Ian Bunting

The End of Oak Street is praised as a frightening, old-fashioned dinosaur adventure that recalls early Steven Spielberg films. David Robert Mitchell’s film follows a flawed Platt family, played by Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery, after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood into the dinosaur era. The review highlights effective tracking shots, tense attacks and a particularly disturbing snake sequence, but criticizes the film’s weak explanation of its premise and abrupt, convenient climax. It remains recommended for viewers seeking sharp scares suitable for family audiences.

North Lanarkshire Council is proposing a 28-home mid-market rent pilot at Coats House in Airdrie, potentially completed by 2028. The scheme is intended for working people on modest incomes who do not qualify for, or cannot afford, existing social or private housing options. Research indicates strong local demand, but funding, costs and legal and governance arrangements remain unresolved. If the mid-market model cannot proceed, the homes would instead be delivered as social rented housing.

Airdrie Town Hall will host the new musical Witch Hunt on October 16 at 7:30 p.m. The production draws on the Scottish witch trials, following three women accused of witchcraft as they confront persecution, uncover a bishop’s secret and embrace their power. Written by Anton Davis, Irene Harris and Alyson Orr, with arrangements by Dovks, the show combines an electronic dance music score with vocals and choreography. Tickets cost £20, or £18 for concessions.

Mental health organisation Rural Rest has secured a Community Asset Transfer from North Lanarkshire Council for a site near Cecil Street in Coatbridge. It plans to create a drop-in outdoor wellbeing space offering therapeutic and recreational activities, nature workshops, volunteering, skills development and informal areas for social connection. Rural Rest says the project will support prevention and early intervention, while Councillor Geraldine Woods welcomed its potential to improve local wellbeing and community ownership of public assets.

Coatbridge MP Frank McNally visited Persimmon Homes’ Royale Meadows development in Muirhead to give 20-year-old apprentice bricklayer Jordan Atkinson a set of tools and personal protective equipment. Atkinson, who is studying at Glasgow Kelvin College while gaining on-site experience, recently began the apprenticeship after working on construction sites. Persimmon says providing essential equipment free of charge helps remove financial barriers and allows apprentices to focus on learning their trade.

The second phase of HMRC’s Modernising and Mandating Tax Adviser Registration rollout is open for Lanarkshire advisers who handle Self Assessment or Corporation Tax accounts but do not yet have an Agent Services Account. Eligible advisers must apply by 18 November 2026. HMRC says the free digital system is intended to raise standards, protect taxpayers and simplify interactions, while advisers who fail to register may eventually face restrictions on acting for clients and financial penalties.

Hundreds of residents attended a Community Fun Day at St Kevin’s Community Hub in Bargeddie, organised by St Kevin’s Primary Parent Council. The event featured sports, performances, stalls, food, face painting and bouncy castles, while local businesses and organisations provided sponsorship and activities. Local representatives praised the parent council’s efforts and the hub’s role in bringing the community together. Viridor made the largest contribution, and local dance and entertainment groups used the event to showcase their work and attract new participants.

Parents in Lanarkshire with 16- to 19-year-old children have until August 31 to tell HMRC whether their child will remain in eligible non-advanced education or training, or Child Benefit payments will stop automatically. Claims can be extended through the HMRC app, GOV.UK, or a QR code in an HMRC letter. Eligible education includes A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3 and certain approved training schemes. Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 annually for an eldest or only child and £930.80 for each additional child; families must also report changes such as leaving education or beginning a paid apprenticeship, while higher earners may owe the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

David Lowery’s psychological thriller follows pop singer Mary, played by Anne Hathaway, as she reunites with her estranged former costume designer and best friend Sam, played by Michaela Coel, before a comeback performance. The review praises Hathaway and Coel’s gripping confrontation, strong performances and claustrophobic atmosphere, especially a disturbing dance sequence. However, it finds the film’s flamboyant dialogue and supernatural horror elements excessive and believes the story would have been stronger if it had focused on the damaged friendship rather than séances and ghosts.

Scottish Water will invest £8.6 million in wastewater network improvements across six locations in Lanarkshire, including Airdrie, Coatbridge, Bargeddie and Uddingston. Around 650 metres of sewer storage pipework will be installed to increase network capacity, reduce sewer-flooding risks and support the future University Hospital Monklands development in Wester Moffat, Airdrie. Work on the first element has begun on private land, with the remaining five phases to be scheduled. Scottish Water Horizons and MacKenzie Construction will deliver the project.

