:00 +0000

The father of a disabled seven-year-old has claimed the NHS is ''stalling'' his daughter's progress.

Former SNP leader describes rail consultation as an 'embarrassing failure'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

SNP Government proposals for the rail network will be a ''nightmare'' for commuters in Tayside and Fife, the party's former leader has warned.

Dundee Highland Games hopes rest on finding private backer willing to do heavy lifting

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Dundee Highland Games are unlikely to return unless a private body is willing to take on the running of the event.

Perth and Kinross Council aiming for 10-year ban on council house sales

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:36:00 +0000

The right to buy council housing in Perth and Kinross is set to be suspended for the next 10 years.

First Minister's United Kingdom claims branded 'daft'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Alex Salmond has claimed an independent Scotland would not mean the break-up of the United Kingdom.

Stagecoach defends services to Victoria Hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:23:00 +0000

Stagecoach has hit back at claims there are no services to and from west Fife to the Victoria Hospital.

Woman's arm trapped after crash on A90

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

A woman was cut from a car on the A90 in Angus after it flipped off the road, landing on her arm.

Police chief raises concerns about up-front taxi fares

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:27:00 +0000

Plans by Dundee taxi drivers to charge passengers for their journey in advance ''may create additional confrontation,'' according to the police.

Pressure on Tayside Police budget means cuts ahead

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Tayside Police must save nearly £2.3 million in the coming financial year, despite only 13 staff signing up for redundancy.

John Letford appeals for city's help to give Whitehall Theatre a future

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:50:00 +0000

Significant funding will be required to restore an ''iconic'' Dundee theatre, the man charged with resolving its future this week admitted.

Pupils urged to take advantage of heart screening offer

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

A Perthshire couple who lost their son to an undetected cardiac condition have urged youngsters to sign up to a heart screening day being held in Aberfeldy next month.

Dundee's pupil exclusion rate far ahead of national average

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:41:00 +0000

Dundee has again recorded the highest rate of school exclusions in Scotland.

Family win support for Lance Corporal Liam Tasker memorial inscription

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

A fallen Fife soldier's mother has found support from within the Angus service family for the effort to have the young hero's name added to his local war memorial.

Royal Mail bosses pleased with Dundee East office's Christmas performance

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

Postal bosses this week reported there has been no repeat of the chaotic scenes that hit postal deliveries in and around Dundee last Christmas.

Town Hall meeting to decide fate of Kirriemuir supermarket plan

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:33:00 +0000

A fresh bid for a new supermarket in Kirriemuir will be determined at a meeting in the town.

Flipping good fun at Meikleour Hotel's 'Toss Up Tuesdays'

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:37:00 +0000

Diners at a Perthshire hotel are being offered the chance to eat for free — by flipping a coin at the end of their meal.

Dennis and Gnasher bringing more fun to TV screens

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:51:00 +0000

A new series featuring terrible twosome Dennis and Gnasher is set to hit the screens.

Whitehall Theatre ticket buyers still waiting for refunds

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Patrons of the Whitehall Theatre have been left in limbo as they await news of refunds for cancelled shows.

Culture secretary pledges more support for Dundee's 'fantastic' V&A project

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop stood by the River Tay on Thursday to watch the exploration rig that holds the key to the £45 million V&A at Dundee project.

Six months' detention for Brechin teenager who threatened to stab paramedics

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +0000

An Angus teenager who threatened to knife two paramedics has been sent to a Young Offenders Institution for six months.

'These items mean so much' — precious family heirlooms stolen in St Madoes break-in

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:05:00 +0000

A Perthshire woman has spoken out after thieves ransacked her house — stealing precious family heirlooms.

Fife police officer injured in high-speed crash reaches damages agreement

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:46:00 +0000

A police officer who was forced to retire after being injured during a high-speed crash on a driver training course has settled a claim against Fife Constabulary.

Taxi driver furious after case against teenager is abandoned

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:17:00 +0000

A Dundee taxi driver whose car windscreen was struck by a brick has labelled the Crown Office ''an absolute joke'' after a court case was abandoned due to witness problems.

Police forces attempt to challenge public's perception of knife crime problem

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Despite a perception that knife crime is getting ''out of control'', police chiefs insist they are winning the fight against blade culture on the streets of Tayside and Fife.

Strong local campaign defeats immediate threat to Queen Margaret Hospital hospice

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:18:00 +0000

A closure-threatened Fife hospice has been saved — for now.

MoD asked to respond to Dundee Royal Marine Reserve HQ speculation

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

The Dundee HQ of the Royal Marine Reserve, based in Strathmore Avenue, could be under threat of closure.

'The community has a right to be protected' — Blairgowrie teenager locked up for unprovoked attack

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0000

A Blairgowrie teenager has been detained for seven and a half months in a bid to protect his community from violence.

Tayside Police say releasing information on payment to informants would threaten sources and investigations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Tayside Police have refused to shed light on the murky world of payments to informants.

Angus secondaries to switch to standard timetable from start of new school year

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:42:00 +0000

A plan to standardise the school week at Dundee secondary schools may have been withdrawn, but pupils just over the local authority boundary will be switching to a new system.

'Panicky' teenager rescued from suspicious flat fire in Dundee

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:21:00 +0000

A suspicious early-morning blaze in Dundee that left a teenager in hospital is being investigated.

Detention warning for Alyth man who repeatedly phoned 999 for a lift home

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

A drunken time-waster who repeatedly dialled 999 ''to get a lift home'' has been told he could face a custodial sentence.

Take a hike — Victoria Hospital chief suggests parking problems can be tackled with some simple steps

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

NHS staff have been told to get on their feet and walk following complaints about hospital parking.

St Andrews University expert warns minimum pricing could hit whisky industry hard

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:19:00 +0000

The Scottish Government could sabotage the country's greatest export, according to a leading whisky export.

'What have Shelter built?' — Angus councillor damns charity's eviction report as 'hand wringing and simplistic'

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:52:00 +0000

An Angus councillor and authority on housing has attacked a ''hand wringing, simplistic'' report on Scotland's eviction rates by charity Shelter Scotland.

Thornton woman admits attempting £8,000 car fraud

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:26:00 +0000

A Fife woman designed an elaborate fraud in a bid to solve her money worries, a court has heard.

'I think I am being victimised' — driver accuses Vinci Park staff of giving sports cars extra attention

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:51:00 +0000

A Ninewells Hospital worker believes that car park enforcement officers are singling her out for attention and are ready to fine her when she is parked legitimately.

Man's body may have lain in Bridge of Earn home for weeks

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:33:00 +0000

A Perthshire pensioner may have been dead for a number of weeks before his body was discovered, it has emerged.

Coryton refinery problems to hit motorists at the pump

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Motorists are being warned to brace themselves for record diesel prices.

Newsagent found guilty of sexual offences against underage girl is spared prison sentence

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 +0000

An Angus sex offender who used lewd practices towards a 13-year-old girl has been spared a prison sentence.

Police make Tayport troublemakers face some home truths

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:36:00 +0000

Police have given a gang of Tayport teenage troublemakers a dressing down in front of their parents in a bid to make them stop terrorising their community.

Independence referendum — First Minister reveals his question for a nation

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:12:00 +0000

Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country? These are the 10 words that could lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom.

Pets pulled to safety from Dundee house fire

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:55:00 +0000

Two dogs and a cockatiel have ben plucked to safety from a burning Dundee house.

Dundee City Council outlines £320 million spending programme 'to support the local economy'

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Dundee City Council is to commit a major investment totalling more than £320 million in new and refurbished facilities in schools, housing, community buildings and roads over the next four years.

Hearts supporters fined for offensive behaviour on train

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:57:00 +0000

A group of football fans have been fined a total of £4,500 after their drunken antics caused upset on a crowded train.

'It's medieval' — heating problems leave Angus Council staff feeling winter's chill

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:24:00 +0000

A chilly spell in Angus Council's headquarters in Forfar last week had employees reaching for their thermoses and gloves, it has emerged.

'This question will not go away' — Margo MacDonald launches new bid to legalise assisted suicide

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Scots could help terminally ill friends kill themselves under proposals outlined at Holyrood.

Caught in the act — escaped Camperdown Wildlife Centre otter trapped hunting for fish in local garden

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

An otter has been captured in the garden of a Dundee home only days after around £2,000 worth of prize carp was ravaged.

'Something to live for' — meningitis fundraising helps couple cope after Alexis Rose's tragic death

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:20:00 +0000

An amazing £24,000 has been raised for meningitis charities in memory of a tragic Perth toddler.

Tory peer says England should retain Rockall if Scotland opts for independence

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Scotland should be forced to hand the ocean outcrop of Rockall over to England if it votes for independence, according to Tory peer Lord Caithness.

Man appears on culpable homicide charge after death of Leslie man Stephen McCann

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

A man has appeared in court in connection with the death of 20-year-old Stephen McCann at the weekend.

'I just burst into tears' — Forfar nursery owner distraught after 'inhuman' break-in

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:07:00 +0000

The owner of a Forfar children's nursery has criticised the ''inhuman'' burglars who broke in and wrecked the office.

Fines totalling £336,000 for firms involved in worker's Dundee factory fall

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:23:00 +0000

Three Dundee firms have been fined more than £330,000 after a worker fell six and a half metres on to the concrete floor of a warehouse.

Police still hunting armed man who stole three-figure sum from Perth Co-op store

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Police hunting a masked armed robber who held up a Perth supermarket at the weekend have yet to make a major breakthrough despite mounting a high-profile presence at the store.

Tayside Fire and Rescue plagued by hoax calls

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:18:00 +0000

The number of malicious calls to Tayside Fire and Rescue has risen.

Dysart Sailing Club members convinced devastating fire was started deliberately

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:45:00 +0000

A popular Fife sailing club has been destroyed by what appears to have been a deliberate fire.

Council and BT dispute source of internet connection problems in Dundee city centre

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

Up to 60 households and businesses in Dundee city centre may have lost their internet connections due to cable problems caused by workmen at the waterfront, BT has confirmed.

First Minister to lay out independence referendum plans

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:45:00 +0000

Alex Salmond will publish his much anticipated consultation on the Scottish independence referendum today.

Arbroath man tried to run down police officer after drink and drugs binge

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:24:00 +0000

A driver high on drink and drugs tried to run down a female police officer in an Angus street, a court has heard.

Busy butcher steams ahead in pudding race

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:08:00 +0000

While Perthshire whisky will be raised in toasts at Burns suppers across the land, an unsung local ''export'' will also grace the nation's tables.

Mix-up delays Coupar Angus bank closure

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:00 +0000

The Coupar Angus branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland will remain open until April after a mistake by bosses.

Dead man's brother planning civil suit against Joanna Findlay

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

A Perthshire lecturer convicted in the USA of trying to shoot her husband faces a fresh call that she should be retried for first degree murder.

Angus absence figures show teachers feeling pressure of curriculum switch

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Mounting pressure on Angus teachers has been revealed, with hundreds of teaching days lost to stress each term.

Dundee councillors formally drop proposals for standardised school week

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:59:00 +0000

A proposal to switch all Dundee secondary schools to a standardised 33-period week has been formally rejected.

'An irreplaceable void' — husband describes anguish after hospital fall tragedy

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Alf Mowat surrounds himself with reminders of his beloved Josie — to try to block out his final heartbreaking image of her.

'Our gain is their loss' — Crail minister finds new start at Alyth Parish Church

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

A minister who hit the headlines at his former church over an affair with a parishioner has been warmly welcomed back to the pulpit in Perthshire.

