News

Why Scotland – and Courier Country – is quids in to benefit from the ‘Outlander effect’

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Sport

Unai Emery calls for Arsenal to show more in bid to break into top four

December 15 2018

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery insists he side still “need more” in their quest to reach the Premier League top four – even if they head to Southampton defending a 22-match unbeaten run.

Baby’s body found on Irish beach

December 15 2018

The body of a newborn has been found on a beach in Ireland.

President Trump says Interior Secretary is leaving administration

December 15 2018

President Donald Trump says Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke – who is facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest – will leave the administration at the end of the year.

Sport

Gabriel Jesus at the double as Manchester City return to winning ways

December 15 2018

Gabriel Jesus struck twice as champions Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Sport

Jose Mourinho tells Jurgen Klopp that trophies matter

December 15 2018

Jose Mourinho does not believe this is the best Liverpool team he has faced despite the Reds having made a superb start to the Premier League season.

Chester Zoo evacuated after fire tears through Monsoon Forest roof

December 15 2018

Visitors have been evacuated from Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area.

Sport

Stats point against Manchester United pulling off victory at Liverpool

December 15 2018

Jose Mourinho will need to address his recent results against the Premier League’s other ‘big six’ sides if Manchester United are to leave Liverpool with a positive outcome on Sunday.

Iranian charged with planning act of terror in Newcastle remanded in custody

December 15 2018

An Iranian man has appeared in court accused of buying a knife and chemicals in preparation for a terror attack in the UK.

Sport

Thomas, Kane and Fury among favourites to win revamped SPOTY

December 15 2018

Geraint Thomas, Harry Kane and Tyson Fury are among the favourites to win the 65th BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which will be presented in Birmingham on Sunday night.

Police issue warning to drivers with snow and blizzards expected in Scotland

December 15 2018

Drivers on Scotland’s roads have been urged to take extra care, with snow and ice expected to affect travel throughout the weekend.

Disruptive and damaging winds predicted as Storm Deirdre hits Ireland

December 15 2018

Disruptive and damaging winds of up to 130kph (81mph) are predicted as Ireland braces for Storm Deirdre.

Sport

Klopp willing to do whatever it takes to see off United threat

December 15 2018

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is fully prepared for another war of attrition against Manchester United at Anfield but hopes he has devised a plan to make the breakthrough.

Fife

Injured animals found near M90’s Halbeath junction have had to be humanely destroyed

December 15 2018

Two deer have had to be put down after being found injured on the M90 near Halbeath.

Sport

In pictures: Some of the past meetings between Liverpool and United

December 15 2018

Liverpool and Manchester United have produced some memorable moments when they have met over the years. Here, Press Association Sport looks back at some of the stand-out images from some of those fixtures.

What is freezing rain and how common is it in the UK?

December 15 2018

Freezing rain can quickly glaze an area with ice and leave roads and pavements in a dangerous condition, but fortunately it is relatively rare in the British Isles.

Labour must ‘come off the fence’ and back a second EU vote, says MP

December 15 2018

Jeremy Corbyn needs to “come off the fence” and back another vote on EU membership, according to one of his MPs.

Developers poised to lodge plans for £30m cinema and shopping complex in Perth

December 15 2018

Long-awaited plans for a £30 million cinema and shopping complex on the edge of Perth city centre are back on track, developers have assured.

PM urged not to ‘run down the clock’ on giving MPs a meaningful Brexit vote

December 15 2018

Theresa May has been told by a former minister not to “run down the clock” on giving MPs a proper say on Brexit.

Northern train services disrupted with 40th strike over plan to axe guards

December 15 2018

Christmas shoppers were hit by travel disruption on Saturday when rail workers staged their 40th strike in the bitter dispute over guards on trains.

Charity launches guide to Perthshire’s best winter walks

December 15 2018

Walkers have been encouraged to defy the short days and inclement weather and get their boots on.

Sri Lanka’s disputed prime minister resigns to end political impasse

December 15 2018

Sri Lanka’s disputed prime minister resigned on Saturday, saying he wanted to end a long political impasse over his appointment and allow the president to form a new government.

Three-year-old killed in car crash

December 15 2018

A three-year-old boy has died after a road traffic accident in Co Down. Kai Corkum died on the Moville Road in Newtownards on Thursday, police said. DUP MP Jim Shannon said it was a heartbreaking tragedy for the family. He added: “There wouldn’t be a person in the community who wouldn’t be thinking about them.”

