Lanarkshire Live

Food Awards Scotland 2026 recognised several Lanarkshire venues at a ceremony held at DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. Taal in Carluke received an Outstanding Achievement award for Best Curry Restaurant; The Oven at Overton Farm in Carluke was recognised for excellence; Greenhall Country Café & Farm Shop in Blantyre won Farm Restaurant/Café of the Year; and The Kurry Lounge in Hamilton received an Outstanding Achievement award for Outstanding Restaurant of the Year. The event was organised by Oceanic Awards and hosted by sports presenter David Tanner.

South Lanarkshire College has partnered with Warmworks and City Technical Services (UK) Ltd to create a route into the domestic gas, energy-efficiency and renewable-energy sectors. The Warmstart programme will combine more than 266 hours of guided classroom learning with at least 18 weeks of supervised workplace experience, preparing students for ACS gas assessments. The college will lead academic delivery and learner support, City Technical Services will provide placements and mentoring, and Warmworks will coordinate employers and placement opportunities. The partners say the initiative will improve career prospects for local people while helping address future shortages of skilled gas engineers.

Allers Allotments in Calderwood, off Barrie Road, hosted a well-attended 2026 open day featuring stalls, a tombola, tearoom, home-grown produce, preserves, home baking and activities for children. Stonehouse Men’s Shed contributed bees and honey, while K-Woodlands provided mini-diggers and stone-painting activities. Committee member Lesley Wilson thanked plot holders and local businesses whose donations and volunteer support helped make the family event successful.

Builder Darren McVey admitted breaching two non-harassment orders by sending emails to his former partner between January 5 and 15, leaving her alarmed and terrified. He had previously served 32 months in prison for harassing her, including climbing ladders to look through a window at her Bothwell home. McVey remains in custody while Sheriff Liam Murphy awaits background reports before sentencing next month.

Lanarkshire MSP and Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has urged the UK and Scottish governments to reject the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields, calling Rosebank’s approval reckless and indefensible amid worsening climate impacts. The fields’ previous approvals were overturned after a Greenpeace legal challenge, leaving Labour ministers to decide whether drilling can proceed. Climate campaigners argue the projects conflict with climate goals, while Offshore Energies UK says they could support thousands of jobs and reduce reliance on higher-emission imports. The UK Government says oil and gas will remain part of the energy system alongside the transition to clean power.

A remembrance service at Motherwell Civic Centre marked Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Day and honoured those who served, suffered and died during the Second World War’s Far East campaign. Veterans, families, civic representatives, armed forces personnel and members of the public attended, with wreaths, readings, military ceremonial music and a minute’s silence. Speakers highlighted the hunger, disease, exhaustion and brutal treatment endured by prisoners of war, and stressed the importance of passing their stories to future generations.

Police recorded 3,347 anti-social behaviour offences in South Lanarkshire during 2025/26, a 17% increase from the previous year but still 11% below the strategy’s baseline. Police Scotland attributed the rise partly to threatening and abusive behaviour, racially aggravated crimes, licensing offences and public drinking, and responded with hotspot patrols and other interventions. The council received 2,476 noise complaints, while deliberate refuse fires fell 13% and fly-tipping declined 3%. Overall, 94% of the strategy’s performance indicators were on track, with none rated as major concerns.

Get Walking Lanarkshire is recruiting volunteer walk leaders to support free, easy local health walks across Lanarkshire. No previous experience is required; volunteers need a friendly nature and the ability to lead walks regularly, with free training provided. The programme is a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Walking Scotland.

Daniel Dodds, 34, was sentenced to 14 months in prison at Airdrie Sheriff Court after admitting threatening or abusive behaviour toward his former partner and breaching three non-harassment orders. He threatened to break her neck and kill her if she saw other men, despite orders banning contact, and messages were also sent to her and her daughter. Sheriff Paul Haran cited Dodds’s serious criminal record and repeated defiance of court orders, and imposed a new 10-year non-harassment order.

