Ross Thomson

Almond Valley in West Lothian will bring back its Stranger Bings Halloween takeover from October 19 to 25, with daytime activities included in standard admission. Ticketed Fright Nights will run on October 23 and 24, featuring haunted trails, the Soul Train ride, live performances, a fire-breathing dragon and a Monster Mash disco. New Creepy Crawlie Encounters, delivered with rescue organisation Reptile Encounters Scotland, will introduce visitors to snakes, spiders, bearded dragons and other reptiles while promoting understanding and animal protection.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is asking Motherwell residents to complete a community survey about their experiences and priorities. The results will help her and her team identify the issues where they can make the greatest difference, alongside feedback gathered through casework, community visits and local events.

Wishaw woman Lynda Murray completed a charity tandem skydive from 10,000 feet at St Andrews Airfield, taking some of her late sister Irene’s ashes with her and scattering them during the jump. Inspired by Irene’s advice to live life fully, Murray overcame health and weight-related barriers after losing more than four stone. She joined Karen Cochrane and Nicola McCallum in raising about £4,200 for the Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation, exceeding their £3,000 target. Bad weather prevented four other participants from jumping, but they are expected to reschedule in October.

Glencairn Primary School in Motherwell has been judged to have made insufficient progress since a June 2025 inspection, with inspectors saying the pace of change remains too slow. Improvements have accelerated since a new headteacher took over in February 2026, including better resource allocation, clearer leadership responsibilities and interventions to improve literacy and numeracy. Because much of the work is still at an early stage, inspectors could not fully assess its impact and will liaise with North Lanarkshire Council before returning for another inspection within nine months.

Glasgow City Region’s eight-council partnership has reported more than £2 billion in investment and progress on major projects, including transport links, active-travel routes, industrial units and Skyrora’s planned spacecraft facility in Cumbernauld. North Lanarkshire Council depute leader Louise Roarty highlighted commitments to jobs, apprenticeships, skills and local businesses. Regional leaders agreed to develop a proposal for negotiations with the UK and Scottish Governments on greater funding and powers, covering transport, housing, infrastructure, skills, economic development and governance. The proposal will also include a dedicated poverty, health and inclusion workstream to ensure that regional empowerment contributes to reducing poverty and improving outcomes.

The SPFL Trust, Livingston FC and West Lothian Community Foundation are bringing the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge to children aged 5–12 across West Lothian. Participants must read four books, visit a local library and collect four stamps; completed cards can be exchanged for a free ticket to a selected Livingston FC home match, with an accompanying adult also eligible for a free ticket subject to terms and availability. The initiative aims to improve literacy, educational attainment and family engagement while encouraging children to use their local libraries.

Police Scotland detectives are seeking witnesses and information about a wilful fire on Manse Road in Kilsyth between midnight and 8 a.m. on August 18, 2026. A window and its surround, along with a plant pot, were damaged, but no injuries were reported. Police asked anyone with relevant information to call 101 and quote reference 3360 of August 18, 2026.

North Lanarkshire Council planners have approved plans to convert a vacant music shop on Stewarton Street in Wishaw town centre into a licensed restaurant and cafe with takeaway facilities. The proposal includes internal and external alterations, while retaining the sandstone frontage and joining the existing unit to a new-build section. Planners found the design, location and scale acceptable, and assessments indicated that noise and coal-mining risks could be managed. No objections were received, and no on-site parking is planned.

Motorists in Shotts are being warned about two upcoming road closures. Burnbrae Road will close from 4am to 5pm on August 23 for road-marking refurbishment, while Station Road will close for one day on August 30 for carriageway resurfacing. Access will be maintained where practical, with drivers directed to use alternative routes via nearby A-roads and B-roads.

David Matulyan and Manushak Eknosian have moved from a difficult third-floor flat into a ground-floor Wheatley Homes East property in Deans South, better accommodating their three-year-old son’s additional support needs. The family says the quieter, cleaner home has made them feel safer and significantly eased daily life. The property is part of a £9 million development by Wheatley and Springfield Partnerships, which includes one-, two- and three-bedroom affordable homes and a play park. The development will provide 136 homes in total and won Affordable Development of the Year at the 2026 Homes for Scotland Awards.

