SCOTLAND’S public services will be paralysed today as 150,000 staff walk out in a bitter pay battle. Schools, rubbish collections, leisure facilities and social care will be in turmoil during the 24-hour strike.

Families affected by muscle-wasting conditions are being denied proper care and face delays in getting essential equipment, a charity has claimed.

Fundraising directors of Scottish and major cross-border charities will meet on Friday to explore ways of preparing for a recession.

TENANTS First Housing Co-operative, based in Aberdeen, has been highly commended for its operating standards in three reports published this summer.