An STV exclusive report reveals the devastation wrought on thousands of families caught up in the demise of a scandal-hit law firm.

Thu 03 Apr, 6.00 pm

They thought they were doing right by their family by securing their finances.



Instead, thousands of people across the UK have found themselves caught up in a legal scandal involving trusts following the demise of Greenock law firm McClure.



For the first time, a former employee has spoken publicly about the firm’s culture and training under its former managing director, Andrew Robertson.



Mr Robertson denies any wrongdoing and insists he always acted in the client's best interests.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

For the first time, a former employee has spoken publicly about the firm’s culture and training.

Families caught in legal scandal after law firm goes bust

We all know you can eat food from almost anywhere in the world in Glasgow, but have you ever considered going on a tour of the eateries that have shaped the city's diverse cuisine?



Well, thanks to a new digital map, that's exactly what's on the menu to celebrate Glasgow's 850th anniversary.

Rahim Cham

The maps has 42 different eateries featuring 23 different cuisines. 

New map exploring the cuisines of Glasgow for city anniversary

The First Minister says he's engaging with NHS Tayside over GP provision in the Carse of Gowrie, with its last remaining doctor's surgery set to close.



The health board says a national shortage of GPs has affected the Carse Medical Practice near Errol, which has been operating from a temporary building since 2020.



But councillors have blamed what they call "inaction" to find a permanent surgery.

Fraser Nicoll

Councillors have blamed what they call 'inaction' to find a permanent surgery.

Swinney in discussion with NHS over Carse of Gowrie GP provision

A public inquiry into former Dundee surgeon Sam Eljamel, who is thought to have harmed more than 200 patients, has been officially launched.



Chair, Lord Weir has promised to be "fair and thorough" and put patients at the centre of the investigation.



But the patient who first raised concerns about Eljamel is boycotting the inquiry.

Lynne Rankin

Chair, Lord Weir has promised to be 'fair and thorough' and put patients at the centre.

Public inquiry launched into disgraced surgeon Eljamel

Around 40,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to visit Aberdeen this year as the port prepares to welcome a record-breaking 64 cruises.



The Viking Vela was the first ship to dock in the Granite City this morning.



The Norwegian boat brought with it nearly 1,000 tourists.

Finlay Jack

The port is preparing to welcome a record-breaking 64 cruises.

40,000 cruise passengers expected in Aberdeen this year

Every four days, a woman is forced to travel from Scotland to England to get an abortion and the numbers making the difficult journey are rising, STV News can reveal.



Under UK law, abortion is permitted until 24 weeks of pregnancy. But the cut-off for most cases in Scotland is four weeks earlier.



Campaigners have accused the Scottish Government of paying “lip service” to the problem and say NHS Scotland is “out of excuses”.



The women's health minister admits work to address the issue is taking too long.

Westminster Correspondent

Paris Gourtsoyannis

The cut off for abortions in Scotland is 20-weeks, four weeks earlier than allowed in law.

Women travel from Scotland to England for abortions every four days

Scottish postmasters are still pursuing compensation years after a widespread miscarriage of justice that left many bankrupt or wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting.



The newly-formed Scottish Postmasters for Justice &amp; Redress support group is appealing for victims of the Post Office's Horizon computer system scandal to come forward and tell their story.

Caitlin Hutchison

The widespread miscarriage of justice left many bankrupt or wrongly accused of theft or fraud.

Scottish postmasters support group appeals for victims to come forwards

The first Scot to have a double hand transplant has been sharing the incredible moment she was able to hug and hold hands with the twin sister of her donor for the first time.



Corinne Hutton from Renfrewshire says she wanted the relatives of Julie Wild to know just how grateful she was.



Julie's sister told Corinne her recovery has "been a source of comfort and pride" for her family.

Sharon Frew

Corinne Hutton says she wanted Julie Wild's relatives to know just how grateful she was.

First Scot to have a double hand transplant meets sister of donor

Pupils in schools across Midlothian have been battling it out in a special robotics competition.



The teams programmed their robots to complete exploration challenges - as part of the event they have been learning coding, engineering, and problem-solving skills.