Wishaw and Motherwell MSP Clare Adamson has highlighted financial support available to families in North Lanarkshire before the new school year. Last year, 1,470 local families received the £331.95 Best Start School Age Payment, while free school meals and increased School Clothing Grants provide further assistance. Adamson said the measures are important amid continuing cost-of-living pressures and contrasted Scotland’s support package with reductions elsewhere in the UK.

West Lothian College has received Investors in People’s highest, platinum-level accreditation, recognizing the integration of staff-support policies and people-focused practices across the institution. The college, which serves more than 6,000 students annually from its Livingston campus, says the award reflects years of investment, continuous improvement and staff dedication. Investors in People CEO Katherine Chapman congratulated the college, while Principal and CEO Hazel Brady said it would continue developing its culture, innovation and support for students and communities.

A free outdoor gym has opened beside the MUGA and sports pitches at Shields Drive in Muirhouse. Built by North Lanarkshire Council in partnership with Motherwell Phoenix Football Club, the facility has 11 pieces of equipment and safer wetpour surfacing. The project received £35,000 from the council’s Local Development Programme, and Councillor Geraldine Woods said it would support residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Almond Valley in Livingston recorded nearly 24,000 visitors in July, a 12% increase on the same month last year and its busiest July on record. The attraction credits its summer programme, including the popular football-predicting donkey Poncho McTominay, festivals and family activities. The registered charity, which began as a campaign to preserve a historic mill, now welcomes more than 145,000 visitors annually, employs and supports around 50 staff, volunteers and craftspeople, and keeps entry prices accessible while funding animal care and site operations.

Window Supply Company has donated £1,000 to the West Lothian Schools Pipe Band, helping fund its planned trip to New York for the 2027 Tartan Day Parade. The band aims to raise £5,000 so all young pipers and drummers can participate in the trip, which will mark its 20th anniversary and showcase West Lothian’s Scottish cultural heritage. The donation is part of WSC’s community-support efforts, and the band is seeking further contributions from local businesses, organizations and the public.

Construction has begun on The Village Quarter at Wester Inch in Bathgate, including five retail units intended to create a long-awaited village centre. Persimmon Homes is also building 85 energy-efficient homes, including 18 affordable properties, and will contribute £300,000 to local schools. The project is expected to create jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, with homes ranging from two- to three-bedroom properties priced from £205,995.

Bellway Homes has applied to North Lanarkshire Council to increase its Wemysshill Farm development in Overtown from 601 to 633 homes. The revised proposal would reduce larger four- and five-bedroom properties and add more terraced and three-bedroom semi-detached homes to address local demand and provide more first-time family housing. The development would also include retail and community uses, open space, play areas, landscaping, roads, footpaths and drainage across the nearly 70-hectare site.

Scottish Water has submitted plans to North Lanarkshire Council for a project designed to protect the South Calder Water and improve the local sewer network. The work would include a new pipe bridge, a screened storm overflow chamber and sewer upgrades to reduce debris entering the water during heavy rainfall. Some trees would be removed, followed by reinstatement and compensatory planting. The investment is part of Scottish Water’s £500 million Improving Urban Waters programme.

More than 250 young people were recognised at a North Lanarkshire celebration event for completing the council’s early-careers programmes. A record 207 students finished the seven-week paid Summer Placement Programme, while 73 apprentices are supported through the Modern Apprenticeship Programme and 15 university students took part in the council’s first internship programme. Participants gained experience across areas including health and social care, digital services, education, business support and construction, with council leaders and employer partners highlighting the programmes’ role in building confidence, skills and the future local workforce.

Hundreds of families attended the opening weekend of Flip Out Livingston, a 20,000-square-foot indoor adventure park at Livingston Designer Outlet. The venue features trampolines, Ninja Tag, inflatables, soft play, arcade games, party rooms and a diner. It is Flip Out's second Scottish location and 32nd UK site, strengthening the outlet's leisure offering. Further promotion is planned through free acrobatic performances by local group Elevate Acro on August 15, while operators and outlet management said they were encouraged by the strong public response.

