Children who are visibly involved in their communities make people feel safer and help create stronger neighbourhoods, according to research. A study by the Economic and Social Research Council found, contrary to public opinion, children play a key role in developing strong community spirit and safe neighbourhoods.

Two sex offenders released into the community in Scotland are being forced to wear an electronic tag – one for the next 10 years – because they are considered such a risk to society.

A former health minister is calling for a radical rethink on drugs policy. Former Labour MSP, Susan Deacon, who is not standing for re-election, said politicians from all parties should stop talking tough on drugs.

More than 40 staff from Scotland’s care watchdog are celebrating success in a pioneering new course designed to help drive up standards. The Care Commission officers have all gained a new academic qualification which puts them at the forefront of modern regulation for nurseries, care homes and other care services.

Lessons on how to spot and avoid paedophiles on the internet will be given to every secondary school pupil in Scotland. Specially trained police officers will teach 285,000 youngsters how to use the web safely without falling victim to the “horrendous crime” of grooming.

Experts are warning that the number of people suffering from dementia will almost double in the next 25 years. At the moment dementia costs Scotland £1.4 billion as 58,000 people here suffer from it.

A man separated from his mum two days after his birth has called in police to investigate the social workers who kept them apart. David Morgan was given up for foster care by mum Catherine in 1967. But she changed her mind two days later.

Plans to build new mental health facilities at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth have been put on hold. The application by NHS Tayside to replace existing, outdated buildings had been recommended for approval.

Labour’s efforts to win over health workers suffered an embarrassing setback last night after it was revealed that 67,000 nurses and midwives will not receive their promised full 2.5 per cent pay rise before polling day.

Scientists have made a breakthrough in discovering the cause of a form of diabetes that afflicts an estimated 200 million people around the globe. Their research, based on data from patients in Tayside and Fife, has identified three genes that have been directly linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes, bringing scientists a step closer to understanding what causes the complex disease.