First Minister Alex Salmond has hailed the “first class” education given to deaf youngsters, as he officially opened a new purpose-built school.

Children in Scotland have suffered less from changes in policies than other parts of the UK, a new report said today.

A MAN who was left paralysed from the neck down after being stabbed spoke yesterday of the devastating impact knife crime had on his life.

Adults with learning disabilities living at home have become “invisible” because many local authorities are not providing adequate support services for them, a report published today found.

Children who care for sick and disabled relatives are being given the chance to put their concerns to ministers at Scotland’s first Young Carers Festival in West Linton, in the Scottish Borders.

Children and young people living in residential child care in Scotland are to help ensure their needs are central to services in the future.

Aberdeen City Council is poised to pay out some £6 million in compensation payments to employees in catering, cleaning and social care.

Complaints about the treatment of residents at Scotland’s care homes will be included in a single, streamlined system for the first time under proposals being considered by ministers.

PLANS to introduce means-tested charges for social work services have been blocked by councillors. Under the plans those with an income of more than £145 per week would have been charged for the cost of services including supported accommodation, supported living and housing support.

THE head of the Scottish Prisons Commission yesterday called for a national debate on the place of alcohol in society, describing the level of drink-related crime as “shocking”.