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As former first minister Alex Salmond waved to photographers on his exit from Holyrood, something else left the building. An email sent by the Scottish Parliament's harassment committee that might yet breach the evidence impasse. For as long, detailed and explosive as six hours of testimony was from Mr Salmond, it's not underpinned by available paperwork. And therein lies its inherent weakness. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Will Salmond inquiry damage the SNP? He's been taunted by his one-time friend now big-time enemy Nicola Sturgeon , who was calling for "the evidence" before his witness appearance and, minutes afterwards, her spokesperson was repeating her demands in its wake. Mr Salmond says it's not his fault that little evidence has been produced. He insists he is "severely hampered" by an inability to access a range of documents supporting a number of occasions, partly because of government obstruction. … [Read more...] about As Alex Salmond waved to photographers on his exit from Holyrood, something else left the building too

ALONGSIDE hiking boots, a waterproof hiking jacket is one of the best pieces of kit you can invest in if you’re planning on going walking regularly year-round. Unlike a normal coat, a women's waterproof hiking jacket is designed with the conditions you’re likely to encounter when exploring footpaths and hillsides in mind. A good jacket is waterproof, rather than simply water-resistant. The difference is that a waterproof jacket can withstand wet conditions for a long duration, and will continue to deflect rain long after a water-resistant alternative has started to absorb moisture. A waterproof hiking jacket is also highly breathable – essential when you need to carry on walking even when the weather changes and you want to have to choose between turning into a sweaty mess or getting wet. Key features to look out for include an adjustable hood, cuffs and hems, while more premium jackets will be made from highly technical materials such as the waterproof fabric Gore-Tex. Not … [Read more...] about The best waterproof hiking jackets for women you can buy in 2021

A SAVVY couple managed to double the value of their house with a smart renovation - and it’s now worth £2 million. Mum Tracey Gill and her husband bought the house in a small village near East Sussex in 2016, and have been transforming it ever since. Tracey says her husband gave her a fairly wide brief when house-hunting, explaining he said: “Find a house ripe for transformation in the prettiest location. I knew I could change any house we bought so the important factor was the land and location.” The house, which they bought for £1.25million, dates back to 1730 in places and had low ceilings - not great for Tracey's 6ft4ins husband. Describing the state they bought it in, the mum-of-two said: “It was covered in cream pebble dash with concrete roof tiles, a north facing conservatory on the front of the house, modern leaded light windows, low ceilings, dark rooms, artexed walls, cheap fittings, decades old carpets, pink shag pile in the bathroom and an unimaginative … [Read more...] about Couple double the value of their house with stunning renovation and it’s now worth £2million

IT was nine days ago, on a FaceTime call to my best friend Laura, that her frustration with my bewildered, preoccupied face got the better of her and she exclaimed: “For goodness sake, get on Tinder and meet people. You need the distraction, woman!” She was right. This third lockdown has hit me hard — like so many others — and while our struggles are all relative, I’ve found the lack of social interaction tough. Although I live in a nice house and have a great outside space, I’m basically at home with a 12-year-old boy, Malcolm, a 16-year-old girl, Martha, and a dog with leukaemia. The only other adult I see is my ex-husband whenever he picks up or drops off our son. Oh, and obviously I see people on my dog walks. But something has certainly been missing. I have to admit, I have been un­com­promising about the prospect of dating apps. Not only am I a technophobe — I took 12 months to transfer my old phone to my new one ­­— I’m also an old-fashioned bird. I like … [Read more...] about I joined Tinder at 53, I won’t date anyone younger than 26 especially if they send me pics of their ‘Sergeant Major’

THE rumour mill is gathering pace with the Budget just days away. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is believed to be plotting a pensions raid and business tax hike alongside more support for workers and struggling families. The Budget will be held on Wednesday March 3. The Chancellor takes centre-stage as he outlines the government's plans for tax hikes, cuts and things like changes to Universal Credit and the minimum wage. It is due to take place at around 12.30pm, once Prime Minster's questions ends in the House of Commons. The update is likely to focus on the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis. What is the Budget? THE Budget is when the government outlines its plans for tax hikes, cuts and things like changes to the minimum wage. It's different to the Spending Review , which sets out how much public cash will go towards funding certain departments, devolved government's and services, such as the NHS. The Budget is read out in the House of Commons … [Read more...] about Budget 2021 predictions including furlough and universal credit extension