A total of 60,000 reports of rodents being spotted in homes and streets have been logged since 2019.

The rat population in ‘Scotland’s rat capital‘ is booming – with 60,000 reports of the rodents in homes and streets.

The number of rat sightings across Glasgow has been consistently rising each year with more than 60K reports since 2019, figures show. A new freedom of information request to the council shows they received 6,170 reports of rats in 2019. By 2025, the number of rat sightings had increased to 12,155.

Already 53 have been logged in the first month of this year, with an overall total of 59,874 sightings in seven years. Alarmingly, many of these have been within people’s homes.

Dumbarton Road, Paisley Road West, Argyle Street, Shettleston Road, Hathaway Lane and London Road all topped the list for rodents.Glasgow has previously shamed as having more rats than any other area of Scotland. Last year it was named as the third worst place in the UK for the vermin.

A prominent trade union convener recently said Glasgow needed to declare a ‘rat emergency’ amid fears warm weather this summer could cause a further explosion in numbers across the city. GMB’s Chris Mitchell reissued a plea to Glasgow City Council to step up action, saying the number of rat sightings from his cleansing teams and the public continues to rise on a daily basis.

He said: “I have been very vocal in the past when it comes to this. Despite investment to bolster the number of street cleaners and cleansing workers, more needs to be done to get a grip on the rat crisis.”

The GMB chief says that he fears the problem will only get worse as we move through 2026. When we have warmer weather, rats breed more frequently. It is a perfect storm, sunshine, food and overgrown areas that they can hide away in.

“I’ve been banging the drum on this problem for what feels like forever. My fear is it is moving increasingly into the city centre, all I hear from our members are reports of rats in bins, rats running about Glasgow’s lanes and even some sightings in the flagship shopping spots. This is a big year for the city; we need to invest now to get this under control.”

The new data shows there has been a continued worrying spike in sighting. The full breakdown of the figures shows the council logged 6,170 vermin reports in 2019 – with 1,502 of these within properties.

There were 7,404 in 2020, with 1,339 indoors; 7,405 the following year, with 5,939 of these outside. In 2022, the council received notification of a combined 7,387 sightings but this figure rocketed to 8,959 in 2023, with almost 2,000 of these in domestic properties.

It rose again in 2024 to a combined total of 10,341 reports and increased in 2025 to a high of 12,155, with 2,332 of these of vermin in people’s homes. Drumchapel and Anniesland councillor Paul Carey, who worked with the Glasgow Times on the FOI request, says what was once predominantly an issue in Glasgow’s more disadvantaged areas has now become a much bigger concern.

He said: “It used to be that housing estates and schemes was where you expected to see rats in back courts or bin sheds, but that is sadly no longer the case. We are hearing about them in the city centre, public parks, everywhere. It’s a problem that these figures show is getting worse and we need more of a focus to tackle it.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council asked the public to help them tackle the difficult problem.

They said: “The best way to deter rats is to ensure all food waste is properly disposed of in a bin. Rats are unfortunately a feature of urban life but they do prefer to keep out of sight of people and other predators. Rats are also always in search of a source of food and somewhere to nest close-by.

“It is therefore vital for anyone out and on-the-go to use one of Glasgow’s 5,500 public litter bins for any food waste and litter, or if at home, to use a food waste bin that will provide suitable containment and be uplifted routinely. We provide a pest control service for domestic properties and we follow British Pest Control Association guidance that indicates property owners should undertake hygiene and pest proofing measures to ensure the effectiveness of any pest control treatment.

“We have extended our pest control team as part of recently agreed investment in frontline services, which includes recruiting 200 street cleansing and parks staff to help keep Glasgow in good condition. We have also begun rolling out on-street bin hubs, which have more frequent bin collections for flatted properties across Glasgow. Early evidence indicates the introduction of bin-hubs is helping to improve the management of waste and better control the pest population as a result.”

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The unisex shoes, originally priced at £110, have received rave reviews

For those hunting for fresh spring trainers, New Balance has cut the cost of a popular pair by a huge 40%. The U509V1 Shoes, originally retailing at £110, are now available for £66.

According to the product description: “The New Balance U509v1 is a versatile, unisex sneaker that blends early-2000s running style with modern, everyday comfort. Released as part of New Balance’s lifestyle range, these trainers are characterized by a low-profile design, lightweight construction, and ABZORB midsole technology for superior shock absorption and comfort.”

The shoes reportedly feature a blend of ‘cushioning’ and ‘compression resistance’ to deliver maximum comfort. Their lightweight synthetic and mesh design makes them an ideal choice for the milder spring temperatures, reports the Liverpool Echo.

