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THOUSANDS of Scots households will soon recieve a cash boost with the new Winter Heating Payment.

The Scottish winter is living up to its reputation, with a deep freeze battering the country and Storm Bert posing a ‘danger to life‘ this weekend.

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Thousands of Scots are set to receive the Winter Heating Payment[/caption]

PA

With winter in full swing, Scots are feeling the crunch trying to heat their homes[/caption]

With the harsh weather wreaking havoc and rising energy bills, Scots households are feeling the crunch trying to heat their homes.

Thousands are set to receive the Winter Heating Payment to help ease the financial strain.

It comes after Winter Fuel Payments were axed for almost one million Scots after SNP chiefs announced the universal payment will now be means-tested.

And almost 40,000 Scots missed out on the Winter Heating Payment last year after a major blunder by the DWP.

The grant, which is a devolved version of the Cold Weather Payment, is given to eligible households to help pay for heating costs over the coldest months.

However, unlike the Cold Weather Payment, the grant does not depend on whether the mercury drops below a certain temperature.

And with tomorrow possibly being the coldest day of 2024, there will be tonnes of folk who can benefit from it.

The yearly payment is a single, tax-free payment of £58.75 which is issued to eligible Scots who already receive certain benefits.

Social Security Scotland uses your data to decide if you get Winter Heating Payment and a letter or email will be sent to you to confirm it’s coming.

The allowance is paid automatically, and it does not affect any other benefits you receive.

Winter Heating Payments will automatically be paid out between December and next February.

It will appear as ‘WHP’ on your bank statement.

Families will also be eligible to receive helping cash this winter.

Qualifying households should also receive the Child Winter Heating Payment.

The cash is given to parents of disabled children and young people under the age of 19.

A lump sum of £251.50 is paid out to help families keep up with energy bills.

It is automatically given to eligible families with disabled children who are already receiving certain disability benefits, including the highest rate of Child Disability Payment or Disability Living Allowance for Children.

They are also eligible if they receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).

MEN with balaclavas invaded the home of the woman whom a jury in a civil case found was raped by Conor McGregor, a court heard.

The judge in the civil case heard the men had burst into her bedroom before smashing the windows of the property as they fled,

2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

The incident also saw Nikita Hand’s partner suffer stab wounds earlier this year.

It was raised on the opening day of Ms Hand’s case against McGregor and his co-defendant James Lawrence, who she claimed she was sexually assaulted and raped by in December 2018.

Mr Lawrence was found not to have assaulted her.

The legal argument was not heard before a jury and can only be reported now the case has finished.

John Gordon, senior counsel for the plaintiff, said the incident occured on June 14 this year at Ms Hand’s home in Drimnagh, Dublin.

It was argued that it was relevant in terms of the claims for damages as she had to remove herself from her home.

Mr Gordon told Mr Justice Alexander Owens that men in balaclavas invaded her home on the date.

He said that they burst into her bedroom and the court heard that her partner suffered stab wounds.

A call was made to the gardai and the men fled, but smashed the front windows of the home.

Mr Gordon said: “We’re not laying that at the feet of the defendants.”

But he did allege it was not an “untargeted” attack and it arose from supporters of McGregor.

However he stressed he was not saying McGregor had anything to do with it.

Mr Justice Owens asked was it not “complete speculation”, to which Mr Gordon said that it was relevant due to the state of anxiety Ms Hand found herself in and had to move away from the area.

Mr Remi Farrell, for McGregor, said it seemed to him that the plaintiff had acknowledged the incident “which we know nothing about” was nothing to do with his client.

‘UNPRECEDENTED CLAIM’

He told the court that it was an “extraordinary attempt” to smuggle the incident into the case.

He added that it was an “extraordinary unprecedented claim”.

Mr Justice Owens ruled that it was irrelevant to the case and should not be referred to, and therefore the evidence was not put before the jury.

