The new system means sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, instead of filling in an annual tax return.

Self-employed people and landlords in Lanarkshire are being urged to ensure they are ready for a major change to the tax system.

Charity Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free service taxadvice.scot, said its advisers are on hand to help those struggling to get to grips with new HMRC rules.

Around 780,000 people across the UK, including tens of thousands of Scots, are making the switch to the ‘Making Tax Digital’ system from April 6. A further 970,000 people will be required to join the scheme in 2027.

The new system means sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, instead of filling in an annual tax return.

Those who are eligible will also need to use specialist computer software to create, store and correct their records, and send the quarterly updates.

Advice Direct Scotland said eligible taxpayers should start preparing for the changes immediately, if they have not already done so, and urged anyone requiring help to get in touch.

The charity said moving to digital recordkeeping could make managing tax easier in the long run, by reducing errors and saving time.

It also means less time spent searching for paperwork at the end of the tax year, as records can be updated by business owners as they go.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This is a major change for self-employed people and landlords in how they manage their finances, and anyone affected should take action now.

READ MORE: Court fine for cocaine binge knife yob after ‘extreme alarm’ in pub

“It promises to be a positive move, as going digital can simplify recordkeeping, reduce the stress of tax season, and free up time to focus on business development.

“But with the April 6 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to check if you are among those affected and take action. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

“These types of changes can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. Advice and support is available at taxadvice.scot, or by calling 0800 756 3381.

“If you’re unsure, don’t struggle on alone. Asking for help is the smart move to stay ahead.”

READ MORE: Police found cannabis plants worth £150,000 when they raided house in Wishaw

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Karl joins from London-based legal firm Russells, where he headed up its Private Wealth team for the last six years.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, Head of Private Client Services at Raworths said: “Karl’s superb communication skills and empathetic approach make him an ideal fit for the firm.

“His existing client portfolio will give our talented team the opportunity to apply their outstanding legal knowledge to a range of issues.

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“In addition, the expertise we offer from our wider private client and commercial specialists will be extremely beneficial to Karl’s clients.”

Karl Dembicki said: “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to build a strong private client practice, including several household names across the worlds of media and entertainment for whom I have acted as a trusted adviser on personal and estate planning matters.

“Many have chosen to continue working with me and have already transitioned their work to Raworths following my move to Harrogate, which reflects the trust developed over the years.

Since 2024, the Trusts, Wills and Estates team has been led by joint heads Alison Walker and Sam Jenner, enabling Rachel Tunnicliffe – the former Head of Trusts, Wills and Estates who led the team for a decade – to expand her other leadership roles as Senior Partner at Raworths and Head of Private Client Services.

Rachel added: “Alison and Sam have proven themselves to be an inspirational leadership duo – taking the team forward by nurturing our next generation of talent whilst growing its client portfolio.

“With their continued leadership and Karl on board – we can continue to grow our reputation as a centre of excellence for clients, wherever they are based.”

Raworths provides integrated commercial and private client services and employs more than 70 people at its single centre base in Harrogate, including 25 in Trusts, Wills and Estates.

He was found guilty following a trial

A man has been jailed after picking up a third conviction for knife crime offences. Raul Maretic-Ramon, 23, was jailed for two and a half years on Monday (March 9) at Cambridgeshire Crown Court after he previously denied threatening a person with a knife in Cathedral Square, Peterborough.

He was detained by Peterborough City Council enforcement officers and arrested by police. He later admitted to being in possession of cannabis.

Maretic-Ramos, of Manor Gardens, Stanground, Peterborough, denied threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place but was found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in December. He appeared at the same court on Monday (9 March) and was jailed for 30 months.

Police Constable Jordan Pleyer said: “Maretic-Ramos threatened the victim in the middle of the afternoon, and we believe it was witnessed by young people. Possessing a knife is dangerous for the carrier and others, and we have seen the tragic consequences too many times. I am glad the sentence reflects the severity of the offence.”

Police have urged anyone with information about someone carrying a knife to report it to the police online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

Punters have criticised the cost of Guinness at Cheltenham Festival 2026 despite the price being reduced from £7.80 to £7.50, with social media users calling it “disgraceful”

Racegoers have continued to voice their frustration over Guinness prices, despite a reduction following complaints from festival attendees.

The famous Irish stout remains the beverage of choice for many amongst the tens of thousands descending upon the Cotswolds for the four-day racing festival.

However, last year’s festivities left a bitter taste when punters discovered they’d be paying an eye-watering £7.80 for a pint of Guinness, with the alcohol-free alternative costing just 40p less.

Other beers offered little respite, with ‘premium lager’ set at £7.40 and Doom Bar matching the standard Guinness price. Festival organisers seem to have listened to the feedback, reducing the cost of a regular Guinness to a slightly more reasonable £7.50 for the 2026 event.

The non-alcoholic Guinness option has been set marginally cheaper at £7.30. Premium lager and Doom Bar remain at their 2025 prices.

In positive news for Guinness lovers, the festival will allow alcohol consumption in front of the grandstand along the rails for the first time, meaning visitors can enjoy their drinks whilst watching the races unfold.

