Four things you should know this morning

It’s never too early to learn something new, like how many species of sharks are in Scottish waters or what the new Consumer Rights Act means for shoppers, as well as a couple of other things.

AN extremely rare shark with a name as strange as its looks has been caught off the west coast of Scotland. The sofa shark, over two metres long, was caught by marine biologists during a deep sea survey off the Isle of Barra.

Which is the best Scottish university?

This years World University Rankings have shown a massive improvement for Scottish universities. Five universities have risen in the ranks over the past year, making it into the world top 200.

St Andrews was most improved, climbing a massive 25 places since 2014, from 111th to 86th place.

The highest ranking university in Scotland is still Edinburgh, climbing from 36th to 24th this year. Glasgow follows in at number 76, with Dundee and Aberdeen coming in at 172nd and 182nd respectively.

Find out what other UK universities make the list here >>>

Where do people still speak Gaelic?

While the language skills are down 5,300 on 2005, some parts of Scotland are still embracing the Gaelic language.

Eilean Siar, the council district for the Outer Hebrides, comes top of the table with 61 per cent over the age of three having some skills in the language.

The Highlands it was 7.4 per cent and Argyll & Bute 5.9 per cent. Glasgow City mirrored the Scottish average at 1.7 per cent.

See the map of Gaelic in Scotland >>>

How many sharks are in Scottish waters?

The discovery of a Sofa shark by Marine Scotland in the Outer Hebrides has sparked a renewed interest in the species living in Scottish waters.

The Sofa shark, or its proper name the false catshark, is the first one to have been seen in over 15 years. It is only the second one to be recorded north of the border, and was found during a deep sea survey near the islands of Barra and St Kilda.

In the past year alone, surveyors have discovered there are actually 72 different species of shark in our waters - a big difference from the previously suspected 32.

Find out more about the shark >>>

Shoppers get extended return period under new law

The new Consumer Rights Act is the biggest shake-up in consumer law for a generation.

The new law, in effect as of today, guarantees shoppers a full refund for up to 30 days after buying a faulty item, covers digital purchases for the first time ever, and has even cracked down on unfair terms in contracts.

Previously shoppers were only guaranteed a refund for a “reasonable time”, causing confusion as to the time frame, and giving companies the ability to set their own policy.

Now under the new act, all consumers will have the right to ask for a full refund on faulty items, up to 30 days after purchase.

After 30 days, retailers have one opportunity to repair or replace the faulty item, at the customer’s choosing.