A key manifesto pledge by the SNP is expected to be delivered today with the announcement that two hospital accident and emergency departments earmarked for closure will now be saved.

A care manager in charge of a residential home for the elderly stole a pensioner’s cash machine card and went on a spending spree.

Judges have thrown out claims for compensation by former residents of a children’s home run by nuns in Glasgow.

Vincent Crane Smith, who runs the Aldercraig outward bound centre for troubled teenagers and young people in the Borders, said the initiative’s name was tarnished “beyond resurrection” and instead the money should be used to fund either existing programmes or brand new initiatives.

The opening of a state-of-the-art geriatric hospital in Glasgow has moved a step closer. A developer has been appointed to transform Blawarthill hospital in Scotstounhill into a facility offering specialist care for the elderly.

A £15m investment is urgently needed to deal with an epidemic in Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new report. The Scottish Executive has been urged to take action to cope with an expected increase in the number of Scots with dementia over coming years.

An investment plan has been developed to support a multi-million pound modernisation of mental health services in Dumfries and Galloway. A report is set to be presented to members of the region’s health board.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon faces mounting pressure over hospital services, after the senior doctor who drew up the blueprint for the future of the health service strongly criticised her plans.

A review of neonatal services in Scotland by premature baby charity Bliss has uncovered mounting pressures in the system.

Scotland’s most senior Roman Catholic faced a furious political backlash last night after he launched an outspoken attack on what he described as the “evil trade of abortion”.