Despite the price reduction, many attendees remained unhappy about the cost of the dark brew. One person on social media branded it “Disgraceful”, whilst another remarked, “And that’s why more and more people are going abroad to watch it.”

Guinness is amongst a small number of items experiencing price cuts at Cheltenham, although accommodation costs remain eye-wateringly expensive.

An average five-night stay now sits at £3,772, based on Booking.com figures, whilst renting a three-bedroom townhouse close to the racecourse for the four days will set you back £8,812.

At the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, Airbnb prices ranged from a one-bedroom cottage nine miles from the course at £579 to a single-bedroom flat under two miles away for £2,500. The cheapest option available on Booking.com was a guest house four miles from the track priced at £1,033.

Festival organisers have introduced measures aimed at making the event more accessible and wallet-friendly for the typical racegoer. Ladies Day is returning after a seven-year absence.

Event organisers expect this decision will draw a wave of female attendees, with £10,000 worth of prizes available for the best-dressed participant. Furthermore, the daily capacity has been cut by 2,500 to 66,000 to provide a more pleasant experience for visitors, with less congested stands and reduced waiting times for refreshments.

Multi-ticket packages were made available to bring down the cost of entry. These alterations mark the most substantial transformation in Cheltenham’s 166-year history.

Whilst the event itself may be more affordable to attend, the heightened demand has driven up accommodation prices across the region, something that lies outside the remit of racing authorities. Legendary jockey-turned-pundit Ruby Walsh has given his backing to the changes, saying: “I’m very impressed with the changes. I think less is always more, so bringing down the capacity to me is a no-brainer.

“There has to be a customer experience. People have to walk out thinking, ‘I want to go there again’. Ladies’ Day? I’m all in a dither. I have no idea what hat I’m going to wear! I am a man with a girl’s name so I’d better make an effort.”

I’ve been wearing period pants for over five years, trialling almost every brand on the market, and I’ll never look back.

Just like regular underwear, pants for your period come in a range of styles – high-waisted, bikini, midi, hipster, shorts and so on – but with an absorbent lining to hold menstrual blood. They’re also good for soaking up little leaks, which can be useful postpartum or throughout the menopause.

Ranging in price from £10 for a pack of three pants to £60 for a pair of period leggings, there are styles to suit every activity and flow, including period thongs and swimwear. I’ve worn period pants from specialists Modibodi, Bodyform and Wuka, high street retailers like M&S and Primark and independent brands like Nixi.

Aside from comfort, the average person uses up to 11,000 period products in their lifetime, mostly ending up in landfill (it takes 500 to 800 years for a standard disposable pad to break down) and creating microplastic pollution. Period underwear is worn, washed and worn again, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option over the years. Here are my favourite five.

The best period pants: At a glance

A couple visiting Jeremy Clarkson’s pub The Farmer’s Dog, located in Burford, Oxfordshire, shared their embarrassment after forgetting the venue’s policy when ordering

A couple who visited Jeremy Clarkson’s pub were left red-faced after making a drink order. Since opening in August 2024, The Farmer’s Dog has become a hotspot for both fans of Jeremy Clarkson and farmers nationwide.

The restaurant takes great pride in serving only food, beverages and ingredients sourced from British farms. Its menu boasts 100% British sourcing for all meats, dairy and produce – even going so far as to limit condiment options to uphold its local-only ethos. However, one couple completely overlooked this crucial detail during their visit and later posted a TikTok video documenting their embarrassment after ordering a Diet Coke.

In the clip, the couple are seen shaking their heads and burying their faces in their hands, with the caption reading: “When you panic and order a Diet Coke at Clarkson’s Farm and then instantly remember the whole point is to promote local producers.”

Reacting to the video, one viewer confessed: “Did exactly the same and asked for coffee.”

Another admitted: “Had this issue! Had to have water as I didn’t drink anything else there.”

A third shared: “This happened with me as I don’t drink alcohol but all they had was some elderflower sparkling thing.”

Yet another added: “I asked for a shandy, not realising they don’t have lemonade.”

A message on The Farmer’s Dog website states: “I have tried my absolute hardest to make sure that every single thing you consume in The Farmer’s Dog was grown or reared by British farmers. And I have failed.

“Yes, the pork, the beef, the lamb and the venison are all British. And so is pretty much everything else. The milk, the butter, the eggs, the vegetables and the fruit. We even cook in British oils.

“But there have been some problems like, for instance, the simple G&T.

“You can’t have a pub that doesn’t offer a gin and tonic. But there is quinine in tonic water, and you can’t grow that in Britain.”

The statement goes on: “Sure, I could have served gin and water instead, but I didn’t think you’d enjoy it very much. Especially as, instead of a slice of lemon, you’d have been given a slice of turnip, or some potato peelings.

“You can, however, run a pub that doesn’t serve avocado or Coca-Cola, so we don’t. Instead, we offer you British fizzy drinks made with British-grown fruit. And British-grown tea. And before you ask, yes, the wine is British too.

“As is the Hawkstone, obviously.

“So, that’s it really. We’re delighted to be doing all we possibly can to support British farming and we’re delighted that you’re here to help us. Thank you.”