260-home plan for Carnoustie thrown out by councillors

December 15 2018

Councillors have thrown out plans for more than 250 homes on the edge of Carnoustie.

Turner’s stunning Bell Rock light artwork to shine in national gallery show

December 15 2018

A dramatic depiction of the Bell Rock lighthouse off the Angus coast, by celebrated artist Joseph Turner, is to shine as a centrepiece of the Scottish National Gallery’s first exhibition of 2019.

Wear earplugs for Christmas parties, urges charity

December 15 2018

People attending festive parties have been urged to wear earplugs to protect their hearing.

Strong police presence in Paris before planned ‘yellow vest’ protests

December 15 2018

A strong police presence was deployed in Paris on Saturday for planned demonstrations by the “yellow vest” protesters.

80-year-old Angus woman admits hitting pregnant teen after going through red light at pedestrian crossing

December 15 2018

An octogenarian driver has admitted knocking town a pregnant teenager after ignoring a red light at an Angus pedestrian crossing.

“Build it and they will come” – Simon Howie prepares multi-million-pound investment in Perth

December 15 2018

One of Scotland's most successful entrepreneurs is preparing to deliver a job bonanza to Perth, with plans for a multi-million pound business investment.

Legacy of Mr Transport to be celebrated by Dundee museum

December 15 2018

He was the Dundee ‘clippie’ whose dedication and loyalty earned him the moniker of ‘Mr Transport’.

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter of National Gallery attack victim

December 15 2018

A man has admitted his involvement in a fatal attack outside the National Gallery in London.

Fife

Lifeline in campaign to save Fife’s out of hours GP cover

December 15 2018

Campaigners fighting to retain out of hours GP cover across Fife have been thrown a potential lifeline.

Consultation on Abernyte Primary School closure ends

December 15 2018

Parents in the Carse of Gowrie have made a last-ditch attempt to save their rural school from closure.

Angus campaigners call for political scalp of ex-council chief over poster protest comments

December 15 2018

Furious businessfolk battling Angus Council’s off-street parking charges have called for the political head of the authority’s former leader in the wake of a blistering criticism of their campaign.

Dundee

John Donachy murder trial: Jury told of co-accused’s emotional phone call to police

December 15 2018

A man accused of murdering a Dundee father told police he discovered his alleged victim’s body face down in his hallway, but went back to bed for hours before calling 999.

Fife

Scotsman to go into Pike River blast mine where Fife and Perth men killed

December 15 2018

A Scotsman will be among the first to re-enter the New Zealand mine where two men from Courier Country were killed eight years ago.

Fife

Fife couple jailed for ‘samurai sword’ attempted murder

December 15 2018

A Fife couple who attacked a man with a samurai-style sword and box cutter during a terrifying attempted murder have been jailed.

Firm banned after Glasgow Road ‘shambles’

December 15 2018

A contractor for one of the UK’s biggest house builders has been banned from operating in Perth and Kinross after a litany of failures while working on a major road into the city centre.

Dundee

Proceedings delayed after severed hand accused is delivered to wrong court

December 15 2018

Court proceedings were delayed by seven hours after a man accused of severing a disabled woman’s hand from her wrist was delivered to the wrong city.

US judge rules Obamacare is unconstitutional

December 15 2018

A US federal judge in Texas has ruled the Affordable Care Act – also known as “Obamacare” – is unconstitutional.

Storm Deirdre to hit Christmas shoppers with heavy snow, rain, ice and gales

December 15 2018

Heavy snow, gales and “rare” freezing rain are expected across large parts of the country as Storm Deirdre sweeps in for one of the last big shopping days before Christmas.

Offset begs for forgiveness from estranged wife Cardi B in Instagram video

December 15 2018

Offset has begged for forgiveness from estranged wife Cardi B after she left him over his alleged infidelity.

Australia recognises west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

December 15 2018

Australia has decided to formally recognise west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, but will not move its embassy until there is a peace settlement between Israel and Palestinians, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced.

What next for Theresa May and the Withdrawal Agreement?

December 15 2018

Theresa May’s tough EU summit has seen her return from Brussels without the legal alterations to the Brexit deal demanded by MPs opposed to the agreement.

Best-picture Oscar from 1947 sells for nearly £400,000 at auction

December 15 2018

An Academy Award trophy has sold for nearly 500,000 US dollars and a second for more than 200,000 dollars in a rare auction of Oscars in Los Angeles.

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens celebrates turning 30

December 15 2018

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens said she was feeling “focused and loved” as she celebrated her 30th birthday.