Scottish Water is urging visitors to reservoirs in Lanarkshire to stop anti-social behaviour including littering, unattended fires, tree cutting, human-waste disposal and inconsiderate parking. The utility says a small minority of visitors are damaging the environment and frustrating local residents, authorities and its reservoir rangers, while increased visitor numbers are intensifying the problem. It is asking people to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, remove all belongings and waste, extinguish fires safely and take responsibility for protecting the natural habitats around the reservoirs.

Tickets are on sale for the 2026 Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards Dinner, taking place on October 30 at The Radstone Hotel. Hosted by North and South Lanarkshire councils and sponsored by Albert Bartlett, the event will celebrate local businesses and organisations, attract more than 300 guests, and be presented by Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell. Applications have closed, judging is under way, and winners across eight categories will be announced at the dinner.

A memorial bench has been unveiled at the Parent Action for Safe Play project site in Coatbridge in memory of founder Mary Fagan. Fagan and other local parents established PASP in 1996, leading to the opening of a play area in 1999 and later the Children and Youth Development Centre in 2006. The ceremony honoured her fundraising, advocacy for children's right to play and long-standing support for local children, families and the wider community.

County Down singer-songwriter Matt McGinn will perform at The Georgian Hotel in Coatbridge on August 28 as part of a three-date return to Scotland. The award-winning musician has released six solo albums, achieved five top-10 RTÉ Radio 1 singles, received extensive UK radio play and earned two Hot Press songwriting nominations. His 2020 album Lessons of War and collaboration with Ciara O'Neill helped raise his profile, while his duet with Aoife Scott became a major Irish folk-radio hit. Local music group 50rpm is organizing the Coatbridge show, with tickets available through its website.

Scottish singer-songwriter M. John Henry, the solo identity of De Rosa founder Martin John Henry, will perform an acoustic celebration of De Rosa’s debut album Mend at Airdrie Town Hall on October 16, marking the album’s 20th anniversary. The show will revisit songs from the band’s early period and draw on Henry’s 2026 album Early Songs, Of Late, which features reworked De Rosa material. Tickets cost £16, with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Aldi is encouraging Lanarkshire shoppers to donate everyday essentials, including tinned food, toiletries, cereals, UHT milk and baby products, at in-store collection points. Through its partnership with Neighbourly, donations will be distributed to local foodbanks and charities. Aldi also expects to provide around two million meals to UK charities and community groups this summer, while working with Company Shop and The Salvation Army to redistribute surplus food and unsold non-food items.

North Lanarkshire Council is progressing a £2.5 million programme to modernise The Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge during 2026/27. Planned improvements include a themed tipping bucket, health suites, an indoor Clip ’n Climb arena, upgraded changing facilities and pool surrounds, a community space overlooking the ice rink, soft-play enhancements and replacement water flumes. The work follows restoration of the waterpark, lift replacements and a gym refurbishment, with the council saying the investment will improve accessibility, support health and wellbeing, and preserve the venue as a major community facility.

ASH Scotland has launched a survey inviting people across Lanarkshire to share experiences of mental wellbeing and tobacco or nicotine use. The initiative follows anecdotal reports that some children and young people use nicotine to cope with anxiety, stress or low mood. Responses collected until February 1, 2027, will help identify trends and shape evidence-based resources to support people seeking to reduce their nicotine intake and improve their mental wellbeing.

Bellway is launching the second phase of its Cloverhill development in Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire, with 75 homes, including 12 affordable properties being built for North Lanarkshire Council. The development will offer three-, four- and five-bedroom homes priced from £339,995 to £494,995, with energy-efficient features including air-source heat pumps. The site is close to Gartcosh railway station, countryside, Strathclyde Country Park and Glasgow Fort, with access to both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is praised as a highly entertaining MCU sequel, with Tom Holland delivering a strong performance amid impressive action sequences, emotional relationships and a large ensemble cast. The review highlights the bromance between Spider-Man and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, Sadie Sink’s emotional performance and Marisa Tomei’s touching flashbacks. Despite concerns that the film might be overstuffed, most characters serve a purpose and the story maintains focus on Spider-Man and the consequences of his choices.