The A702 between Overfingland and Troloss near Elvanfoot will close from 7am on August 18, 2026, for up to five days while resurfacing work is carried out. Motorists will be diverted via the A702, A76, B740 and B7078. South Lanarkshire Council’s roads chief Colin Park warned drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and expect inconvenience during the works.

East Kilbride Hiking Club members travelled by coach to Glen Shee for a mountain outing. Nineteen lower-level walkers completed a route including Meall Odhar, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach, while 18 higher-level walkers tackled Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell on a 13-kilometre route. The group celebrated Julie’s first Munro ascent and Eddie’s 30th anniversary of completing his final Munro before reflecting on the day during the journey home.

Kirkhill Bowling Club in Cambuslang held its first Hawaiian-themed Family Fun Day, combining entertainment, food, music and decorations with a bowls competition. The event, organized by new member Stevie Kerr with support from club president Douglas Thomson, culminated in Patricia Anderson defeating her father Hugh McNulty 5-4 in a dramatic three-bowl singles final. The club thanked organizers, attendees and prize donors, and plans to repeat the event next year.

Dobbies’ Sandyholm store will host a free Little Seedlings Club workshop on September 6 focused on autumn colours, seasonal changes, wildlife preparation and nature-based activities. Children will be able to plant a daffodil bulb to take home, and families can reserve places through Dobbies’ events website.

Richard Bradley, 28, of Bellshill, admitted communicating indecently with a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl during an online police sting in November 2024. The undercover officer had posed as a child, and Bradley asked for nude images after claiming to be 15. Hamilton Sheriff Court imposed two years of supervision, addiction-service attendance, eight months of electronic tagging, and five years on the sex offenders' register; his mobile phone was ordered destroyed.

A £500,000 refurbishment of Carluke Station’s footbridge in South Lanarkshire is due to begin, including repairs to its concrete structure and steelwork, replacement lighting, new handrails, anti-slip stair surfaces and paintwork improvements. The bridge will be closed from 15 August to 14 November, with passengers diverted via the Station Road underbridge. Network Rail and ScotRail said the work will improve safety, accessibility and reliability, while advising passengers to allow extra travel time.

Claremont Rambling Club members and visitors travelled from East Kilbride to Perthshire for a sunny day of walking near Pitlochry. The main nine-mile route followed forest paths, Loch Faskally and the River Garry to the Pass of Killiecrankie, while a six-mile alternative route ended at Garry Bridge. Both groups returned to Pitlochry for refreshments before travelling home.

Roadchef has added six EV charging bays at Hamilton Services on the M74 in South Lanarkshire. The bays are served by three ultra-rapid chargers offering up to 360kW through CCS connectors, allowing drivers to recharge quickly. The expansion aims to meet rising demand along the busy route between Glasgow, Edinburgh and northern England, while supporting the broader transition to electric vehicles.

Roads worker Gary Miller admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving while over the alcohol limit after attempting a U-turn across the M74 near junction 9 in Lanarkshire. His Ford Transit flatbed van collided head-on with a Mercedes, leaving the 29-year-old driver with a knee broken in three places and requiring surgery and physiotherapy; a passenger suffered a minor spinal fracture. Miller, who has two previous drink-driving convictions, failed a roadside breath test. Hamilton Sheriff Court deferred sentencing pending background reports and an electronic tagging assessment.

Ian Smith, 45, admitted assaulting a man with others at East Kilbride bus station, punching him in the face and kicking him while he was on the ground. The victim sustained multiple facial and forehead fractures and required hospital treatment. Smith, who claimed self-defence and had been on supervised release after a previous prison sentence, has remained in custody while sentencing is deferred for background reports.

Residents were evacuated from Calder Tower in East Kilbride after Paul Docherty assaulted a Tesco delivery driver, barricaded himself in his flat and threatened police with a crossbow and further violence. Armed officers and a police negotiator were called, and Docherty was arrested after police forced entry. He admitted assault, threatening or abusive behaviour, and culpable and reckless conduct, receiving a 40-month sentence at Hamilton Sheriff Court to begin after an existing 22-month sentence for carrying a knife. The sheriff described him as a public menace and said the incident posed a danger to residents and officers and imposed significant public costs.

