Ventilation systems at a care home where 14 elderly ­residents died in a fire were badly designed, a building control expert has told the inquiry into the tragedy.

The Highland social work chief’s early retirement will cost the council almost £60,000. The arrangements were thrashed out in private at the end of last month’s full council meeting in Inverness.

The contract has been awarded for a new support service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted in Aberdeen.

Scottish Government inspectors have again raised “significant concerns” about education and child protection services in Aberdeen.

Scottish charities will soon be allowed to pay for indemnity insurance for trustees and the Court of Session will be given the power to impose a life ban on people acting as trustees under new legislation.

To ensure management qualifications are fit for purpose, the SSSC agreed in June 2009 to change the management requirements for registration.

The number of children receiving care from the local authority in Aberdeenshire is on the rise, according to new figures. Aberdeenshire Council says the figure has risen from 441 in February, 2009, to 510 at the same time this year.

ARBROATH Town Mission has warned that cuts in the grants they received from Angus Council will seriously curtail the services they offer for the elderly in the town.

DUNDEE City Council is proposing a major upgrade of the Mackinnon Centre for adults with disabilities in Broughty Ferry. The scrutiny committee heard last Wednesday that almost £1.5 million has been earmarked for improvements to the centre, a purpose built, 12-bed respite unit for adults with disabilities.

A hostel for ex-prisoners will be closed by Aberdeen City Council, prompting fears that the city’s already-lengthy waiting list for homes will be put under further strain.