ON TWITTER

#SCOTTISHBUDGET

The tax gap between middle earners in Scotland and the rest of the UK is poised to increase after finance secretary Derek Mackay confirmed he would freeze the threshold for the higher rate of tax in Scotland next year.

@Rob__hitch speculated: “I suspect all those solicitors north of Carlisle will be dealing with lots of additional house purchases before 25th January.”

@111steve111 complained: “Have to say very disappointed in the decision by the SNP to hammer middle earners with higher taxes. Dancing to the socialist Green Party’s tune it seems. Not good for the country in the long term to have such disparity with the rest of the UK.”

@Unisondave added: “Derek Mackay notably failing to answer question on local government cuts and child poverty. As always look at the small print.”

@Lizhunterreward clarified: “Same caveat as @ Philiphammonduk gave. We’re flying blind... #tax #Brexit.”

#STRASBOURG

A Strasbourg gunman yelled “Allahu Akbar”. meaning “God is greatest” in Arabic, as he opened fire on people enjoying an evening out at a Christmas market in the eastern French city. Two people were killed in the terror attack and one was left brain dead.

@Serennaa tweeted: “Spent sometime this summer in beautiful #Strasbourg thinking about this amazing place and praying for it’s people today.”

@eamcdougall added: “I’m angry and sad. Some of our best memories of Christmas here in France come from our visits to the beautiful Christmas markets of #Strasbourg. My deepest condolences to the loved ones of those we lost yesterday.”

@Lsbh_negussiem stressed: “Pray for the victims. Pray for their family and friends. Focus on love. Not on him.”

#MARS

Nasa’s Insight lander, which touched down on Mars on 26 November, used a camera on its robotic arm to take its first selfie.

@Caitlynrk posted: “If this ain’t one of the coolest things I’ve seen in my entire life I don’t know what is.”

@Matecurkovic joked: “Let’s call it #melfie.”

@Writerjenlavoie wondered: “Do you ever get lonely, Insight?”