A garda statement on the incident at the time confirmed the incident at the Drimnagh address at around 2.20am on Friday, June 14.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan, who lives in Drimnagh which neighbours McGregor’s native Crumlin, said the “overwhelming majority” of the community and the country stand by Ms Hand.

Ms Hand lived in Drimnagh earlier this year, but moved after her home was invaded in June.

He said she was “brave” and hoped the case outcome brought her some vindication and closure to a “very traumatic experience for her”.

Cllr Doolan told the Irish Sun: “We need to remember that behind all the hype and the headline is a woman who’s been traumatised and I hope that she’s able to move on with her life to some extent.

“I think the overwhelming majority of people in Drimnagh, I live in Drimnagh, I’m a resident, overwhelming majority of Drimnagh and indeed people right across Ireland, supporting her and are glad that she can hopefully now move on and deal with that trauma.

“Because I’m sure the fire going to the DPP and coming back and then her having to take a civil action is very deeply traumatic for herself and her loved ones and I hope they can now get peace.”

‘DEVASTATED’

Ms Hand told the trial she felt “absolutely devastated and let down” when the DPP told her that no prosecution would be taken against McGregor.

She sought a review, but the DPP’s decision was upheld.

Its Director reviewed the file and said that the case was very complex and there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for either men.

But Doolan said: “Obviously the threshold is very different, both for the DPP and the civil case.

“I think if there’s an avenue open to the DPP, well then I would encourage them to go down that avenue. but I’m not a legal expert. I can only judge on the evidence presented to me.

“I know the evidence that the DPP is slightly different than a civil case but it doesn’t detract from the fact that she has got justice. She’s been vindicated and I hope she can move on with her life and deal with that trauma.”

HIGHER THRESHOLD

The threshold in a criminal case is higher than a civil case.

In criminal matters, a jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt while in a civil case, it is on the balance of probabilities.

Mum-of-one Nikita, 35, won her rape civil action against McGregor today and was awarded nearly €250,000 in damages.

Speaking after the case she sobbed as she revealed how her young daughter gave her the strength, as well as paying tribute to the Rape Crisis Centre, her partner Gary and her mum.

EMOTIONAL MESSAGE

She said: “I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.

“First, I want to thank the legal team and my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland and Sean. They have been amazing from start to finish.

“I want to thank Mr Justice Alexander Owens, all the jury, all the witnesses.

“I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the Sexual Assault Unit in the Rotunda Hospital for looking after me, especially my own doctor Frank Clarke.

“I think if there’s an avenue open to the DPP, well then I would encourage them to go down that avenue. but I’m not a legal expert. I can only judge on the evidence presented to me.”

Cllr Daithi Doolan

“I want to thank the Rape Crisis Centre, especially Cliona, who has been by my side throughout this entire period. I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew.

“I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this, for every person who reached out to me, a card, a letter, email, everything – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. I really appreciate it so much.

“I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive over the last four years and who has held my hand throughout this, everyday and every other day.

“I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.”

DAUGHTER HAILED

She added: “Lastly I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I’m most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare, to keep on pushing forward for justice.

“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served.”

IRISH singer Lisa McHugh has been forced to cancel her gig as she’s going through a “truly traumatic time” with her sick baby.

The country singer and her husband Nathan Khan welcomed Hallie into the world in July 2024 and the pair have another son, Milo, who was born in 2022.

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Lisa McHugh’s baby girl is sick in hospital[/caption]

Instagram

Lisa has been left heartbroken watching her baby sick[/caption]

The 36-year-old’s baby girl was rushed to hospital this week after contracting respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, and bronchiolitis.

Lisa has said she’s “had the toughest and most heartbreaking few days in hospital” and admitted that it has been “tough” to see her youngest daughter “so weak”.

The mum-of-two was supposed to be performing at Ulster Hall, Belfast next Saturday on November 30.

However, Lisa has had to cancel the gig as she needs to look after her four-month-old who is still sick in hospital.