Children First is reminding parents and carers across Lanarkshire that its free, confidential support line is available throughout the year, particularly as children return to school. The service provides emotional, practical and financial assistance on issues including anxiety, mental health, family relationships, money worries and online harm. Nearly 14,000 people used the service in the past year, while a mother named Laura described the support as a lifeline that helped her and her son Sean during a difficult period. Chief executive Mary Glasgow urged families to seek help before problems become overwhelming.

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Lanarkshire supported the “It Will Cost You” campaign by visiting licensed premises in Larkhall, Carluke, Airdrie, Coatbridge and East Kilbride. They warned that buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000, up to three months in prison, or both. Police Scotland and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation urged communities and retailers to help prevent proxy purchasing, which remains a serious issue despite increased public awareness.

Pupils at Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride achieved exceptional 2026 exam results, including five A grades at Higher level and seven A grades at National 5. The results are expected to support progression into university, further education, training and employment. Headteacher Annette Alexander praised the pupils' hard work, while South Lanarkshire education officials highlighted strong attainment across the region, including more than half of S4 learners gaining five or more National 5 qualifications and over 60% of S5 learners gaining at least one Higher.

Music in Lanark has announced a new season themed “The World in Sound: Music Without Borders,” with concerts returning to the New Lanark World Heritage Site. The programme runs from September through May and includes Spanish and Latin American arrangements, a piano presentation of The Little Prince, a musical journey through the Danube region, opera-and-dining evenings, an Italian flute-and-piano recital, and a Beethoven and Gershwin programme performed by University of St Andrews scholars. Most concerts cost £15, while meal-event prices were still to be confirmed.

Jackton Distillery has opened the public pre-sale of RAER Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The Inaugural Release, priced at £68. Limited to 6,000 hand-numbered bottles, the whisky was distilled, matured and bottled at the South Lanarkshire distillery, with shipping from September 4 and collection available. The release combines Bourbon, Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado and Oloroso cask maturation and is bottled at 48.7% ABV with natural colour and no chill filtration. Managing Director Jaynie Kean said the product represents the Kean family’s first major single malt release after laying down its first casks in 2020.

North Lanarkshire Council has announced extensive road closures and traffic restrictions for the North Lanarkshire Half Marathon on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The event will start and finish at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, with disruptions affecting Carfin, Newarthill, Holytown, Mossend, New Stevenston and parts of Motherwell. Traffic management will operate from about 4am until 4pm, with restrictions lifted progressively after the race route is cleared. The event will also include 5K, 1K, 400m and toddler races, alongside a family fun zone.

More than 1,000 people attended the second annual Wellness in Wishaw event at the Houldsworth Centre, where over 40 organizations offered free health advice, wellbeing support, family activities and access to local services. Support covered issues including menopause, continence, stress and distress, and falls prevention. University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire organized the event with health, social care, voluntary and community partners, while Clare Adamson MSP recognized the initiative in a Scottish Parliament motion for bringing early-intervention services closer to local residents.

Lorraine Bowman of Bellshill will compete with Scotland’s first NHS Golden Jubilee heart transplant sports team at the British Transplant Games in Sheffield. The 11 competitors and seven supporters will take part in multiple sporting events, including the Donor Run, to celebrate the life-changing impact of transplantation, honour donors and their families, and encourage conversations about organ donation. NHS Golden Jubilee chief executive Carolynne O’Connor and team captain Alison Gray highlighted the recipients’ resilience and the opportunities created by donor generosity.

The Scottish Comedians Theatre tour will visit East Kilbride later in the year, bringing four established performers—Des Clarke, Raymond Mearns, Dean Park and Liam Dolan—to the stage. The show is scheduled for Friday, October 9, with tickets priced at £20 and available through South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture.

South Lanarkshire Council is encouraging residents and community groups to use its public petitions process to raise issues relating to council services or matters affecting the community. The Petitions Committee, established in 2018, can consider petitions deemed appropriate, provided they clearly explain their purpose and intended outcome. Council officials say the process supports open and transparent decision-making, while the Executive Committee has recently approved changes to how the Petitions Committee will operate.