The hope is that it will encourage more young people to pursue careers in STEM subjects.

Reporter

Vanessa Kennedy

The hope is that it will encourage more young people to pursue careers in STEM subjects.

School pupils battle it out in special robotics competition

The historic craft of glassmaking is being explored in a new exhibition at Perth Art Gallery.



It documents different types of glass produced - from everyday items to the creative designs, Perth became known for around the world.



Artists featured in the exhibition hope it will encourage a new generation to take up the craft.

Felicity Clifford

Artists featured in the exhibition hope it will encourage a new generation to take up the craft.

New exhibition exploring the historic craft of glass making

Parents in Aberdeenshiresay they’ve been "left in limbo" as four nurseries, are set to be mothballed.



Sandhaven, Crossroads, Ballogie and Glass nurseries, are to close in the coming months.



Aberdeenshire Council have blamed pressures on budgets and a decline in birth rates for a reduction in demand.



But parents say there’s been no consultation and warn the decision will be devastating for rural communities.

Grainne NiGhreachain

Sandhaven, Crossroads, Ballogie and Glass nurseries, are to close in the coming months.

Parents ‘left in limbo’ as four nurseries set to be mothballed

It was the worst peacetime maritime disaster in Britain, since the sinking of the Titanic.



More than 200 servicemen died in the sinking of the Iolarie in 1919, which was taking them home to Stornoway after the end of the First World War.



Now, plans have been unveiled for a multi-million pounds visitor centre, to help to tell their story.

Nicola McAlley

More than 200 servicemen died, in the sinking of the Iolarie in 1919.

Plans unveiled for Iolaire disaster visitor centre

It's a sex abuse scandal which has cast a dark shadow over one of Scotland's most successful football clubs.



And today, more than 50 years since the first boy was targeted and criminal prosecutions spanning decades, Celtic Football Club has agreed to a seven-figure settlement for abuse survivors.



It follows a US-style class action launched by 28 former Celtic Boy's Club players who were targeted and sexually abused by founder Jim Torbett and coach Frank Cairney.

Olly Dickinson

28 former Celtic Boy's Club players who were targeted and sexually abused.

Celtic FC agree seven-figure settlement for sexual abuse survivors

Scotland's rent control measures have come to an end, so what's next for tenants here?



The Scottish Government's next protection for renters are proposals to introduce rent caps in big cities like Glasgow and Edinbugh.



Those are still making their way through parliament and may not be in place until 2027.



One country that does have rent caps is Sweden. Prime properties can be rented there for £600.



But it's not a perfect system. Decades long waiting lists and a black market for leases are common.

Vanessa Taaffe

Sweden has rent caps, but their system is not perfect with long waits for properties.

Special Report: Could Sweden help Scotland’s renters?

A Scottish charity that provides support services to young people with additional learning needs is warning that it will increasingly struggle to remain financially viable.



CrossReach says the rise in employers' National Insurance Contributions, which comes in today, will significantly raise its staffing costs.



The UK government says it "understands the pressures people are under".

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

The UK government says it 'understands the pressures people are under'.

Additional needs charity warns of cuts as NI rates rise

Olympian Hannah Miley says they are the secret to her success, but for youngsters these days, swimming lessons aren't so easy to come by, as costs continue to increase.



A campaign is looking to change all that and make sure all pupils leave school confident in the water.

A campaign is looking to make sure all pupils leave school confident in the water.

Swimming lessons for kids too hard to come by, says Olympian

An exhibition showcasing the works of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano has opened in his home town of Methill in Fife.



The iconic painter died suddenly last month in France at the age of 73.



Now, a range of his work, including artist and studio-proof prints as well as exclusive unseen paintings, has gone on display and is already attracting visitors from across Scotland.

The iconic painter died suddenly last month in France at the age of 73.

Exhibition of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano opens in home town

Could a disused railway station building in Highland Perthshire be the answer to the area's shortage in affordable housing?



ScotRail is working with the community in Blair Atholl to explore redeveloping their vacant station building into residential flats.