'We will never be able to rest' — Private James Collinson's family still searching for Deepcut answers 10 years on

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:19:00 +0000

The mother of a Perth soldier who died in mysterious circumstances has made a fresh call for a public inquiry as the 10th anniversary of his death approaches.

Cities Outlook report concerned by Dundee's reliance on public sector

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:25:00 +0000

Dundee's dependence on public sector jobs could make it harder for the city to escape the clutches of the global economic downturn, a major new report claims.

BT under fire for response to Edzell phone problems

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:03:00 +0000

A phoneline ''fog'' descended on an Angus village over the weekend, but its people and businesses felt ignored by their telecoms provider.

Lorry drivers in hospital after crash in north Fife

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Two lorry drivers were seriously injured in a crash in north Fife on Monday.

'Hectoring' independence emails put pressure on First Minister's chief spin doctor

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:20:00 +0000

Alex Salmond's chief spin doctor is facing mounting pressure after ''hectoring'' emails to an academic expert on referendums were released.

Ardler doctor says weather problems forced him to break drugs prescribing ban

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:43:00 +0000

A Dundee doctor has admitted issuing drugs he had been banned from prescribing.

Police warning after cash machines targeted by fraudsters in west Fife

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0000

Police are urging the public to be vigilant after several cash machines in south west Fife were tampered with.

Woman found dead at home in Ruthvenfield

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:03:00 +0000

A woman's body was discovered in her home on the outskirts of Perth after concerned neighbours raised the alarm, police have confirmed.

'Utterly deplorable' — community shocked by attack on 73-year-old in Downfield

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:14:00 +0000

High-visibility police patrols and door-to-door inquiries have been taking place in the Downfield area of Dundee after a 73-year-old man was assaulted by teenagers in an apparently unprovoked attack.

Man charged after fatal accident in Leslie

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

A man has been charged in connection with a fatal accident in Leslie at the weekend.

VIDEO: Happy ending to Dundee dog rescue thanks to a piece of chicken

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Onlookers cheered and her owner breathed a huge sigh of relief when four-year-old Jack Russell Tig scrambled to safety after spending two days trapped in an underground tunnel in Dundee.

Last chance to join Corse Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit Forum

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:33:00 +0000

A new Angus community windfarm group is set for its inaugural meeting.

Malmaison signs lease to take over the Tay Hotel

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Dundee's economic revival has received a major boost with confirmation that a prestigious Malmaison hotel will be moving into the waterfront.

'It gives me a purpose' — mother of soldier Aaron Black working to bring some good from tragedy

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:50:00 +0000

A Tayside woman who recently lost her son in tragic circumstances is determined that no other mother will have to suffer the same ''inconsolable grief.''

Electricity box damaged in Dundee car crash

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:08:00 +0000

An electricity box was badly damaged in a car crash in Dundee on Sunday.

Internet helping dad keep up with Ayley and Chloe's progress

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:43:00 +0000

The father of Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch has told The Courier of his heavy heart at leaving them in the US after life-changing operations.

Clatto Landscape Protection Group makes plea to Fife Council

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:59:00 +0000

Communities affected by plans for wind turbines on a prominent site in Fife have called on council officials to assess the likely visual impact.

Taymouth Castle owner in 'advanced' talks with hotel group

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:06:00 +0000

The name of the hotel operator who has successfully bid to run the Taymouth Estate is to be announced soon.

Courier deliveries — a message to readers

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:51:00 +0000

Some readers will have received their copy of today's Courier either later than scheduled, or not had the usual depth of local edition coverage we'd planned to give you.

'Let's have a positive conversation' — Prime Minister says he won't talk Scotland down

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:38:00 +0000

David Cameron will not question Scotland's ability to prosper as an independent nation as he battles to keep the country in the UK.

£3.8m project to bring Perth railway station into the 21st century

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

The Victorian grandeur of Perth railway station is set to be brought into the 21st century.

Fife Council property chief confident Madras College project will deliver 'a first class, 21st century school'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:09:00 +0000

Council officials working on the project to replace Madras College in St Andrews have promised to deliver a ''first class'' school fit for the 21st century as controversy over the chosen site continues.

Survey finds businesses feeling pain of public spending cuts

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:46:00 +0000

Almost 100,000 UK businesses are in financial distress as major public spending cuts begins to bite, a new survey has found.

Friends helping to preserve future of famous Caird Hall organ

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Important work is taking place to safeguard the internal workings of the Caird Hall organ, one of Dundee's most prized cultural assets and acclaimed by experts as the finest concert organ in Scotland.

Six months' jail for Forfar man whose domestic abuse left partner too scared to speak

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000

An Angus domestic abuser has been jailed for six months for putting his girlfriend through a brutal ordeal over a spilt cup of juice.

NHS Fife apologises for failings leading up to elderly woman's death

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:06:00 +0000

NHS Fife has apologised to a grieving family over a catalogue of failings which blighted an elderly patient's final days.

No sweat — health professionals step in to save heart attack man in Fife gym

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

A fitness fan was in the right place at the right time to have a heart attack.

Perth modelling hopeful out to prove hers is the Fairest City

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:57:00 +0000

A Perth teenager is setting out to prove that she is the fairest maiden of them all after reaching the finals of a UK-wide modelling competition.

Bail rules relaxed to allow Aberlemno man to attend baby scan

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:03:00 +0000

A sheriff has relaxed a dad-to-be's bail to allow him to attend the baby scan.

Broughty Ferry woman denies causing teacher's death through careless driving

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:07:00 +0000

A woman has denied causing the death of a Dundee primary school teacher by driving carelessly.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority reveals plan to move Dounreay material through heart of Scotland

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Plans to transport tonnes of hazardous material through Scotland have raised fears in communities along the likely route.

'So happy, bubbly and carefree' — family mourn loss of Rosyth woman Mandi Callander

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

Wedding joy has turned to heartbreak, after a young Fife bride lost her courageous fight for life only weeks after her big day.

'Strong interest' in Pullars building makes commercial use likely

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:36:00 +0000

The former Pullars building is likely to be brought back into commercial use.

Community Payback Order for addict who threatened 89-year-old

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

A 28-year-old drug addict who preyed on a vulnerable 89-year-old has been sentenced to a nine-month Community Payback Order.

83-year-old's hip broken in 'despicable' attempted robbery in Perth

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

An 83-year-old woman has suffered a broken hip after being attacked in an attempted robbery in Perth.

Detention and 10-year internet checks for teenager who forced girl to send sex images

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:39:00 +0000

A Fife schoolboy who used the internet to blackmail a young girl into supplying him with sexually explicit images of herself has been given an extended sentence.

Thief facing extra days in prison after abusing sheriff

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:06:00 +0000

A man is to be reported to the procurator fiscal after he verbally abused a sheriff during a court case in Dundee.

New fears for Leuchars base in wake of MoD job cuts announcement

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:23:00 +0000

Further cuts to the armed forces have raised renewed fears about what the future truly holds for RAF Leuchars.

Stronger final quarter lifts property market after a tough 2011

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:06:00 +0000

The value of domestic property transactions fell to almost £300m in Tayside last year despite a pick-up in sales in the last quarter.

Brechin groups urged to have say on community campus plans

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Angus councillors have urged local groups to have their say on the design and development of a £24 million community campus.

Nine-month suspension for nurse who stole drugs from Victoria Hospital

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

A Fife nurse who ordered drugs for her own use has been suspended for nine months.

Dundee Weavers meet the man behind jute stowers video

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

One of Dundee's oldest organisations has united with one of the city's few remaining jute stowers thanks to The Courier.

BBC Scotland told closing blog comments leaves it open to accusation of censorship

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:00 +0000

A Fife man has called on BBC Scotland to explain its decision to suspend comments from its political blogs as the country enters its biggest constitutional debate for centuries.

Councillors decide trying to resist bigger Calliacher windfarm would only waste money

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Pleas from residents have failed to prevent an increase in the height of the controversial Calliacher wind turbines being approved.

'The best feeling ever' — tears of joy for mum and dad as Ayley and Chloe take first steps

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch have amazed their parents — by walking just days after a life-changing operation.

Ambulance breaks deal finally brings 'closure' for Perthshire family

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000

The parents of a tragic Perthshire toddler say they finally feel some ''closure'' after hearing the news a tea-break deal has been struck with the country's paramedics.

Scone man who attacked wife blames problems on army drinking culture

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

A former soldier who viciously attacked his wife of 11 years blamed the army's macho drinking culture for the offence.

'It just felt good to be around her' — family and friends pay tribute to Broughty Ferry woman Nicolla Farmer

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:27:00 +0000

A 33-year-old Broughty ferry woman has died just days after being told she had contracted an infection in a heart valve.

Clatto Hill windfarm developer says cut-down proposal is in response to community feedback

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:36:00 +0000

Developers behind a controversial windfarm proposal in Fife have offered to downsize the scale of the project in light of concerns from members of the public.

'What a special person' — father leads tributes to Carnoustie woman Dr Leigh Ellison

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Tribute have been paid to a high-achieving Angus woman, who died aged 31 after a diabetic episode earlier this month.

Scaffolding up at Dunkeld Cathedral to repair winter damage

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:49:00 +0000

One of the most historic places of worship in Scotland is undergoing work after some of its masonry fell.

Former police officer to appeal tape assault conviction

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:42:00 +0000

Disgraced former Dundee police officer George Stewart, who assaulted a ''hysterical'' female hostel employee by wrapping tape around her head, is to appeal against his conviction.

'I was watching a black leopard' — another big cat sighting in Fife

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0000

A big cat said to roam the Fife countryside has been spotted again.

Campaign to give expats a vote in independence referendum

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:07:00 +0000

A Labour MSP says expat Scots should be given the right to vote in the independence referendum.

Fundraising phenomenon Charlie Kean named Dundee's Citizen of the Year

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Dundee's ''guardian angel'', roofing contractor Charlie Kean, has been named 2012 Citizen of the Year.

Have you seen Dundee's eagle owl? — unusual visitor touches down in the city

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

A Dundee family have described their surprise after waking up to find a large eagle owl perched in a tree in their garden in Kirkton.

Enterprise area status a boost for Dundee's renewable energy hopes

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Dundee's fledgling renewables sector has been given a major boost by being declared as one of Scotland's new enterprise areas.

Emergency services admit concerns at return of Kinross fire-raiser

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:36:00 +0000

The return of the Kinross fire-raiser has made the emergency services increasingly concerned for the safety of the public and property.

Former Tory chairman says Gordon Brown is man to lead anti-independence campaign

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000

A former Tory chairman has called for ex-Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown to lead the drive to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom.

Education director admits defeat in bid to standardise Dundee schools' working week

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

A plan to bring in a 33-period week at Dundee secondary schools has been scrapped.

Local concerns return with release of Scottish Government's single police force plans

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Fresh fears have been voiced about local accountability for Scotland's new single police force after the details were outlined at Holyrood on Tuesday.

Willow Dome will help Grange Primary School pupils enjoy the great outdoors

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

Lessons at Grange Primary School in Monifieth are about to become a lot more fun.

Another Dundee landmark makes way for waterfront project

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:36:00 +0000

One of Dundee's most familiar sights is no more after work began to remove the walkway between Tayside House and the Olympia Leisure Centre.

Former Blairgowrie woman Joanna Findlay fears US sentence will end her chance of motherhood

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:19:00 +0000

A Perthshire lecturer convicted in the USA of trying to shoot her husband says she fears she may never become a mother due to her impending sentence.

Follow that cab! — Arbroath thief lined up taxi as getaway

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

An Angus court has heard how an Arbroath man asked a taxi to wait while he shoplifted from a local supermarket.