Two 14-year-olds and a 16-year-old admitted a series of attacks on teenagers in Airdrie and Coatbridge in June 2024. The assaults involved punches, kicks, a golf club, a hammer and a baseball bat. Two youths received three-year supervision orders, six months of electronic tagging and five-year non-harassment orders, while sentencing for the third was deferred until October. Sheriff Joseph Hughes said it was fortunate the victims’ injuries were not more serious.

Gary Hollywood, known for Mrs Brown’s Boys, will officially open Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Family & Community Day at Bridgeton Bus Garage on August 2. The event will feature performances by Hamilton’s Michael Brawley Big Band, 130 classic vehicles, vintage buses, entertainment from Star Wars and Ghostbusters performers, model boats, craft stalls, dancers and interactive bus-driving simulators. Hollywood praised the volunteer-run trust and its hands-on heritage experience.

Scot McCluskey admitted assaulting a taxi driver in Hamilton on August 12, 2024, after refusing to pay the outstanding fare. He struck the driver in the face with a metal road sign, causing a lip wound and three knocked-out teeth, before fleeing. McCluskey, who has previous convictions and was arrested six months later, was released on bail after the sheriff deferred sentencing until September while requesting background reports and warning that imprisonment remained possible.

Stephen McConnachie admitted dangerous driving, assault and abusive or threatening behaviour after fleeing from police during a high-speed chase through Hamilton and Larkhall. He abandoned his Audi after a collision and hid in an off-duty police officer’s home, where he became aggressive and was detained after a struggle. A knife allegation was dropped. McConnachie was remanded in custody while background reports are prepared and is due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on August 26.

Matthew Coleman, 39, of Larkhall, admitted possessing one photograph and four videos depicting child sexual abuse, all classified in the most depraved category. The material was found on his phone after police searched his home. Hamilton Sheriff Court placed him under social work supervision for three years, ordered 150 hours of unpaid work, and imposed restrictions on unsupervised contact with children under 18.

Darren Cox, 49, admitted secretly filming women undressing in changing rooms at Sainsbury's in Hamilton and other locations between February and April 2024. Police found 20 videos of adult women and footage of a girl estimated to be aged 10 to 12 on his phone. Hamilton Sheriff Court imposed three years of supervision, 300 hours of unpaid work, three years on the sex offenders' register, £1,000 compensation for the known victim and a 10-year non-harassment order. The sheriff said the offence merited imprisonment but imposed a community-based sentence by a narrow margin.

A Coatbridge jury acquitted dog owner Christina O'Driscoll of an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act after a 10-minute deliberation. O'Driscoll said her boxer-pitbull cross, Bud, attacked a neighbour while defending her during an alleged confrontation at her flat. The neighbour suffered serious facial and neck injuries requiring surgery, and a teenage girl was also bitten. Bud was taken into kennels pending the case, and O'Driscoll said she was relieved he would not face destruction, although she did not know whether he would be returned.

Josh Miller, 29, was sentenced to one year in prison at Hamilton Sheriff Court after admitting to carrying a lockback knife in Gardenside Avenue, Uddingston, while under the influence of drink or drugs. Police found the knife in his tracksuit pocket after responding to a report that he was in distress. His defence described him as a chaotic drug user who was easily led and noted his lengthy custodial history.

Besnik Perleka, 35, admitted cultivating 130 well-maintained cannabis plants at a house on Caledonian Road in Wishaw. Police found him sleeping during a search and seized cultivation equipment including fans, lights and nutrients; the plants were valued at up to £78,000. A Home Office investigation dismissed concerns that he was a trafficking victim. Hamilton Sheriff Court deferred sentencing until next month for background reports, and Perleka was remanded in custody.

A 50‑year‑old man was jailed for 22 months after admitting to carrying a lockback knife at East Kilbride Shopping Centre while on bail and subject to an anti‑social behaviour order. Police recovered the knife during his arrest following an alleged disturbance. The court heard he had resumed drinking on the day of the incident and could not explain carrying the weapon. The sheriff cited his extensive record, including previous convictions involving violence and knife possession, in imposing the sentence.