Work is ongoing up and down the Highland Main Line to protect pieces of railway heritage.

ScotRail is working with the community in Blair Atholl to explore redeveloping their vacant station building.

Disused railway building could become residential flats

Dundee University has been accused of "academic and economic vandalism" after it emerged 700 people could lose their jobs due to the financial crisis.



In a letter to Holyrood's education committee, interim Principal, Professor Shane O'Neill said plans to cut 632 full-time roles could impact many more people.



Unions are continuing to call for the leadership team to resign and want a revised recovery plan that protects more staff.

It comes as news that 700 staff could lose their jobs amid a financial crisis.

Dundee University accused of ‘academic and economic vandalism’

The number of offshore windfarms is set to more than double by 2030 but scientists fear their impact on the wider marine environment isn't fully understood.



As part of a four-year study, scientists at Aberdeen University are looking at a range of different factors to determine their effect.



Fishermen say the information must be analysed quickly, or else it could jeopardise their industry's future.

Haley Bouma

Scientists and fishermen fear their impact on the wider marine environment isn't fully understood.

Concern as number of offshore windfarms to double by 2023

Another blow to bills. Rents are predicted to skyrocket, as legal protections for tenants come to an end.



Key Scottish Government legislation, which was brought in to help with the cost of living, allowed tenants to challenge increases in rent and had them capped at a maximum increase of twelve per cent.



But now, huge hikes could be on the horizon. Rents can be set at the open market value - meaning landlords have more power to set the price they want.



One woman has told STV News her rent has jumped from £638 to more than £900.

One woman has told STV News her rent has jumped from £638 to more than £900.

Tenants brace for rent hikes as price cap to end

Tomorrow marks the start of the new financial year - but it will also pile more pressure on the cost of living.



It's the day many of our annual subscriptions, like the internet and phone contracts, go up in price. And big rises in council tax kick in too.



Put simply the cost of living is your spending on life's essentials - the things you need to get by.



We know there have already been substantial rises in food prices in the last few years - and those are forecast to keep going up - and of course many people's mortgages have increased sharply as they come out of lower interest fixed deals.



Everyone's council tax goes up tomorrow too - in this area they'll feel that most with the typical Band D home in the Falkirk Council area seeing their bill rise by more than £200 a year.

Council tax, subscriptions and contracts are due to rise on April 1.

Cost of living to go up as bills and taxes set to rise

The health secretary insists a £200m investment will reduce waiting times in the NHS.



Neil Gray set out plans to improve access to treatment and ensure no one is waiting longer than a year for treatment within 12 months.



Opposition parties have described the Operational Improvement Plan as full of recycled ideas.

Opposition parties have described the Operational Improvement Plan as full of recycled ideas.

Health secretary insists £200m NHS investment will cut waiting times

The public are to have their say on the number of taxis on the streets of Glasgow.



The city is currently the only in the UK with a cap on the number of private hire and black cab licenses.



App-booking service Uber say the cap should be scrapped to help increase city centre footfall but taxi firms say it would make it harder for drivers to earn a living.

Journalist

Tara Fitzpatrick

Glasgow is currently the only in the UK with a cap on the number of licenses.

Public consultation to open on city taxi driver cap

A digital training programme designed to help young people build cybersecurity awareness has been launched in Edinburgh.



The "Stellar Elevate" course is designed to educate students of all ages on digital safety and build awareness about how to protect against potential online threats.

The Stellar Elevate course is designed to educate students of all ages 

New course helping pupils learn cybersecurity awareness

After three years of construction, and around a decade in the planning, the Cross Tay Link Road is now open to drivers.



The £150m route, including the new Destiny Bridge stretching over the River Tay, links the A93 and A94 to the A9 just north of Perth.



It's designed to reduce congestion in the city centre.

The £150m route links the A93 and A94 to the A9 just north of Perth.

Destiny Bridge and Cross Tay Link road open to commuters

The window of opportunity to secure the future of the North Sea is closing fast.



That's the warning from a task force created to look into the future of the sector.



In its final report, it's called for the windfall tax to come to an end sooner than 2030 and says making the country a "renewables powerhouse" should be a "national mission".



