Scotland trending: Today’s most talked-about topics

The Forth Road Bridge will be closed to traffic for the next three weekends. Picture: Joey Kelly

TODAY’S top stories on social media from Scotland and beyond, with news from the Conservative Party Conference as well as travel disruption closer to home

Twitter users acknowledge Bipolar Awareness Day 2015

Mental health charity Bipolar UK is encouraging Twitter users to share their experiences of the disorder online today in honour of annual Bipolar Awareness Day. Thousands of people affected by bipolar, including actor Stephen Fry, have tweeted about the topic, sharing everything from personal stories to artwork and music inspired by the impact of the disorder. Bipolar UK are encouraging Twitter users to included the hashtag #BipolarAndMe in their tweet in order to raise awareness and combat stigma.

Boris Johnson calls on Conservatives to protect the low-paid

Boris Johnson was trending on Twitter today after addressing the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. The Mayor of London urged the government to protect “the hardest working and lowest paid” when considering welfare reform and tax cuts. Mr Johnson’s comments come after recent changes to tax credits may leave millions of households worse off. Many Twitter users and media outlets commented on the number of jokes the politician included in his address.

Belgian film directors Chantal Akerman dies aged 65

Influential director and film theorist Chantal Akerman has passed away unexpectedly. Akerman was a pioneer of experimental European cinema and greatly influenced both feminist and avant-garde filmmaking. The director had worked consistently since 1968, premiering her most recent creation No Home Movie at Locarno film festival just last month. The film, a video essay about Akerman’s mother, was badly received, prompting speculation in the media that the filmmaker’s cause of death may have been suicide. Fans have been paying their respects on Twitter since the news broke.

Theresa May shares tough plans for asylum policy

Home Secretary Theresa May has faced criticism from social media users today after addressing the topic of immigration at the ongoing Conservative Party Conference. Many found Ms May’s speech on the subject factually flawed and unsettling, with the Tory politician planning a “tough” response to asylum seekers illegally entering the UK. Some Twitter responses have dubbed the Home Secretary “xenophobic” and “incompetent” after watching her speech.

Forth Road Bridge will close for next three weekends

Fife and Edinburgh residents have taken to the internet to air their frustrations after it was announced that access to the Forth Road Bridge would be closed for the next three Saturday nights and Sundays. This major traffic disruption comes as a result of demolition work connected to the Forth Replacement Crossing project. The bridge will remain open for local access only between South Queensferry, Kirkliston and Dalmeny but all other motorists are encouraged to avoid the Forth Bridge area. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be allowed access.