She took to Instagram this evening to issue the statement that said: “After what has been a truly traumatic and extremely worrying time for my family over the last couple of weeks, and as it stands, still being unsure on when Hallie will be well enough to get home from hospital – we unfortunately will have to reschedule our show in the Ulster Hall on the 30th of November.

“As disappointed as I am to do this, right now I have to put my baby, her wellbeing and my family first.

“And as well as that, I want to be able to give all of you the performance you truly deserve.”

The gig has now been rescheduled for next year on Saturday, March 1, 2025 and all tickets will still be valid for the new date.

There is also a full refund available for those who cannot attend the rescheduled date.

Lisa “apologised for any inconvenience caused” and thanked her fans for their prayers.

The Irish star’s friends and fans all flocked to the comment section with their support and love.

Aoife wrote: “100% the right decision Lisa. Hoping you get little Hallie home soon. Thinking of you all.”

Karen commented: “Lots of well wishes to Hallie. Every parent understands.”

Katharine said: “Wishing Hallie a speedy recovery.”

STAR’S AGONY

Danielle added: “Your family comes first really hope the wee woman gets well soon sending all my love.”

Lisa urged her fans to “speak up” for their babies saying: “With today being World Premature Day and our baby girl not only a premature baby, but especially the way she is right now, I really felt like it was so important to raise awareness about both.

“Because after the last few days I can safely say I will not be afraid to speak up and protect my babies in future if we’re ever in the position instead of protecting someone else’s feelings.

“For anyone thats feeling or has felt the same as I did, please don’t, you have every right to speak up to protect your baby from illness.

“Do whatever you can because I really wouldn’t wish it on any baby, child or parent to go through after how rough the last few days have been.

“They can’t speak up for or protect themselves, it’s our job as their parents to do it for them.”

Lisa added: “Keep our angel in your prayers, she’s a little fighter as she’s shown us before but they all help and are all appreciated.”

Kelly Ripa shared some sexy pictures of husband Mark Consuelos from a steamy photoshoot on live television. She even revealed an “unauthorized” photo from her phone on an episode of “Live with Kelly & Mark.” Check out the video!

As a longtime judge on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, celebrity chef Anne Burrell has seen it all. “Over the years, there have been so many bad dishes,” says the 55-year-old. The grossest? Okra with egg noodles, sardines and hot dogs! Her advice to newbies this holiday season is don’t try to do too...

Фахівці розповіли, які продукти негативно впливають на рівень тестостерону. Вони назвали 5 найменувань, які істотно знижують цей гормон в організмі. Вченими давно доведено, рівень тестостерону має значний вплив на чоловіче здоров’я. При його зниженні представники сильної статі починають відчувати проблеми з еректильною функцією. Відомо, є природні способи збільшити активність гормону, вживаючи харчові продукти, але під […]

Джей Ло продемонструвала на червоній доріжці бездоганну фігуру, обравши для цього досить сміливе вбрання. Дженніфер Лопес опинилася в центрі уваги в прозорій сріблястій сукні, прикрашеній намистинами і паєтками. Дизайн з халтер-комірцем ідеально облягав її фігуру, а драматична чорна оксамитова накидка додала елемент старого голлівудського гламуру. Зірка завершила образ гладкими хвилями і сміливими димчастими очима, підтвердивши […]

Cillian Murphy saves cinema... again

UNDER-fire Nats minister Neil Gray is facing fresh demands to “immediately” publish a record of the talks he had with SFA chiefs while attending footie matches.

The Health Secretary has been under pressure to explain his trips to four Aberdeen games, having taken a ministerial car to attend the fixtures.

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Neil Gray was forced to apologise in parliament after backlash from the public over accepting VIP tickets to football matches[/caption]

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Mr Gray attended four Aberdeen matches including games against Celtic and Rangers, and rivals have put him in the firing line to explain his actions[/caption]

A backlash over his attendance at matches – registered as official ministerial engagements – prompted him to make a statement to parliament in which he apologised, admitting they made him appear “more as a fan and less as a minister.”