It argues unless governments act swiftly, there will be no transition.



But environmental groups say the report is simply more of the same from the oil industry.

Steven Brown

But environmental groups say the report is simply more of the same from the oil industry.

Government must act to save North Sea future, industry report says

Amid a difficult time for town centres throughout Scotland, one Aberdeenshire town is bucking a national trend.



Inverurie has a shop occupancy rate of more than 98% and just three vacant units out of more than 200.



But recent changes to parking are leaving some businesses frustrated - with some fearing for the future.

Inverurie has a shop occupancy rate of more than 98%, and just three vacant units out of more than 200.

Village businesses fearful of new parking charges plan

Shoplifting is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Scotland with Glasgow and Edinburgh worst affected when it comes to reported incidents.



Now, a dedicated police taskforce is being set up to tackle it, backed with £3m of Scottish Government funding.



A specialist team of officers and detectives will operate within the most targeted areas to help reduce shoplifting and attacks on retail workers.

A specialist team of officers and detectives will operate within the most targeted areas.

Dedicated taskforce set up to tackle rampant shoplifting

A campaigner from Edinburgh who was dubbed "Kira the machine" as she battled a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma has backed a proposal to invest more money into researching and treating lesser known forms of the disease.



Kira Noble and her mum, Aud, say the bill proposed by MP Scott Arthur could be transformational for the experience of young people.

Lewis Michie

Kira Noble battled a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Rare cancer survivor backs increase in research funding

As one of Perthshire's most iconic landmarks, Blair Castle is steeped in medieval, Georgian and Victorian history.



Home to the Atholl family for more than seven centuries, it's seen guests including Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert.



But a new exhibition is uncovering the more hidden lives of the castle's 18th and 19th century servants.

Blair Castle is steeped in medieval, Georgian and Victorian history.

New exhibition uncovering life of servants in ancient castle

A cargo ship that collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea has arrived in Aberdeen for further inspection.



The Solong was towed to the city after crashing earlier this month off the East Coast of Yorkshire, sparking a major rescue operation.



One crew member is still missing, presumed dead, and the Solong's captain has been charged over the incident.



But the ship's arrival this morning has sparked concern from some, about any possible environmental impact here, after plastic pellets were washed up on beaches near where the collision happened.

The Solong was towed to the city, after the crash off the east coast of Yorkshire.

Cargo ship that collided with oil tanker arrives in Aberdeen

From the verge of extinction, red squirrels in Aberdeen are mounting an incredible comeback.



Scotland is home to more than three-quarters of the UK's red squirrel population, but they've long been threatened by non-native grey squirrels.



But now, thanks to a 16-year restoration programme, reds are thriving in the North East once again.

Red squirrels are thriving in the North East once again

Red squirrel populations thriving after restoration programme

A leading mental health charity has described cuts to funding in the North East as deeply concerning.



The board overseeing Aberdeenshire’s health and social care has said it no longer has the funding to renew a contract with SAMH.



But the charity says the decision is short-sighted.

The charity says the decision is short-sighted.

Cuts to North East mental health funding ‘deeply concerning’

A mother says she's preparing to launch legal action against NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde after her toddler was given the wrong dose of medication following surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children.



Ellie McAdam says two-year-old Theo was not given enough morphine following a heart operation, which caused him to wake up in agony.



It comes just days after STV News reported that the health board is investigating the human error that led to a newborn being given a massive overdose of paracetamol.



The health board has apologised and says a review into Theo's case is ongoing.

The health board has apologised and says a review into Theo's case is ongoing.

Mum to sue NHS after son given wrong morphine dose

Doctors are warning that GP practices are in crisis as more people are finding it harder to access care.



A report by Scotland’s spending watchdog has found that the Scottish Government has failed to improve services and is unlikely to reach its targets to recruit more GPs.



It's led to warnings that without a proper plan and more funding put in place, general practice could face even more cuts.

Amie Flett

A report by Scotland’s spending watchdog has found that the Scottish Government has failed to improve services.