Working families in Lanarkshire are encouraged to check their eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare, which provides a £2 government top-up for every £8 deposited. The scheme offers up to £2,000 per year per child, or £4,000 for a disabled child, and can be used with approved providers including nurseries, childminders and holiday clubs. Eligibility generally requires parents to work or expect to work at least 16 hours a week, earn no more than £100,000 each, and not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. HMRC says participating families saved almost £100 a month on average, while use among families with children aged eight and over rose by more than 20% year on year.

Fifteen young people worked with professional artists and Hamilton Universal Connections to create murals in underpasses serving Hamilton’s Woodhead and Fairhill communities. The UC Re:Create project was informed by workshops with more than 120 primary pupils, contributions from 10 community groups and over 200 local interviews, and was supported by South Lanarkshire Council and its Renewable Energy Fund. Council representatives praised the youth-led effort, which received strong local approval; further artwork will be added to external wing walls to complete the transformation.

Actress and comedian Jane McCarry, known for playing Isa in Still Game, will bring her live comedy chat show Whits Yer Chat to Airdrie Town Hall on September 13. The event will feature resident host Ali Wright alongside performers Edward Reid, Liam Dolan, Vinnie McKee and Claire Grehan, combining guest interviews, comedy, live music and game-show elements.

Ajmal Mushtaq, CEO of Hamilton-based Boss Pizza, was named Business Influencer of the Year at the 2026 British Asian Influencer Awards in Wolverhampton. The award recognizes his business advice videos, which have generated hundreds of millions of views. Boss Pizza, headquartered at Hamilton Business Park, is expanding by opening one new UK store each month. Mushtaq credited his team and said the company aims to deliver practical business content in concise videos.

Rutherglen resident Jack Sloss has been appointed construction manager at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, overseeing construction delivery across the region from Ayrshire to Lanarkshire. A former Royal Navy engineer, Sloss joined Persimmon in 2020 as an assistant site manager, became contracts manager in 2023 and assumed his new role in July 2026. He will support teams delivering homes with a focus on safety, quality, energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.

STV presenter and Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty is encouraging people in Lanarkshire to nominate local individuals and initiatives for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards. The awards recognise high street heroes, towns, place-based innovation and community action across Scotland. Nominations close at 5pm on August 14, with winners due to be announced in October.

Screwfix and Google will host a practical AI training pop-up at Screwfix Airdrie on August 13 for tradespeople and customers in Airdrie and North Lanarkshire. Google experts will demonstrate uses such as converting sketches into 3D renderings and handwritten notes into client proposals. The initiative responds to high but uneven AI adoption in construction, where many workers want more training but lack guidance. Screwfix Rewards members will also be able to access Google’s AI Professional Certificate free of charge, including three months of Google AI Pro, to help them apply AI to business tasks and improve productivity.

Security improvements have been completed at the Lanarkshire Deaf Hub in Motherwell through the Fortify the Hub project, a partnership involving Mears North Lanarkshire. The work added CCTV, secure door entry and an alarm system, supported by £5,000 worth of donated equipment and more than 100 hours of specialist volunteer labour. Provost Kenneth Duffy and Mears representative Kirstie Jameson praised the collaboration, which is intended to improve safeguarding and provide a safer environment for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, their families, staff and volunteers.

Hamilton-based Procast Group won the Regional Insulation & Fabric Installer and Contractor of the Year award at the Energy Efficiency Awards, while its apprentice electrician Cameron Sleith was named Apprentice of the Year on the day he completed his four-year apprenticeship. The awards recognise contributions to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and standards in the built environment. Procast support services director Kirstie Adams attributed the success to the company’s teams and its investment in developing skilled workers.

A Healthcare Improvement Scotland report found that 340 babies and children received neonatal or paediatric Hospital at Home care between November 2025 and April 2026. The service, currently operating in Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Tayside, enabled Airdrie baby Jude McGrady to complete treatment for a kidney infection at home rather than spend a week in hospital. His family praised the reduced disruption and daily support provided by staff. The programme has prevented more than 17,000 hospital stays across Scotland in the past year and saved over £60 million, while further expansion to NHS Forth Valley and other health boards is planned.

Miss Scotland Eilidh MacDonald hosted a charity lunch at Maison by Glaschu that raised more than £6,000 for St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie. The event included speeches, personal hospice stories, games, raffles and a silent auction. MacDonald said she is supporting St Andrew's and Kilbryde hospices to raise awareness of their work and plans to attend another fundraiser before travelling to Vietnam for the Miss World competition.