Residents in Lanark have lodged more than 100 objections to plans to convert Atholl House into a 34‑bedroom hotel or hostel, citing concerns about safety, community impact and inadequate parking. Some objectors warn of potential disturbances and risks to nearby school pupils, while the local community council argues the development would undermine the area’s character. Supporters say the refurbishment would improve a neglected building and boost local tourism. South Lanarkshire Council is expected to make a decision later this year.

Claremont Rambling Club members enjoyed a day of pleasant walking conditions in the Galloway Forest, splitting into two groups for circular routes near the village of Barr before ending the trip with a social hour at Flynn’s Boatyard in Girvan.

A 19‑year‑old man was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register after admitting to downloading and sharing large quantities of indecent images of children, including 108 in the most serious category. Police seized his phone after a search at his former home in Bellshill, uncovering a WhatsApp thread showing distribution of 16 videos. The court deferred sentencing for further assessments, allowed him to remain on bail, and ordered his phone to be destroyed.

Clare Adamson condemns UK Government plans to bring forward the rise in the state pension age to 68, warning it would disproportionately harm communities such as Motherwell and Wishaw where life expectancy is lower than average. Treasury discussions with the Office for Budget Responsibility indicate the increase could move to 2037–39, affecting around five million people currently aged 49 to 55. Adamson argues the proposal would reduce retirement time for many and fail to reflect existing health inequalities. The government maintains the change is being considered to ensure long-term pension sustainability.

A 22-year-old Bellshill man, Leon Swan, was jailed for 14 months after admitting to downloading, possessing and distributing child abuse images, with police finding 278 files and evidence of him sharing 146 more. He claimed he clicked a link out of curiosity and needed help, but the sheriff emphasised the harm caused by distributing such material and placed him on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

An HMIE Scotland inspection commended St Patrick’s Primary School and Nursery in Strathaven for its nurturing culture, strong leadership, and commitment to children’s wellbeing. Acting head teacher Laura Layden welcomed the findings, citing strong relationships and community support as key strengths. Lanarkshire Council’s education director also praised the school community and expressed confidence that achievements will continue to grow.

Primary schools across Rutherglen celebrated the town’s 900th anniversary with a themed lunch featuring pupil-designed dishes, with each school’s chosen meal reflecting local identity. The Go Fresh Club selected winning submissions, leading to popular items such as Townhall Tiffin and Ruggie Duggie sausage. Councillor Robert Brown joined Calderwood Primary pupils, praising the initiative as part of wider community engagement in Rutherglen 900 events that continue throughout the year.

Lottery funding has enabled the LEAP Project in Cambuslang to hire Kirsty Arnaud as a community hubs development officer to support the sustainability and growth of its refurbished community hubs in Halfway, Toll Pitch and soon Spittal. Arnaud brings experience from the voluntary sector and will work to expand community use of the facilities. LEAP’s business development manager expressed gratitude to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for the grant that made the new post possible, highlighting the importance of accessible, welcoming community spaces in South Lanarkshire.

Larkhall & District Volunteer Group improved its digital presence after receiving tailored support from Business Gateway, which identified issues with the charity’s outdated website and provided five days of funded IT consultancy. The resulting redesigned site offers better communication of services, improved usability and enhanced opportunities for generating income, strengthening the organisation’s long‑term sustainability. Charity leaders praised the transition, while Business Gateway reaffirmed its ongoing support for community organisations across Scotland.

Police recovered 917 grams of cocaine valued at £25,000 during a search of Jonathan Ryan’s Holytown home, leading to his admission of involvement in supplying the Class A drug. Cash and a mobile phone were also seized. The court deferred sentencing to obtain background reports, with the sheriff warning that the quantity involved was significant and could result in imprisonment.

Police found more than £5000 worth of cocaine during a search of a property in Airdrie linked to Brian McShane, who admitted involvement in the supply of the drug. Officers recovered cocaine, scales and packaging materials, while McShane later claimed another person was responsible for storing the drugs. With a previous conviction for a similar offence and ongoing health issues, he was warned by the sheriff that he faces a significant risk of imprisonment as sentencing was deferred for reports.

