Welcome to this lunchtime's top stories.
From new variants of Covid-19 to 'Reservoir Dogs' style torture, and a new Champions League format today has been a busy day.
Here are the five biggest stories so far today.
Scots thug used knives and hammer in 'Reservoir Dogs' style torture session on bound victim after storming his Edinburgh home
A depraved thug bound a man with carpet fitting tape before carrying out a horror attack, beating him with a hammer and slashing him with a knife.
Details of the horror attack emerged at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Read more here.
New Brazilian Covid variant - Everything we know so far
Politicians are "very concerned" about the new mutation, though to affect healthy, young people.
The new coronavirus variant believed to have originated in Brazil was discovered earlier this month.
Read more.
Nicola Sturgeon rewarded as SNP in line for Holyrood election majority
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon is being rewarded for her handling of the pandemic as her party are on course for a majority win at the next election.
Independence support remains near record levels, according to a new poll.
Full article here.
Nicola Sturgeon announces 64 new coronavirus deaths and 1,707 cases in Scotland
The First Minister confirmed today's figures at her daily briefing.
1,829 people are in hospital which is an increase of 35 overnight and above the April peak.
Full details here.
Rangers and Celtic on red alert over Champions League revolution as Bayern chief talks up 'exhilarating' new format
Ambitious UEFA are poised to overhaul the group stage of the Champions League next season because it's 'boring' according to Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Scotland will have two places in the Champions League next season after clinching a spot in the top 15 UEFA's coefficient rankings.
Read more here.