The Therapy Room comedy show returns to Airdrie Town Hall on 22 August, featuring Des McLean, Billy Bremner, Iain Hume and rising comedian Charlotte Mae. Airdrie performer Patrick Rolink will host the over-18s event, which begins at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 and are available through North Lanarkshire’s cultural events service or the town hall box office.

Law firms across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to participate in the November 2026 Will Aid campaign by writing basic wills in exchange for voluntary donations. Last year's campaign produced 8,375 wills, £832,000 in donations and an estimated £3.64 million in future charitable legacy pledges. Will Aid campaign director Peter de Vena Franks said participation helps communities, supports partner charities and strengthens relationships between firms and clients.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is praised as a grand, old-fashioned blockbuster and a potential career masterpiece. The review highlights its blend of adventure, horror, mythology and immersive sound design, particularly its Cyclops, Hades and Sirens sequences. Matt Damon is singled out for a career-best performance as Odysseus, while Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, John Leguizamo and Samantha Morton are also praised for memorable performances. The film is recommended for the biggest screen possible and is described as maintaining its impact through a crowd-pleasing climax.

Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV or dashcam footage after a car was deliberately set on fire at a property on Sneddon Terrace in Hamilton at about 7:30 a.m. on July 29. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a slim white man aged 18 to 30, wearing black clothing and a face covering, who fled towards Glasgow Road. Information can be provided to Police Scotland via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A 56-year-old man was seriously injured after being attacked by two males on Machan Road in Larkhall at around 5:30 p.m. on July 27. Police Scotland is seeking witnesses, CCTV or dash-cam footage, and information about a suspect described as having brown hair. Information can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Bowling clubs from the Rutherglen and District Bowling Association took part in a Mixed Fours tournament held as part of Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary celebrations. The event featured strong sportsmanship, community support and a performance by The Glasgow Men’s Philharmonic Choir. Kingswood Bowling Club won the tournament, while organisers thanked participants, supporters and volunteers for helping make the celebration a success.

Coatbridge and Bellshill MP Frank McNally has launched his annual summer street surgeries, visiting communities across the constituency during Parliament’s recess to offer advice and hear residents’ concerns. He expects the indefinitely paused replacement of Monklands Hospital to be a major issue and says he will continue pressing for the investment previously promised to the area.

More than 70,000 Scottish school pupils are now learning musical instruments, approximately 30,000 more than before music tuition fees were abolished in 2021. Over 3,600 pupils in South Lanarkshire and more than 4,300 in North Lanarkshire benefit from the policy. Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey praised the increase, saying free tuition builds confidence, develops lifelong skills and expands access by removing financial barriers.

Coatbridge and Bellshill MP Frank McNally welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to put the cost of living at the centre of government policy. Burnham has promised immediate measures to provide households with “breathing space,” alongside a 10-year programme focused on economic growth, public services, employment, housebuilding and higher living standards. McNally said local families need faster action and urged investment, better jobs, stronger services and support to reach communities across Lanarkshire.

HM Revenue and Customs is urging Lanarkshire residents who receive Simple Assessment letters, known as PA302, to check the figures and pay any tax owed. The letters cover income HMRC cannot collect automatically, including savings interest, dividends, second incomes and pension income. Around 1.8 million letters will be issued, with payment generally due by 31 January 2027; taxpayers can pay in full or by instalments through the HMRC app, GOV.UK, bank transfer or cheque. Guidance is available online, including support for pensioners and advice on verifying genuine HMRC letters.

More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, Skills for Work Awards and other qualifications on August 4. Lanarkshire learners will receive certificates by post, with results also available by text or email for those who activated a My Qualifications Scotland account. Qualifications Scotland will provide appeals, learner support and helplines, while Skills Development Scotland will advise on college and university places, apprenticeships, jobs and other next steps. Priority and standard appeal deadlines vary depending on whether learners submit appeals themselves or through their school, college or training provider.

David Maharg, 45, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis after police stopped his Nissan Juke at Raith interchange on the M74 in April 2025 and found 956 grams of cannabis valued at about £6,500. Hamilton Sheriff Court Sheriff Liam Murphy ordered background reports and an electronic tagging assessment, warned that a custodial sentence was being considered, and adjourned sentencing until the following month. The cannabis and two seized phones were ordered to be destroyed.

