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Cairngorms Wildfire: Partial easing of exclusion zone planned as response enters third week

Emergency services have agreed a phased reduction of part of the exclusion zone surrounding the Cairngorms wildfire, subject to a series of safety measures and operational mitigations being fully implemented. As the multi-agency response enters its third week, a strict exclusion zone has remained in place to protect public safety while firefighting operations continue. Although significant progress has been made in tackling the wildfire, substantial risks remain, including ongoing firefighting activity, helicopter operations, heavy machinery movements, tree felling, unstable ground, deep-seated […]

todayJuly 31, 2026 8

Local News

Celebrations as Scottish Pipe Band Champions announced at Levengrove Park

Thousands of spectators enjoyed a showcase of traditional music in Dumbarton this weekend as the Scottish Pipe Band Championships rolled into town.The event hosted more 130 pipe bands from all over Scotland, the United Kingdom and across the world, each competing to be crowned champions.After a day of intense competition at Levengrove Park,  there were celebrations for Inverary and District, who were named as the overall winners.The band were presented with the winners' trophy by Chieftain of the event, West […]

todayJuly 27, 2026 13

Local News

Emergency services urge people to stay away as Cairngorms wildfire operations continue

Emergency services are urging walkers, visitors and members of the public to stay away from areas affected by the ongoing wildfire incident in the Cairngorms National Park as firefighting operations continue throughout the weekend and into next week.Significant progress has been made in tackling the fire, however substantial hotspots remain across a vast area of challenging and remote terrain. Firefighters and partner agencies will remain on scene over the coming days to tackle remaining pockets of fire, prevent reignition and […]

todayJuly 23, 2026 13

Local News

SFRS graduation ceremony welcomes the highest number of female firefighters

Scotland's next generation of firefighters are preparing to take up posts in communities across the country – including a record number of women recruited in a single intake.   A total of 68 new trainee firefighters graduated at a ceremony held at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) headquarters in Cambuslang on Friday, 17 July. This was attended by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray.   Having successfully completed 18 weeks of intensive training, the firefighters will now begin their operational […]

todayJuly 23, 2026 80

Local News

Balloch Ash Tree nominated as Tree of the Year

Balloch Park's much-loved Ash tree has been nominated for the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year 2026 competition.The 200-year-old tree, which has survived a lightning strike, multiple storms, a hurricane and even Ash dieback disease, has become a popular picnic spot and photo opportunity for the park's visitors over the years - including Oasis fans during a 1996 gig at the park.It has now been recognised as an important local landmark and a valued part of the area's natural heritage.It […]

todayJuly 22, 2026 17

Local News

Senior pupils encouraged to apply for £120 monthly EMA payment

Senior pupils in West Dunbartonshire are encouraged to apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the new academic year.Young people aged 16-19 who are staying on at school may be eligible for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August 2026.The grant, which is paid fortnightly, provides an incentive for young people from lower income families to continue with their education, either in school or college.During 2025/26, £224,706 was shared with 237 young people across the authority’s […]

todayJuly 22, 2026 21

Local News

Essential Resurfacing on the A898 Erskine Bridge Southbound from 7th August

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential resurfacing on the southbound A898 Erskine Bridge from 8pm on Friday 7th August until 6am on Monday 10th August 2026 under a full weekend closure of the southbound carriageway and northbound Lane 2.  All traffic management will be removed by 6am on Monday 10th August 2026 following completion of works. Traffic management and diversions are as follows: Motorway Traffic Diversion: Traffic travelling southbound will be diverted to A82 Great Western Road (eastbound), joining the M8 at Junction 17 (westbound) on-slip from West Graham Street, and continuing on the M8 to Junction 30 where diversion ends. Non- Motorway Traffic Diversion: Traffic travelling southbound will be diverted via the A82 […]

todayJuly 22, 2026 24

Local News

First Minister thanks emergency services at scene of Cairngorms wildfire

First Minister John Swinney today met firefighters at the scene of an ongoing wildfire incident in the Cairngorms National Park.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has deployed significant resources to tackle this incident since the alarm was first raised on Wednesday, 15 July. This includes more than 100 firefighters, specialist wildfire units, and a high-volume pump drawing water from Loch Morlich, supported by partner agencies and helicopter water bombing operations.The wildfire has affected around 10 square kilometres of land […]

todayJuly 21, 2026 12

Local News

Jackie Baillie Praises Local Hero for Community Effort

Balloch resident Kevin Osborne had the opportunity to meet the King as part of celebrations to mark the official opening of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday.The former submariner was the area’s Local Hero and guest of MSP Jackie Baillie, at the weekend event.He joined Jackie to mark the official opening of the seventh session of the Scottish parliament – which was established in 1999.Kevin was selected from a shortlist of local heroes, nominated to attend for their efforts in the […]

todayJuly 2, 2026 40 2

Local News

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 4th and 5th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 4th and 5th of July with lots of things to see and do!  With live music and entertainment, a whole host of street food and stalls, children's rides and much more, it's a great family day out for everyone.Lomond Radio will be taking control of the stage this year, hosting and organising the brilliant musical line-up over the weekend, featuring talented local musicians.With a big line up of […]