Exam results across Almond Valley and West Lothian improved, with higher pass rates in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, record National 5 passes, and a 121% rise in vocational and technical qualifications compared with pre-pandemic levels. The poverty-related attainment gap also narrowed against both the previous year and 2019. MSP Angela Constance praised pupils, families and teachers, while highlighting free results and careers guidance from Skills Development Scotland for students considering university, college, apprenticeships, work or training.

North Lanarkshire will receive £821,000 through the Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport programme, providing free and low-cost activities for young people during the summer. The funding is part of nearly £12 million allocated to local authorities from a wider £20 million budget investment, which also includes plans to extend free swimming lessons to all Scottish primary schoolchildren. Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson welcomed the investment, saying it would reduce financial barriers to participation and promote healthier, more active lifestyles.

Children and parents in Coltness have organized a petition urging North Lanarkshire Council to create a new accessible playpark. The community says a former play area in Lauder Crescent was removed and never replaced, leaving the nearest equipped playground about a 24-minute walk away. Residents are asking the council to assess the former site or other nearby council-owned land. The council says it has not yet received the petition but will process it under its petitions procedure and is willing to explore potential projects with the community.

Taylor Wimpey East Scotland has donated £500 to Winchburgh Community Development Trust’s Summer Brick Club, enabling the programme to accommodate more children during the school holidays. The donation builds on previous support that increased the number of available sessions, while representatives from the housebuilder attended a session and praised the activity’s creative and community benefits.

Uddingston has launched a community-led heritage trail featuring 18 points of interest across the village. Developed by charity Grow Uddingston with funding from South Lanarkshire Council and design support from Tigerbond, the trail offers 4.5-mile and 2.5-mile routes, plus individual locations to explore. Information boards at Uddingston Cross and Old Mill Road include QR codes, with one highlighting local inventor John Wilkie. Residents are being invited to contribute photographs and historical information to expand the project.

Volunteers led by Kenny Ritchie and supported by Phoenix Futures, Kwik Fit and North Lanarkshire Council are restoring Motherwell’s historic Japanese Garden in Dalzell Estate. The garden had deteriorated because of weathering, overgrowth and vandalism, but the project has improved access, cleared vegetation and protected surviving features including historic stone steps modeled on those at the Temple of Buddha in Nagasaki. Organizers hope the revived garden will again become a valued attraction for the local community.

Asda Newmains employee Martin Moroney choked on part of a bacon roll during a staff break and initially went to the toilets to avoid drawing attention. Colleague Jordan Nicholson, who has first-aid training, heard his distress and successfully performed the Heimlich manoeuvre after back-patting failed. Moroney said Nicholson’s quick response likely saved his life, while store manager David Welsh praised Nicholson and expressed relief that the incident ended safely.

North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy attended the consecration of a new permanent church for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Craigneuk. The former Craigneuk and Belhaven Church of Scotland building was purchased for the community, which has worshipped in several diocesan churches across Lanarkshire for more than 25 years. The new church marks a permanent place of worship and community, while the sale also reflects the Church of Scotland’s wider decline in membership and plans to close hundreds of buildings.

Hyndford Road in Lanark will undergo resurfacing in two phases during the first half of August. The section between St Kentigerns Roundabout and Braxfield Road is scheduled to close from August 4 for up to four days, followed by a closure between Hyndford Bridge and the A70 from August 9. Diversions will be provided, but significant delays and restricted property access are expected. The work will cost about £200,000, with the council saying it will improve the road while urging drivers and residents to plan ahead.

Love Island contestant Ellie Chadwick returned to Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian with Finley Maddock, visiting former colleagues, resident bears Eso and Byara, and capybaras Mocha and Clementine. The visit followed the couple's appearance in the show's 2026 final and reinforced their relationship after Ellie chose to leave the villa with Finley when he was eliminated. The pair said they were happy together, despite Finley's earlier brief coupling and kiss with contestant Elicia Bailley.

South Lanarkshire’s next General Election for all established Community Councils will take place on 22 October 2026. Current community councillors will stand down but may seek re-election under amended terms. Eligible residents can be nominated by a proposer and seconder, with nomination forms due to the Community Council Liaison Officer by 4pm on 10 September 2026.

