THE floodgates are set to open within weeks for compensation awards to thousands of abuse victims, with a legal ruling which will overturn a ban on historical claims.

A RETIRED police office who collected some of the worst child pornography seized in Scotland was jailed yesterday for two years and three months.

Free testing kits for one of the most common sexual diseases are to be left in pubs around Orkney to save local people’s embarrassment from going to their GP.

A Highland councillor is concerned that the authority has agreed to reduce spending on services to people with learning difficulties by £400,000 without saying how the saving is to be achieved.

Vulnerable young people throughout Scotland who need help to move smoothly from school into adult life will benefit from expert advice under plans announced today.

Charities trying to tackle some of Scotland’s worst health problems say they are struggling to work productively with the NHS.

A survey published today reveals almost 40% find it difficult to assist the Scottish health service, even though services are stretched and partnership working is required by law.

One organisation spoke of the NHS paying “lip service” to the voluntary sector.

Another said they were locked in a power battle with public bodies because of shortages of funding.

Voluntary Health Scotland, which represents more than 300 voluntary and community groups, commissioned the research. Well-known bodies including the British Red Cross, Barnardo’s and Age Concern Scotland took part.

The study focused on the drive to improve the health of the population and keep people out of hospital. This is the principal aim of Community Health Partnerships (CHPs), which bring together NHS, council and other workers in an area to manage community health care.

Seven new teams dedicated to dealing with anti-social behaviour and community safety issues have been launched in Edinburgh.

Perth and Kinross’s community warden scheme is to be extended to help tackle crime and the fear of crime.

The Scottish Government has given one of the strongest indications to date that children’s cancer services in Aberdeen will be saved.

A London-based organisation which specialises in tackling gang culture has been hired in Glasgow to help the city get a handle on its own problems of conflict and violence among young people.