todayJune 26, 2026 45

Local News

‘SHINE’ programme offers free activities over the holidays

West Dunbartonshire Council has launched a fun packed programme of free and engaging activities over the school holidays.  The Council’s “School Holidays Involve Nurture & Engage” (SHINE) is a six week action packed programme that will help keep children fit, entertained and having fun over the school holidays. This year the Council is also offering a programme of free activities which are tailored to families of children with an additional support need. In partnership with 30 local organisations, families can access a […]

todayJune 25, 2026 27

Local News

Council bids farewell to dedicated Church Representative

Ellen McBride has stepped down as Church Representative on the Council’s Educational Services committee after dedicating 26 years to the role.Members of the committee bid a fond farewell to her at this week’s meeting.Ellen, a former pupil at Notre Dame Clerkhill in Dumbarton, graduated as a teacher in the late sixties, supporting local children in St Stephen’s Primary School in Dalmuir, and then Head Teacher at St Peter’s Primary School in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton.Throughout her teaching career she was highly successful […]

todayJune 25, 2026 76 1 2

Local News

Young people encouraged to get active through free cycling and walking scheme

A programme of free cycling and walking activities will be on offer for young people over the school holidays as part of the Summer of Sport initiative.West Dunbartonshire Council's Active Travel has partnered with Vale of Leven Trust and Dumbarton Football Club Trust to expand active travel opportunities for young people.The initiative builds on the work of Vale of Leven Trust, which already provides a wide range of cycling and walking activities including cycling skills training, led rides, bike maintenance, […]

todayJune 25, 2026 19

Local News

Investment to ensure children Thrive at Five

Additional support to help families from pregnancy to primary school will be rolled out in West Dunbartonshire in a first for Scotland.A new programme, delivered in partnership with charity Thrive at Five, will be available initially for up to 2500 children to help them develop strong foundations for life and learning as well as achieve long-term sustained improvements in their development. A key focus will be to improve children’s speech, language and communication skills and reduce the number of children starting school […]

todayJune 25, 2026 73

Local News

SFRS Board approve changes to more than 30 fire stations

Decisions have been taken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board on proposed changes at more than 30 fire stations. This follows an extensive nationwide Service Delivery Review undertaken as part of continuing work to modernise the Service and ensure operational resources are matched to changing risk and demand. The Board met yesterday [Monday, 22 June] to consider and decide whether the Service should proceed with a suite of recommendations developed from the 23 options for change consulted on during 2025.Two […]

todayJune 23, 2026 19

Local News

Jackie Baillie Praises Local Hero for Community Effort

MSP Jackie Baillie has praised the efforts of local hero, Kevin Osborne, who is set to head to Holyrood to mark his significant contribution to the community.Jackie selected the Balloch man as her guest for the official opening of the Scottish Parliament’s seventh term, on Saturday.Faslane naval base worker, Kevin, was nominated for his effort in establishing volunteer group The Leven Line, which sees him dedicating his spare time to cleaning and renovating the banks of the River Leven.He will […]

todayJune 22, 2026 51

Local News

Jackie Baillie Backs Traders During Scotland Loves Local Week

MSP Jackie Baillie has helped fly the flag for local businesses, to mark Scotland Loves Local week.The event, organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), aims to showcase the best of local business and highlight the critical need for support from residents.Dumbarton MSP Jackie, visited local traders to mark the event, which runs from June 13th to 20th – coinciding with the World Cup, the theme for this year's event is centred around 'Flying the Flag' for local business.The event is designed to […]

todayJune 22, 2026 17

Local News

Loch Lomond swim event helps pupils build life-saving water skills

Pupils from West Dunbartonshire took part in a unique open water swimming experience at Loch Lomond this week to equip them with vital water safety skills.The initiative aims to broaden pupils’ awareness of the risks associated with swimming in open water, while also helping to build their confidence in a safe and supervised environment.Up to 100 Primary 6 and 7 pupils who have participated in the Council’s school swimming programme participated in the event, which was held to mark National […]

todayJune 19, 2026 41

Local News

Celebrations as original World Cup returns to Renton

The original World Cup is coming home to West Dunbartonshire almost 140 years after Renton FC became the first ever club to hold the title.The club sailed to victory with a 4-1 win against West Bromwich Albion in May 1888. Taking place in Cathkin Park in Glasgow, the match was organised to decide the Champions of the World between Scotland's cup holders and England's FA cup holders.The success is a proud part of Renton’s history with a ‘Champions of the […]

todayJune 19, 2026 34 1

Local News

Maid Makeover Needs You!

Loch Lomond Steamship Company is embarking on an exciting phase of the Maid of the Loch's restoration when her volunteers will aim to prepare the ship for relaunch next year and return to her berth at the pier in Balloch – but they need help from anyone who wants to see this ship looking good again - a Maid Makeover.Over the next few months old paint will be removed, back to bare metal and then she will be coated in […]

todayJune 17, 2026 25

Local News

Residents warned about disposing of batteries in household bins after fires

Residents are being reminded to dispose of batteries safely after two fires within waste services.The cause of the fires, one at Dalmoak Recycling Centre and another in a bin lorry, is unknown however unsafe disposal of single use batteries or devices with lithium batteries has led to similar situations arising across the country.If batteries or devices with hidden batteries - such as laptops, tablets or vaping products – enter the general waste stream they present a fire hazard when crushed […]

todayJune 16, 2026 30

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