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An anonymous person told police that Sean Eaves had a second phone with indecent images of children

A man who secretly took intimate photos and videos of two women and a child has been jailed. Sean Eaves was arrested in 2024 after police officers identified a screenshot of an intimate video of himself and the first victim.

He sent it to her in 2023 though Instagram messenger. Police found evidence linking him to the social media account on his mobile phone. After his arrest he was released on bail.

A warrant was carried at Eaves’ home address in Chatteris a few months later after officers received an anonymous tip-off that claimed he had a second mobile phone containing indecent images of children.

Police recovered a memory card containing 18 indecent videos of a child captured secretly. A second phone found in his car contained a further eight indecent videos and 72 photos of the same child.

The 41-year-old appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of voyeurism and one count each of disclosing private sexual photographs, filming with intent to cause distress, and taking an indecent image of a child.

Eaves was jailed for six months after sentencing on Friday (March 6). He was also handed a seven-year restraining order for all the victims and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He will required to register monthly at a police station for 10 years.

Detective Constable Amberlie Ford said: “Eaves shamefully took photos of these women and the child without their knowledge, which violated their dignity and privacy, so I welcome the sentence passed down by the courts.

She continued: “I would also like to pay tribute to the victims, whose strength in coming forward and supporting us with a prosecution has led to this result.”

Coming in at number one is an ancient and beautiful Scottish settlement.

Scotland’s “smallest cities” have been ranked from best to worst on a new Britain-wide list shared this week. On Monday, March 9, The Telegraph published a ranking of the 20 smallest cities across the nation, with a total of four Scottish destinations included on the roundup.

Coming in at number one for Scotland, and placing ninth on the overall list, is Stirling. Home to a population of around 38,000 people, the city was once the capital of Scotland and was previously among the major royal strongholds of the Kingdom of Scotland hundreds of years ago.

Stirling is today known for its various historic attractions and beautiful scenery, as well as its shops and restaurants. Its skyline is dominated by Stirling Castle, which is among the most historically and architecturally significant castles in the country that dates back to at least the 15th century.

Other top attractions in Stirling include the National Wallace Monument and the Stirling Old Town Jail. The former is a 67-metre tower atop a hill overlooking the city that commemorates Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, while the Stirling Old Town Jail offers tours where visitors can learn all about its fascinating and brutal history.

The Telegraph singled out Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument as highlights of the city, as well the Old Town Jail. Also praised was the the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, which is home to what is believed to be the oldest football in the world at almost 500 years old.

The newspaper wrote: “The castle is a centrepiece, and there’s a circular footpath along the old city walls with views across the Lowlands, up to the Highlands and over the rich agricultural lands of the Carse of Stirling. The other looming landmark is the National Wallace Monument.

“The world’s oldest football was discovered during an excavation project at the castle in the 1970s; the cowhide and pig’s bladder ball, which dates back to the 1540s, is on display at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. The Old Town Jail is popular with families. Lumo will start a new direct service from London Euston to Stirling in the spring.”

The second-best small city in Scotland according to The Telegraph is Inverness, which has a population of around 48,000 and is the administrative centre for The Highland Council. Known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is another historic city that is known for its beautiful scenery and fascinating heritage.

Among the standout destinations in Inverness as stated by The Telegraph are the Inverness Botanic Gardens and Inverness Castle, which sits on a site where there has been a castle since 1057. The city was also praised for its various high-quality restaurants and pubs.

The Telegraph stated: “The Highlands are lovely, but when you’ve spent a week in the mountains or the bogs, there’s nothing nicer than arriving in Inverness. The town looks posher than it is, but you can always eat well, find a good pub, and the river walks are great. Until recently, aside from the Botanic Gardens and cathedral, there wasn’t much to ‘do’, but the recently opened Inverness Castle Experience is a good rainy-day option.

“An immersive, installation-led, self-guided tour of the north and south towers of what was never actually a traditional castle, it divulges stories about the city and region, from clans to colonialism, and witchcraft trials to modern-day tartan mills.”

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Meanwhile, Scotland’s third-best small city according to the ranking is Perth along the banks of the River Tay. The city, which has a population of about 47,000, is known for its huge public parks, beautiful Georgian townhouses, historic cobbled streets, and breathtaking medieval spires.

The Telegraph praised Perth for its medieval walled layout, as well as its various narrow lanes and side streets that can be explored. The newspaper also singled out the Stone of Destiny as a highlight of the city, which can be found in the Perth Museum after it reopened in 2024 following a major £26.5 million redevelopment.

The fourth and final Scottish city to be included on The Telegraph’s ranking of Britain’s smallest cities is Dunfermline, which is located in Fife. Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline was officially granted city status in 2022 and has a population of approximately 55,000 people.

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The newspaper described the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum and Dunfermline Abbey and Palace as among Dunfermline’s standout attractions. The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum tells the story of famous Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, while Dunfermline Abbey is the resting place of many of Scotland’s great kings and queens.

The full list of Britain’s 20 smallest cities ranked from worst to best can be found on The Telegraph website.

Scotland’s ‘smallest cities’ ranked from worst to best

1. Stirling
2. Inverness
3. Perth
4. Dunfermline