Residents and staff at Westwood House Care Home celebrated Duncan and Laura Armour, a couple married for more than fifty years whose shared love of travel and daily activities continues in their East Kilbride care setting. Both now live at the Sanctuary Care home, where the team supports them in maintaining an active and connected life together, reflecting a strong, enduring bond that inspires those around them.

Cala Homes delivered its curriculum-based Land to Life programme to pupils at Jackton Primary School, introducing children to the housebuilding industry and its career paths. Assistant site manager Greg McNeish led the session, using local Cedar Brae development plans and before‑and‑after images to explain how new communities are built. The initiative supports Cala’s goal of encouraging early talent and improving diversity within the sector through structured lessons covering design, sustainability, planning and marketing.

A man with prior blade convictions was sentenced to 18 months in jail after he and his brother brandished scythes during a confrontation in East Kilbride that escalated into a high‑speed pursuit ending in a crash near a playpark. Prosecutors described the Browns approaching a residence where they confronted a man before pursuing his vehicle with two teenagers inside. The defence argued they had walked into a trap and used grass‑cutting tools in response to perceived threats. The sheriff deemed the incident frightening, especially for the children, jailing John Brown and imposing fines, unpaid work, a driving ban and a test resit on William Brown.

Three teenage boys admitted responsibility for a series of assaults on other youths in Airdrie and Coatbridge, including attacks involving a golf club, hammer and baseball bat. Sheriff Joseph Hughes said it was fortunate the victims were not more seriously injured. Sentencing was deferred for background reports, with the court noting the offenders’ ages and applicable youth sentencing guidelines.

A Strathaven designer formally presented a tartan commemorating 250 years of American independence to the America250 organisation in Washington DC. Heriot-Watt University graduate Kaci McEwan created the design, which symbolically incorporates elements from US history and Scottish contributions to the Declaration of Independence. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the tartan was selected from student submissions and will be produced as commemorative scarves by Lovat Mill. Officials and academics praised McEwan’s achievement and highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Scotland and the United States.

The Dobbies Sandyholm store will host a free Little Seedlings Club workshop on August 2, offering children hands-on activities to learn how plants respond to sun and shade, why sunlight matters for growth, and how to care for plants in summer. The session includes educational games and the chance to make a suncatcher. Event manager Hannah Stephen highlights the workshop’s aim to inspire outdoor interest and curiosity about nature. Families can reserve free spaces online.

A Motherwell couple who lost their daughters Ava and Poppy transformed their grief into fundraising that generated more than £12,000 for maternity services at University Hospital Wishaw. Ava, born with a rare kidney condition, lived for nine weeks, and Poppy was stillborn a year later. The funds have provided equipment, family‑room improvements, staff training support and the donation of two cuddle cots. The couple continue honouring their daughters through acts of remembrance and support for other families, with NHS Lanarkshire praising their generosity and resilience.

A repeat sex offender from Airdrie was remanded in custody after admitting to downloading indecent images while already under two bail orders. Sheriff Derek Livingston ordered background reports and a risk assessment ahead of sentencing next month. The offender had recently served a prison term for a similar offence and later received an additional sentence for breaching sex offender register conditions after failing to disclose online accounts during a police visit.

A 21-year-old man avoided prison after admitting to stealing three cars in Lanarkshire at age 19. Despite previous convictions and committing the offences while on bail, the sheriff cited young persons’ guidelines, Adam’s expressed remorse, and difficult childhood circumstances in issuing an 18-month supervision order and 180 hours of unpaid work instead of custody.

Police are seeking witnesses after a 40-year-old man was seriously assaulted during an altercation on Loch Shin in East Kilbride. Officers are searching for two male suspects and are appealing for information about a green Fiat seen in the area around the time of the incident. Authorities urge the public to review dashcam or doorbell footage and to report any information to Police Scotland or Crimestoppers.

