The level of overcrowding at Perth Prison is a threat to “privacy, decency and safety”, according to an inspection report. The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dr Andrew McLellan, was particularly concerned that three prisoners often have to share a cell.

New measures to enable child witnesses to give their best evidence in court will be introduced in Sheriff non-jury courts next week. Special measures such as screens, supporters, live TV links and using prior statements will all be available to children who need them in Sheriff Court summary cases from the beginning of April.

Victims of domestic abuse are being forced to represent themselves in court or travel to the central belt for legal help because solicitors in Inverness can no longer afford to cover some civil legal aid cases.

A sex offender who threatened to rape his victim was jailed for two years yesterday. Security guard William Lafferty, 26, stalked his victim after she walked past him to buy a late-night takeaway meal.

Racism in Scotland is a “cancer” that is getting bigger every day, it was claimed yesterday, as new figures revealed a large rise in attacks on members of ethnic- minority communities.

The first company in the UK dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour will employ a dozen CCTV vans and innovative audio-visual technology in its battle against low-level crime.

One of Scotland’s best-known oil industry entrepreneurs promised a £20m bonanza for charity after he and relatives netted £135m by selling shares in the company that he chairs.

Five of Scotland’s most respected doctors have raised new concerns over the building to replace the country’s biggest children’s hospital.

Scotland’s first community court is to be set up in Glasgow, the justice minister has announced. The new court aims to deal with about 2,000 offences a year, including minor assaults, vandalism, some drug cases, housebreaking and breach of the peace.

Only one smoker and one business have been taken to court for flouting Scotland’s strict anti-smoking laws in the year since they were introduced, it emerged yesterday.