Passenger follows Maddie and Tyler, a couple beginning a nomadic life across the United States while pursued by a demonic entity known as The Passenger. The film delivers several effective shocks, an eerie antagonist played by Joseph Lopez, and an intriguing mythology involving religion and faith, but its slow middle section feels padded and the climax is weakened by CGI. It is judged an entertaining but conventional horror film rather than a game-changer.

Airdrie Town Hall’s cinema will screen André Rieu’s 20th-anniversary summer concert, Viva Maastricht!, from August 9 to 16, 2026. The performance features Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra and celebrates his hometown of Maastricht through waltzes and classical music. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £13 for concessions and £10 for children under 12.

South Lanarkshire is deploying new Kärcher mechanical sweepers to improve litter and weed removal in high-footfall areas, estates, paths and some roads. The machines replace 11 of the area’s 21 existing sweepers and include adjustable twin brushes, power washers and, on some units, suction brushes for leaves. Councillor Robert Brown said they should improve cleanliness across the council area.

Rainbow Room International has been shortlisted in three British Hairdressing Awards categories. Uddingston salon director Diana Carson is a finalist for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year, artistic director Suzie McGill for Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year, and the group’s Artistic Team for Artistic Team of the Year. The finalists will submit additional images before judging at Salon International in London on October 4, with winners due to be announced on November 23.

Carers in Scotland are being reminded they can receive Carer Support Payment during temporary breaks from caring without needing to meet a minimum care period. The benefit can continue for up to four weeks for any reason and up to twelve weeks if hospital stays are involved, with extended support also available following the death of the person cared for. The changes, introduced in March, aim to provide more stability and remove barriers to taking breaks. Social Justice Secretary Shirley‑Anne Somerville urged carers to ensure they are aware of available support and to keep their details updated with Social Security Scotland.

Coatbridge Library joined a national initiative to provide free, impartial advocacy through a partnership between the Scottish Library and Information Council and Advice Direct Scotland. Trained advocates from Advocacy.scot will offer in‑person support to help residents navigate Social Security Scotland benefits. The programme aims to expand access to trusted advice by embedding services in local libraries, with leaders emphasising the role of libraries as inclusive community hubs.

HM Revenue and Customs is urging people with side‑hustle income above £1,000 to check whether they must complete a Self Assessment tax return. The reminder targets groups such as wedding suppliers, hobby business operators and online content creators, supported by the Help for Hustles campaign. HMRC highlights tools on GOV.UK that help users determine their obligations and notes that new registrants for the 2025–26 tax year must register by October 5 and file and pay by January 31, 2027. Not all extra income is taxable, but regular sales or services for profit may require declaration.

Scottish Water urges residents in Lanarkshire to behave responsibly around reservoirs, rivers, lochs and coastal waters due to hidden hazards such as cold water, steep banks and underwater infrastructure. New figures from the National Water Safety Forum highlight multiple accidental drownings, prompting calls for increased awareness, particularly among parents and pet owners. The utility discourages swimming in reservoirs and warns that remote locations often lack assistance and mobile reception. Links and resources for further safety information and education are provided.

A longtime Asda Blantyre employee, Janette Walker, is recognized for 45 years of service, reflecting on technological changes, community support during Covid and the friendships that shaped her career. Colleagues praised her dedication during Scotland’s long‑service celebrations, and she expressed appreciation for Asda’s recognition as she plans to remain with the store until retirement.

Ness Gallagher Solicitors raised £4621 for St Andrew's Hospice through its participation in the annual Make A Will Month campaign, which offers will-writing services in exchange for donations. The firm has supported the initiative for 13 years, contributing more than £20,000 to the hospice’s palliative care work. Representatives from both the firm and the hospice highlighted the importance of community support and maintaining up‑to‑date wills.

The Young Women’s Movement is collecting stories from people involved with the YWCA in Scotland over the past century as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund–supported oral history project. The initiative seeks contributions from those connected to past centres in areas such as Coatbridge and Cumbernauld, with the collected accounts forming a digital archive documenting the organisation’s impact and the changing experiences of young women. CEO Jenni Snell highlights the centenary effort as a celebration of activism and community linked to the organisation and encourages the public to share their memories.

A seven‑year‑old Airdrie schoolboy, Jude Varty, caught four rainbow trout within an hour on his first fishing trip at Newhouse Fishery after preparing his own bait and making successful casts, impressing his uncles and sparking enthusiasm for the sport.