GP practices are in ‘crisis’ as recruitment targets to be missed

An Edinburgh pensioner says she's losing sleep after being told she either has to sell her flat back to the Council or pay more than £200,000 in renovation costs herself.



Maria Duncan has lived in Linksview House for more than two decades and has owned the property for most of that time.



But as a major refurbishment prepares to get under way, she's been given an ultimatum.

Maria Duncan has lived in Linksview House for more than two decades.

Pensioner told to sell flat or pay for £200,000 renovations

People in prison are now being trained to use naloxone - a treatment that reverses the effects of a drug overdose.



The Bella Centre in Dundee, where low-risk women are housed in homes rather than cells, are helping train others to use the life-saving treatment and offering people the chance to choose a different path to drugs.

Naloxone is a treatment that reverses the effects of a drug overdose.

People in prison receive drug overdose training in new programme

The Granite City had a Royal visitor today as Prince William visited Aberdeen to unveil the latest project on his mission to end homelessness.



He was joined by celebrity entrepreneur Steven Bartlett as they rolled out a project that aims to help young people at risk of homelessness into jobs.

Oliver Wright

The project that aims to help young people at risk of homelessness into jobs.

Prince William visits North East to unveil new homeless project

In less than four months Aberdeen will play host to The Tall Ships Races.



Around 50 of the world's oldest vessels will sail into Aberdeen harbour in July, welcomed by an anthem, specially composed for the famous event.



Today, the tune was premiered to the public.

Anne Smith

The tune that will welcome the vessels was premiered to the public.

Anthem composed to welcome Tall Ship Race to Aberdeen

More money for defence, but deep cuts to benefits.



These were the main announcements from the chancellor Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement today.



There's also a warning the forecast for growth in the UK economy is poorer than thought.

There's also a warning the forecast for growth in the UK economy is poorer than thought.

Reeves announces billions of cuts in Spring Statement

Frontline police officers in Scotland are to wear body cameras as a standard part of their uniform.



The technology has been widely used by forces in England and Wales since the early 2000s.



The chief constable said the move will help protect officers and reassure the public.



The Scottish Police Federation welcomed the move.

The chief constable said the move will help protect officers and reassure the public.

Body-worn cameras to become Police Scotland standard uniform

Govan will be alive with the sound of music tonight as the town's fourth annual music festival makes some noise.



Cultural regeneration is the theme, and it brings a mix of genres to the programme that reflect the people who live there.



This year's event showcases around 300 musicians and participants, including pupils from across Govan’s primary schools.

This year's event showcases around 300 musicians, including primary school pupils.

Govan music festival celebrates fourth year of performances

A programme helping older adults maintain their independence has been helping people at risk of falls across the capital.



Edinburgh Leisure's "Steady Steps" is a 16-week physical activity programme specifically designed to improve strength, balance, and mobility for adults who have experienced falls or are at risk of falling.



STV News met one 90-year-old woman who is proving you're never too old to keep active.

STV News met one 90-year-old woman who's proving you're never too old to keep active.

Elderly independence programme helping those at risk of falls

An independent investigation into Dundee University's financial crisis will be the first of its kind.



The inquiry, launched by the Scottish Funding Council, aims to get to the root cause of the crisis.



It comes as the newly elected Rector called for the leadership to resign.

It comes as the newly elected Rector called for the leadership to resign.

Independent investigation launched into Dundee University finances

More than a hundred children turned out in Moray this morning to stage a mass walk to school as part of a plan to encourage active travel.



Bishopmill Primary pupils were joined by their parents along a recently upgraded route.

Bishopmill Primary pupils were joined by their parents, along a recently upgraded route.

Moray pupils take part in hundred-strong walk to school

Concern over giant windfarms and the potential risk they could pose to the natural environment may result in Highland Council taking the Scottish Government to court.



The row follows a decision by ministers to overrule a public inquiry that backed complaints about a project in Sutherland.

Iain Ramage

Concerns about potential pollution in a special area of conservation were overruled.

Concern over giant windfarm’s impact on the environment

Five years ago, Scots were getting to grips with the reality of lockdown.