Fife's major accident and emergency change starts on Thursday

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:39:00 +0000

Accident and emergency services based at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline will make the switch to the new wing at Victoria on Thursday morning.

'Somebody out there knows who did this' — grieving family in no doubt thief caused great-gran's death

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:50:00 +0000

An elderly Dundee woman died just hours after her home was broken into — and her devastated son says he blames the intruder for her death.

VIDEO: Glamis Castle's Macbeth features in new VisitScotland advert

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 +0000

One of the jewels in the Angus crown is set to enjoy UK-wide exposure in a new advert.

Urlar Burn hydro scheme presented at public exhibition

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:41:00 +0000

Almost two years after rejection, a controversial hydro scheme could return to Highland Perthshire.

Supermarkets reject MSPs' 'profits before health' accusations

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:51:00 +0000

Supermarkets are prioritising profits over public health by slashing alcohol prices and encouraging online buying, MSPs have claimed.

Businessman questions lap dancing plan refusal

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:28:00 +0000

Dunde businessman Jimmy Marr says he is ''disappointed'' with the decision by councillors on Monday night to throw out his plans for a new lap dancing club in the city.

Winter vomiting bug closes two Victoria Hospital wards

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000

Two wards at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy have been closed to new admissions by an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

Fife Licensed Trade Association concerned by rumours of Wetherspoon moving into St Andrews

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:18:00 +0000

The premises of an established St Andrews eatery could be taken over by pub giant Wetherspoon.

Crime fears scupper plans for new lap dancing bar in Dundee

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

A fresh bid for a new lap dancing club in central Dundee has been thrown out by councillors over fears it could increase crime in the area.

Dundee port named as one of Scotland's new enterprise areas

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Dundee's bid to become a hub for the renewables energy industry received a major boost today when the city's port was named as one of Scotland's new enterprise areas.

Nathro Hill exhibitions give public chance to respond to plans for biggest windfarm in Angus

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Residents have been given the chance to see a windfarm developer's plans for a north Angus site.

First fish taken just minutes into new River Tay salmon season

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

The annual ritual of the opening of the salmon season on the River Tay got off to a flying start on Monday with the first fish taken within a few minutes of anglers taking to the water.

Dundee University 'honoured' to welcome Dalai Lama to city

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

The Dalai Lama will make a historic visit to Dundee this year to deliver a lecture on the importance of love and compassion.

'It means so much' — support from back home helping Hirsch family deal with trials of twins' treatment

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch have been discharged from hospital in America after starting the long road to taking their first steps.

Stormy weather behind spate of finds, says head of bomb disposal unit

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:11:00 +0000

The commanding officer of Scotland's bomb disposal unit has blamed recent storms for a surge in devices being washed up in Tayside and Fife.

Gordon Brown demands MoD action after new find outside Dalgety Bay radiation probe area

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has demanded the Ministry of Defence provides a timetable for action to clear radiation from a Fife beach amid revelations the area of contamination is wider than first thought.

Councillor condemns vandals for Invergowrie war memorial damage

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:41:00 +0000

Carse councillor Peter Mulheron has condemned young vandals in Invergowrie after a war memorial to the village's fallen heroes was desecrated.

Claims of 'witch hunt' after Mike Barile struck off teaching register

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Dundee teacher Mike Barile has been struck off by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) after the regulatory body upheld eight charges of misconduct against him while he taught at Lawside Academy in the city and Madras College in St Andrews.

Advocate General says SNP's referendum plans would be 'contrary to the rule of law'

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

Alex Salmond's planned independence referendum would be contrary to ''the rule of law'' and undermine democracy, the UK Government's top Scottish law officer has claimed.

Angus Council reports improvement in staff sickness rate

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:46:00 +0000

Council staff have been working hard to reduce the amount of working days lost to illness in Angus.

'A ridiculous waste of money' — court calls out specialist engineer to change a battery

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:58:00 +0000

How many air conditioning engineers does it take to change the batteries in a remote control at Dundee Sheriff Court?

Campaigners winning support for air ambulance landing strip at Comrie

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

A Perthshire village could soon have a landing strip for an air ambulance — thanks to months of campaigning.

Inspection finds west Fife taxi fleet in 'exceptional' condition

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:23:00 +0000

West Fife taxis have scored an ''exceptional'' 100% pass rate in annual inspections.

Councillors defer decision on Broughty Ferry flat blocks

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000

It will be another two months before a decision is expected on plans to build three blocks of flats in Broughty Ferry.

ONS survey leads to call for action to improve Dundee's low-wage economy

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

An MSP has said it is ''a crying shame'' that so many people in Dundee have to work for low wages.

Look what was passing through Fife while you slept

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

A massive steam turbine made slow but steady progress across central Fife over the weekend, although most residents probably wouldn't have batted an eyelid.

Education director says Arbroath school project is being 'needlessly protracted' by late questions

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Angus Council has responded to questions raised by the Scottish Government over its handling of the Arbroath super-school project.

Tactran vows to resist any threat to smaller railway stations

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Tayside's regional transport partnership has promised to ''strongly resist'' any attempt to close low-use stations between Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie.

Seabraes pilot scheme would create office space from shipping containers

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

Scottish Enterprise is seeking planning permission for a three-storey office development made from shipping containers at the Seabraes site in Dundee.

Opponents lay out objections at start of Rosyth container terminal inquiry

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Residents opposing a container terminal at Rosyth have made a last-ditch plea for the project to be scrapped ahead of a public inquiry into the proposals.

Courier probe reveals shocking threats faced by parking wardens

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:19:00 +0000

A Perthshire parking warden was pinned between a car and a van after trying to write a ticket, while another's family was threatened by a furious motorist.

VIDEO: Trailer trouble on the Forth Road Bridge during December 28 storm

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

Shocking footage of a lorry's trailer being blown over on the Forth Road Bridge should serve as a timely warning to motorists, according to the bridge's operators.

City council reveals plans to breathe new life into Lochee High Street

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:17:00 +0000

The much maligned Highgate Centre in Lochee is to be the focus of a major redevelopment of the once thriving burgh, according to proposals unveiled by the city council.

Carnoustie to pay new tribute to Victoria Cross heroes

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:49:00 +0000

Two historic Angus recipients of the Victoria Cross will receive an additional honour, now that space for commemorative plaques has been found.

Teenager charged with robbery at Perth shop

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0000

A teenager has been formally charged with robbery in relation to an alleged incident in Perth last week.

Planning officials recommend refusal of Broughty Ferry flats

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

Plans for three blocks of flats in Broughty Ferry have been recommended for refusal.

Scottish Natural Heritage urges caution at Tentsmuir reserve after mortar bomb discoveries

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

Walkers at a popular Fife beauty spot have been urged to be cautious after the discovery of a number of wartime mortar bombs.

From the editor: a new dawn for The Courier

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:33:00 +0000

This week is a momentous one in the life of The Courier. After almost 200 years of reporting the news for you we will, for once, be making it when we change from being a broadsheet newspaper to a compact.

Council to step up kite warnings around Dundee Airport

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:23:00 +0000

Stronger warnings against kite flying in the area of Dundee Airport will be in place in the next few days after an incident in which a kite drifted too close to the runway.

Fans around the world mourn death of Black Watch mascot Hackle

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Staff and visitors at Balhousie Castle, Perth — the ancestral home of The Black Watch — are grieving the loss of golden labrador Hackle.

Beach ban and supervision order for Dundee sex offender

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

A Dundee man has been banned from beaches for five years after performing a sex act in front of a woman.

School music tuition faces cuts under £3.5m city council savings plan

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Dundee's SNP administration has unveiled a £3.5 million package of savings to freeze the council tax for a sixth successive year.

Web design firm MTC Media building on solid foundations

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000

A Dundee web design and online marketing company expects to continue its expansion this year.

Dundee University academic believes SNP's independence referendum plans would fail legal test

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

A constitutional expert from Dundee University says Alex Salmond's attempt to force through an independence referendum is illegal.

'He was my best friend' — brother leads tributes to Perthshire fire victim Donald Pattullo

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

The brother of a popular Perthshire farmer who died in a house fire says he has lost his ''best friend''.

Joan McAlpine's 'anti-Scottish' accusation adds more heat to independence referendum row

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

The row over the independence referendum turned ugly on Thursday as one of Alex Salmond's closest aides branded unionists ''anti-Scottish''.

Hilltown fire victim named as Steven Cooney

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

A Dundee man killed in a horrific early-morning fire has been named as 40-year-old Steven Cooney.

Bomb disposal team perform controlled explosion after find on Montrose beach

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Bomb disposal experts detonated a device on an Angus beach this week, it has emerged.

Green belt decision poses new challenge for Kinnoull Hill monastery

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:07:00 +0000

A bid to save a historic Perth monastery has suffered a further setback, after councillors voted to retain the adjacent green belt.

Women admonished after being found guilty of racial aggravation during parking space row

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:44:00 +0000

Two women who became embroiled in a row over a parking space when Dundee's kerbsides were piled high with snow and ice have been admonished.

Outbuilding at 17th century mansion Melville House hit by fire

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around the village of Monimail in north-east Fife after a blaze broke out in an outbuilding at Melville House.

Teenager detained after Perth shop incident

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:24:00 +0000

A teenager has been detained by police following a report of a robbery at a Perth shop on Thursday.

Chancellor refuses to confirm an independent Scotland could use the pound

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0000

Alex Salmond's vision for independence has been dealt a major blow after the UK Chancellor hinted Scotland would have to ditch the pound.

Energy price war provides rare good news for consumers

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:55:00 +0000

Utilities giant SSE has cut its household gas charges as a new price war rages among the UK's major domestic energy suppliers.

Dog put down after Angus sheep attack

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

A dog which killed four sheep and attacked another 15 at an Angus farm has been put down.

Public to get first glimpse of V&A Museum pre-construction work

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:07:00 +0000

The first tangible signs of work beginning on the landmark V&A Museum at Dundee's waterfront will be seen this weekend.

Parent unhappy with council's response to teacher complaint

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:08:00 +0000

A Highland Perthshire mother is unhappy with the outcome of a council investigation into her complaint that her child had sticky tape placed across their mouth by a teacher.

Charity hopes Dundee will continue to support its Maggie's Centre

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:24:00 +0000

A fresh call has gone out for people to support the Maggie's centre in Dundee.

£1,000 fine for former policeman who carried out tape assault in 'an act of some brutality'

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000

A police officer who wrapped tape around the head of a Dundee hostel worker has been told it was ''an act of some brutality''.

Michelin's Dundee factory feeling benefit of motorists' move to winter tyres

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Sales of specialist winter weather tyres produced in part at Dundee's Michelin factory have soared.

Former Kinross hotel manager jailed for 15 months for stabbing chef

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:37:00 +0000

A former manager at a Kinross hotel who stabbed a chef six times with an eight-inch kitchen knife has been sent to prison for 15 months.

Equestrian community put on guard after attacks in Cornwall and Wales

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Scots horse owners have been warned to be on their guard after sickening attacks on two animals south of the border.

Blackadders property chief sees another subdued market in 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

A Tayside property firm partner is predicting the local housing market will be ''very subdued'' for the time being.

Dundee Airport airs kite safety concerns

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:55:00 +0000

Watersports enthusiasts could have the wind taken out of their sails after the operators of Dundee Airport asked kitesurfers to stay away from the area.

Tunnock's biscuits chief's independence comments deliver blow to biggest fan

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:36:00 +0000

The manufacturer of Alex Salmond's favourite biscuit has warned uncertainty caused by the independence referendum will damage Scottish business.

