Stuart McFarlane

The new 'Intae-Rail' guide being run by Scotrail outlines 15 itineraries for visitors to swap some of Europe's most popular sites for some destinations closer to home.

A Loch Lomond-based conservation charity has pitched in to help out to tidy up a former clan stronghold dating back to the 16th century.

The hotel, which has been in the area for 150 years, has secured investment to deliver upgraded guest rooms, a revamped leisure club and entirely re-modelled restaurant, bar and public spaces.

Louise Tait was fostered herself as a teenager after becoming pregnant at the age of 14 in a childhood she describes as being “marked with fear” - and is now encouraging others to get involved.

A Stirling barber shop has proved itself to be a cut above after being named as the best in Scotland at a top awards ceremony.

The solar panels are estimated to save the community centre around £9,000 a year in energy costs during a time of surging bills amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The £2 cap for services was passed on to those travelling in Strathclyde - but passengers in areas like Strathblane and Blanefield face paying extra than those just over the boundary line.

Bus passengers in west Stirling are on the wrong end of a “postcode lottery” over a recently-introduced £2 bus price cap, according to the area's MP.

The union is balloting members in primary schools across the council area over the plan to pay an external supplier to cook and deliver pupils’ lunches.

The festive appeal aims to help those in need enjoy a special Christmas - with more charities and good causes than ever signed up to take part.