Scotland

Skip Mouat had sat out the previous two games through illness and said: “I thought I might have lost the momentum having those two games off, but I thought I threw pretty well in practice.

“I was glad to be back and there were a few misses by Sweden that let us off the hook.”

In the women’s event, Scotland secured their fourth win, against Norway, but sit sixth going into their final game against Sara Messenzehl’s Germany with only an outside chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Skipped by Sophie Jackson, they picked up four unanswered points over the first three ends against Marianne Roervik’s rink and finished strongly to see out a 8-5 victory.

Ranked second in this event, the Scots have also beaten Lithuania, Denmark and the Czech Republic, but losses to Turkey, Sweden, Italy and Switzerland mean they are requiring favours from other rinks to make the final four.

With Anna Hasselborg’s Swedes already qualified with seven wins, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland are all on five wins, one ahead of the Scots.

Jackson said: “That win was really important for us as we want that world qualification spot and that’s what we’re focused on now.

“I sadly had some news yesterday that my grandad passed away. It’s actually changed the mood in the team a little. We are just doing everything for each and make it the best time we can out there.”

Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (Manchester City), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City), Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit).

Defenders: Georgia Brown (Sporting Club Jacksonville), Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Leah Eddie (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Como), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Amy Muir (Glasgow City).

Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Freya Gregory (Newcastle United), Sam Kerr (Liverpool), Kirsty MacLean (Liverpool), Maria McAneny (Celtic), Miri Taylor (Aston Villa), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Lauren Davidson (Brann), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace), Mia McAulay (Rangers), Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian), Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur).

The Scotland squad remains entirely behind Gregor Townsend as pressure builds on the head coach after a disappointing Autumn Nations Series, according to captain Sione Tuipulotu.

After an 85-0 drubbing of the USA, Scotland were edged out by New Zealand and denied an historic first win over the All Blacks, and then collapsed from 21-0 up against Argentina to lose 33-24.

Before the final match of the series against Tonga at Murrayfield on Sunday, Townsend has batted away questions on whether, after eight years in the job, it is time for a change.

And Tuipulotu, speaking to the media on Saturday, threw his support behind the head coach.

“I don’t think I’ve ever stood in front of you guys and not spoken honestly,” Tuipulotu said. “When you guys ask me questions, I’ve always given you my honest answer. My honest answer is, I’m fully behind my head coach, and so are all the players.

“I take a lot of accountability for what happened on the weekend [against Argentina]. I’m the captain of the team.

“Gregor is not down there playing rugby. He’s put us in a position to get up 21 points and I take accountability as the captain for the reason that maybe we let that lead slide.

“We didn’t execute against New Zealand. I think it’s more of a players thing for me, because I’m down on the field, I’m out there being able to influence the situation along with all the other players.

“So I stand in front of you all here and speak honestly that I’m fully behind Gregor. I still believe he’s the man for the job in what we can achieve leading into the World Cup.”

Travel experts Mr and Mrs D Adventures are urging anyone in the UK to take a trip along a stunning 820km circular route from showcasing breathtaking scenery, ancient castles and dramatic coastlines

If you’re a fan of hitting the open road at your own pace, then road trips are likely your ideal way to travel. They offer a brilliant opportunity to soak up the scenery whilst giving you complete freedom to explore.

You’re not bound by anyone else’s timetable, and you can journey in total comfort. For road trip enthusiasts, there’s one remarkable route in Britain that simply cannot be missed.

A pair of experienced travellers and road trip lovers, who share their adventures on social media as Mr and Mrs D Adventures, are encouraging Brits to experience Scotland’s breathtaking NC500. In a video, the duo revealed it “kills” them that people can live their entire lives in Britain without ever driving this spectacular road.

The circular route covers a significant portion of Scotland, starting and finishing in Inverness and stretching an impressive 820km past some of the nation’s most picturesque locations, reports the Express.

The journey can realistically be completed in five days, however, according to the experts, it’s far better to allow a week to 10 days to properly appreciate all the magnificent sights.

For those without the time to complete the entire loop, the West Coast offers the absolute cream of the crop.

From charming fishing villages and expansive white sandy beaches to historic castles and breathtaking coastal vistas, this route is absolutely essential.

Amongst the standout attractions are The Duncansby Stacks — imposing rock formations rising majestically from the ocean — and Ardvreck Castle which stands beside a gorgeous loch with a stunning beach.