NHS Fife investigating claims elderly patient was left on hospital trolley for 14 hours

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:50:00 +0000

An elderly woman was left on a hospital trolley in Fife without food and drink for 14 hours, it has been claimed.

Newlywed the suspected victim of Perthshire farmhouse fire

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:28:00 +0000

A 56-year-old man has died in a ferocious blaze at his Perthshire farmhouse.

Residents hoping Scottish Water action will bring end to Montrose flooding misery

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Montrose residents are pinning their hopes on work by Scottish Water ending nearly four decades of flooding misery.

Third man appears on Alexander McLennan murder charge

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:51:00 +0000

A third man has been remanded in custody, accused of the murder of Dundee man Alexander McLennan at Kingsway East on Saturday afternoon.

Cameron and Miliband join forces to defend the union

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:35:00 +0000

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have forged an alliance to take on Alex Salmond and keep Scotland in Britain.

Anstruther's Cellar Restaurant put on the market

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0000

A Fife eatery which has been described as one of the East Neuk's ''gems'' has been put up for sale.

Pot on Montrose beach sparks latest bomb scare

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

Bomb disposal experts were called to an Angus beach on Wednesday, marking the fourth scare in as many days across Tayside and Fife.

Watersports firm applies to build new breakwater at Kenmore

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:25:00 +0000

A Highland Perthshire firm has submitted plans to expand its watersports facilities on Loch Tay.

Man dies in early-morning fire in Hilltown

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:09:00 +0000

A man has died in a fire in a tenement flat in Dundee in the early hours of this morning.

Councillors claim vulnerable residents are being let down by Fife's use of private care staff

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Vulnerable Fifers are being failed by private home care companies at weekends, it has been claimed.

Angus plans new monument to mark links with Terra Nova expedition

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Stunning Angus scenery which a century ago captivated Antarctic explorers Captain Robert Scott and Edward Wilson ahead of their fateful Terra Nova expedition is to be the setting for a new monument to the intrepid pair.

Local development plan move presents a major setback for Almond Valley housing proposals

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Almost two decades of debate came to a close when a new draft local plan was agreed by Perth and Kinross Council on Tuesday.

Police confirm Eastern Cemetery vandalism is being investigated

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Police in Dundee have launched an investigation into weekend vandalism at a city cemetery.

Angus looks at ways of boosting interest in council house downsizing scheme

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Changes to an Angus scheme may provide a greater incentive to those occupying council houses larger than their need, but its visibility has been questioned.

'David Sands' name to disappear from high street with takeover by Co-operative Group

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

A Kinross-based convenience store chain which can trace its roots back 200 years has been taken over by the Co-operative Group.

Council seeks permission to end 20-year saga of abandoned Leslie house

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0000

A derelict house in Leslie which has lain empty for more than 20 years could be bought by Fife Council, The Courier has learned.

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling to share some Winter Words with Perthshire audience

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

The politician in charge of the British economy as the global economic meltdown began is one of the star attractions at the eighth Winter Words festival in Highland Perthshire.

Addictions expert says supermarkets should be banned from selling alcohol

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Alcohol should be banned from supermarkets as part of a crackdown on harmful drinking, a leading Tayside doctor has told MSPs.

Wife describes heartbreak after death of Dundee man hours before operation

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:35:00 +0000

The family of a former Carnoustie Golf Club captain have been left devastated after he died hours before a lifesaving operation.

Two appear in court on Alexander McLennan murder charge

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Two Dundee men accused of murdering Alexander McLennan at Kingsway East on Saturday afternoon appeared from custody at the city's sheriff court on Tuesday.

Fife online shopper's complaint helped to break fake goods operation

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +0000

Fife trading standards helped in an operation which resulted in a couple being jailed for a fake shoes scam.

Sheriff refuses to reduce Birnam drink-driver's ban despite rehabilitation efforts

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:02:00 +0000

A sheriff has told a Birnam drink-driver he will serve every day of his driving ban in a bid to protect the public.

Union figures vow to fight plans for regional pay deals in public sector

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:00 +0000

Regional pay deals for public sector workers could create ghettos across Britain, a leading Dundee trade unionist has warned.

'Fantastic!' — mum says Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe resting well after US surgery

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:13:00 +0000

The mum of Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch says their overnight operation in Missouri has gone "very well".

Independence referendum: Scotland facing constitutional chaos

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:54:00 +0000

Alex Salmond has outlined a timetable for the independence referendum — just minutes after the UK Government insisted it would be illegal.

£400 fine for Dunfermline dog owner

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:52:00 +0000

A Dunfermline man who let his dog bite a couple as they strolled through a park has been fined £400.

Homeless hostel evacuated during frying pan fire

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:28:00 +0000

A hostel for homeless people in the centre of Dundee was evacuated after fire broke out in one of the flats.

Device removed for safe disposal after grenade scare in Dundee

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

A device which sparked a bomb scare in Dundee and forced the closure of roads in the Dura Street area has been removed for safe disposal.

Council team say Eastern Cemetery gravestone damage was caused by vandals

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

A cemetery in Dundee's east end has become the latest to be targeted by vandals.

Private health care firm promises free removal of PIP implants

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:57:00 +0000

The UK's largest independent provider of private health care has pledged to remove the banned PIP breast implants from concerned patients who received treatment at any of its 70 centres — including Fernbrae Hospital in Dundee.

Extra six months for Castle Huntly absconder

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:20:00 +0000

A Castle Huntly inmate who went AWOL over Christmas after his girlfriend took an overdose has had six months added to his sentence.

Allotment owner who drove across city with suspected wartime mortar caused full-scale alert

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

A spot of gardening on the slopes of Dundee Law turned into a full-scale bomb alert at Broughty Ferry police station.

MP says child poverty report delivers a 'shocking indictment' of modern society

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Children in some parts of Scotland are growing up amid Victorian-era levels of poverty, a Fife MP has warned.

Crown Office defends decision to send Dundee jury trials to Perth

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

The Crown Office has defended the decision to parachute a raft of Dundee court cases into Perth Sheriff Court.

Bogus plumbers rob elderly Perth man of three-figure sum

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Police are trying to track down a gang of bogus plumbers after a three-figure sum was stolen from a 92-year-old Perth man.

Royal Mail apology — and £600 — for candidate whose election leaflets were never delivered

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:36:00 +0000

Royal Mail has apologised after admitting failing to deliver election leaflets for a Scottish Parliament hopeful.

B&Q incident: man appears on attempted murder charge

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:14:00 +0000

A Dundee man has appeared at the city's sheriff court charged with attempted murder at a B&Q.

RBS says changing habits are behind decision to close Coupar Angus branch

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:27:00 +0000

Coupar Angus has suffered a further high street blow with news a national bank is closing its town branch.

Sheriff clears hospital staff and questions need for fatal accident inquiry into Cowdenbeath man's death

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

The death of a Fife man whose bowel was perforated by a gastric feeding tube could not have been prevented, a sheriff has ruled.

Kingsway East death: two men charged and due in court

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Two men have been charged in connection with the death of a 56-year-old man on Kingsway East in Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

Death certificate confirms stab wound killed Carnoustie man Tony English

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 +0000

It has emerged 59-year-old Carnoustie man Tony English was stabbed to death.

Exclusion zone set up after tanker driver dies in Crook of Devon crash

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:56:00 +0000

The driver of a lorry carrying aviation fuel has been killed in an accident in Kinross-shire, sparking a major emergency response.

Plea to heed safety message during Broughty Ferry underpass work

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:39:00 +0000

Broughty Ferry residents have been warned to take care at a railway crossing after maintenance work started on a nearby underpass.

SNP claim David Cameron's intervention will only increase support for independence

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:49:00 +0000

First Minister Alex Salmond says David Cameron's ''interfering'' in Scotland's independence referendum will increase support for separation.

Perth man appears on attempted murder charge

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:21:00 +0000

A Perth man has appeared at the town's sheriff court charged with attempted murder.

Shell find prompts call for explosives warning at Tentsmuir Beach

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:48:00 +0000

A call has been made for warning signs at a Fife beach where there have been regular finds of mortar bombs and shells.

Outgoing commissioner calls for tightened freedom of information rules

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:29:00 +0000

Scotland's retiring information commissioner will today make a last-ditch plea to bring greater accountability to arm's length public bodies.

GMB wants ambulance service upgraded to full emergency status

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

The GMB union is to seek an upgrade in the status of the Scottish Ambulance Service from an essential service to an emergency service like police and fire rescue.

Councillors finally agree a future for former Wellbrae Primary School building

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:15:00 +0000

A former Forfar primary school that has lain empty since 2008 is set to be developed into 16 flats.

Broughty Ferry man opts for 400-mile round trip instead of entrusting sensitive papers to Royal Mail

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

A Broughty Ferry man drove to Darlington and back to hand over important documents after claiming that he has lost faith in the postal service.

Angus MP concerned by threat to north-east's London train services

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:23:00 +0000

An Angus MP says a change to rail services would have a detrimental effect on the county's economy.

Fife Council pulls plug on Glenrothes fairground

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

There will be no more fairground attraction at a Glenrothes site following a ban by Fife Council.

'It has changed her future' — family thank community for support given to Wiktoria Mucha

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

The parents of a brave Coupar Angus girl have thanked the local community for giving her a ''future to look forward to''.

Police believe talk of the town could solve mystery of Carnoustie man Tony English's death

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Police are hoping that local gossip can hold the key to solving a Carnoustie death riddle.

Queen's View closed to public until April for path improvements

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000

A popular Highland Perthshire tourist spot has been closed to the public for three months for renovation work.

Be prepared: next phase of waterfront road changes starts on Tuesday

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Motorists in Dundee have been asked to plan their journeys as the next phase of the city's waterfront regeneration gets under way.

Till 'D-Day' do us part — marriages tested by festive strain

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Lawyers are gearing up for one of their busiest days of the year as couples initiate divorce proceedings following the festive holiday.

Educationalist criticises Madras College plan as a 'sub-optimal' compromise

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:32:00 +0000

One of Scotland's leading educationalists has warned that Fife Council's plans for Madras College do not put pupils at the fore.

Gavin bags a free car with his weekly shop

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:05:00 +0000

An Angus man is celebrating after winning a car in a Forfar supermarket's weekend raffle.

Man arrested after incident at Dundee B&Q store

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:02:00 +0000

A 35-year-old man has been arrested by police after an incident at a Dundee B&Q store on Friday evening.

Man taken to hospital after stand-off in water at Kirkcaldy esplanade

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

A major rescue swung into action in Kirkcaldy on Friday as a man threatened to end his life.

Scottish Water searching for sites to deliver a power boost

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Scottish Water says sites in Angus and Fife are being investigated for an ambitious £20 million hydro power generating scheme.

Kinghorn lifeboat crew reflect on the highs and lows of 2011

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:39:00 +0000

Kinghorn's lifeboat crew has just come through one of the most traumatic years in its history.

Council unable to find a private-sector partner for South Inch park plans

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Plans to include the private sector in a £700,000 upgrade of the South Inch park facilities have attracted no interest after a year.

'There has been a real buzz' — Arbroath prepares to welcome global audience

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Arbroath chairman John Christison is counting the minutes until the whistle blows on the club's cup tie with Rangers.

Fife Council apologises after being swamped by storm calls

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Fife Council has apologised to residents after being overwhelmed by calls during Tuesday's storm.

Recycling centre vandalism raises questions about Angus Council's use of landfill

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Angus recycling efforts have been dealt a blow at the very beginning of the year, as vandalism forced a town's green bin waste to be sent directly to landfill.