Ailsa Builders has donated £500 to the Larkhall and District Volunteer Group through the Community Benefits Hub, helping sustain its free Handyperson Service after a reduction in core funding. Volunteers carry out non-emergency household tasks, including fitting mobility aids, changing light bulbs, assembling furniture and installing key safes, enabling adults who cannot manage the work themselves to remain safe and independent at home.

Specsavers Wishaw has introduced ZEST, a 10–20-minute in-store procedure intended to improve dry-eye symptoms by using an okra-based gel and specialised swab to clean the eyelids and lashes. Optometrist director Erin Riddell says patients should receive a full assessment to determine suitability, and notes that dry eye is often chronic and may require ongoing management and home care.

Bee colonies have been introduced at Ravenscraig’s new 13-acre sustainable woodland to support pollinators, native plants and wider biodiversity. The initiative, delivered with Sustainable Woodland Company, follows the planting of more than 3,200 native trees and complements existing measures including protected ancient woodland, newt ponds, butterfly mounds and plover nesting areas. Ravenscraig Limited says the project forms part of its broader plan to create a sustainable community alongside new homes, employment, education, leisure facilities and green infrastructure.

Livingston dancer CJ Miller, 25, became an international viral sensation after performing a choreographed routine with a mop during Commonwealth Games netball events at Glasgow’s Hydro. The performance spread across social media and international broadcasts, surprising his family and leading to widespread attention. Miller, who has appeared in California Schemin’ and The Buccaneers, said he enjoyed creating varied routines for enthusiastic crowds and viewed the Games as a positive force bringing countries together. His performances conclude before the Games’ closing ceremony, headlined by Simple Minds.

Nike will relocate to a substantially larger store at Livingston Designer Outlet, nearly doubling its retail space and opening in late September 2026. The expansion reflects Nike’s continued investment in the site and Global Mutual’s strategy of reconfiguring units and strengthening the sportswear offer. The outlet recently reported 16% year-on-year sales growth and an 18% rise in footfall, while its sports category grew 8%. The new store will offer a broader range of Nike apparel, footwear and accessories alongside brands including Adidas, Puma and Under Armour. The deal follows further leasing activity involving Castore, NEXT, Flip Out, Tikka Nation and Hamilton & Brown.

Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash and 25 other Scottish Labour MPs are urging Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth to match England’s business-rates reductions for pubs, social clubs and live music venues. They warn that Scotland’s hospitality sector has received about £200 million less state support than England and that pub closures are accelerating. The Scottish Government says its 2026–27 budget provides more than £870 million in reliefs, with 96% of Scottish retail, hospitality and leisure businesses eligible for some support, but is awaiting clarity on the impact of UK measures on Scotland’s block grant.

Claremont Rambling Club members and visitors traveled by ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay for a sunny walking day on the Isle of Bute. Most completed a leisurely route of just under six miles to Port Bannatyne marina, while others undertook a hillier nine-mile circular hike via Loch Ascog and Kerrycroy Bay. The group later socialized in Rothesay before returning to East Kilbride.

Residents at Drummond Drive Retirement Complex in Wishaw are benefiting from a £1.5 million North Lanarkshire Council refurbishment. The work introduced dementia-friendly features, better accessibility, energy-efficient lighting, upgraded communal and outdoor spaces, quiet rooms, a hairdressing area and mobility scooter storage. Residents helped choose the finishes and furnishings, and council representatives said the improvements support independence, wellbeing and community life.

Hamilton Park’s Cube Glass Ladies’ Night will take place on August 1, featuring seven flat races, performances by The Wanted 2.0 and Nadine Coyle, and a DJ set from Capital Scotland’s Katy J. Paige Turley will co-judge the Best Dressed Lady and Man of Style competitions, whose prizes include a Marbella trip, cash, vouchers and a Gleneagles stay. Tickets start at £40, with online discounts available, while under-18s enter free.

Nearly 500 people attended Link Group’s fifth annual Bathgate Summer Fun Day at Creamery Park in West Lothian. The free event offered families activities including face painting, bouncy castles, football, arts and crafts, food and a sensory tent. Link Group staff, tenants and football club volunteers ran activities and information stalls, while Andy’s Man Club, the 50+ Network and Food Train also attended. Organizers said the event strengthened tenant engagement, community connections and communication with local residents.