Harvey Weinstein bragged about sleeping with Jennifer Lawrence, lawsuit claims

December 15 2018

Harvey Weinstein bragged about sleeping with Jennifer Lawrence after another actress rejected his advances, a lawsuit alleges.

What the papers say – December 15

December 15 2018

Theresa May’s bruising “bust-up” in Brussels leads a swathe of Saturday’s papers.

Theresa May pushes on with Brexit agenda after tough EU summit

December 15 2018

Theresa May is set for another tough political week as she battles to keep her Brexit plans on track after a bruising EU summit in Brussels.

Italian ski resort named cheapest for UK families

December 15 2018

An Italian resort has been named the cheapest destination for families embarking on a pound-stretching ski holiday.

Tories undermining devolution and making case for independence, claim SNP

December 15 2018

The Conservative Government is “making the case for independence” with its attempt to block Scottish efforts to prepare laws for Brexit, the SNP has claimed.

Think twice about alcohol-themed gifts this Christmas, expert urges

December 15 2018

An expert on substance misuse wants people to think twice before handing over alcohol-themed novelty gifts to women at Christmas.

Professor urges Scots to ditch drink-themed gifts for women

December 15 2018

People have been urged to think twice before buying booze-fuelled gifts this Christmas.

Jail for woman who ‘went to extreme lengths’ in fake cancer fraud

December 14 2018

A woman who pretended to have cancer and claimed over £250,000 from her then husband, his family and the public has been jailed for four years, police said.

Who has Donald Trump named as his next White House chief of staff?

December 14 2018

President Donald Trump has announced that budget director Mick Mulvaney will be his next chief of staff.

Dundee

Man knocked down by car on Pitkerro Road

December 14 2018

Police have launched an appeal for information after a man was hit by a car on a busy Dundee road.

Farage urges Leave voters to prepare for ‘worst case scenario’ second referendum

December 14 2018

Nigel Farage has said he believes the UK may face a second Brexit referendum in the coming months and has urged Leave campaigners to “get ready for every situation”.

Sport

Drinks are on Hasenhuttl as Southampton seek home comforts

December 14 2018

Ralph Hasenhuttl hopes Southampton supporters are able to toast a rare home victory after supplying them with free beer tokens.

Sport

Mauricio Pochettino: Sometimes it’s better not to make a signing

December 14 2018

Tottenham might have to endure another transfer window without signing any new players unless Mauricio Pochettino can find the right one.

Sport

Kevin De Bruyne injury could help Manchester City in long run – Pep Guardiola

December 14 2018

Pep Guardiola hopes Kevin De Bruyne’s recent injuries prove a blessing in disguise after the Manchester City playmaker began this season “tired”.

Bill Cosby denied bail while he appeals against sex assault conviction

December 14 2018

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has rejected a request from Bill Cosby to be released on bail while he appeals against his sexual assault conviction.

Sport

Celta Vigo denied victory as Leganes hold on for point

December 14 2018

Leganes survived a late Celta Vigo onslaught to earn a point in a goalless LaLiga draw.

Sport

Wolfsburg win to add to Nurnberg’s misery

December 14 2018

Nurnberg remain without a win in the league since September 29 after losing 2-0 to Wolfsburg at the Max-Morlock Stadion.

Rescued sailor Susie Goodall would do it all again ‘in a heartbeat’

December 14 2018

A British sailor who was rescued after her boat capsized during a solo round-the-world race has said she would do it again “in a heartbeat”.

Amy Schumer asks ‘Am I glowing?’ as she is treated for severe morning sickness

December 14 2018

Pregnant Amy Schumer has posted a photo of herself attached to an IV drip.

Boulder smashes through bedroom wall amid rockfall

December 14 2018

A giant boulder weighing several tons has smashed through the wall of a man’s bedroom.

UK sailor Susie Goodall back on dry land after ocean ordeal

December 14 2018

Sailor Susie Goodall is back on dry land after being rescued by a cargo ship in the southern Pacific Ocean where her boat capsized during a solo round-the-world race.

In Pictures: Frosty Friday to make way for weekend of snow and rain

December 14 2018

It was an icy start to the weekend as parts of the UK prepared to face blizzards, heavy snow and freezing rain. While amber warnings have been issued for parts of Scotland and the north of England and Midlands, many areas awoke to a frosty Friday.

Juncker denies describing May as ‘nebulous’, after PM confronts him

December 14 2018

Jean-Claude Juncker has denied describing Theresa May as “nebulous” after comments he made about the Brexit debate prompted the Prime Minister to confront him.