The National Museum of Rural Life marked its 25th anniversary with a parade of 25 new and vintage tractors, including a decorated 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 that was the first vehicle to enter the site when it opened in 2001. Visitors viewed tractors from brands such as David Brown, International, Nuffield and Fordson, toured galleries showcasing Scotland’s largest collection of farming machinery, and visited farm animals including Highland calves and rare breed pigs. The event highlighted the museum’s focus on preserving and sharing Scotland’s rural and agricultural heritage.

Domino’s Cambuslang Supply Chain Centre redistributed more than 6,400 meals’ worth of surplus food through its partnership with Felix, contributing to the charity’s national food support network. The partnership helped deliver nearly 27 tonnes of food in 2025 and forms part of Domino’s long‑term sustainability strategy, which includes cutting waste and reducing carbon emissions. Felix, formed from the merger of FareShare and The Felix Project, distributes rescued surplus food to over 8,000 UK community organisations. Company representatives and charity leaders highlighted the increasing need for food support amid rising financial hardship, noting the environmental and social impact of ongoing redistribution efforts.

Police arrested Thomas Cooper after he falsely reported armed men outside his Motherwell flat and was found to have discarded an axe. While being detained he headbutted an officer. In court, prosecutors described his erratic behaviour, and the defence cited a relapse linked to substance abuse. The sheriff highlighted his extensive criminal record and the fact the offences occurred during early release, deferring sentencing for reports.

A Labour councillor criticised slow progress on the £5 million Marmot Place Programme aimed at reducing child poverty and health inequalities in Burnbank, calling for clearer results and greater involvement of local representatives. He pointed to North Lanarkshire’s provision of free school meals as a model and raised concerns about foodbank closure costs and the loss of community workers. Council officials responded that wider community engagement is underway and pledged to relay feedback to project leaders, with the committee noting the report.

Bumblebee EV agreed a major partnership with East Kilbride FC that will rename K-Park as the Bumblebee Stadium. The deal highlights the company’s continued connection to its East Kilbride origins and its support for community sport. Club officials welcomed the sponsorship as a significant boost as the team enters Scottish League One, expressing confidence that the collaboration will benefit both the club and the local area.

A Hamilton man, Filip Tekiel, admitted setting fire to the front door of a woman’s home in Ashgill in February 2024. The victim was awakened by a smoke alarm and extinguished the flames before major damage occurred. CCTV evidence and DNA linked Tekiel to a petrol-filled plastic box used to start the fire. The sheriff warned Tekiel that a custodial sentence is likely, noting his ongoing community payback order for previous offences. Sentencing was deferred for reports and tagging assessment.

Cala Homes donated £2000 to Woodhead Primary School in Hamilton to fund outdoor jackets and trousers for pupils, supporting outdoor play in all weather. The contribution is part of the company’s Community Pledge, with the initiative highlighted by Cala’s sales and marketing director. The article also notes available Cala Homes properties in the nearby Cornhill Village development.

A youth-focused festival featuring the Henry Charles Foundation Cup will take place on August 2 at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre as part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival. The event aims to promote opportunity, inclusion and community through a grassroots football tournament, supported by foundation ambassador Steven Caulker. Organisers highlight the festival’s role in empowering young people and celebrating Glasgow’s cultural and sporting spirit.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes West Scotland was named one of TIME Magazine’s 500 Most Sustainable Companies for the third consecutive year, reflecting its efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable building. The company, part of Barratt Redrow, is advancing zero‑carbon home goals, trialling low‑carbon fuels, and improving construction-site efficiency. TIME and Statista selected companies through a rigorous multi‑stage sustainability assessment. Barratt Redrow also received industry recognition from NHBC and maintains strong customer satisfaction ratings while continuing multiple developments across Lanarkshire.

A driver, John Donnelly, was jailed for 18 months after crashing his car at high speed into an off-licence in Hamilton while under the influence of cannabis, injuring two 19-year-old passengers. The court heard details of the women’s serious injuries and Donnelly’s own injuries. Prosecutors said he lost control while accelerating harshly in a built-up area. The sheriff cited his drug use, prior conviction for dangerous driving and the severity of harm in imposing the custodial sentence, along with a 41‑month driving ban and an order to resit his test.