Dobbies Livingston is organising a programme of autumn events for children, families, dog owners and gardening enthusiasts. Activities include an autumn-themed Crafternoon Tea, a Halloween Little Scare-lings party with crafts and games, the dog-friendly Pup-kin Patch, and a guided autumn terrarium workshop. Bookings are available through the Dobbies events website.

Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance is urging eligible West Lothian residents to receive the HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Although Scotland recorded no cervical cancer cases among women fully vaccinated at age 12 or 13 since the programme began in 2008, national vaccination coverage has declined from 93.3% in 2015–16 to 82.9% in 2024–25. West Lothian’s coverage was about 78.1% by the end of S4, prompting calls to maintain progress.

North Lanarkshire Council is inviting teams of workmates, friends, families, community groups and schools aged 16 and over to enter its 2026 seven-a-side suicide prevention football tournament at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility on September 9. The event aims to bring communities together, reduce stigma and encourage people to talk openly about mental health. Advice stalls will be provided by SAMH, Kooth, Scottish Fire and Rescue and You Are My Sunshine Charity. Teams can register by email for a £15 entry fee.

Wishaw death metal five-piece BrainBath will release its debut album, HeadHunted, worldwide on 7 August through Macho Records on vinyl and Memento Mori on CD. Recorded at Deep Storm Productions and mastered by Arthur Rizk, the album follows the debut single and video Brained. The band will celebrate with a hometown launch show in Glasgow on 11 September, while guitarist Kenneth Woods and North Lanarkshire provost Kenneth Duffy highlighted the release as a milestone for the local music scene.

Maxim Park in Eurocentral, Motherwell, is expanding its indoor golf offering by welcoming Nexgen Golf to 1,800 square feet of retail space at Maxim 3. Following refurbishment, the new centre is expected to operate 24/7 and will feature three Trackman iO simulator bays, alongside coaching, corporate events and product launches. The expansion adds to the park's existing leisure and wellbeing facilities, with Maxim representatives saying it will support employee wellbeing and make the site more attractive to workers, visitors and businesses.

Livingston Designer Outlet has entered a season‑long partnership with the Edinburgh Capitals, becoming the ice hockey club’s main jersey sponsor and hosting regular fan events, player appearances and promotions aimed at enhancing community engagement. Outlet director Michelle Whitelaw and Murrayfield Ice Arena general manager Scott Neil highlighted the collaboration’s role in expanding the club’s reach and providing new experiences for supporters. The Capitals continue to grow after the reopening of their home arena and enter the season as Scottish National League and Scottish Cup champions.

The Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health is closing its Wishaw Wellbeing Class Programme, citing a difficult decision and expressing gratitude to participants, volunteers and staff. The charity highlighted the programme’s positive impact on the community and acknowledged previous service closures due to rising costs, while affirming its continued role in local support services.

John Barrowman will perform his My Life in Musicals show at Lanark Memorial Hall on October 20, offering an evening of music and stories from his West End and Broadway career. Tickets are priced at £35 and available through South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture outlets.

Free training sessions from the Connected Lives programme will be held in Livingston to help third sector workers, volunteers and carers better support people living with dementia through socially connected activities. Developed by Befriending Networks and funded by the Scottish Government’s Dementia Resilient Communities Fund, the CPD-accredited course combines research, case studies and practical guidance. Facilitated by Edel Roddy, the programme aims to enhance confidence and skills in delivering dementia‑friendly events, with further sessions available across Scotland and online.

Seven community groups in Winchburgh received shares of £4,000 in Community Chest funding provided by Winchburgh Developments and Cala Homes. Judges selected groups including the Scouts, netball and basketball clubs, and local organisations supporting accessibility and community activities. Representatives from the partnering organisations praised the strength of applications and highlighted the funding’s role in supporting new initiatives and expanding opportunities for residents. Beneficiary groups noted plans to use the grants to enhance programmes, purchase equipment, and increase access for young people and disabled riders.

