Lee Dalgetty

A man was found dead at West Calder United Football Club’s ground on Harburn Road, West Lothian, on 7 August 2026. Police Scotland said the death is being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The Scottish Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

Aaron Strachan received an Order for Lifelong Restriction after admitting to stalking, abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl in Edinburgh, as well as carrying out two separate violent knife and hammer attacks. CCTV captured him following the victim before threatening her with a knife and assaulting her in a basement. The girl’s father described the severe psychological harm she has suffered, including flashbacks, substance use and suicidal thoughts, and is fundraising to help her rebuild her life. Prosecutor Faye Cook called Strachan’s conduct calculated and predatory, while police and prosecutors were praised for bringing him to justice.

A speeding car crashed into a lamppost on Clermiston Drive in Edinburgh after being pursued by police, with both the driver and passenger fleeing on foot before officers gave chase. Witnesses reported the vehicle had been seen travelling at high speed prior to the collision, and images showed significant front-end damage as multiple police units and a recovery truck responded to the scene. Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

A decorated Tartan Army traffic cone, created to celebrate ties between Glasgow and Boston during the World Cup, is being flown to the US by Andrew Dobbie and Danny Campbell as an official gift. The cone, signed in Scotland by business leaders, will be further signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who welcomed Scottish supporters during the tournament. The trip includes a planned tour of Boston’s notable locations, reflecting the viral symbol’s role in strengthening goodwill between the two cities.

A video recorded on an illicit phone inside HMP Edinburgh shows a prisoner wrapped in a bed sheet and dragged across the floor while other inmates laugh and post the footage to TikTok. The clip, captioned with references to owing a debt, was recently uploaded and then deleted. The Scottish Prison Service condemned the incident, emphasising efforts to prevent illicit items entering prisons and noting that possession of mobile phones is illegal for inmates. Authorities, including Police Scotland, are expected to take action against those involved.

Police recovered a stolen Edinburgh Airport maintenance van after it was allegedly taken for a joyride by a 15-year-old boy, who has been arrested and charged. Airport authorities activated safety protocols and assisted Police Scotland, who confirmed the youth will appear in court at a later date. No security risk was reported.

A motorcyclist carrying a passenger was filmed travelling at high speed against oncoming traffic on the A90 near Cramond, heading toward South Queensferry. The footage, shared by Fife Jammer Locations, prompted online concern, with commenters warning of the danger and potential for serious accidents. Police Scotland has been contacted regarding the incident.

A paddleboarder and a spear fisherman who encountered difficulty off Pease Bay were able to reach shore safely before Dunbar RNLI’s inshore lifeboat arrived. The callout marked the first joint rescue for father-and-son volunteers Adrian and Kai Lavery, who had been promoting water safety at a local event earlier in the day. RNLI representatives used the incident to reiterate safety advice for paddleboard users, highlighting precautions related to weather, equipment and communication.

Police are investigating an early-morning break-in at the Co‑op store on Main Street in Gullane, where the entrance was smashed and the area cordoned off. Officers responded around 3:20 a.m. and have appealed for CCTV footage as inquiries continue. The shop remains closed during the investigation.

Tributes from fellow performers, fans and The Stand Comedy Club honour Paul Sneddon, known for his characters Vladimir McTavish and Bob Doolally, following his death at age 70. Widely praised for his generosity, humour and long-standing influence on the Scottish comedy scene, he is remembered fondly by colleagues and supporters. He had been scheduled to perform a new Fringe show in August, and condolences have been extended to his family and friends.

A medieval-themed weekend event at Linlithgow Palace featured jousting matches, falconry demonstrations and historical reenactments organised by Historic Environment Scotland. Four knights competed in the annual Spectacular Jousting tournament as visitors enjoyed activities including children’s crafts and displays depicting the era of Robert the Bruce. HES highlighted the event’s popularity and immersive atmosphere under sunny conditions.

A cyclist travelling westbound on the A704 near West Mains Cottage was struck on the elbow by the wing mirror of a white Mercedes SUV, causing him to fall and sustain minor injuries. The driver did not stop and continued westbound. Police Scotland’s road policing officers in Livingston are appealing for witnesses and dash‑cam footage as enquiries continue.

A fatal accident inquiry concluded that farmer Andrew Rennie died after suffering a cardiac event while driving a quadbike at his family farm in West Calder. The incident occurred during routine work, and investigators found no precautions that could reasonably have prevented the death. Paramedics were unable to revive him, and the Procurator Fiscal confirmed that all relevant circumstances were examined and shared with the family.

A Bathgate mother, Eileen Stewart, transformed her life by losing 12 stone and becoming a personal trainer after years of struggling with weight and low self-esteem. Motivated by wanting to be a positive role model for her daughter, she began running and receiving community support through parkrun, eventually shifting careers to help others on their own weight‑loss journeys. She now advocates for realistic lifestyle changes and offers non‑judgmental support for those feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

West Lothian Pride faces potential cancellation in 2027 as funding declines and costs rise, despite the 2026 event being nearly fully covered. Chair Ross Sansom-Parnell warns that sponsor criteria have shifted away from diversity-focused causes, leaving the organisation with dwindling resources. The group urges community support to preserve one of the few local LGBTQ+ spaces, stressing that without new funding the event will not go ahead next year.