Dundee Partnership reports positive trends in latest city neighbourhood survey

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

There has been a ''welcome increase'' in Dundee residents saying their neighbourhood is a good place to live.

Kirkcaldy man Andrew Dobie killed in accident near Mossmorran plant

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

A spate of accidents on Fife's roads on Thursday saw a man killed and a woman taken to hospital.

Karin Forseke named as new chairman of Alliance Trust

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:33:00 +0000

The former chief executive of a major Swedish investment bank has been appointed to the key role of chairman of the Dundee-based Alliance Trust.

Fire Brigades Union claims Tayside's new engines are better at saving costs than saving lives

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:56:00 +0000

Tayside Fire and Rescue has defended its decision to buy three state-of-the-art fire engines amid accusations that its sophisticated machinery is a step backwards.

'One of the worst things I have ever seen' — Angus sheep farmer shocked by ferocity of dog attack

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:24:00 +0000

The farmer whose sheep were killed and maimed in a vicious dog attack has spoken of the ''total carnage'' he saw when he reached his flock.

'They've probably been there since Culloden' — Carse of Gowrie trees felled by storm

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:38:00 +0000

A Longforgan councillor has spoken of his sadness after a number of old trees in the area collapsed during Tuesday's storm.

Tributes to Cambridge University student Calum Burt after Fife train tragedy

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Tributes have been paid to a west Fife student who died in a train tragedy on New Year's Day.

Partnership model at heart of Labour group leader's 'New Year challenge' to council chiefs

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Dundee City Council must focus its efforts on economic development, the leader of the main opposition group has demanded.

Young Arbroath mum dies in childbirth

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:51:00 +0000

A 29-year-old Arbroath woman has tragically died while giving birth.

Jail for convicted sex offender who abused two children

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:34:00 +0000

A sex offender who abused two children in Perth last summer has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Scottish teachers told to be aware of social networking pitfalls

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:07:00 +0000

Teachers in Scotland are being warned of the risks of using social networking sites.

Tayside Police figures reveal sharp rise in metal theft

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Metal theft in Tayside rocketed to a five-year high in 2011.

£1,500 fine and ban for Aberfeldy teenager who took car and and drove on A9

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:24:00 +0000

A Perth sheriff has told a teenager he could have appeared at the High Court on a dangerous driving charge if the consequences of his actions had proved fatal.

Dundee road's white van collection is now back in transit

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Residents in the Broughty Ferry Road area have been assured that there has not been an invasion of white van men.

Anstruther driver claims Fife Council uses stalling tactics to limit pothole payouts

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:08:00 +0000

An angry motorist has criticised Fife Council after enduring an 11-month fight for compensation for damage caused to his car by a large pothole.

Theatre world pays tribute to 'Mr Pitlochry' Martyn James

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:39:00 +0000

Tributes have been paid to one of Scotland's acting greats, who died on Tuesday.

Dramatic demographic changes raise questions of how Scotland will care for its elderly

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Scotland's ageing population will expand massively over the next two decades, as the prosperity and longevity of 'baby boomers' threaten to tip the demographic scales.

Investigation teams praised for efforts to uncover benefit fraud

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Investigators have uncovered benefit fraud totalling more than £250,000 in Dundee in six months.

Abernethy man accused of attempted murder in Perth on New Year's Day

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:04:00 +0000

An Abernethy man has appeared in private at Perth Sheriff Court charged with an attempted murder on New Year's Day.

Hunt for owner after dog kills four sheep in savage Angus attack

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:19:00 +0000

The owner of a dog that killed four sheep and injured 15 others at an Angus farm is being sought by police.

Perthshire father told being reported by daughter is 'ultimate condemnation'

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:56:00 +0000

A man whose daughter phoned the police after he ''lost the place'' with her mother has been told her actions were the ''ultimate condemnation'' of his behaviour.

Kishor Dangol adapting to life back in Nepal after failed asylum fight

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:51:00 +0000

An asylum seeker who was deported from his adopted home of Fife last year is rebuilding his life in Nepal.

Dundee car fraud trial adjourned until April

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

A man and woman will stand trial at Dundee Sheriff Court later this year accused of forming a fraudulent insurance scheme.

Report says Dundee has lost 6,000 jobs during tough economic times

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Almost 6,000 jobs have disappeared from the Dundee economy in the past three years, a survey has found.

London owner reported to be turning McCheyne Memorial Church building into holiday home

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:03:00 +0000

A former Dundee church could be turned into a holiday home for its London-based owner.

SSE onshore wind capacity passes gigawatt milestone

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Perth-based energy giant SSE has underlined its leading position in the UK's renewables sector by confirming its onshore wind capacity has passed 1,000MW for the first time.

45 Commando major says bond with Arbroath is too strong to be broken

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:45:00 +0000

A top-ranking officer from 45 Commando says the unit will always have a bond with the people of Angus.

Figures show drug and alcohol addictions' heavy toll on benefits bill

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Hundreds of people in Tayside and Fife are receiving incapacity benefits because of their drug or alcohol addictions.

Year of the Light chief Harry Simpson turns attentions to Spitfire festival plans

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

Plans for a festival to mark the 70th anniversary of an Angus Spitfire have been boosted by the announcement of a steering group chairman.

Charity says JD Wetherspoon's January sale is 'not in the spirit' of alcohol control efforts

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

A Dundee charity has criticised plans by a pub chain to host a ''January sale''.

Relax — this is how the winter weather is meant to be!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:54:00 +0000

While the previous winter will be remembered for snow and ice, this year's will undoubtedly be noted for the winds that have blasted much of Scotland.

Selling agent puts January closing date on former Pullars building in Perth

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:38:00 +0000

A mid-January closing date for offers has been placed on a prime town centre site being sold by Perth and Kinross Council.

Family and regulars in shock at death of Dundee publican Fraser McMillan

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:00 +0000

The family of a Dundee publican were said to be ''in pieces'' after he was found dead in the cellar of one of his west end pubs on Tuesday morning.

'If I wanted to see meerkats, I would have gone to a zoo' — St Andrews Aquarium under fire

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:24:00 +0000

One of Fife's top tourist attractions, the St Andrews Aquarium, has come under fire for having ''no interesting fish.''

Sheep killed in Angus dog attack

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Four sheep have been killed and another 15 injured in a dog attack in Angus.

Thousands left without power after Scotland hit by another winter storm

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:59:00 +0000

Hurricane-force winds and driving rain caused chaos across Scotland on Tuesday, with tens of thousands of householders in Tayside and Fife left without power and a trail of damage caused to homes and commercial properties.

Public thanked for reporting dangerous drivers during festive campaign

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:38:00 +0000

Tayside Police arrested 43 drivers who were driving while drunk or drugged during its festive season campaign.

Kinross fire investigations continue

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:57:00 +0000

Police in Kinross have yet to trace those responsible for a spate of fires that left residents fearing for their properties and their safety.

Whitfield flats sustain water damage after fire in shower

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Firefighters from Kingsway East Fire Station had one of their more unusual call-outs when a shower caught fire in a bathroom of a flat in Whitfield on Tuesday.

Labour MP fears Scottish housing crisis under new benefit cap rules

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Changes to housing benefit payments that come into effect this month could lead to a housing crisis, it has been claimed.

Weather means Tay Salmon Fisheries Board learned little from extended season

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

The first year of an experiment carried out on the River Tay was hampered by poor weather.

Scotland's councils report wide variation in pothole payouts

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

The amount of compensation paid by Dundee City Council to motorists whose vehicles were damaged by potholes fell to a five-year low last year.

Balmashanner war memorial restoration finds hidden problems

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Decades of weathering and the onset of winter have hit a project to repair Forfar's Balmashanner war memorial.

Solar Cities Scotland bringing new car sharing scheme to Dundee

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0000

Dundee's first pay-as-you-go car share scheme will soon get under way.

Solicitor warns of court 'chaos' if closures plan goes ahead

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:05:00 +0000

Closing sheriff courts at Forfar and Cupar would cause ''chaos'' for the nearest regional courts, a leading Dundee solicitor says.

Castle Huntly absconder Peter Mowat given another nine months

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:35:00 +0000

A prisoner who absconded from Castle Huntly open prison has been sentenced to an additional nine months on top of a five-year sentence he is serving for firearms offences.

High winds close Tay and Forth bridges on another day of travel chaos in Scotland

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:28:00 +0000

Scotland has woken up to another day of travel chaos, as the country faces another weather red alert.

Perthshire property market ends year on a high

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000

The Perthshire property scene ended the year on a positive note, according to local solicitors.

Hundreds up early to take part in Broughty Ferry New Year's Day Dook

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

A record number of hardy souls braved the icy waters of the Tay to take part in the traditional New Year's Day Dook at Broughty Ferry.

Former midwife back to help deliver a very special New Year baby

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +0000

A former midwife helped to deliver one of Dundee's first babies of 2012 — her own grandson.

Christmas with family for Perth woman who was impaled on railing spike

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:43:00 +0000

The Perth woman whose face was impaled on a five-inch metal railing spike after she slipped on ice is recuperating with family.

Fife's Secret Garden Nursery the star of Sundance Film Festival documentary

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:44:00 +0000

A unique Fife nursery is to feature on the silver screen this month.

MSP maintains pressure on ScotRail for Fife morning service rethink

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:52:00 +0000

A Fife MSP says a review of controversial changes to an early-morning commuter train must come soon.

Citizens Advice Scotland survey shows widespread concern at changes to benefits

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Controversial changes to the benefits system are driving thousands of more people to seek help from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAB), it has been revealed.

Man held after New Year's Day stabbing in Perth

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:08:00 +0000

Police have detained a man after a 25-year-old was injured in a serious stabbing in a Perth residential street in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Dookers at the double at Angus New Year's Day dips

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000

Make mine a double was the order of Ne'er Day for an intrepid trio of hardy 2012 dookers — including Angus 11-year-old Greig Matthew.

More city councillors make salary pledge

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:59:00 +0000

Two more Dundee councillors have said they will keep their salaries at pre-2009 levels.

Walker finds another artillery shell on Tentsmuir beach

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:36:00 +0000

A Halbeath man found an unexploded Second World War artillery shell on Tentsmuir beach on Friday.

Fire brings dramatic start to Perth residents' New Year

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:11:00 +0000

A passing New Year reveller alerted the residents of a Perth block of flats to a blaze in the stairwell.

New Year review: the top 10 Courier website stories of 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

As another year comes to an end, we take a look back at the most-read stories on www.thecourier.co.uk in 2011.

Careless text message leaves army veteran facing eviction from allotment

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:10:00 +0000

An army veteran is being evicted from his Dundee allotment in a dispute over a text message.

What a balloon! — Carnoustie family need help Finding Nemo

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Most 10-year-old children would know the story of Finding Nemo, but for one Angus boy the plot has taken an unfortunate twist.

MP warns small firms would be hit hardest by postal price changes

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Proposals to increase Royal Mail postage costs have been attacked for the disproprotionate effect they would have on small business.

Community payback order for man who had knife on night out in Dundee

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:29:00 +0000

A Dundee man who showed a knife to a taxi driver and two other occupants in the cab has been placed on a community payback order.

Ombudsman clears Tayside Police after harassment claim complaint

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Tayside Police have been cleared of mishandling a complaint about alleged harassment.

'A hero' — friends and family pay tribute at funeral of Blairgowrie soldier Aaron Black

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Former Blairgowrie soldier Aaron Black has been laid to rest at a funeral in his home town.

