| Good morning Voornaam It's finally Friday and dare we say it, the weather is a little brighter today. Wishful thinking perhaps, but there's nothing wrong with hoping that a proper summer might be just around the corner. Grab a coffee, a sweet pastry as a breakfast treat, and let us talk you through some of the top stories of the day. First up today, a fresh wave of strike action by council workers could close schools and nurseries across Scotland just a few weeks into the new term. Read everything you need to know right here. Next up, a pod of 77 whales have died on an Orkney beach in a mass stranding. There are rescue efforts underway to save the whales that are still alive. Read more here. Lastly, Scottish scientists have made a 'significant' breakthrough that could predict a person's risk of disease up to ten years before a diagnosis - including Scotland's biggest killers. Read more here. Whatever your plans, have a great day, and a brilliant weekend. From The team at The Scotsman | 