Police raided five properties across West Lothian, recovering £25,000 worth of drugs along with BB guns, a knife, drug paraphernalia and an electric bike. Five men and one woman were arrested and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Police leadership emphasized their commitment to combating illegal drug activity as part of national organised crime strategies and urged the public to share information that could aid investigations.

Police responded to a disturbance on Livery Road in Bathgate shortly after midnight on March 28, with multiple vehicles attending. No injuries were reported, and inquiries into vandalism at a premises are ongoing, according to Police Scotland.

Police in West Lothian recovered heroin, cocaine and cash worth £16,000 from a parked car on Blackburn Road, leading to the arrest and charging of a 45-year-old woman. The search was intelligence-led, with Police Scotland stating the incident reflects ongoing efforts to target drug supply in local communities. Enquiries continue, and the public is encouraged to report drug-related concerns to authorities.

A shop worker in Whitburn was threatened with a bladed weapon during an early-morning robbery in which the suspect escaped with a three‑figure sum. Police Scotland issued an appeal for information, describing the man and urging witnesses or those with CCTV or dash‑cam footage to come forward, with Crimestoppers offering anonymous reporting.

A couple from West Lothian who lost their two-year-old daughter Kerris in 2024 have launched a peer-led support group for families grieving the loss of a child. After finding comfort in connecting with others who shared similar experiences, they aim to ensure no parent feels alone in their grief. The group will offer an informal setting with no pressure to speak, encouraging attendees to grieve in their own way. Their first meeting will be held on January 30 at Boghall Parish Church.

Hate graffiti was sprayed on Edinburgh Central Mosque, prompting condemnation from residents and a police investigation. Mosque officials expressed deep sadness, stressing that the act contradicts Edinburgh’s values of diversity and community. Local commenters voiced support for the Muslim community, while Police Scotland confirmed inquiries are underway to determine who was responsible.

Police are treating a Hogmanay vehicle fire in Livingston as deliberate after emergency crews extinguished the blaze without injuries. Three fire appliances responded, and investigators are seeking public assistance, including CCTV or dash‑cam footage, to identify those responsible.

A visually impaired mother from West Lothian highlights how employer assumptions about her sight loss have hindered her job search despite strong experience and training. Supported by RNIB Scotland, she completed barista training and seeks greater workplace accessibility and understanding. RNIB Scotland stresses the need for fair recruitment practices and reasonable adjustments to improve employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.

Bereaved parents Steph and Donny Mitchell visited cemeteries across West Lothian dressed as Santa to leave gifts on children’s graves, offering comfort to families who have lost young ones. The effort stems from the death of their two-year-old daughter Kerris in 2023, later believed by genetic specialists to have resulted from a seizure linked to an extra chromosome. The couple describe the emotional challenges of the holiday season while finding solace in helping others and ensuring their daughter is remembered. They continue to honour Kerris and plan to expand their acts of remembrance in future years.

Kerry Gentle, a 34‑year‑old RNLI volunteer and respected tattoo artist from East Linton, died suddenly, prompting widespread tributes from the Dunbar lifeboat station, the Scottish Tattoo Convention, and the tattooing community. Colleagues praised her enthusiasm, dedication, and artistic talent, while the RNLI noted that lifeboat stations across the UK lowered flags in her memory. Friends, clients, and fellow crew members expressed condolences and shared reflections on her impact and recent achievements within the RNLI.

A man from Edinburgh reversed dangerous diabetes indicators after joining Slimming World, losing three stone and significantly lowering his HbA1c levels. Motivated by his brother’s success, he adopted healthier eating habits and found group support essential to sustaining change. His consultant praised the improvements and encouraged others with type‑2 diabetes to seek help early.

A seizure led to the discovery of a glioblastoma in Edinburgh resident Jerry Kerrisk, revealing a terminal prognosis of 12 to 18 months. His family is supporting the Brain Tumour Research Christmas appeal to raise awareness and funding for improved treatments. Despite surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Jerry continues to face uncertainty while maintaining activities he enjoys. His family emphasises hope and resilience as they advocate for advances in brain cancer research.

More than 160 workers in Scotland and over 560 across the UK have been made redundant after National Timber Group entered administration and shut 13 branches, including six in Scotland. Administrators from Alvarez & Marsal have started an accelerated sale process and say they are supporting affected employees while seeking potential buyers. The firm’s liquidity issues have halted some production while remaining branches continue operating.

A school bus carrying pupils from Linlithgow Academy caught fire on Blackness Road in Linlithgow, prompting a response from fire crews and police who closed the road. Two fire appliances extinguished the blaze, and all passengers evacuated safely with no injuries reported. The damaged E&M Horsburgh bus was recovered, and West Lothian Council confirmed pupils continued their journey on another vehicle. Local authorities and emergency services stated the situation was quickly brought under control.

A West Lothian family is struggling with unexpectedly high funeral costs after the sudden death of 43‑year‑old mother of seven Emma McGinty, who suffered a stroke caused by a carotid artery clot. Her children, led by eldest daughter Nicole, launched a fundraiser that has surpassed £8,000 as they prepare her funeral. The family recounts Emma’s rapid deterioration, her long-term battle with rheumatoid arthritis, and the emotional impact of her loss, while expressing gratitude for community support.