The journey also includes a drive over the Kylesku Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Scottish countryside on either side.

During the summer months, the route can become quite congested, so it’s recommended to visit during spring or autumn, although be prepared for sudden weather changes.

If you’re planning to tackle the entire route, it’s advisable to drive in an anti-clockwise direction and ensure you’re confident behind the wheel. The beauty of the route is undeniable, but some roads are single track, requiring good reversing skills should you encounter oncoming traffic.

How could Scotland start so poorly and finish so impressively?

“Was it because we’ve got that mindset where a point might do, so it’s cautious?” Dodds wondered. “Maybe the cautious approach came from what we needed out of the game, but then we realised at the end, we’re desperate and we nearly did it, but it didn’t really matter in the end, did it?

“It’s all about energy and belief. That’s when we’re at our best. It’s about having a go.”

McFadden thought “lousy defending” and “a nervousness” from their previous recent meetings with Greece contributed to Saturday’s eventful defeat.

“I thought our press was really poor,” he said. “They found it far too easy to play in the areas they wanted to play and we didn’t stop them.

“The distances were too big between defence and midfield and attack, so the press was never going to work, but then the second half started much better, much more aggressive, we’re getting players forward.

“You look at Andy Robertson’s cross for Ryan Christie’s goal. Earlier in the game, he probably turns back, because it’s not perfect, it’s bouncing.

“Earlier, John McGinn wasn’t driving forward, Scott McTominay wasn’t driving forward. We are at our best when McGinn’s driving forward, when McTominay’s getting into the box, when Robertson’s getting up the line and getting crosses into the box and, for whatever reason, the last three games have not been like that.”

Clarke said afterwards that “we need to believe in ourselves more”.

“I don’t know why they don’t believe in themselves, being the players we all know they can be,” McFadden said, recalling the struggle to beat Belarus at Hampden.

“I don’t know if it’s lack of belief, I don’t know if it’s confidence, but when you watch players and they’re doing things they don’t normally do, not for the better of the team, then you start to think is it maybe time for some of these players to be replaced and then you see them driving forward and playing how they can play.

“Is it because it’s a World Cup and there’s a real fear of failure?”

More consistent success raises expectations of Argentina, something they have not always handled well.

In the summer they lost a home series 2-0 to England, despite Steve Borthwick’s side missing 14 players who were touring with the British and Irish Lions.

In the Rugby Championship, they started with a defeat and a win at home against New Zealand and went to Australia with a big chance to cement their status as title contenders.

Despite leading by 14 points at half-time, they ended up losing 28-24 after conceding a last-gasp try.

They avenged that loss the next week and ran the Springboks close in their final game after a 67-30 defeat in Durban, but finished bottom of the table.

Argentina went to Cardiff as favourites last week and put up 52 points, but Scotland are unlikely to be as charitable as Wales and the Pumas do not usually tour well in the northern hemisphere either.

The last time they won more than one game in November Tests was 2014.

However, with Wales dispatched and Scotland and England to come, this team has the chance for a historic clean sweep.

The odds might be against them, but three wins on British soil is not farfetched for this Argentina side.

Argentina team to face Scotland: Cruz Mallia, Isgro, Moroni, Chocobares, M Carreras, Prisciantelli, Benitez Cruz; Vivas, Montoya (capt), Delgado, Petti, Rubiolo, S Grondona, Martin Gonzalez, Oviedo.

Replacements: Ruiz, Gallo, Coria Marchetti, Elias, Matera, Moyano, S Carreras, Piccardo.

Scotland: Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors, capt), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors); Finn Russell (Bath), Ben White (Toulon); Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby), D’arcy Rae (Edinburgh); Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors).

Replacements: George Turner (Harlequins), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton Saints), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Jordan (Bristol Bears), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh).

Clarke was not so laidback. McGinn revealed that half-time of the Belarus match was the “wildest” he had ever seen the head coach.

After a record-breaking 72nd match in charge, Clarke said: “If you’d said at the start of this camp we’d come out with six points, everyone would’ve been really happy.

“But, I have to be honest, tonight I was really, really disappointed in my team.”

So how does he address that for arguably his most significant qualifiers to date?

Off the bench, Billy Gilmour subtly brought some control to Scotland’s play against Greece, who were threatening to run riot at Hampden for the second time in seven months.

