Fresh talks aimed at ending Scotland's bin strikes

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Fresh talks are being held in a bid to end Scotland's bin strikes ahead of the dispute spreading to more areas.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney met unions and council body Cosla on Thursday afternoon after pay negotiations broke down on Wednesday.

Mr Swinney left the meeting at about 17:00, with talks continuing between councils and unions.

Refuse workers in Edinburgh are midway through a two-week strike that has left bins overflowing on the streets.

Staff in 13 other areas walked out on Wednesday.

They are due to be joined on Friday by several more local authorities, with most of the councils involved in the dispute not expected to have any bin collections until the end of the month.

The affected areas include Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Highlands.

Further strikes have also been scheduled on dates between 6 and 13 September by refuse workers in more than 20 council areas.

Schools, nurseries and early years' centres many areas are also due to see strikes from unions members including catering staff, janitors and classroom assistants next month.

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The deputy first minister is meeting union and council leaders as more workers prepare to join the strike.