It is a typical family portrait. Hastily arranged, a little stiff. The children are plump and happy; a basket of apples and grapes rest at their feet. Everything is in order for this sunny Scottish family – the Glassfords, one of Glasgow’s wealthiest in the 18th century.

The obstacles faced by raped women who confront their attacker in court have been highlighted by a new report that shows their case is likely to be delayed more than any other. Research conducted by Aberdeen University has found that rape and attempted rape cases will typically be adjourned more often than cases involving any other crime.

Parenting classes should be given to schoolchildren as part of a drive to rid Scotland of its violent reputation, says one of Scotland’s most senior police officers. Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, the head of the national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), said too many children are being brought up without the life skills needed to make the right choices.

Mothers of infants with a disfiguring medical condition will today descend on Holyrood to condemn a decision by ministers not to make expensive treatments available on the NHS. Dozens of parents and children affected by plagiocephaly, commonly known as Flat Head Syndrome, are to urge the Scottish Executive to roll out the use of specially-moulded helmets which reshape babies’ skulls.

The people of Braemar have told the Scottish Ambulance Service they will not accept any withdrawal of paramedics from the village. BBC Scotland revealed the possible closure of the depot, ahead of a public meeting with ambulance officials.

The detective leading Scotland’s battle against violent crime yesterday said he would rather have extra professionals from the caring sector than more frontline police officers.

More than 200 teenage drug and alcohol abusers are being sent to adult psychiatric wards every year rather than units with facilities for adolescents, figures revealed yesterday. Ministers admitted there were 206 people aged 12-20 with drug and alcohol problems in wards for adults in 2004-05, the latest year for which there are figures.

Police have formally apologised for taking 11 weeks to interview a man suspected of a serious sexual assault at a home for disabled young adults. One of Scotland’s most senior officers said the investigation into the alleged attack “should have been more robust” and fell short of normal standards.

Managers of Scotland’s wheelchair services have threatened to pull out of talks over its future unless there is a commitment for more funding. A recent review of the NHS Wheelchair and Seating Service said funding for it should be doubled to £30m a year.

A police officer is being held after being arrested over an alleged indecency offence. The 45-year-old officer, with Strathclyde Police, was detained after an incident in Glasgow on Saturday.