But the injured Napoli midfielder will not be an option for Clarke in Athens, although he could return for the potential group decider with Denmark.

Fellow Serie A midfielder Lennon Miller, also capable of dictating and bringing composure to a game, will be missing as well after withdrawing injured.

Having faced 37 shots in two games at Hampden against Greece and Belarus, it is clear Scotland have been exposed in recent outings.

Clarke’s side rode their luck at times in their group opener in Denmark, but they looked a far more cohesive unit out of possession in a rigid 4-4-2 shape.

Christie, McGinn, Ferguson and Scott McTominay occupied a compact and energetic midfield four, with Dykes and Che Adams providing intense work rate and physicality as a forward pairing.

Bold decisions to not start Gilmour and Ben Gannon-Doak paid off as the Scots left Copenhagen with a well-earned point.

Knowing a draw would set up a winner-takes-all showdown with the Danes on Tuesday, might the Scotland boss revert to that formula in Greece?

Scotland are bidding to reach a men’s World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that there’s a real understanding of what it takes to be successful,” said former Scotland forward Naismith.

“Making the two Euros has been so valuable to this squad. You can now see that there is a focus, an understanding that, ‘we need to do this to get to a major tournament’.

“We’ve got a squad here who’ve been really successful. That’s four campaigns in which we’ve made the play-offs for a World Cup, got to two Euros and got a real chance of making a World Cup tournament as well.

“Football is what the country lives and breathes. Scots are really emotional, so at times it can be tough. What has been shown is when we are united, the fans are up for it, the players are up for it led by the manager, we’ve been really successful.

“We’ve been to two major tournaments, probably not done ourselves justice at those tournaments and what an opportunity they’ve got to make massive history and get to a World Cup.

“I grew up just seeing the last tournament in France ’98. The generation now supporting Scotland have seen two major tournaments and now potentially a World Cup. There’s definitely been a different mindset and expectations from everybody associated. That’s why we’re such a good nation that has had success and hopefully it can continue. “

While the UK has many iconic attractions from the London Eye to Edinburgh Castle, the one that comes out on top with the most five-star reviews on TripAdvisor is one you’ve likely never heard of

The UK has a wealth of places to visit, and if you’re planning a staycation, you certainly won’t be short of ideas. When it comes to visiting a new place, many of us use TripAdvisor to look at reviews and work out what the top attractions are locally.

Now, research from Iglu Cruises has used TripAdvisor data to determine the ultimate day out across 108 countries. Using this information, the cruise line identified which attractions had the highest number of five-star reviews, and a surprising winner emerged at the top.

With 98.1% of reviews giving it five stars, the top spot went to Ascent Aviation, based in the west central lowlands of Scotland. If you know someone interested in planes, this could be the ultimate day out for them, as it hosts a flight simulator and pilot training centre. Visitors can experience flying to over 26,000 airports on a 220-degree wrap-around, which makes you feel like you’re right in the cockpit.

Both children and adults can fly the simulator, although those under 14 will need an adult with them and may require assistance with some of the controls.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “I bought this experience for myself and a friend who loves all things aircraft and our experience could not have been better. Our pilot, Chris, was excellent and made us feel instantly comfortable and answered all our (many) questions patiently. A fascinating experience that was really good fun!”

Another commented: “Booked as a present for my son’s 12th birthday, he had an amazing time. The Pilot provided the tuition, treated him as an adult, and provided excellent instruction and patiently answered all his questions. Highly recommend for all flying enthusiasts out there.”

And in a double victory for Scotland, number two on the list is Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian. 91.1% of its reviews gave a glowing five stars to the iconic distillery, which is renowned for producing the Edinburgh Malt.

Whiskey fans can tour the distillery and learn how their single malt is made, before visiting the bar for a tasting, and picking up a bottle to take home with them. One visitor said: “Willie gave us the tour and did an amazing job. He told everything with passion, humor and involved everybody in the tour. It’s the best whisky experience near Edinburgh.”

In third place, the Victoria Tunnel in Tyne and Wear boasts 90.5% five-star reviews. This historic underground wagonway was built in the 1840s and originally transported coal, before being used in World War II as an air raid shelter. Guests can take a private tour of the tunnel and learn about its fascinating history and what it was like for the people sheltering there.

