Kenneth Smith pauses while locating a file on his computer to describe how scientists have been pursuing him, asking if he will donate his brain for medical research.

Since the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) published the pilot report for its ten-year “rolling review” (under which every one of Scotland’s 23,500 charities will have to demonstrate its public benefit), the sector has been poring over its findings for clues into the approach OSCR will take.

A three-week strike by hundreds of social care workers in Glasgow has ended following an agreement between the local authority and trade union representatives.

More than half of all Scots remain unaware of the link between drinking and cancer, a survey has found.

An overhaul of Scotland’s penal system to end the practice of automatic early release has been put on hold amid concern among ministers that key elements may be unworkable.

An NHS helpline suffered from a “call centre culture” where it was difficult to recruit staff, a review has heard. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon made the call centre comparison during the annual review of the service.

Some of Scotland’s most deprived areas could secure a multi-million pound funding boost if a campaign to persuade the executive to change policy on the sale of some brownfield sites succeeds.

Attitudes to alcohol are shifting, with younger people taking a more responsible approach to going out drinking, according to research for the Scottish Executive. However, there are still substantial numbers who think it is acceptable to get drunk and are not embarrassed by their behaviour.

Victims of serious crime are to be given a much bigger voice in the justice system, The Scotsman has learned. They will get the opportunity to provide a statement in court before their attacker is sentenced, under plans revealed by Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary.

The only cancer centre in the north of Scotland could be forced to close if NHS Highland fails to meet waiting-time targets, the health service’s chairman has warned.