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Rebecca Baird

Rebecca Baird

The Courier

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‘Fife aunties’ and TikTok sleuths inspire new novel by former Courier columnist

Kirsty Lockwood, AKA Kirsty Strickland, talks media storms, spinal fluid, and how she almost missed her own book launch.

28.06.2026 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: ScotRail’s ‘mind the gap’ response to pensioner’s Dundee platform fall is pathetic

15.02.2026 300

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Why I’m shining a light on the untold stories behind Dundee’s memorial benches

Do you ever stop at a memorial bench and wonder who's favourite spot you're sitting in? Rebecca Baird does, which is why she's on a mission to find...

03.02.2026 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Keiller Centre must not be left lying empty long enough for tragedy to strike

Manager Kathryn Rattray raised concerns about the building becoming a hazard between closure and demolition.

02.11.2025 200

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Broughty Ferry pub row raises the question – prioritise peace or progress?

A formerly rejected proposal for a new cocktail bar in Broughty Ferry will be reviewed this week.

19.10.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Trip to my local Arbroath supermarket was reminder that fear is fuel in immigration tensions

"I clenched before I could think. I'm not proud of that, but to deny it would be dishonest."

05.10.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: I walked past old Dundee mill for years – now there’s a reason to stop and look

The Milnbank Road building is getting a new lease of life thanks to its creative tenants.

28.09.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Is ‘preservation’ hurting Broughty Castle’s prospects?

Is the under-threat Dundee landmark being driven into a financial black hole by the laws that are meant to preserve it for future generations?

14.09.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Newport Inn’s new operator deserves better than half-witted lewd remarks

'I would bet that if her former occupation was "footballer" or "pop star", the social media response would've been different.'

07.09.2025 40

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: I just moved to Arbroath and roads seem fine – am I missing something?

Coming in with fresh eyes to Arbroath's new Place For Everyone layout, Rebecca isn't seeing the problem.

31.08.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: I just moved to Arbroath and the roads seem fine. Am I missing something?

Coming in with fresh eyes to Arbroath's new Place For Everyone layout, Rebecca isn't seeing the problem.

31.08.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Dundee needs more ‘recovering’ addicts – and they need to live somewhere

In all the controversy over the planned Social Bite Village in Mill O' Mains, there's one word that's being forgotten: recovery.

24.08.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Broughty Ferry boating trip showed me my city from a whole new perspective

'You don't have to go somewhere else to get a new point of view - you just have to try something you've never done before.'

17.08.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: NHS Tayside waiting lists could make a hypocrite out of me

Hundreds of NHS Tayside patients are paying to go private - but what will be the cost for future generations?

10.08.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Could Lochee High Street be the answer to Keiller Centre dilemma?

As the Keiller Centre faces closure and Lochee High Street gets even quieter, Rebecca wonders if there's a way to solve two problems at once.

27.07.2025 40

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Key change Dundee arts scene can make to debunk ‘not-for-us’ museum myth

Ordinary working people in Dundee can feel like art isn't for them. Rebecca questions if the opening hours of arts institutions are part of that...

20.07.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Perth pup Vilo stole our hearts this week – and proved the power of a good story

The story of beloved family pet Vilo being rescued from the remains of a burnt-out building captivated readers, and delighted The Courier's newsroom.

06.07.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Dundee and Perth firefighters deserve better than dangerous cuts

As Perth fire crews are 'close to breaking point', Balmossie Fire station in Dundee is being slated for closure.

29.06.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Does Dundee really need Uber – or just better taxi services?

As Uber claims to be active in Dundee, Rebecca Baird considers the long-term impact of the ride-hailing service on the city.

22.06.2025 30

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Outdated Ninewells parking system putting wheelchair users in danger is unacceptable

Fiona Cummings highlighted the "near misses" wheelchair users experience when trying to get a ticket for the free hospital car park.

15.06.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Rise of natural burials in Dundee puts my favourite taboo topic on the table

As more and more people search for eco-friendly alternatively to traditional cemeteries, Rebecca contemplates the appeals of a natural burial.

08.06.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: LiveHouse’s major Yungblud coup shows what an asset it can be to Dundee

The pop-punk sensation will be the first major act to take to the LiveHouse stage this summer.

01.06.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird

REBECCA BAIRD: Perthshire beauty spot trashing is reminder good weather brings out worst in some

As Perthshire residents rally to protect Loch of Clunie from badly behaved visitors, Rebecca Baird wonders why the sun seems to bring out such shady...

25.05.2025 20

The Courier

Rebecca Baird