Border South Scotland News

One of the largest annual agricultural shows in the south of Scotland gets underway.

Livestock, equestrian and poultry competitions are being held throughout the day at the Wigtown Show.

Organisers are expecting thousands of visitors and advise wellies to cope with the wet ground.

• UK
• Wigtown
• South Scotland

First it was the Tour de France, and now the Olympics. When it comes to cycling everyone is hoping this will be British breakthrough year.

British success in cycling so far has seen the sport's popularity soar. Scottish Cycling has organised skill sessions to teach youngsters how to handle a racing bike. The latest was at the Everholm Running Track at Annan, in Dumfries and Galloway.

• UK
• cycling
• South Scotland

Alex Watson has the latest forecast.

• UK
• Cumbria
• Weather

Two local politicians have slammed the SNP government for “betraying” graduates after a survey showed high unemployment figures for many young people.

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown claims that the survey shows the “crisis” young people face when leaving university.

“We have the highest long term youth unemployment rate for 15 years. Many graduates feel betrayed, as they have spent a lot of time and money going to university. “

The survey of almost 1,000 graduates was carried out by the Citizen Advice Service. It shows nearly half of all graduates are out of work for a period of time after leaving university, with over 20 per cent remaining unemployed for more than a year.

"The Scottish Government needs a plan to both address graduate unemployment and the needs of those out of work for 12 months or more.”

Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray would like a wage subsidy scheme set up in the region to help promote growth and create jobs.

Earlier this month it was revealed that long-term youth unemployment was at its highest rate in 15 years, with over 400 18-24 year olds in Dumfries and Galloway out of work.

• UK
• employment
• Dumfries and Galloway

Alex Watson has the lunchtime forecast.

• UK
• Cumbria
• Weather

Almost 220,000 needles were handed out to drug users in Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders last year, according to the Scottish Conservatives.

Over 4.5m syringes were distributed throughout Scotland, almost the same amount as the number of people who live there.

“These numbers show there are almost as many needles handed out in Scotland as there are people living in this country. People speak about the importance of reducing needle-sharing, but what about the importance of ridding our parks and playgrounds of dumped drug-using equipment?"

Despite the number being down on the previous year, only 25% of the syringes handed out were through a replacement scheme, raising concerns over whether needles are being disposed of responsibly.

• UK
• Scottish Borders
• Dumfries and Galloway

Kerrie Gosney has the latest forecast.

• UK
• Cumbria
• Weather

Outbreaks of rain are expected for many for today, especially in eastern areas. The wet weather could continue for much of the week.

Alex Watson has the latest forecast.

• UK
• Weather
• Cumbria

It's mainly dry for most places with a south-westerly breeze.

Cloudy skies and outbreaks of rain are expected for the start of the week.

Kerrie Gosney has the latest forecast.

• UK
• Cumbria
• weather

A wet start to the day for the west in particular, and conditions are expected to get worse as the day progresses with heavy rain predicted later on.

Temperatures at best should be 16 degrees.

Kerrie Gosney has the latest forecast.

• UK
• Cumbria
• Weather