Airdrie Town Hall will host the award‑winning theatre production When We Were Young on September 27, offering an emotional and humorous look at Glasgow’s 1990s youth and gang culture. The show aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding young teams and begins at 7.30pm, with tickets available through the venue’s box office.

Tesco is expanding support for children and families facing summer hunger across Lanarkshire and the UK, offering pre-filled food donation bags, in-store bill round-ups, online donation options, and an extended Kids Eat Free café scheme. Donations will support charity partners Felix and Trussell, both reporting rising demand for food assistance due to cost-of-living pressures. Additional initiatives include providing free fruit in stores and continuing Tesco’s programme delivering fruit and vegetables to schools, aiming to reach one million children by 2029.

North Lanarkshire ranks tenth in Scotland for bulky waste collection charges, with a minimum fee of £42.55. Analysis by BusinessWaste.co.uk highlights significant variation in costs nationwide, with Argyll and Bute charging the highest minimum rate at £90.90. Expert commentary stresses that accessible pricing is essential to support residents and maintain clean neighbourhoods amid rising concerns over waste crime.

The Wellness in Wishaw event will return on August 4 at the Houldsworth Centre, offering free health advice, walk‑in clinics, and family activities. Organized by University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire with support from community partners, the event expands on last year’s format with more services and opportunities to connect residents with local health and social care teams. Attendees can access clinics covering cervical screening, menopause support, smoking cessation, addictions, and family sleep support, along with numerous community stalls and activities.

Tom Robinson will return to Coatbridge for an intimate performance at The Georgian Hotel on August 5, marking his second appearance at the venue following a sell-out show in 2023. The article highlights his decades-long career as a punk musician, activist, broadcaster, and supporter of emerging artists. The event, hosted by music club 50rpm, will feature Adam Phillips on guitar and an opening set by Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Houston, with additional future performances at the venue also announced.

North Lanarkshire Council grants enabled Matic Media Services, trading as Graphic Warehouse, to complete major energy efficiency upgrades, including structural improvements, efficient heating and hot water systems, and a rooftop solar PV installation. The funding supported business growth, reduced carbon output and enhanced operational performance. Council representatives highlighted the importance of local business support, while the company expanded its workforce, apprenticeships and community engagement through school visits. Additional council funding programmes were outlined for businesses seeking growth or start-up assistance.

A new partnership between the Scottish Screenwriters Festival and Showcase Cinemas will introduce a weekly screening series running July 16 to September 24 at Showcase Cinema de lux Glasgow Bargeddie. The programme features a mix of acclaimed international films and Scottish independent productions, some accompanied by filmmaker Q&As. Festival founder Maureen Hascoet highlights the collaboration as a way to strengthen community and promote Scottish storytelling. The 2026 Scottish Screenwriters Festival will take place September 12–13 in Glasgow, featuring guests including Scott Frank and Lesley Paterson.

A new play area named Maggie’s Park has opened on Fife Drive in Forgewood, developed through a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, local organisations and residents. The name honours Margaret Halloran, a long-time community supporter who worked with local children until her death in 2021. Councillor Geraldine Woods officially opened the facility, which features inclusive equipment for children of all ages and seating for families. The £80,000 project was funded through the Local Development Programme and the Scottish Government, with contributions from children at Forgewood Family Learning Centre to the site’s artwork.

Hays Travel received multiple honours at the Agent Achievement Awards in London, including High Street Agency of the Year and several regional large agency titles. Executives Jonathon Woodall-Johnston and Dame Irene Hays praised staff contributions and highlighted the company’s strong customer satisfaction ranking, placing seventh in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index.

David Wilson Homes has launched a design competition across Lanarkshire inviting children aged five to 12 to creatively redesign a room in its Glenbervie housetype. Entries will be judged on creativity, with standout designs rendered visually and prizes including Smyths Toys vouchers. Led by managing director Alison Condie, the initiative aims to showcase how young people imagine family living spaces and may influence future home designs.

Police are seeking information after a deliberate fire was set at a yard on Gartgill Road in Coatbridge, causing significant property damage but no injuries. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze, and Detective Constable Waddell urged witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact Police Scotland or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.

Murray Landscapes became the 100th business to earn North Lanarkshire Council’s Employer Charter Gold Award, recognizing commitment to fair work principles and community support. The landscaping firm was commended by Provost Kenneth Duffy and Managing Director Marc Murray for its standards and local engagement. Infrastructure firm Hochtief also received a Gold Award for its work maintaining council assets. The council emphasized the charter’s benefits for employers, employees, and local economic development.