Very quickly, terms like shielding, social distancing and bubbles became part of our everyday language.



For many with weakened immune systems or in hospital, it was a time of isolation and separation.



Every family has their own story to tell of the time when we were all encouraged to stay at home.



STV News has been catching up with two families who were forced apart when the country locked down.

For many with weakened immune systems or in hospital, it was a time of isolation and separation.

Families share their stories five years on from Covid lockdown

An historic township in Argyll is facing permanent closure with Scots around the world being urged to help save it.



Auchindrain village, near Inveraray, is the last surviving example of a Highlands farm township.



For the last six decades it has been run as an open-air museum, but Historic Environment Scotland will withdraw funding at the end of this month.

Auchindrain village is the last surviving example of a Highlands farm township.

Last surviving historic township facing permanent closure

A film which follows the lifespan of a simple mug has been designed by pupils at Film Education Dunfermline. 



The Fife programme supports unemployed youngsters living with disabilities by giving them hands on experience with filmmaking. 



Fife Council hopes the initiative will help participants gain confidence to pursue careers in the film industry in the future.

Film Education Dunfermline looks to give local youngsters hands-on experience.

New filmmaking programme supporting youngsters with disabilities

Half of the oil and gas the UK needs in the next 25 years could come from the North Sea - but there's a warning it'll only be achieved if undeveloped fields are given the go-ahead.



Industry body OEUK says firms could extract seven billion barrels before 2050 - but have called on the UK Government to look again at tax and policy.



However environmental groups say a lot of that additional oil would be exported and won't benefit UK households.

Environmental groups said the additional oil extracted wouldn't benefit UK households.

Half of UK’s oil and gas could come from North Sea, says industry

The east coast of Scotland is "lacking" in drug rehabilitation services for women - according to those who've overcome addiction.



Between 2020 and 2022, the number of women dying from substance misuse in Dundee hasn't reduced at the same rate as men.



A report focusing on female drug deaths and their access to services will go before city councillors.

Seven groups in Dundee have signed up to the Welcoming Women framework.

East coast ‘lacking’ in drug addiction services for women

Exclusive figures shared with STV News suggests renters are not turning to the Scottish Government's Rent Adjudication system for help.



Average rents have gone up by 9% - that's more than £70 a month.



Landlords want the increases to reach almost 20%.



One renter told STV News they're spending close to 80% of their income on rent.

Average rents have gone up by 9% - that's more than £70 a month.

Tenants not challenging rocketing hikes in rent

Detectives have said that finding gangs responsible for "reckless acts" of violence in Ediburgh is "paramount".



Police say they've gathered "significant" CCTV footage amid their investigation.



They continue to have a presence in communities where a number of incidents - thought to be gang-related - have taken place in the last three weeks.



They include the discharge of firearms in Niddrie and Pilton, as well as a number of fires.



Locals say it's "frustrating" while offciers have been performing road and vehicle checks as well as door-to-door enquiries.

Police say they've gathered 'significant' CCTV footage amid their investigation.

Finding gangs responsible for ‘reckless acts’ is ‘paramount’

The river had been drained for more than 60 years, to boost hydro-power generation.



Water was returned to the River Garry in 2017 and salmon eggs were used to kick-start the fish population.



Genetic studies show that wild salmon are now dominant, re-establishing the Garry as a vital breeding ground.

Susan Nicholson

Water was returned to the River Garry in 2017 and salmon eggs were used to kick-start the fish population.

Wild salmon return to Perthshire river drained for 60 years

Five years ago, the country spent its first full day in lockdown.



We were told to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. For many of us, that's a distant memory.



However, for others, the legacy of that time is still being felt, whether in their physical or mental health or in their daily lives.

Five years ago, the country spent its first full day in lockdown.

Five years on Covid still casts a shadow

Grant Paterson was staying in the Monteverde area of the city when his B&amp;B was destroyed in what is believed to be a gas leak explosion. 



The 54-year-old, who works for CalMac, had shared pictures from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in the run-up to the blast on Sunday. He remains in hospital this evening.

STV News - Glasgow