Welcome to this Wednesday's top stories update.
The headlines today so far include footage of the terrifying explosion in Ayr which left four homes damages and four people hospitalised as well as a cruel couple who left Scots schoolboy in an insect infested room.
Here is all you need to know to keep up to date.
Ayr explosion CCTV footage shows horrifying moment four residents seriously injured in blast
Footage showing the horrifying moment when an explosion destroyed a home in Ayr leaving the four residents seriously injured has been released.
The CCTV footage captured the blast on Gorse Park in the Kincaidston area of the town at around 7.10pm on Monday, October 18.
In the clip an ominous rumble can be heard as the devastating explosion takes place.
Cruel couple guilty of horrific neglect of Scots schoolboy at fly-infested home
A man and woman neglected a schoolboy so badly that police couldn't open his bedroom door because it was blocked with rubbish.
Gordon Bircham and Caitlin O'Brien allowed the property to become so filthy it was infested with flies and insects.
An investigation revealed the schoolboy's bedroom walls and mattress were covered in animal urine and excrement.
First pic of mum and dad seriously injured in Ayr explosion as kids remain in hospital
A family of four remain in a serious condition in hospital tonight after an explosion destroyed their home in Ayr.
Locally named Marion Ferguson, 43, and the couple's 16-year-old boy are currently being treated at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary.
Husband William Ferguson, 47, is at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital while their 11-year-old son is receiving care at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Universal Credit cuts leave mum worried she won’t be able to buy Christmas gifts
A single mum is becoming increasingly anxious about how to pay for Christmas this year after her Universal Credit payment was slashed by £20-per-week.
Maria Smith is juggling the household and trying to reduce their food bill, cancel subscriptions and use less fuel as a means to save money for presents, thanks to cuts by the UK Tory Government.
'Severe' high cholesterol symptom in feet that may be waking you up at night
Having high cholesterol can cause a number of serious health problems.
Symptoms do not often appear until the condition is serious with sinister signs surfacing when a person's arteries become obstructed.
But a pain in your feet might be a tell tale sign.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