Two Wetherspoon pubs in Rutherglen and Cambuslang will host a 10‑day craft cider festival from July 31 to August 9, offering a range of UK ciders for £2.99 per pint along with tasting options and digital notes. Pub manager Kat Scouller highlights the chance to showcase varieties not previously available to customers.

Two East Kilbride pubs, The Hay Stook and Hudsons, have been shortlisted for the CAMRA Lanarkshire Pub of the Year award. They will compete alongside venues in Strathaven, Lanark, Biggar and Cambuslang, with judges assessing ale quality, atmosphere, service and community focus before selecting a winner later in the year.

A South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture initiative funded by the Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport programme is upgrading football facilities across several communities by installing nets, refurbishing goalposts and supporting local clubs and groups. Initially launched in Clydesdale, the project has expanded to Cambuslang, Rutherglen and Hamilton, with partners collaborating to deliver activities and provide equipment grants that strengthen community engagement and promote physical activity for young people.

Crosshill Church and Hall in Motherwell has been listed for sale by the Church of Scotland, with offers over £185,000 and a bid deadline of July 29. The property, noted for its size and potential flexibility, could be used for various community, cultural or commercial purposes pending consent. The sale forms part of a wider reduction in church buildings linked to falling membership and financial pressures. More details are available via the Church of Scotland’s website.

A Carluke welfare advocate encourages Lanarkshire residents to seek support when applying for Social Security Scotland benefits. She highlights successful cases, including securing backdated Child Disability Payment for families, and notes increasing inquiries about the newer Pension Age Disability Payment, particularly among older applicants who need face‑to‑face assistance. Advocacy.scot, run by Advice Direct Scotland, supports disabled people through every stage of the benefits process, offering home visits to overcome digital access barriers.

Two West Lothian volunteers, Del Kaiser and Caroline Storey, were honoured at the King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in recognition of their work within Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System. They were among 28 current and former volunteers attending, including Panel Members and Panel Practice Advisers. Children’s Hearings Scotland hosted a reception beforehand. Representatives emphasised the vital role volunteers play in supporting children and families and upholding their rights within the hearings system.

Livingston Designer Outlet is offering a free indoor beach attraction through August 9 in partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, featuring sand, themed décor, and a flamingo-naming contest with gift card prizes. Visitors may make voluntary donations to support the charity’s work with families across Scotland. Outlet director Michelle Whitelaw and charity CEO Emma Soanes highlighted the initiative’s role in providing inclusive, community‑focused summer activities.

An evidence session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis focused on challenges private sector employers face in supporting employees with endometriosis. Participants noted employers’ uncertainty about discussing the condition, a lack of confidence in implementing supportive workplace policies, and concerns among female employees about career progression. Kirsteen Sullivan highlighted that women’s experiences are often overlooked and stressed the need for better employer training and clearer, more consistent policies as the inquiry continues through October.

Les Hoey, known for his longstanding charity work supporting seriously ill children through the DreamMaker Foundation, attended the official opening of the Scottish Parliament as the invited guest of MSP Clare Adamson. King Charles opened the session, commending Scotland’s culture and the Tartan Army, while ceremonial regalia was brought to the chamber in a procession involving young people and Team Scotland athletes. First Minister John Swinney welcomed the monarch and highlighted the historical ties between Scotland and England.

Spotlight Shotts is launching a Summer Drama School for children aged five to eleven, running July 6–10 at the Henderson Theatre in Shotts. Led by director Nikki Kalkman, the program offers daily creative activities and concludes with a performance for families. Artistic Director Mark Traynor highlights the initiative as an affordable and engaging option for families during the holidays, with limited places encouraging early registration.

Pamela Nash praised the organisers of the Barrio Fiesta at Strathclyde Park, highlighting its celebration of Filipino culture through music, food and performances. The event featured market stalls and cultural showcases and was part of a series of similar festivals held across the UK. Nash commended the joyful atmosphere and the efforts of those involved in making the event successful.

