Allan Crow

Only around five per cent of the Forth Bridge’s decorative lights are still working, but Network Rail says there is no funding or active scheme to replace the system before at least 2030. Installed for the 2000 millennium celebrations, the lights use components that are no longer manufactured, meaning a full, more energy-efficient renewal would be required. Fife councillors and heritage officials want the bridge restored sooner, while any future funding would require approval from Transport Scotland.

The Conservative group leader on Fife Council, Kathleen Leslie, resigned from the party and joined Labour, citing deepening disagreement with Conservative positions and concern over Reform UK’s rise. Leslie, a councillor for Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, said she felt more aligned with Labour’s approach, particularly on education and youth support, and noted her longstanding collaboration with the Labour administration. Her departure follows earlier defections within Fife’s Conservative ranks to Reform UK. Dave Dempsey has been reappointed as leader of the Scottish Conservative group on the council.