THE number of people seeking help because they are addicted to the prescription drug diazepam is on the rise in the Lothians.

A watchdog has added his voice to concerns over Scotland’s postcode lottery in how councils calculate care home fees.

A SOUTH Lanarkshire Council social worker accused of sending offensive e-mails, some involving child abuse, has been struck off.

SOCIAL work services at Kilmarnock Prison have awarded top marks by inspectors. The positive findings are revealed in a report from the Social Work Inspection Agency which carried out an inspection at the jail earlier this year.

Hundreds of witnesses will be called to give evidence at a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of two teenage girls who jumped from the Erskine Bridge.

Consultation on plans to privatise Fife Council-run residential care homes has been extended until January 4.

THE Moray economy has been given a seasonal shot in the arm with the news that a £6 million life science centre has been handed the go-ahead.

STIRLING Council has agreed to work jointly with Clackmannanshire Council to provide education and social care services.

A council convener has survived a vote calling for her resignation in the wake of damning reports on a children’s home.

UNION leaders and health professionals are voicing serious concerns over plans to shake up care services for children and the elderly.