A longstanding Wishaw pub, The Cherry Tree in Netherton, will undergo renovations under new management after the current operators announced their departure. Their statement expresses gratitude to patrons, staff and Punch Taverns. Local residents have launched a petition opposing Punch Taverns’ proposed conversion of the pub into a wet-sales sports bar, arguing it would undermine its family‑friendly role and community value.

Police in Lanarkshire are appealing for information to locate 53-year-old Stuart Kerr, last seen on June 30 in Strathaven. Officers provided a physical description and urged the public to report any sightings. Inspector Caroline Brennan noted growing concern for Kerr’s welfare and asked anyone with information to contact Police Scotland.

UKSE awarded £2,500 to Clydesdale Community Initiatives to enhance its monitoring and evaluation database, supporting personalised development plans for individuals facing barriers to employment and inclusion across Lanarkshire. The organisation, based at Langloch Farm, assists about 140 people weekly through practical community-focused activities and has seen rising demand linked to complex mental health needs and social isolation. The funding marks the third round of support from UKSE, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at strengthening community impact and expanding opportunities for participants.

Staff from Barratt and David Wilson Homes West Scotland raised £7,300 for Bookmark Reading Charity by completing a Tough Mudder challenge, with Barratt Redrow matching the £3,650 raised. The effort supports Bookmark’s literacy work aimed at improving children’s reading skills and educational outcomes. The charity has delivered more than 124,000 one‑to‑one sessions and aims to reach 500,000 children by 2027.

Lanarkshire households are being urged to submit meter readings before Ofgem’s new price cap takes effect, increasing average annual dual‑fuel bills by £221. Advice Direct Scotland warns that accurate readings help prevent overcharging and encourages checking for better tariffs, though many cheaper deals target affluent or smart‑meter users. The organisation highlights ongoing financial strain on households and offers free support for anyone struggling with energy debt or rising costs.

Scotland’s water regulator has issued a draft determination proposing limits on increases to water and wastewater charges between 2027 and 2033 while supporting £7.9 billion in investment to improve water quality, reliability, leakage reduction and environmental protections. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland invites public feedback before finalising the plan in October, having identified potential cost savings of £360 million compared with Scottish Water’s original proposal. Average bills are projected to rise by around £12 annually before inflation, with new charges set to take effect next April.

More than 12.8 million free bus journeys have been made by young people in North Lanarkshire since the launch of Scotland’s under‑22s free bus travel scheme in early 2022, contributing to over 310 million such journeys nationwide. Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, praised the initiative as a key measure supporting youth access to education, training and employment. She contrasted SNP policies with those of the UK Labour Government, highlighting SNP commitments to affordable public transport, including free travel for young, older and disabled people and the permanent removal of ScotRail peak fares.

North Lanarkshire Council has secured its 1,000th property through the Open Market Purchase Scheme, a key part of efforts to expand affordable housing, reduce homelessness and bring empty homes back into use. Officials highlight the programme’s role in strengthening communities, supporting regeneration and providing stability for tenants, with positive feedback from residents regarding improvements in housing availability and neighbourhood conditions.

An optometrist at the Wishaw Specsavers store marked five years of service after starting as a part‑time team member while studying at Glasgow Caledonian University. She has since qualified, become an experienced practitioner and is completing an Independent Prescriber qualification to expand the care she can offer. The article highlights her gratitude toward colleagues and enthusiasm for future career development.

Airdrie Town Hall will host The Diana Ross Story on September 2, presenting a two‑act musical tribute covering The Supremes and Diana Ross’ solo career. The show highlights her legacy of more than 100 million record sales and invites audiences to enjoy live performances of her most iconic hits, with ticket details provided for interested attendees.

Pamela Nash visited St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw to speak with students about issues such as mental health services, proposed data centres and recent unrest. She encouraged young people’s involvement in shaping their communities and stressed the importance of supporting education, mental health and local initiatives. Pupils asked questions about political decision‑making and the role of MPs, with students describing the session as informative and engaging.

A commemorative plaque honoring Sir Alexander Gibson was unveiled in New Stevenston to mark his 100th birthday. Local officials highlighted his legacy as a pioneering conductor, founder of Scottish Opera, and champion of accessible music. His family attended the ceremony, which included a Pop-Up Opera performance celebrating his contributions to Scotland’s cultural life.