Six Scottish youth organisations have been awarded seized criminal cash to help them fund activities.

THE reality of drug abuse among Scottish schoolchildren has been laid bare in a report that reveals more than 100 youngsters aged 14 and under admitted using drugs in Scotland last year.

A dispute between two councils over an ill six-year-old’s care should never have reached the High Court, according to a report by social work inspectors.

The Scottish Government is to invest £4m in telecare so that older people can live at home for longer in Scotland. Telecare is delivered by electronic devices in people’s homes that support them to live independently when previously they may have needed hospital or residential care.

THE true cost of Scotland’s drug habit has been set out by a leading academic, who says a single addict sets the country back more than £60,000 a year.

A group of more than 40 charities has called for changes to radically simplify the welfare system. The Scottish Campaign on Welfare Reform (SCoWR) says people are often made to “jump through hoops” to claim meagre benefits.

A charity which supports 1,800 deaf and hard of hearing people in Aberdeen is facing closure after losing contracts with north-east councils.

AN MSP has expressed concerns that police officers will be diverted away from front-line duties in Inverness to deal with the consequences of the closure of a “drunk tank”.

New legislation will force public bodies to reveal how many of their workers earn salaries of more than £150,000. The Public Services Reform Bill, which was passed by Parliament today, will also require any spending over £25,000 to be made public.

THE treatment of drug addicts in the criminal system is under threat after NHS Lothian gave notice to withdraw their nursing and medical services from a court-sanctioned programme.