A Wetherspoon pub in East Kilbride will host a 10-day festival featuring 12 Scottish-brewed real ales, including vegan options and specialty varieties with ingredients such as honey and blueberry. Beers will be priced at £2.30 per pint, with tasting options available. Pub manager Michael Easton highlighted the event as a celebration of real ale showcasing brews not previously offered at the venue.

A woman from East Kilbride who lost £20,000 in a landscaping investment scam must wait longer for compensation after the fraudster, John Fay, avoided jail. Fay admitted defrauding her by promoting a fake company and promising large returns but never providing documentation or payments. Hamilton Sheriff Court deferred sentencing until January, ordering him to raise funds to repay the victim. The woman reported him after repeated delays, false promises, and hostile messages. Fay’s defence cited mental health issues and ongoing engagement with services.

Associate director Stephanie Grieve of Scullion LAW was shortlisted for Leader of the Year and received a silver medal for Reservist of the Year at the Scottish Veterans Awards 2026, recognising her contributions to the Armed Forces community. Her nomination aligns with Scullion LAW’s support for service personnel, reinforced by its Ministry of Defence Gold Employer Recognition Award. Colleagues praised her leadership, commitment and balance between legal work and reservist duties.

A 64-year-old East Kilbride man, Peter Rennie, was fined £470 after admitting to selling cannabis in an attempt to cope with financial hardship. Plain-clothes officers saw him exchange items with a car passenger and found cannabis and cash on him. In court, his lawyer said he had lost his taxi job and had no income, earning only small amounts from selling drugs. The sheriff accepted his lack of previous convictions and his circumstances in imposing the fine.

East Kilbride Hiking Club completed two recent group hikes despite persistent rain and strong winds. Walks from Glencoe involved a low‑level route to Lochan Meall a’ Phuill and a more strenuous ascent of Buachaille Etive Mòr. A later trip to Arran required abandoning plans to climb Goatfell due to gale‑force winds and poor visibility, leading both groups to hike through Glen Rosa instead. Members finished the outings with social time in Brodick and on the ferry back to Ardrossan.

A man from East Kilbride received a five‑year placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register after admitting to downloading 45 indecent images of children. The court imposed 30 months of supervision, 300 hours of unpaid work and a 10‑month electronic curfew. Police traced the activity to his home, where he confessed, citing addiction to pornography. The sheriff raised concerns due to a previous child‑related conviction from 25 years earlier.

Police appeal for witnesses after a 20-year-old woman was threatened with a knife and robbed in a play park on Old Mill Road in Uddingston late on June 30. The suspect, described as a young man in a black tracksuit, fled after briefly taking her bag. Officers urge anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them as enquiries continue.

Michael Murray received a 15‑month jail sentence at Airdrie Sheriff Court for choking his partner during a 2024 assault that left her struggling to breathe and seeing black dots. The court heard he had been drinking before the attack, and the sheriff highlighted the seriousness of neck compression. The Crown Office noted the rising prevalence of non‑fatal strangulation in domestic abuse cases and reiterated its commitment to addressing the issue.

Two men, Luke Monaghan and Adam Sloan, were each sentenced to three years in jail for a planned petrol‑bomb attack on a house in Carluke, carried out over a £30 drug debt while a pregnant woman and two others were inside. The victims managed to extinguish the flames before the fire spread, and forensic evidence linked both men to the incendiary devices. The sheriff described the act as a deliberate and premeditated attempt to trap the occupants, noting the severe emotional impact on the family, who remain anxious and fearful following the attack.

Horticulture students from South Lanarkshire College earned silver awards at the Scone Palace Garden Fair for a therapeutic-themed garden featuring aromatic herbs. The winning garden was donated to Kilbryde Hospice, where some produce may be used in the onsite café. The college highlighted ongoing work experience collaborations with Greenbank Garden under the National Trust for Scotland, offering students heritage gardening training. Faculty praised the students’ achievements and emphasised the value of community partnerships and future opportunities.