Wales gets its first mention in fourth place for the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Torfaen, for which 89.8% of reviews were five-star. This one has an experience that’s best avoided by the claustrophobic; you can go 300 feet underground on a guided tour which is led by a miner. Deep underground, you’ll see the original mine workings and machinery from its days as a working mine.

If you prefer to stay in daylight, there are also surface tours, which take you around various colliery buildings and allow you to learn about the rich history of the mine.

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Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Hutchinson, Tuipulotu (capt) Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Gilchrist, Cummings, Brown, M Fagerson, Dempsey.

Replacements: Turner, Sutherland, Millar-Mills, Sykes, Darge, Bayliss, Dobie, Jordan.

New Zealand: Jordan; Carter, Fainga’anuku, Tupaea, Clarke; B Barrett, Roigard; Groot, Taylor, Newell, Lord, Holland, Sititi, Savea (capt), Lakai.

Replacements: Taukei’aho,  Williams, Tosi,  Darry, Kirifi, Ratima, Proctor, McKenzie.

England have been drawn with Spain in their qualifying group for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Spain beat the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final, but England gained revenge when they beat the world champions in the Euro 2025 final in July to retain their European title.

Iceland and Ukraine have also been placed in Group A3 alongside Sarina Wiegman’s side.

Qualifying for the World Cup, which will be held in Brazil, follows the same format as the Nations League and is split into three tiers.

Only the four group winners in League A will automatically qualify for the finals, with the remaining teams having to go through the play-offs for the remaining eight places.

Scotland have been paired with Belgium, Israel and Luxembourg in Group B4, while Wales will face the Czech Republic, Albania and Montenegro in Group B1.

Northern Ireland have been placed in Group B2 with Switzerland, Turkey and Malta, and the Republic of Ireland are in Group A2 alongside the Netherlands, France and Poland.

The qualifiers will be played across six matchdays, on a home and away basis, during 2026, starting on 3 March and finishing on 9 June.

Uefa has been allocated 11 places for the 32-team 2027 World Cup.

An additional European team could also qualify through Fifa’s intercontinental play-offs.

The age at which you can get a free bus pass can differ greatly depending on where you are based

People across the nation could be in line for additional assistance with their travel expenses, including a bus pass offering free or discounted journeys on local bus services. No matter where you reside in the UK, there is a plethora of schemes designed to make public transport more wallet-friendly, though not everyone will qualify.

Eligibility can vary greatly depending on your location within the UK. For instance, the age at which you can receive a free bus pass can differ significantly if you are located in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Most of the complimentary bus passes nationwide are primarily reserved for the elderly, especially after the government confirmed it will abandon a proposed trial of free bus passes for anyone under 22 in England. As per a BBC report, the government stated that there were no funds available to support the scheme during the current spending review period, which runs until 2028/29.

Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of all the available assistance.

England

In England, pensioners become eligible for a free bus pass when they hit the state pension age of 66, which applies to both men and women. So, if you were born in 1959, you will be able to get your hands on the free bus pass this year.

You can apply for this scheme through your local council under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, although the actual name of the bus pass may change depending on where you live.

When applying, you might be asked to provide a passport-style photo as well as a document proving your age and address. However, there is one city in England that has slightly different rules.

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London

Free travel on buses, tubes and other transport is available from the age of 60, but this is only within London. This can be accessed via the 60+ London Oyster photocard which also allows you to get free transport on Transport for London services anytime Monday to Friday, except between 4.30am and 9am.

Further details of free bus travel in England can be found here.

Scotland

In Scotland, once you hit 60, you can get your hands on a National Entitlement Card which gives you free bus travel all over Scotland. However, bear in mind that this Scottish concessionary travel only applies to registered local and long-distance bus services.

So, certain premium-fare services, tours, excursions and group hire services aren’t part of the deal. If you are also between the age of five and 21, you may also be eligible for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) which allows you to access the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.

Further details on free bus travel for older people in Scotland can be found here.. Meanwhile, further details on free bus travel for younger people in Scotland can be found here.

Wales

Within Wales, you may be able to get free travel on buses if you are disabled, aged 60 or over, or an injured service personnel which you can apply for through Transport for Wales. While not free, people aged between 16 and 21 caaan apply for a MyTravelPass which allows them to get up to a third off the cost of bus travel in many circumstances.

Further details of this in Wales can be found here.