Travel: An action-packed adventure on the French Atlantic coast A common concern when visiting the best destinations in France is how long it might take to shift the extra pounds after enjoying so much incredible gourmet food and drink.

Travel: An action-packed adventure on the French Atlantic coast

My Scotland: Valtos band members share their top spots Skye-born Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald are Valtos, a band that has taken the trad and electronic music worlds by storm.

My Scotland: Valtos band members share their top spots

Scottish soul singer Brooke Combe on touring, playing US TV and learning from Lionel Richie Scottish soul singer Brooke Combe tells us all about her rising global fame and touring with a music legend...

Scottish soul singer Brooke Combe on touring, playing US TV and learning from Lionel Richie

The cost of dying: Terminally ill patients forced to pay for own palliative care Dying patients are paying privately for their own palliative care because of serious shortages in health service funding for the terminally ill, a Sunday Post special report reveals.

The cost of dying: Terminally ill patients forced to pay for own palliative care

Angela Constance signed off on claims that vital work to protect women from predators was complete after Esther Brown murder – but next to nothing had been done Justice Secretary Angela Constance signed off on false statements to The Sunday Post about the sickening murder of Glasgow pensioner Esther Brown by sex offender Jason Brown.

Angela Constance signed off on claims that vital work to protect women from predators was complete after Esther Brown murder – but next to nothing had been done

Domestic violence: Parents warn of more tragedies unless steps are taken to make strangulation a stand-alone offence with stiff sentences Families whose daughters were victims of the spiralling rise in strangulation warn more will die unless greater powers are given to prosecutors to crack down on the behaviour.

Domestic violence: Parents warn of more tragedies unless steps are taken to make strangulation a stand-alone offence with stiff sentences

Stand and Deliver: Play tells story of women behind the sit-in that shook Britain When Helen Monaghan watches the actors on stage recreating some of her real-life confrontations, she nods and, at times, looks as if she’s about to start mouthing some of the dialogue.

Stand and Deliver: Play tells story of women behind the sit-in that shook Britain

Numbers game: Is football performance data analysis the new doping in top leagues? It has been 40 years since a team other than Rangers or Celtic last won Scottish football’s top division.

Numbers game: Is football performance data analysis the new doping in top leagues?

Louise Gilmour: The last five years of parliament have been stagnant. We really need a reboot It was not, on balance, a great look for a supposedly progressive, modern democracy.

Louise Gilmour: The last five years of parliament have been stagnant. We really need a reboot

My Scotland: The best free fun with Sophie Knowles Sophie Knowles believes the best things in life are free.

My Scotland: The best free fun with Sophie Knowles

‘I survived cancer – but it’s robbed me of the big family I’d always dreamed of’ A young mother has married her sweetheart in a romantic wedding after she survived an aggressive cancer.

‘I survived cancer – but it’s robbed me of the big family I’d always dreamed of’

Historic golf gurus are driving force behind venture suiting inner-city Glasgow children to a tee Logan McGroarty is not your typical golfer. His folks are not members of a leafy and long-established club. And, at 10 years old, he’s a good few years off ordering a G&T at the 19th hole.

Historic golf gurus are driving force behind venture suiting inner-city Glasgow children to a tee

James McAvoy reveals how a careers talk at school led to stardom and admits fears over appearing in his own movie On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Glasgow, James McAvoy breezes through the doors of a city centre hotel and slips into the lift without any fanfare.

James McAvoy reveals how a careers talk at school led to stardom and admits fears over appearing in his own movie

Spitfire hero’s reunion with iconic plane brings back dogfight memories A Second World War Spitfire pilot has made a poignant visit to his favourite aircraft as he brought back memories of his time in action.

Spitfire hero’s reunion with iconic plane brings back dogfight memories

Landmark verdict for abuser who strangled his wife triggers new campaign by law chiefs Scotland’s top law officials are set to launch a new crackdown on the growing practice of choking and throttling by domestic abusers in the wake of the Lee Milne conviction.

Landmark verdict for abuser who strangled his wife triggers new campaign by law chiefs

SNP pledge to end ‘crime of passion’ defence in partner homicides Scotland’s centuries-old homicide laws could be overhauled to prevent murder accused from claiming a “crime of passion” when they kill their partner, we can exclusively reveal.

SNP pledge to end ‘crime of passion’ defence in partner homicides

A new story in Balamory: We go behind the scenes of children’s TV favourite’s return The year is 2002. My blue checked school dress has a grass stain on the skirt from a pencil roll race down the playground hill at lunchtime.

A new story in Balamory: We go behind the scenes of children’s TV favourite’s return

Women’s health set to be a battleground for Labour in Holyrood election Women's health and wellbeing will be front and centre of the Scottish Labour election manifesto when it is launched next week.

