Good evening and welcome to Thursday's Daily Record headline briefing. The rundown keeps you up to date with the latest news from Scotland and beyond.
Today's top headlines include: Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral, aged 96, Liz Truss announces two year energy bill cap of £2,500 and Pub beer garden disappears in flood
Here is everything you need to know to keep up to date.
Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral, aged 96
Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96 while at Balmoral, Buckingham Palace has announced. She has been the UK’s monarch for the past 70 years.
Earlier today the Queen was placed under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral, Clarence House has said - as will the Duke of Cambridge, according to Kensington Palace.
Liz Truss announces two year energy bill cap of £2,500 for all Scots
Household energy prices will be capped this winter after Liz Truss was forced to act on the fuel crisis. The new Tory Prime Minister announced plans in the Commons to limit gas and electricity bill rises in a scheme that will impose a two-year cap on the unit price of power.
The plan will save the typical household £1,000 a year from current prices, according to the government with the Truss government spending billions to protect people from soaring prices. However, it will still be significantly higher than prices last year.
Nicola Sturgeon leads Scottish tributes to the Queen
Nicola Sturgeon has led tributes in Scotland to the Queen, who has died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle.
The First Minister said: "The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to The King and the Royal Family."
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said it was "a sad day for the whole country".
Operation Unicorn and what happens after Queen dies in Scotland
As the nation comes to terms with the death of the Queen, behind the scenes the detailed plans set aside for the aftermath are being rapidly put into action.
The task is a major undertaking on a scale never seen before – and has added challenges with the death of the Queen at Balmoral, with the contingency Scottish plans known as Operation Unicorn now part of the process.
With the monarch spending several months a year at her beloved home in the Highlands, the plans for a Scottish element have long been organised just in case.
New Winter Fuel Payment claim form could help more older people get up to £600 from November
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently updated online guidance for millions of older people to make it easier and quicker to find out who qualifies for a £300 one-off ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’ on top of their annual Winter Fuel Payment.
In order to help people over State Pensions age manage energy bills this winter, more than eight million eligible households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment across the UK will receive the cash boost over November and December.
The DWP has now clarified the payment amounts for several household scenarios including where someone lives on their own, with a partner over or under 80, or whether wither of them receive other benefits.
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