Police have 'positive new lines of inquiry' in effort to track down Kinross fire-raiser

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Police in Kinross are pursuing ''positive new lines of inquiry'' in tracking down a fire-raiser in the town thanks to a community event held this week.

Estonian thief outwitted by Apple's 'Find My iPad' tool

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

A hapless kitchen worker who smashed into a Fife restaurant before making off with more than £4,000 worth of goods was snared after a tracking device in a computer he stole showed he had stashed his haul in a Dundee flat.

'It was just so weird' — UFO alert after mysterious light seen above Arbroath

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

An Angus man has told of his shock at sighting a mysterious object hovering over the county.

Sheriff demands to know why prisoner was not protected

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Sheriff Richard Davidson has ordered an investigation into why an assault-threatened prisoner who was supposed to be kept separate from other inmates ended up being beaten up in jail.

CBI Scotland chief challenges Scottish Government to match UK recovery

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:46:00 +0000

CBI Scotland has told the Scottish Government to sharpen up its act to get the economy back on an even keel.

Norwegian sailor rushed to hospital after falling into Montrose harbour

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:13:00 +0000

A Norwegian sailor was rushed to hospital after being pulled out of Montrose harbour by his crewmates.

North East Fife MP warns against 'retrograde' closure of local courts

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:18:00 +0000

The closure of dozens of Scottish courts, including those in Cupar and Forfar, would be a ''seriously retrograde'' step, a senior MP has warned.

Scout leader admits sexual assault of teenage boys 40 years ago

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:57:00 +0000

A retired Perthshire Scoutmaster who sexually assaulted three teenage boys in the late 1960s and early 1970s claimed he had no recollection of the offences, Perth Sheriff Court has heard.

Pensioner dies outside Arbroath pub

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:49:00 +0000

A pensioner has died in front of regulars at an Angus pub, after suddenly taking ill.

Councillors warn 'unfunded' council tax freeze will worsen the bite of inflation

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:29:00 +0000

Opposition councillors are warning inflation will lead to ''significant cuts'' in Dundee City Council's budget up to 2015.

Perth man put on offenders register for daytime sex in park

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:10:00 +0000

A man who admitted having sex in a public park in Perth will appear for sentence next month.

Campaign group backs councillor's call for Fife to stop and think about its windfarm future

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Calls for a moratorium on wind turbine applications in Fife have been backed by a campaign group.

Royal Mail claims a trouble-free Christmas service in Dundee

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Royal Mail says postal services in Dundee have operated without problem over the festive period.

Complaints load up after Asda applies to alter Forfar store delivery hours

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:06:59 +0000

A supermarket has been accused of moving the goalposts by applying to change a prerequisite of its planning permission — seven weeks after it opened.

Caught on camera — Broughty Ferry shop vandal's break-in attempt filmed on CCTV

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

A hooded vandal has been caught on CCTV trying to break into a Broughty Ferry shop before venting his frustration by breaking a window.

Developer accepts defeat after Government reporter rejects Kinnoull Hill housing plan

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:50:00 +0000

A housing plan which locals said would blight one of Perth's most scenic areas has been abandoned — "for the time being".

Tullis Russell managing director praises 'magnificent' work of fire crews

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

The fact no one was injured when fire ripped through a Fife papermill, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage, has been attributed to the courage of fire and rescue crews.

Anger for Broughty Ferry residents left staring at permanent reminder of council's planning failure

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:51:00 +0000

A Broughty Ferry woman has spoken of her anger after a Dundee City Council blunder led to the construction of an ''industrial''-sized garage at the end of her garden.

Growing unease in Kinross as police admit blazes could be work of serial fire-raiser

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:25:00 +0000

A series of suspicious fires has put the residents of the tight-knit community of Kinross on edge.

Teachers' union warns reluctance to exclude leaves classrooms 'terrorised' by problem pupils

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:54:00 +0000

A teaching union has claimed some Scottish schools are too reluctant to exclude problem pupils.

Fishing groups worried River Isla hydro scheme could be a repeat of River Garry problems

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Fishing groups have told The Courier of their concerns that a River Isla hydro turbine could ''kill'' the river and drain the region's economy.

Ayley and Chloe ready for US operation thanks to fundraising phenomenon

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:34:00 +0000

Carnoustie twins Ayley and Chloe Hirsch are packed and getting set to travel to America for life-changing surgery.

Next phase of waterfront project will bring more traffic changes in January

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:10:00 +0000

The next phase of works at Dundee's central waterfront will get under way next month.

36-year-old man dies weeks after being sent to Perth Prison

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:50:00 +0000

A 36-year-old man has died at HM Prison Perth.

Homeless man stole almost £3,000 from couple who tried to help

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

A homeless man who was taken in by a couple repaid their generosity by robbing them of almost £3,000.

Tayside Police cut £13,000 from bonuses bill

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Bonus payments made by Tayside Police fell to just over £40,000 this year.

Are you brave enough to take on the challenge of the Arbroath Dook?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:11:00 +0000

'BRRRRAVEHEARTS' are being encouraged to start 2012 with a cooling dip in the North Sea.

Fife karting firm facing £1m damages claim by former Peterhead Academy teacher

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:06:00 +0000

A Fife leisure firm is facing a £1 million lawsuit from a teacher who claims she was injured by one of her own pupils in a go-kart pit lane.

Saline windfarm monitoring mast approved after Government reporter overturns Fife Council refusal

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Proposals for a 70-metre windfarm monitoring mast have been approved after a planning decision was overturned.

Cyclist accuses Forth Ports of not doing enough to keep path through Dundee harbour open

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:06:00 +0000

A cyclist has accused the owners of Dundee harbour of neglecting their ''civil duties'' after claiming that they are failing to keep a cycle route open in adverse weather.

SEPA confident diesel spill won't harm River Tay's marine life

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:47:00 +0000

A former fishing boat sank in Dundee Harbour on Tuesday, causing a diesel spill which leaked into the River Tay.

Tullis Russell papermill fire treated as suspicious

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:43:00 +0000

A major investigation has been launched after a series of fires swept through a Fife papermill.

Dookers asked to play their part to ensure safety of New Year's Day swim

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:10:00 +0000

Organisers of the Broughty Ferry New Year's Day Dook have insisted safety is paramount ahead of Sunday's dip into the waters of the Tay.

Scotland put on amber warning for gales

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:33:00 +0000

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind for much of Scotland today between 9am and midnight.

Suspect seen as three cars and a building are targeted in latest Kinross fire attacks

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:39:00 +0000

Police are hunting a youth after a spate of fires in Kinross which they believe could be linked.

Broughty Ferry shop owner condemns window vandal

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:52:00 +0000

A Broughty Ferry newsagent has hit out at vandals who smashed his shop window.

Call for action to protect shoppers from abuse outside Arbroath Sheriff Court

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:33:00 +0000

An Angus councillor says Arbroath residents are being ''intimidated'' by people hanging around outside the court.

Senior policeman says A9 dualling will be a boost to road safety

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:09:00 +0000

The dualling of the Perth-to-Inverness section of the A9 has the backing of one of Tayside's leading policemen.

Border collies are needing new pads for the new year

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

A trio of beautiful collie pups are desperate to start 2012 with a new and loving home.

SNP's independence campaign helped by unionists' tactical squabbles

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:14:00 +0000

The SNP have seized on a growing rift between unionist parties over the role David Cameron might play in the anti-independence campaign ahead of a referendum.

Runners work off some extra pounds in the Forfar Plum Pudding Plod

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Angus folk keen to run off the season's excesses were out in force in Forfar on Boxing Day.

Shoppers out before dawn to grab the best deals

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Thousands of shoppers flocked to High Streets across the UK as the sales got under way on Boxing Day.

City status competition organisers urged to pick multiple winners

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:18:00 +0000

As the countdown begins on the much-anticipated city status competition, a final plea has been made to change the rules.

Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi appeal files closer to being released

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:28:00 +0000

Moves to unlock sensitive files relating to an abandoned appeal by the Lockerbie bomber have taken a step forward.

VIDEO: rare footage of Dundee jute stowers preserved online

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:55:00 +0000

A newly-discovered video has emerged featuring what is thought to be the only colour footage of Dundee's jute stowers at work.

'I'm crying because I'm happy' — Fifers' generosity brings joy amid despair for family made homeless by fire

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:29:00 +0000

A family who lost everything in a fire have thanked generous Fifers who saved Christmas for their children.

Chamber chief sees reasons for optimism despite 'another tough year' ahead

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:45:00 +0000

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce has called on the Scottish Government to increase support for the business community in the new year.

Backing for Angus plans to cut gull numbers

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:08:00 +0000

Moves to reduce the number of gulls in Angus streets have been welcomed as a step in cleaning up the county's towns and villages.

Local development plan says Perth needs a third road bridge

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:35:00 +0000

A third road bridge across the Tay at Perth should be built north of the town on a controversial route that could directly affect Scone Palace, according to planners.

Military Wives Choir show they have the real X factor

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:51:00 +0000

A former Perth Academy pupil is celebrating being top of the pops — as part of the Military Wives Choir that secured the coveted Christmas number one spot.

Kirkcaldy community steps in to try to save Christmas for families left homeless by fire

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Fifers have rallied round families who lost everything in a Kirkcaldy fire just before Christmas.

NHS Fife preparing to welcome new chief executive

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:45:00 +0000

John Wilson is set to take over from George Brechin as chief executive of NHS Fife.

VisitScotland chief excited by tourism potential of V&A museum

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:50:00 +0000

The head of VisitScotland says the arrival of the £45m V&A museum could herald a new era for the tourism industry in Tayside and Fife.

China links bring stormy end to Angus Council's year

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:17:00 +0000

An independent Angus councillor has lodged a formal complaint over what he feels to be improper treatment during a debate on the county's links with China.

Christmas arrives with a blast

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:40:00 +0000

Gale-force winds battered Courier Country on Christmas Day, causing damage to buildings and disruption to roads.

Salvation Army volunteers show true spirit of Christmas

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:56:00 +0000

The spirit of Christmas was in evidence when 30 of Dundee's homeless and vulnerable people enjoyed a traditional lunch courtesy of the Salvation Army.

Police believe repeated vehicle fires in Kinross are linked

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:48:00 +0000

Police believe fires which damaged three cars in Kinross on Friday evening are linked to two other vehicle fires in the town in the past fortnight.

Canny shoppers ready to take advantage of the Boxing Day bargains

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:23:00 +0000

Shoppers could be in store for a Boxing Day bonanza as retailers are forced to cut prices to attract customers.

Fireballs celebration set to swing in the new year

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

The spectacular Stonehaven fireballs ceremony will go ahead as planned this Hogmanay, it has been announced.

Firms urged to invest and see money grow on Christmas trees

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:41:00 +0000

Scottish businesses and landowners are being urged to seize the opportunity of reaping returns from an investment where money could be said to grow on trees.

Abusive partner told police he had been 'toy fighting'

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:56:00 +0000

A man who drank half a bottle of whisky before attacking his partner later told police they had just been ''toy fighting''.

Some festive cheer for retailers

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:40:00 +0000

Retailers have received a festive spike in revenue as milder weather than last year has encouraged shoppers out, providing a welcome — in some cases crucial — cash injection.

Bid to save famous conifers of Dunkeld's Cathedral Grove

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:36:00 +0000

A bid will be mounted to rescue a grove of trees at Dunkeld.

Johann Lamont begins Labour leadership with child protection call

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:58:42 +0000

Child protection is still a ''huge problem'' almost four years after the death of Dundee toddler Brandon Muir, Labour has claimed.