For those seeking a retro look, Next has these Friends Like These Pink LaceUp Retro Gumsole Sports Trainers at £35. The trainers are offered in two distinct colourways – take a look here.

If you fancy something more eye-catching, Clarks has these Coralea Lace Metallic Trainers priced at £60, available in pink metallic, silver metallic and gold metallic finishes. View the trainers here.

Among the New Balance customer reviews, one buyer commented: “They are marvellous and really help my very bad balance. Thank you. I will continue to purchase in the future. I have also told my friends who struggle with their balance and comfort and they will consider purchasing in the near future.”

A second customer wrote: “Very comfortable every day shoes. Always on my feet – because of my job – and [I] must say they’re very comfortable. I also wear these on my walks everyday. Can’t complain. Will definitely be buying another pair. 10/10! !”.

A third satisfied buyer commented: “Top quality, don’t feel plantar fasciitis wearing these beauties.”

A fourth reviewer stated: “Comfy trainers. Son loves them and said they fit great.”

At present, no negative feedback has been posted about the trainers online. You can view them here.

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The alert comes as research shows around one in two UK adults are affected by the health condition

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NHS GP and BBC Morning Live’s resident doctor, Dr Punam, has issued a warning to anyone aged 40 and over regarding an ‘important’ blood test they should have. The health expert shared the alert during a recent episode of the talk show, speaking with hosts Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley.

During her time on the show, she heavily discussed the importance of getting your cholesterol levels checked, as she warns one in two people will have high cholesterol. The condition, known as hypercholesterolemia (specifically high LDL) or hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids/fats in the blood), puts you at risk of a stroke or heart attack due to excessive fatty buildup in arteries.

High cholesterol is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it often does not present any obvious signs until the damage has already been done. Cholesterol can only be accurately measured via a blood test. For more information, visit the NHS website.

Dr Punam told viewers: “Around one in two of us will have raised cholesterol, and it is a concern because a lot of people don’t even know that they have it.” According to the British Heart Foundation, this high number means that approximately half of all UK adults have a total cholesterol level above the recommended guidelines of 5mmol/L.

The doctor added: “And that’s because we don’t feel cholesterol. So, most of the time, with high cholesterol, you don’t get any symptoms, and what tends to happen is that, over a long period of time, cholesterol can build up in your arteries. It can cause them to narrow and harden, and it can increase your risk of things like heart disease, and you can develop chest pain, pain in your leg, and shortness of breath.”

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Dr Punam went on to stress that if you are 40-years-old or over, and you have never had your cholesterol checked, you should “definitely book an appointment to get that done”. She emphasises that it is wise to ask the doctor for a test, especially if you are worried, have high-risk factors, or have a strong family history.

If you are at high risk, getting a blood test once a year is considered reasonable, and some people may need it twice a year if they are on medication or have high levels. Dr Punam also cautions that if you had your cholesterol checked in your 20s and it was okay, that one test is not “viable forever”, and it is good to get it rechecked to understand your baseline.

Gethin Jones asked: “My sister’s quite rightly constantly nagging me to make sure it gets checked, but then how often should you get checked?” Dr Punam replied: “So, in terms of if you are at risk, so if you are over the age of 40, and you’ve never had your cholesterol checked, definitely booking an appointment to get that done is.

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“It is very reasonable if you’ve got risk factors, you’ve got a strong family history, because remember, high cholesterol can run in families. So, you could be doing all the right things and discover that you’ve got high cholesterol. So really it’s about getting that blood test.

“If you’re at high risk, once a year is absolutely reasonable; some people might need it twice a year if you’re on medication or have really high levels. It’s really about a sort of individual risk basis that we do that on.”

What does the NHS say about getting cholesterol checked at 40?

High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test. Your GP might suggest having a test to check if your cholesterol level is high. This may be because of your age, weight or a condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).

The NHS says: “Ask your GP surgery for a cholesterol test if you have not had a test before and you’re over 40, overweight, or if high cholesterol or heart problems run in your family. You’re more likely to have high cholesterol. You can also get a cholesterol test at a pharmacy, but you might have to pay for it.”

How does a cholesterol test work?

There are two ways of having a cholesterol test. One option is to take blood from your arm. The NHS says: “Some blood will usually be taken from your arm with a needle. This is sent to a lab to check your cholesterol level. You should get the result in a few days. You might be asked not to eat anything (to “fast”) for up to 12 hours before the test. But most people do not need to fast.”

Another option is to have a finger-prick test. The NHS explains: “If you’re over 40, you may have a test during your NHS Health Check. You can also get this check at a pharmacy. This is a check-up that can help spot early signs of problems like heart disease and diabetes.

