Good morning Voornaam It's Wednesday, it's sunny and we're all one step closer to the weekend. Settle back with a hot coffee, treat yourself to a breakfast pastry and we'll talk you through the big stories of the day. A recent explosion in the number of children with additional support needs (ASN) has piled pressure on Scottish school staff, pupils and their families. Our Educations Correspondent Calum Ross will guide you through the eight key findings from a recent inquiry into additional support for learning (ASL). "Committee convener Sue Webber told The Scotsman: “It was really disheartening when we learned some of the personal challenges faced by families and young people. There has been an exponential growth in the number of young people needing support and that doesn’t match the budget." A report from the Accounts Commission warns the funding gap for councils is only going to get worse. Opposition parties have warned the closure of more public facilities, such as libraries, along with “bins overflowing and potholes covering the roads” may be the price to pay as councils are forced to make savings, use their financial reserves and charge for certain services to make ends meet. "Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrats economy spokesman, said: “This huge financial gap means children losing out on education, potholes left unfilled, and elderly people without support.”" More than 80 years ago, a group of Scots soldiers were sent on a mission to destroy the hydro plant where the Nazis had the power to create their own weapons of mass destruction. Only one of them made it home. Our Heritage Correspondent will guide you through this remarkable story, and efforts made to remember these men. Below are a collection of stories, and don't forget to stay updated with news from across Scotland with out daily live blog here. Have a really great day, From The team at The Scotsman |