But, despite having said that “summaries” would be available for all of his engagements at football games, the Scottish Government has so far failed to publish them.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “Neil Gray promised to publish details of the discussions he supposedly had when he was driven to Aberdeen games at taxpayers’ expense.

“More than a week later, we’re still waiting. He seems to be hoping the public and press just forget about it.

“There’s no good reason to delay.

“Neil Gray presumably didn’t discuss top-secret, highly-sensitive government business over a half-time Bovril and a pie, with his friends and family next to him.

“If records exist, they can be published immediately. Unless, of course, they’re a work of fiction.

“This scandal reeks of typical SNP secrecy and arrogance.

“The longer this goes on, the more it seems like these documents might be so damning that the SNP want to hide them for as long as possible.

“Neil Gray should really be refunding taxpayers but, at a minimum, he needs to immediately publish the minutes of the discussions that he claims happened.”

The register of interests show that Mr Gray has been given VIP tickets to Aberdeen matches at Hampden three times since becoming a cabinet minister last year.

The Airdrie and Shotts MSP watched Aberdeen v Hibernian in Scottish League Cup semi-final as a guest of the SPFL in November 2023.

He also watched the Dons in the final against Rangers in December last year as a guest of the SPFL, and the semi-final of the Scottish Cup against Celtic in April this year as a guest of the SFA.

Mr Gray was also driven by government limo to an Aberdeen home league match against Livingston in May, on a day when he also carried out ministerial visits in the city.

He was a guest of the Aberdeen Community Trust.

In his statement to the Scottish Parliament on November 14, Mr Gray said: “There are and will be summaries of the discussions that have taken place, which is in accordance with the ministerial code.

“The ministerial code does not require minutes of meetings in that type of format, but those summaries will be available for all the engagements that I have been participating in.”

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Mr Gray attended matches using a ministerial vehicle, and has apologised for his actions saying he appeared ‘more as a fan than a minister’[/caption]

CAMERON MENZIES was pulled up by rival Jim Williams for “rattling” his darts during their Players Championship clash.

The Scot delivered another impressive big stage win, taking out the Welshman 6-2 in Minehead on Friday.

But Menzies, 35, admitted afterwards that the pair had exchanged words midway through the match.

He said: “It was a good start, Jim wasn’t Jim. He pulled me up for rattling my darts. I can’t deny I was doing it. But I would never do it tactically.

“I do apologise to Jim if it put him off. I’m not tactical but I’m fidgety.

“Jim told me to hold my darts. I do this all the time. The reason is years ago I had a set of darts, I broke one.

So one dart was remade for me and was slightly different from the rest. So I always made that my first dart.

“I’ve kind of kept doing that. My intention is not to cheat, I’ll play fair.

“I felt better there than at the Grand Slam. But I think the Grand Slam environment caught me out a little bit.

“A bit of inexperience, I kind of got involved in the tournament. The Grand Slam was maybe a stepping stone to where I want to be. I’ve still got a long way to go.”

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Menzies also revealed he HATES seeing himself being so emotional on the stage.

He added: “Recently a guy sent me a TikTok video and it shows my emotions and I hate it. I know I’m different and I act stupid. I genuinely hate it with a passion.

“But it’s because I want it so much. I want to be a player, I want to win titles. I’m not saying I’m good enough but I want to win titles.

“I’ve got a lot to learn on the stage. I feel like on the floor because I’ve been there for so long. I need to learn on the big stage.”

The Scotsman has been in a relationship with fellow darts star Fallon Sherrock since 2021.

The 30-year-old rose to fame in 2019 when she became the first woman to beat a man at the PDC World Championships.

Both Sherrock and Ayrshire darts hero Menzies have qualified independently for Ally Pally again this year and it would be a matchup for the ages should the draw pair them together.