Theresa May’s Brexit quest hits backstop turbulence in Brussels

December 14 2018

A defiant Theresa May has insisted her efforts to win fresh assurances on her Brexit deal remain on track after another bruising encounter with EU leaders.

Everything you need to know about Brexit

December 14 2018

The countdown to Brexit is nearing the 100-day mark, and yet a lot remains uncertain.

Travel warnings across Scotland as freezing rain forecast

December 14 2018

Snow and ice are expected to create dangerous travelling conditions across large parts of Scotland this weekend.

Company lodges plans for phase one of 700-home development

December 14 2018

Plans have been submitted for the first phase of a massive housing development on the edge of Perthshire’s biggest village.

Charles takes a tipple and grabs the arrows in pub visit

December 14 2018

The Prince of Wales was like any other regular when he pulled a pint, sipped a drink and had a game of darts during a lunchtime visit to the pub.

May’s post-Brexit trade deal suggestion dismissed by Taoiseach

December 14 2018

Ireland’s Taoiseach has dismissed one of Theresa May’s suggestions aimed at winning parliamentary support for her Brexit deal.

Israeli army kills Palestinian in West Bank clashes

December 14 2018

Israel has arrested dozens of Hamas activists in the West Bank, and a Palestinian was killed in clashes with troops, as the Israeli military pressed ahead with a crackdown after a pair of deadly shootings blamed on Hamas militants.

How Twitter reacted to a week of Brexit chaos

December 14 2018

Christmas may be drawing near but the last week in Westminster has been suspiciously absent of festive spirit, featuring a cancelled Commons vote, furious MPs, a no-confidence bid and heated exchanges in Brussels.

Sandy Hook school evacuated after receiving bomb threat on shooting anniversary

December 14 2018

Sandy Hook Elementary School has been evacuated after a bomb threat on the sixth anniversary of the massacre that killed 20 first-graders and six educators.

‘Virulent’ neo-Nazi taught toddler daughter the Hitler salute, court told

December 14 2018

A “virulent” far-right terrorist trained his toddler daughter to perform a Nazi salute for the camera, a court has heard.

Rugby players fail to recoup legal costs after rape trial acquittal

December 14 2018

Two former Irish rugby players who were acquitted of rape have lost a court bid to recoup the legal costs of their defence.

Sport

Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne close to Manchester City returns

December 14 2018

Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne could both return to action as champions Manchester City face Everton this weekend.

Fife

Rolex watch and euros taken in Duloch housebreaking

December 14 2018

Thieves stole a Rolex watch and cash in euros from a house in Dunfermline.

Fourth person dies after Strasbourg market attack

December 14 2018

A fourth person has died after Tuesday’s attack on a Christmas market in Strasbourg, prosecutors said.

Ex-BHS owner ordered to pay £120,000 for breaching pension law

December 14 2018

Former BHS owner Dominic Chappell has been ordered to pay more than £120,000 for breaching pension law when the firm collapsed with the loss of thousands of jobs.

Sport

Solari urges fans to get behind team as Real Madrid face neighbours Rayo

December 14 2018

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has called for unity as the club look to bounce back from a humbling Champions League loss in their final LaLiga game of the year.

Birmingham refuse collectors plan fresh action in pay dispute

December 14 2018

Refuse collectors who took part in a three-month strike last summer are to stage fresh industrial action in a new row over pay.

Dundee

Justice minister hits out at Dundee United for standing by Jamie Robson in blackface row

December 14 2018

Scotland's justice minister has accused Dundee United of using "the old send ‘em to diversity training card" after the club stood by a player caught 'blacking up' at a fancy dress party.

Camilla reveals granddaughter was rushed to hospital in air ambulance

December 14 2018

The Duchess of Cornwall has revealed one of her grandchildren was rushed to hospital in an air ambulance following an emergency call.

Rapper J Hus jailed for carrying knife outside shopping centre

December 14 2018

Award-winning rapper J Hus has been jailed for eight months for having a knife outside a major London shopping centre.

Trump knew hush money payments were wrong, says disgraced lawyer

December 14 2018

Donald Trump’s long-time personal lawyer has said Mr Trump directed him to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign because he was concerned about how their stories of alleged affairs would affect the election.

Sport

Hasenhuttl tells Southampton to be bold in pursuit of home comforts

December 14 2018

New Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has urged his players to be brave in order to end their dreadful form at St Mary’s.