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Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Gifted pupils are being increasingly ignored by Scottish schools, it’s claimed. The number of children receiving extra help in the classroom due to dyslexia, autism and mental health problems has soared by 58 per cent since the pandemic. Meanwhile, those getting additional work to keep them stretched and challenged has slumped by 17 per cent. The revelation comes as ministers are facing pressure to make education reforms, as standards of reading, writing and maths are falling away amid growing violence, ill-discipline and absenteeism. Last night, Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘This neglect of the most able children – whether with academic or practical skills - is potentially disastrous. ‘So-called inclusive education should mean catering for different abilities and getting the maximum from them all.’ He added: ‘Not being taught in line wi...

A woman with a genetic illness that affects her ability to breathe has completed a world record-breaking rowing challenge in the Atlantic Ocean. Sophie Pierce, 32, of Neyland Rowing Club in Pembrokeshire, is the first person with cystic fibrosis to brave the journey. She was joined by three women from the club who set out on the 3,200 (5,150km) mile row from Lanzarote to Antigua in January, and they reached their goal on Thursday night, a week ahead of schedule. Ms Pierce said the 53-day journey had been "incredibly tough" but "empowering". "If you had told me five years ago that I would be standing here in Antigua after rowing an ocean, I would have laughed," Ms Pierce said. She previously said she had become determined to make the most of her time after realising her illness might limit her life. "I hope this challenge not only inspires others with cystic fibrosis to push boundaries but also helps reimagine the fut...

Some older Americans who can't afford to stay in their homes often resort to living in vans due to the cost-effectiveness and independence this lifestyle offers. Rising housing expenses coupled with unchanging retirement incomes have led some elderly Americans to reside in their vehicles. Two individuals from America, who are in their seventies, shared the reasons behind their choice to embrace the van life lifestyle. An increasing number of elderly Americans are becoming priced out from their homes—and some do turning to their vehicles as their new abodes. Two individuals from America over 70 years old who live in their vehicles mentioned to Business Insider that despite their affection for the nomadic lifestyle, renting more conventional homes would not have allowed them to manage their finances effectively. Both mentioned van life Has enabled them to put aside additional funds and strive for a more secure tomorrow. Both mentioned that they ...