Three North Lanarkshire musicians—Nathan Evans and brothers Alan and Stevie Jukes of Saint PHNX—will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Their set will contribute to a large-scale event at the OVO Hydro featuring major Scottish artists and hundreds of volunteers, intended as a celebration of Glasgow’s culture and its welcome to 74 Commonwealth nations. Organisers highlight the ceremony as a showcase for both established and emerging Scottish talent, with tickets now available.

Scottish Water’s Generation H2O programme has reached more than 112,000 pupils across over 1,000 schools, promoting awareness of water as a vulnerable natural resource affected by climate pressures. The initiative is expanding with a goal to operate in half of Scotland’s schools by next year as teachers increasingly adopt its lesson materials. Chief executive Alex Plant highlights growing recognition among young people of the need to safeguard the country’s water supply.

A digital intergenerational project brought together tenants of Mornay Way Retirement Complex and pupils from Dykehead Primary School to develop older adults’ digital skills while helping children build communication abilities. Weekly sessions used iPads for shared learning and VR headsets to allow seniors to revisit meaningful locations and enjoy immersive experiences. Participants praised the collaboration for fostering social interaction, confidence, and memorable moments.

Neil Gray urges young people in North Lanarkshire to check their eligibility for the Job Start Payment, noting that 440 local youths have already received over £140,000 in support to help with expenses when starting work. The payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, offers more than £330 to those who have been unemployed and receiving benefits, with additional provisions for care leavers. Gray emphasizes the rising cost of essentials and argues that the support helps remove financial barriers to employment while highlighting broader SNP initiatives aimed at assisting young people.

A review of Damian McCarthy’s horror film Hokum highlights its off‑kilter style, unsettling folklore and strong performance by Adam Scott. The story follows writer Ohm Bauman as he confronts haunting forces in an isolated Irish inn while grappling with his own psychological turmoil. Effective use of darkness and jump scares strengthens the tension, though the ending feels abrupt and a narrative device involving a Conquistador adds little. Despite minor flaws, the film is praised as McCarthy’s most mainstream yet still distinctively eerie work.

Aldi Scotland is launching a campaign offering one Lanarkshire couple exclusive after‑hours access to a store for a wedding photoshoot, spotlighting everyday expressions of love in contrast to high‑profile celebrity weddings. Working with photographer Conor McEwan, the initiative aligns with a trend toward candid, unconventional wedding photography. Couples can enter by submitting a brief statement, with winners selected in August.

All 27 homes at Briar Homes’ Willowfields development in Newmains have sold out, marking the completion of a successful project offering energy‑efficient, family‑focused properties. The development attracted commuters seeking access to Glasgow and residents drawn to its sustainable features, including solar panels and modern heating systems. Briar Homes’ sales manager highlighted strong early buyer engagement, while new residents expressed high satisfaction with the quality and service provided.

Young people in Lanarkshire starting new jobs may be eligible for the Job Start Payment, offering more than £330 to cover expenses such as clothing, travel, tools or childcare. The support is available to 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds who have been out of work and receiving qualifying benefits for at least six months, with extended eligibility for care leavers up to age 25. Applications can be made up to six months after receiving a job offer. Scottish Government officials and Skills Development Scotland emphasise the payment’s role in reducing financial barriers to employment and encouraging sustainable career development.

St Andrew’s Hospice will hold its St Andrew’s in the City fundraising event at Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central on September 20, featuring entertainment hosted by Edward Reid. The charity encourages early ticket purchases, offering individual and table options that include a meal and drinks as part of the fundraiser’s six-hour program.

A temporary UK VAT reduction to five percent on children’s meals and family attraction tickets is intended to lower the cost of summer outings. Families are urged to check whether venues are passing on the savings, as the discount is not automatic. Estimated reductions range from £1.50 for cinema tickets to £20 for theme park admissions. An expert warns that comparing final prices before paying is essential to benefit from the scheme.

The North Lanarkshire Recovery Cup brought together recovery organisations, support services and local communities for a football event aimed at celebrating recovery and reducing addiction stigma. MSP Clare Adamson praised the tournament for its growth since 2022 and its role in strengthening community support networks. Multiple recovery-sector organisations participated, with Adamson emphasising the importance of continued investment in recovery services and expressing optimism for the event’s future.