Rangers tie proves just the ticket for Lichties fans

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:13:21 +0000

More than 5,000 tickets have been sold for Arbroath's Scottish Cup tie with Rangers next month.

Shopkeepers hit back at 'immoral' alcohol sales comments

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:59:24 +0000

Dundee's small off-licences have hit back at comments made by an MSP that they are ''immoral'' for selling cheap alcohol.

Sex offender given film making ban after air show incident

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:37:28 +0000

A film-maker who preyed on children at Leuchars air show was yesterday handed a 10-year Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO) banning him from making videos featuring youngsters.

Mother's terror after car windscreen shattered by rock

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:24:46 +0000

A Perth woman has spoken of her terror during an incident she said could have caused the death of her two young sons.

English independence campaigners demand 'fair share' of North Sea oil

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:10:19 +0000

English independence campaigners have demanded a ''fair share'' of North Sea Oil in the event of Scotland breaking away from the UK.

Provost Ruth Leslie Melville to leave local government

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:04:00 +0000

The Provost of Angus has revealed her intention to leave local government at next May's election.

Dundee City Council will have to cut another £3.4m

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:35:00 +0000

Dundee City Council has said it will have to cut £3.4 million from next year's budget.

Scottish Government accused of 'failure to protect salmon stocks' on South Esk

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:14:00 +0000

An Angus angling club has lodged a legal complaint against the Scottish Government over its ''failure to protect salmon stocks.''

Caledonian Sleeper trains get the green light with £100m deal

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Sleeper trains from Tayside and Fife to London were spared the axe yesterday after the Scottish Government agreed a £100 million deal.

Freak accident victim Kirsty Scott will suffer little scarring, says surgeon

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

A Perth woman who escaped death by inches when she slipped on ice and impaled her chin on a railing should escape with little scarring, according to her surgeon.

Forth Replacement Crossing project delivers £20m jobs lift to Scotland

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:56:14 +0000

The new Forth Replacement Crossing project has already delivered a £20 million early Christmas present to Scottish firms — with more to come — in a jobs boost for the country.

Mother's despair after latest dig for body of Adam Alexander

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:29:53 +0000

The mother of an Errol man whose body has never been found faces a bleak Christmas following the latest abortive search for her son.

Angus Council sacks three employees after woman's death

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:32:18 +0000

Angus Council has sacked three employees following an investigation into the death of a 74-year-old woman.

Grieving mum's plea after thieves steal cash meant for child's headstone

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:07:19 +0000

A grief-stricken mum has made an emotional plea for information after burglars stole money set aside to pay for her child's headstone.

Suspicious death remains a mystery, police say

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:32:14 +0000

The suspicious death of a Carnoustie man remains a mystery, police have said.

Joy as family bring baby Riley home for Christmas

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:37:34 +0000

''It's the best Christmas present ever!'' — Proud young Dundee mum Leigh Welsh kisses and cuddles her recently-born baby son Riley as they prepare to leave Ninewells Hospital and join Riley's new family for Christmas.

Increasing levels of deprivation shock for Fife

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:20:44 +0000

An increasing proportion of Scotland's most deprived areas are in Fife, according to grim statistics.

Driver escapes uninjured as car bursts into flames

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:08:44 +0000

A driver escaped uninjured after his car went up in flames on a motorway slip road near Kinross.

Campus openings mark end of £136m schools project

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

The construction phase of Perth and Kinross Council's £136 million Investment in Learning Programme has officially come to a close.

Pub chain withdraws from Jolly's Hotel takeover deal

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has delivered a blow to Broughty Ferry with its announcement that it is pulling out of a deal to take over Jolly's Hotel, which closed recently after going into administration.

Unions not ready to sign off on public sector pensions

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Government celebrations over the prospective resolution of the civil service pensions row would be ''a tad premature,'' the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) has told The Courier.

'MOT' plan for Scottish Parliament could see longer working week for MSPs

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:13:00 +0000

Scottish politicians are set for a longer working week under radical proposals outlined at Holyrood.

Soldier woke up in police cell on wedding day after race incident

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

An Angus soldier who woke up in a police cell on his wedding day was fined £500.

Alternatives sought after solar panel scheme switched off

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Dundee City Council has committed itself to trying to find a replacement for its collapsed solar power project.

Windfarm that would have spoiled Gleneagles Hotel area views rejected

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:58:17 +0000

A windfarm which would have been seen from Gleneagles Hotel has been refused permission because of the effect it would have on the resort.

NHS Fife faces 'incredibly difficult' fight to cut spending

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:46:52 +0000

NHS Fife is struggling to break even as it identifies efficiency savings of £13.5 million.

Tayside set to benefit from Commonwealth Games

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:34:03 +0000

Tayside is set for a major tourist and construction windfall from hosting part of the Commonwealth Games, MSPs will hear today.

Scots face inflation-busting rail fares hike

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:51:39 +0000

Rail passengers in Scotland have been promised a cruel start to the New Year after ScotRail announced an inflation-busting 6% increase in fares.

Dundee among worst hit as unemployment soars

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:57:13 +0000

More than 1,000 people in Dundee are facing the prospect of a second consecutive Christmas on the dole, a report reveals today.

Lorry driver narrowly escapes Northwater Bridge plunge

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:33:36 +0000

A lorry driver narrowly avoided a 35ft drop over an Angus bridge, after his trailer tipped onto the road.

£1,000 fine for drunk train conductor who was left on platform

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:19:17 +0000

A train conductor who was more than three times the legal alcohol limit while responsible for passengers at Dundee station has been fined £1,000.

Brave cancer battle girl Georgia really is a little star

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:01:04 +0000

A Fife youngster who has bravely battled kidney cancer has had her amazing courage recognised with a special award.

Freak spike accident victim's praise for 'fantastic' staff

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:33:17 +0000

The 20-year-old Perth woman whose face was impaled on a spike in a freak accident has publicly praised the ''fantastic'' emergency services and hospital staff who came to her aid.

Scottish Government accused of 'lurching from one extreme to another' over teacher training

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:09:00 +0000

The Scottish Government has been accused of ''lurching from one extreme to another'' after announcing a rise in the number of teacher training places.

Toddler escape nursery condemned in report

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0000

A Perthshire nursery where a toddler managed to escape has been slammed in a damning report.

Former teacher Joseph McCabe struck off for having more than 13,000 child abuse images

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0000

A Perthshire man convicted of possessing more than 13,000 child abuse images has been struck off the Scottish register of teachers.

Christmas time — Two thirds of Castle Huntly inmates home for holidays

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:13:00 +0000

Around two-thirds of the inmates at Castle Huntly prison on the outskirts of Dundee are expected to be released to spend Christmas with their families.

Migrant worker fatal accident inquiry delayed

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Only one of the 16 migrant workers interviewed following an Angus fire is still in the country.

Cyclist in appeal to catch hit and run driver

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:07:00 +0000

The Dundee victim of a hit and run accident has appealed to members of the public to come forward and help police to trace the driver who struck him.

Minister marks offshore renewables milestone at Energy Park Fife

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Energy, enterprise and tourism minister Fergus Ewing marked a milestone in Scotland's offshore renewables sector during a visit to Methil.

Rough justice fear amid court closures threat

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:20:00 +0000

A plan that could see the closure of dozens of Scottish courts in a bid to slash spending would strike at the heart of local justice, a North East MSP has said.

Bear Scotland denies blame after multiple collisions on M90

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:56:00 +0000

Bear Scotland has denied it was to blame for ''multiple'' collisions involving nine vehicles on the M90 on Monday morning near Perth.

Government grant GlaxoSmithKline jobs boost for Montrose

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:47:00 +0000

Finance Secretary John Swinney has announced a jobs boost for Montrose pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Woman's face impaled after slipping on ice in Perth

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:22:00 +0000

A woman's face was impaled on a five-inch metal railing spike after she slipped on ice in Perth.

Policeman made 'obscene, disgusting and depraved' phonecalls

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:57:00 +0000

A member of the Tayside Police family protection unit made ''obscene, disgusting and depraved'' calls suggesting sexual acts with a child on a chatline, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.

First wards make switch to new Victoria Hospital wing

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:24:10 +0000

After months of planning and preparation, the new wing at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital is a hive of activity as the first wards make the move into the state-of-the-art surroundings.

New leader Johann Lamont vows Labour will be party for 'all of Scotland'

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:55:27 +0000

New Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has pledged to look beyond the party's central belt heartland and refocus on areas like Dundee.

Reward offered after golf shop window smashed

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:01:00 +0000

A shop owner is offering a £100 reward after a vandal smashed his shop window at the weekend.

National police role for Tayside officer

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:12:00 +0000

A top Tayside police officer is set to play a leading role in the new amalgamated Scottish police force, The Courier can reveal.

Welfare and benefits reforms pressure increases, says agency

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Fife's leading advice and rights agency is under ever-increasing pressure because of welfare reforms, its chief executive has revealed.

Shop tills see drop from record-breaking years

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Thousands of people in Tayside and Fife were out in the city centre for the last full weekend of Christmas shopping.

Diageo considers further Fife expansion

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Drinks giant Diageo is considering a further expansion in Fife.

Ice warning after difficult day for travel

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Motorists and pedestrians have been advised to take care as another ice warning has been issued extending into Tuesday, after a day of dangerous conditions.

Freaky Friday passes without major incident

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:38:00 +0000

Festive celebrations kicked-off in earnest at the weekend, with Perth revellers enjoying largely trouble-free nights out.

TOWIE star James Argent in Dundee road accident

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:09:46 +0000

The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent was involved in a road traffic accident in Dundee in the early hours of Saturday.

Man rushed to hospital after A90 crash near Stracathro

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:07:00 +0000

A man has been rushed to hospital after a car collision in Angus.

MoD agrees to visit Dalgety Bay radiation beach

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:51:59 +0000

The Ministry of Defence has finally agreed to visit a Fife beach contaminated with radiation.

Reporter's ruling puts demolition of Pickletillum Inn back on the agenda

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:07:00 +0000

A historic drovers' inn in north-east Fife is once more under threat of demolition after a developer's planning appeal was upheld by the Scottish Government.

Trust chairman steps down after helping to secure Whitehall Theatre's future

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

The chairman of the Whitehall Theatre Trust has stepped down, now that the future of the venue is on a firmer footing.

Kirriemuir joins other Angus towns in signing up to Pubwatch

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:58:00 +0000

The last link in Angus efforts to keep the county's bars safer at night was forged this week as Pubwatch officially arrived in Kirriemuir.

Voluntary Action Perthshire's Winter Watch scheme hopes to build up a bank of goodwill

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:39:00 +0000

A Perthshire charity is spearheading a bid to ensure selfless individual actions see communities through the worst winter weather.

Scottish Schools Online allows parents to track performance

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Parents across Scotland can now see how well or badly their child's school did in this year's exams.

More SNP councillors planning to step down in May

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:51:00 +0000

Two more SNP councillors in Dundee this week announced their plans to stand down at May's local elections.

Celebrities hope sharing kitchen secrets will add up to something souper for Maggie's Centres

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:24:00 +0000

A recipe book containing tried and tested favourites contributed by celebrities and local people has been launched to raise funds for the Maggie's Centre in Dundee.

Documentary makers put Angus in the Chinese TV spotlight

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:52:00 +0000

The Angus message is being broadcast to millions of people in China.

Icy forecast brings plea for extra caution over weekend

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:32:00 +0000

People in Tayside and Fife will require their winter woollies this weekend as the big chill plants itself over the area.

'First-time buyer remains an endangered species' — depressing outlook for those locked out of property market

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

A new report this week warned people still renting while in their mid-30s may never be able to afford their own home.