Women’s health set to be a battleground for Labour in Holyrood election

MacAulay ready to team up with old pal McCoist for star-studded World Cup show What could be better than two national treasures warming Scotland up for our World Cup adventure?

MacAulay ready to team up with old pal McCoist for star-studded World Cup show

Victim furious after disgraced mesh surgeon complains to press of a witch hunt against her A mesh surgeon who was suspended after wrongly telling a Scottish patient her implant had been fully removed has been criticised for claiming she is the victim of a witch hunt.

Victim furious after disgraced mesh surgeon complains to press of a witch hunt against her

My Scotland: Top walks with writer Lynsey Macready Based in the Highlands, Lynsey Macready is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time outdoors, discovering new walks and exploring Scotland.

My Scotland: Top walks with writer Lynsey Macready

Travel: Why the legacy of David Bowie is at the heart of major London changes Dear Sir, as we told you on the phone, Apple Records is not interested in signing David Bowie. The reason is that we don’t feel he is what we’re looking for at the moment. Thank you for your time.” This terse rejection letter from The Beatles’ record label in 1968 to David Bowie’s manager, written before the musician became one of most successful and iconic artists of the 20th Century, is one of the many fascinating exhibits at the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, London. It is a combination of a museum and warehouse, with paintings from the V&A archives hung on storage racks and art objects displayed on wooden pallets. Its jewel in the crown is the David Bowie Centre, which displays some of the 90,000 items from his personal collection, purchased by the V&A from his estate. The rejection letter, which Bowie kept all his life, is one of the most fascinating items, as are notes from one of his final unrealised projects, The Spectator, a musical set in 18th-Century London’s criminal underworld.

Travel: Why the legacy of David Bowie is at the heart of major London changes

Travel: California, sun-kissed Golden State road trip packed with treasures It’s a long old flight to San Francisco, but there’s something about landing with three girlfriends and the promise of a road trip that makes even jet lag feel glamorous. Thankfully, there was no dramatic debate about who’d be driving either. It was a very smooth process to collect our sleek black Jeep at SFO, and then our adventure began in real time as we pulled out straight into the city’s signature combo of smog and traffic just in time for rush hour. By the time we reached Fairfield, it was getting dark, and the landscape had shifted to long stretches of vineyards. This is wine country, after all, and Fairfield wears it well; laid-back with a reputation for its farm-to-fork cuisine. We checked in, had an early night and woke up ready to lean fully into the local lifestyle. Breakfast at the hotel was hearty – think proper American, grits and eggs over easy – before we headed to Caymus-Suisun for a morning wine tasting. Yes, morning. And no, we weren’t the first ones there. There’s something quite civilised about sipping wine before noon when it’s paired with expert commentary and generous nibbles. That theme continued throughout the day because, as it turns out, this part of California takes its food just as seriously as its wine. Lunch at Mankas Grill was a highlight – classic Cali diner vibes with a farm-to-table twist and a menu that made decision making borderline impossible. We even met the octogenarian owner of a gleaming 1964 Cadillac in the car park, which felt very on-brand.

Travel: California, sun-kissed Golden State road trip packed with treasures

The health survey giving clues on which of us will develop Alzheimer’s and heart disease They are post-war babies who were born just before the NHS began. In a stroke of pioneering research more than 5,000 of them were enrolled into a UK-wide study which is following them through life to discover what makes us survive to a healthy old age. The study, which began as an investigation into the cost of childbirth, turned into the world’s longest-running health investigation providing invaluable answers on why some of us develop illnesses and die earlier. Scientists describe it as a “time-machine” of medical research. One of the most recent findings is who among us are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other illnesses. Grandad Donald Malcolm, from Dollar, Clackmannanshire, has recently returned from his latest assessment in London.

The health survey giving clues on which of us will develop Alzheimer’s and heart disease

Welcome to Generation LaZy In Japan, a young child wipes down his classroom desk, laughing with his friends as they work side by side. Across the ocean in Mexico, a seven‑year‑old hangs washing out in the afternoon sun. In Spain, a five‑year‑old makes their bed and tidies their room before school. But, in Britain, a significant number of youths are growing up with far fewer everyday responsibilities, a new study has found. The research found that, although 61% of British parents were expected to do chores when they were young, almost 56% admit their teenage or adult offspring refuse to help out around the house. As many as 43% of 13-19-year-olds have never vacuumed the house, while a quarter have never emptied the dishwasher. Dusting the house (26%), washing up (18%), clearing away the dinner plates (25%) and hanging up wet washing to dry (31%) are among the other household tasks millions of teens have never done. Some have even refused to clean their own bedrooms when asked, according to the poll of 2,000 parents by Utility Warehouse. Many leave dirty plates lying around, forget to turn lights off in empty rooms, hoard cups and mugs in bedrooms and leave crumbs all over the kitchen surfaces. Jez Todd, Managing Director of Coram Family Lives – a national charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life – said parents recount how hard it is for them in a bid to get children to do chores. She said: “Parents are telling us that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get their children to engage in even the most basic household tasks. “This isn’t simply about chores — it’s about how young people develop independence, responsibility, and a sense of contribution within family life. “Where those opportunities are limited or resisted, it can leave both parents and young people feeling stuck, frustrated, and uncertain about expectations.” She said they are encouraging parents to introduce age- appropriate responsibilities early, set clear and consistent expectations, frame household tasks as part of belonging, not punishment, and model shared responsibility within the family. They also offer advice on their website on how to make chores fun.Research has shown that giving children age‑appropriate chores has long‑term benefits. A University of Minnesota study found that children who began doing chores when they were three or four years old were more likely to become independent, successful adults. Other studies show that chores help develop executive function – the mental skills needed for planning, self‑control and problem‑solving – while also boosting confidence and strengthening family relationships. In other countries, children are encouraged to take on responsbility from a young age to help them later on in life and to make them more independent. In 2014, Spain even introduced a law requiring that children must particiapte in household chores.