Pamela Nash urges the Department for Work and Pensions to keep Motherwell’s Johnstone House open, warning that its proposed closure and staff relocation to Glasgow would burden employees, particularly those with caring responsibilities or limited transport options. The DWP states the move is part of an effort to streamline its estate and promises redeployment as the priority, with voluntary redundancy considered only as a last resort. Jobcentre services remain unaffected under the proposal.

The film Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor‑El, offers strong performances but falls short due to generic execution and weak villain development. While Alcock brings depth and modern heroism to the role, the movie’s aesthetic choices and derivative action limit its impact, leaving it a forgettable entry in the emerging DC Universe despite some standout supporting moments from Jason Momoa.

HMRC reports that its app was used nearly 100 million times in the last year, with 7.6 million individual users and a target of 10 million by 2027. The department’s Transformation Roadmap outlines improvements in digital services, reduced postal correspondence, shorter call waiting times and increased uptake of the Making Tax Digital system. HMRC says it is investing in AI tools to identify non‑compliance and close the tax gap, while leadership highlights progress in customer service, revenue collection and modernisation priorities.

NHS 24 urges travellers to prevent avoidable health issues by ensuring they pack essential prescription medicines before going on holiday. Associate clinical director Dr John McAnaw highlights frequent cases of travellers forgetting vital items such as inhalers, insulin and blood‑pressure medication, which can be difficult to replace while away. The organisation’s summer campaign promotes planning ahead, packing required medication and preparing for seasonal health needs such as insect bites, hay fever and hot weather.

Brian Moore was thanked for completing two terms on the North Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board after eight years of service, including time as chair and vice-chair. His tenure featured work on service improvement, innovation, and partnership building across health, social care, local government and the voluntary sector. Colleagues, including chief officer Claire Rae, praised his leadership, experience and contributions to better outcomes for local communities. Future chairing arrangements for the board will be announced later.

A new KFC restaurant in Airdrie will open on July 6, offering the full menu, a refreshed global brand design, and the new Kwench drinks range. The site includes dine‑in seating, drive‑thru lanes, EV charging points, and digital ordering kiosks, with delivery available through major platforms. The opening creates 65 local jobs and includes promotional giveaways during launch week. The restaurant will participate in community initiatives such as daily litter picks and food donations through the Felix Project, contributing to KFC’s wider UK and Ireland growth plan.

A temporary government VAT reduction is lowering child and family ticket prices at Showcase Cinemas in Bargeddie through September 1, providing savings for summer holiday outings. The offer applies to family and individual child tickets, supported by a strong lineup of family films and framed as an opportunity to encourage affordable leisure activities during the school break.

HMRC urges Self Assessment taxpayers in Lanarkshire to prepare for the July 31 deadline for second payments on account for the 2025–2026 tax year. Taxpayers can use weekly or monthly payment plans, and payments made through these plans or the HMRC app count toward upcoming tax bills. Payments on account, due each January 31 and July 31, help spread tax liabilities, and exemptions apply for those who owed under £1000 or paid most tax through other means. Filing returns early enables customers to know their final tax bill before the January 31, 2027 deadline.

North Lanarkshire Council approved funding for upgrades at Drumpellier Park in Coatbridge, including a new children’s Splash Park and improvements to the existing playpark. Council convener Helen Loughran highlighted the project as a first for the area and expressed enthusiasm for its delivery in the coming months. The investment stems from the Labour administration’s February budget and was reviewed on-site by local councillors to assess the planned impact.

Members of Slimming World groups led by consultant Stacey McKendrick completed a 10k Race for Life event in Falkirk, raising more than £2165 for Cancer Research UK. Participants of all ages and abilities finished the challenge together, many completing their first 10k. McKendrick dedicated her run to her late father and praised the group’s mutual encouragement. The event highlighted the community‑focused ethos of Slimming World’s North Lanarkshire groups, which continue to welcome new members.

Steven Spielberg’s film Disclosure Day is presented as a cerebral, dialogue‑driven sci‑fi thriller featuring strong performances from its ensemble cast, including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor and Eve Hewson. The review highlights the film’s mix of small‑scale mystery, tense interrogation sequences and striking set pieces, while noting that some unanswered questions and a divisive ending may frustrate viewers. Although not considered among Spielberg’s best work, it is praised as a thoughtful blockbuster with engaging acting and compelling themes.