Tayside Police search team now boasts added puppy power

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:53:00 +0000

A Perthshire charity has helped Tayside Police to boost its puppy power.

Elderly man's tragic death shocks Kinross

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:33:00 +0000

The close-knit community of Kinross has been united in grief following the death of a popular local pensioner.

Research says UK charities losing up to £50 million a year to bag collection scams

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:49:00 +0000

Homeowners are being urged not to fall foul of scams that threaten the good work of charities across the country.

New survey to measure extent of Stobswell's prostitution problem

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

A project to gauge the impact of prostitution in the Stobswell area of Dundee got under way this week.

'A talking point and a tourist attraction' — GlaxoSmithKline has high hopes for Montrose renewable energy project

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:53:00 +0000

GlaxoSmithKline this week submitted its plans for a contentious wind turbine development in Montrose.

Cupar teenager fined for subjecting boy to racist abuse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:32:00 +0000

A pupil enjoying a day out with friends was left terrified when he was subjected to racial abuse from a drunken teenager.

Former council chief to lead Corse Hill windfarm community fund

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:48:00 +0000

A former chief executive of Angus Council will be responsible for channelling community funds from a local windfarm.

Global fans go face-to-face with online star Hackle

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Perth most popular pooch is proving to be man's best friend on Facebook.

Kirrie teenager 'horrified' when confronted by footage of drunken assault

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:04:00 +0000

A Kirriemuir teenager who broke the wrist of an innocent bystander in an early-hours incident has been ordered to pay her victim £300 compensation.

£360 fine for 'back bedroom' tattooist who inked child

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

A Dundee man has been fined for tattooing a child and without a licence.

Renewable subsidies only playing small part in rising fuel bills, reports Committee on Climate Change

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:14:00 +0000

Household fuel bills will go up £10 a year to help pay for the development of renewable energy sources, it has been claimed.

Jail for former social care worker who stole from elderly woman weeks before her death

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:42:00 +0000

An Angus Council social care worker who cashed over £2,000 in cheques stolen from a frail OAP weeks before she died has been jailed for six months.

Crown seeking Sexual Offences Protection Order against Strathkinness teenager

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Prosecutors in the case of a schoolboy who used social media sites to blackmail a young girl into supplying him with sexually explicit images of herself are to seek a Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO).

'He wasn't just my dad but my mate' — son leads tributes to popular Dundee man Brian Adamson

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:32:00 +0000

The family of a Dundee father-of-two who died after collapsing while playing football are being comforted by the thought that the tragedy is helping to improve the lives of 12 people.

Elderly man dies in bin lorry accident on Kinross High Street

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

An 80-year-old man has died in a tragic accident in Kinross this morning.

Back to prison for Forfar man who ate all the pies

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:33:00 +0000

A Forfar man has been jailed for eating his neighbour's pies after breaking into his house and stealing them from the fridge.

'A crucial role to play' — Dundee told it has a bright future in green jobs

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:45:00 +0000

Alex Salmond says Dundee's confirmation as a key location for offshore renewables manufacturing is a ''wonderful statement'' about the city's future.

Pittencrieff Primary School theft leaves a bitter taste

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:26:00 +0000

A Dunfermline primary school has been the victim of an unusual raid. The thieves didn't go for the usual targets of money or IT equipment — instead, the school has seen dozens of its bags of salt stolen.

Local man warns serious accident is just around the corner at Letham Den

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:58:00 +0000

Two Angus car accidents happened on the same road on Thursday — prompting calls for better gritting in the area.

Joiners fined for assaulting man in centre of Perth

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Two Perthshire joiners who assaulted a man in Perth town centre following a day at the races have been fined £750 each.

Dundee's collections added to nation's virtual art gallery

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:12:00 +0000

All paintings in public ownership in Dundee have been added to an online catalogue of every publicly-owned oil painting in the UK.

Flight concerns at centre of Largoward wind turbines refusal

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:50:00 +0000

A Cupar businessman's proposal for two 100m wind turbines has been thrown out by Fife councillors.

Supervision order for man who lured schoolgirl into house and asked for sex

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:10:00 +0000

A Perthshire man who lured a schoolgirl into a house to make sexual advances towards her has been put on the sex offenders register.

Energy efficiency built into new Angus Council housing

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:52:00 +0000

A vision of the first council housing development to be built in Angus for 15 years has been unveiled.

Opponents say unemployment figures show First Minister's 'Plan MacB' is not working

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Alex Salmond's claim his government is leading the way in tackling joblessness has been left in tatters with figures showing unemployment in Scotland has surged ahead of the UK.

Owner says international firm looking at former Hyundai site as base for new HQ

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0000

A global company could be opening its international headquarters at Dunfermline's mothballed Hyundai site.

Angus Council looking for a new golfing partner

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

A deadlock in trading negotiations has forced Angus Council to find a new golf business partner in China, it has emerged.

St John's High School chosen to be one of seven SFA football academies

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:08:00 +0000

A new SFA-run football academy is to be created at a Dundee high school.

Auditor general says Scotland will have to consider reintroducing bridge tolls

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:13:00 +0000

A return of tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges may be needed if Scotland is to meet carbon emission targets, MSPs have been told.

Free school bus rules face review as Fife Council struggles to save £90 million

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Free school bus travel for hundreds of Fife school children could be axed as the council faces a desperate struggle to balance the books.

Perthshire teacher struck off for having sex with former pupil

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:19:00 +0000

A Perthshire secondary school maths teacher who had sex with a former pupil has been struck off.

Protesters banned from chamber as SNP use majority to pass anti-bigotry bill

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:39:00 +0000

A Dundee academic was banned from the Scottish Parliament chamber on Wednesday as the SNP forced through controversial legislation to crack down on bigotry.

Back in the game — Dundee poised for major renewable energy jobs announcement

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:10:00 +0000

Dundee is set for some Christmas cheer today with a major announcement on the potential for 700 new direct jobs and hundreds more indirectly linked jobs in the renewables industry.

Buckhaven man found guilty of assaulting partner in Dundee guest house

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:19:00 +0000

A Fife couple's night away in Dundee to patch up their rocky relationship ended in violence, the city's sheriff court has heard.

AgustaWestland delivers hammer blow to Vector Aerospace staff in Almondbank

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:29:00 +0000

Perth has been dealt a major jobs blow with the announcement that more than 100 posts could be at risk at an engineering plant on the outskirts of town.

Perth and Kinross child protection teams urged to aim even higher

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:56:00 +0000

Child protection in Perth and Kinross has been named the 'best in Scotland'.

Selling agent says there is 'early interest' in Noranside prison estate

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:35:00 +0000

Noranside open prison will be put on the open market.

Kirkcaldy man remains in intensive care after Forfar brawl

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:35:00 +0000

A Kirkcaldy man seriously injured in an Angus street brawl is still in intensive care.

Dundee drivers taking to RingGo mobile parking payment system

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:11:00 +0000

A scheme that allows motorists to pay for parking in Dundee using their mobile phones has been used more than 10,000 times in its first six months.

Dundee staff among those facing losing their jobs after DVLA announcement

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

More than 120 Scottish jobs — including a dozen in Dundee — could be lost after the UK Government announced plans to close 39 regional Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency offices.

Kirkcaldy man demands apology after winning three-year social care bill fight

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:02:00 +0000

A disabled Kirkcaldy man who refused to pay a bill for home care he claimed he did not receive has won his three-year fight with the council.

Scout leader horrified to think of injuries attic floor collapse could have caused

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:34:00 +0000

A Dundee Scout leader has spoken of his terror as an attic floor he was standing on fell from beneath him.

£1,000 fine for Blairgowrie man who got into fight after day at the races

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0000

A day at the races proved to be costly for a Blairgowrie man after he was fined £1,000 for getting involved in a drunken assault.

Former Angus provost Bill Middleton standing down at next election

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Former Angus provost Bill Middleton will step down from local government at May's elections.

Friends say cold not cause of elderly Perthshire man's death

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:57:00 +0000

A Highland Perthshire pensioner who died at the weekend had gone two nights without power.

Thief who threatened Arbroath shop worker with dirty syringe jailed for two years

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:06:00 +0000

A man who attacked a female shop assistant with a dirty syringe has been jailed for two years.

Academic delivering 3,000-name petition in last-ditch bid to halt Offensive Behaviour bill

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

The SNP's controversial crackdown on football bigotry has worrying parallels with a ''police state'', a Dundee academic has claimed.

Train left Dundee station with drunk conductor stranded on platform

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

A Dundee train conductor who was over the legal alcohol limit while responsible for passengers on a train at Dundee Station was left on the platform when the train departed.

Fife man in high dependency hospital unit after Forfar fight night brawl

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:41:00 +0000

The family of a Fife man critically injured in a fight night brawl are holding a vigil by his bedside.

Senior councillor says Fife has to take a more considered approach to wind turbines

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Fife's main opposition leader has called for a moratorium on wind turbines following concerns about the number in the pipeline.

'There's no excuse' — mother of knife crime victim demands automatic prison sentences

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:26:00 +0000

A Perthshire mother has demanded stiffer knife crime punishments after her daughter's attacker walked free from court this week.

Broughty Ferry woman hopes mail mistakes are not sign of more problems at Dundee East office

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:59:00 +0000

Royal Mail's Dundee East posties have again come under fire after a Broughty Ferry woman received mail for five different people who live in neighbouring streets.

'14 potential killers' — police chief's tough words for drivers ignoring safety message

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:35:00 +0000

Tayside Police Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson has branded drink- or drug- drivers caught by police since the start of December as ''14 potential killers.''

Appeal for witnesses after man's death in Dundee

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:11:00 +0000

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died after he fell outside a Dundee supermarket on Tuesday morning.

Finance Secretary John Swinney caught up in A9 crash aftermath

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:47:00 +0000

Finance Secretary John Swinney narrowly escaped being involved in a multiple pile-up as heavy snow hit the notorious A9 on Tuesday.

Year's detention for pair who kicked woman until she was unconscious

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:26:00 +0000

Two women who kicked another woman unconscious have been given given custodial sentences.

Labour councillors promise a Glenrothes sport centre poll replay

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:41:00 +0000

A controversial consultation to decide the name of the new Glenrothes sports centre will be rerun if Labour take control following council elections.

Nando's applies to open restaurant in Dundee

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:12:00 +0000

Portuguese restaurant chain Nando's wants to open in Dundee city centre, in a move that would create 30 jobs.

Lawyer warns of risks of removing need for corroboration

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:57:00 +0000

Controversial changes to Scotland's justice system could lead to more innocent people being jailed, a top lawyer has warned.

MoD insists Almondbank radiation poses no threat to public health

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

The Ministry of Defence has admitted that there is buried radium at the former Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) site at Almondbank, near Perth, but stressed it does not believe it is harmful to residents.

First week of festive campaign finds scores still willing to take the risk of driving under the influence

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:06:00 +0000

Police have caught more than 120 people drink- or drug-driving in the past week, despite severe weather creating hazardous conditions.

Sheriff says court work being damaged because 'country is skint'

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:29:00 +0000

People accused of serious crimes in Dundee are having to be released from prison before trial ''because the country is skint,'' according to a senior city sheriff.

Roadworks relief for Forfar motorists

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:57:00 +0000

Major roadworks at a key Forfar junction have been completed, to the relief of drivers in the town.

UPDATE: Tay Road Bridge reopens after severe weather warnings

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:44:00 +0000

The Tay Road Bridge was closed to all traffic for almost seven hours after the Met Office upgraded its weather warnings for Scotland ahead of Tuesday's evening rush hour.