Welcome to Generation LaZy

‘Artemis will lift off new age of space travel’ Like millions of other space watchers, Dallas Campbell looked on in excitement this week as humans set off for the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

‘Artemis will lift off new age of space travel’

Big Interview: Siobhan Redmond The cast of The High Life quickly realised their surreal comedy had landed with its audience, but they never imagined the sitcom would be anything more than a one-time trip. “We knew it had a cult following, but it didn’t seem possible that it could continue due to logistics,” says Siobhan Redmond, who starred alongside Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson as cabin crew on the fictional budget Scottish airline Air Scotia, with Patrick Ryecart as their pilot. “By the time it came out and we saw the reaction, Alan was on Broadway in Cabaret. The tenor of his career changed at that point and it didn’t seem feasible we would do it again. In the years that passed, I think all four of us and the show’s fanbase looked back fondly on it without any expectations it would happen again, let alone in a different manifestation.” But that is exactly what has happened. Last night, the initial sold-out run of The High Life The Musical concluded at Dundee Rep Theatre, with a tour around Scotland following this week. “Theatre is the perfect place for it,” Siobhan continues. “The High Life was always a theatrical show – it harked back to a variety tradition and it was a theatrical piece in a non-theatrical medium. “It had overtones of cartoon and pantomime as well, which are still widely understood, appreciated and enjoyed by lots of people. By placing it into musical theatre, it’s the one art form which is camper than the original show.” Siobhan has worked with Alan and Forbes on other projects since The High Life’s initial run in 1995 and all four remained friends. Occasionally, talk of the show would come up when they chatted.

Big Interview: Siobhan Redmond

Panic at the pumps: Motorists ignore calls not to stock up on petrol Motorists are ignoring calls not to panic buy petrol, resulting in pumps running dry at some filling stations across Scotland this weekend. Last week Sir Keir Starmer urged ­drivers to stop panic-buying and insisted petrol stations were well-stocked nationally, but queues for fuel still built up amid fears of rationing. On Saturday morning dozens of stations locked their petrol pumps - though some still had diesel - after the Easter holiday weekend prompted a rush on Friday night. Fears over fuel shortages - and soaring prices - have been prompted by the Iranian blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, the only shipping route out of the Persian Gulf. More than 3,000 ships, including 85 large oil tankers, are currently trapped in the Gulf as a result, unable to deliver their cargoes. Meanwhile the wider costs of the war which will see soaring gas and electricty bills later this summer, combined with sharp increases to council tax, mean consumers face what one expert described as a “polycrisis pressure cooker” of rising bills. Consumer champion Advice Direct Scotland said it has already been dealing with more families than ever who are struggling to cope with their energy bills even before the full impact of war in the Middle East is felt. The charity helped people deal with more than £3.5m in debt by the end of March – a leap of more than 50% - from £2.3m at the end of last year. More than 10% of the £3.5m debt mountain was due to rising energy bills alone. John Baird, Advice Direct Scotland’s head of debt, said the situation is “the worst” he has ever seen. “We are facing a series of complex, overlapping challenges – a polycrisis pressure cooker,” he said. “People are really feeling the squeeze. I have worked in the debt sector for decades and this is the worst time I can remember. “Many Scots are feeling the physical strain with less resources to go round but this has a mental health impact too.

Panic at the pumps: Motorists ignore calls not to stock up on petrol

Travel: Tranquillity on dramatic yet familiar Canada coast in Nova Scotia There is no better escape I can think of, far from the present Middle East mayhem, than the peace, tranquillity and friendliness of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada.

Travel: Tranquillity on dramatic yet familiar Canada coast in Nova Scotia

You don’t have to head to the coast to hit that perfect wave – and the family can come too A young man with long blond hair sits waxing his surfboard, looking out on the perfect waves.

You don’t have to head to the coast to hit that perfect wave – and the family can come too