“The test can be done by pricking your finger. A drop of blood is put on a strip of paper. This is put into a machine that checks your cholesterol in a few minutes.”

Affected operators include Avanti West Coast services from London Euston to Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Wrexham General, Crewe, Chester, Holyhead, Liverpool Lime Street, Stockport, Preston, Blackpool North, Lancaster, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.

YouTuber and experimental singer/songwriter Look Mum No Computer will represent the country in Vienna in May, the BBC has announced this morning.

The news was revealed on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

The electronics performer and self-proclaimed Eurovision fan Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, launched his YouTube channel in 2016.

Look Mum No Computer representing the UK at Eurovision 2026

The singer said: “I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey.

“I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously.

“I’ve been working a long-time creating, writing, and producing my own visions from scratch, and documenting my process. I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what we’ve created.

“I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised!”

Look Mum No Computer first arrived in 2016 as Sam Battle, the frontman of the indie rock band Zibra.

The band performed for BBC Introducing at Glastonbury in 2015.

Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, has been in the music scene since 2014 (Image: Melanie King/BBC)

He has since launched his solo career, focusing on electronic and synth sounds, having played at venues across the UK and Europe.

As Look Mum No Computer, Sam has released various singles, albums, and EPs.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Look Mum No Computer representing the UK at Eurovision in Vienna in 2026.

“His bold vision, unique sound and electric performance style make him a truly unforgettable artist.

“Look Mum No Computer embodies everything the UK wants to celebrate on the Eurovision stage – creativity, ambition, and a distinctly British wit.

“I am sure he will make us all proud on the international stage in May.”

Recommended reading :

When is the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest?

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is its 70th anniversary and is being held in Vienna, Austria, following JJ’s victory at the Grand Final last year with the song Wasted Love.

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, on Saturday, May 16, with the Semi-Finals taking place on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14.

The Grand Final and the Semi Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

What is your favourite UK Eurovision Song Contest act? Let us know in the comments.

Kent-based solo artist and YouTube star Look Mum No Computer has been announced as the singer representing the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The news was announced on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday morning (17 February), ahead of the competition, which is taking place in Vienna, Austria, in May 2026.

The musician, born Sam Battle, said in a statement: “I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey. I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously.

“I’ve been working a long-time creating, writing, and producing my own visions from scratch, and documenting my process. I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what we’ve created. I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised!”

Battle previously fronted the indie-rock band ZIBRA, who performed at Glastonbury in 2015 for BBC Introducing. Since then, however, he has pursued a solo career with a more electronic and synth-based sound, releasing a string of singles, EPs and full-length albums.

He also holds a Guinness World Record for building the world’s largest drone synthesiser.

His surname is certainly appropriate given the UK’s patchy performance history at Eurovision in recent years. Last year’s entry, country-pop trio Remember Monday, crashed into 19th place (out of a possible 26) following their performance of original song “What the Hell Just Happened?”.

It was a similarly poor result in 2024 when pop singer Olly Alexander competed with his song “Dizzy”, coming in 18th place, and again in 2023 with Mae Muller singing “I Wrote a Song”, landing a dismal 24th place out of 25.

The most successful entry in recent years was Sam Ryder, who dazzled with his Freddie Mercury-emulating rock song “Space Man!” in 2022, coming in second place after Ukraine’s winning entry, Kalush Orchestra.

Battle, who will perform at Eurovision under his Look Mum No Computer moniker, was chosen as the UK’s representative following a search led by the UK’s Eurovision project director David May, along with BBC Studios North executive producer Andrew Cartmell.

The musician is best known for his popular YouTube channel, aunched in 2016, in which he builds and plays eccentric electronic instruments. Examples include organs crafted from Furbie and Game Boy toys, synthesizer bicycles and flame-throwing keyboards.

More to follow…

The driver told police he’d ‘only had one’ beer.

Beer cans were found in a car stopped by police in a Cambridgeshire village. Cambridgeshire Police stopped a driver on Sunday (February 15) after officers saw some “questionable driving”.

When officers stopped the driver, they found several beer cans in the car. The driver carried out a roadside breath test and blew 104, nearly three times the legal limit of 35. The man was arrested and is due to appear in court next month.

A police spokesperson said: “A vehicle caught the attention of our officers in Eaton Socon after some questionable driving around an industrial estate. When the driver was stopped, officers spotted several beer cans inside the car.

“He insisted he’d “only had one” — but the roadside breath test told a different story. He blew 104 (the legal limit is 35).

“The man was arrested at the scene and now has a date with HM Courts next month. We’ll continue to take drink driving seriously to keep our roads safe. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please report it.”

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