Calls made to the Samaritans helpline over the festive period rose by more than a quarter this year, according to new figures. The Dundee branch of the charity reported an increase of “at least 25%” in the number of calls it received on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

As of 1st January Scotland’s police forces have new powers to retain the DNA of those accused of sexual or violent offences even if they are not convicted. The measures in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 provide police with a new proportionate power to assist in the investigation and detection of crime.

Scotland’s largest teaching union has called for an end to dawn raids on failed asylum seekers. The Educational Institute of Scotland said raids were “harrowing” for families and left children distressed when fellow pupils disappeared. The union has also called for the closure of the Dungavel detention centre in South Lanarkshire.

Plans to build a new prison in East Dunbartonshire at a cost of more than £100m have been approved by ministers. The 700-cell jail will be constructed on the site of the existing Low Moss prison, near Bishopbriggs.

The number of people in Scotland involved in antisocial activities who agreed to work with locals authorities to address their behaviour trebled in 2005-2006 compared with the previous year.

Teenagers are being forced into adult psychiatric units because of bed shortages in suitable wards, according to a new report. The study in Scotland found eight out of 10 youths who suffered psychosis for the first time were admitted to adult wards.

Save The Children yesterday called on all MSPs to back their campaign for seasonal cash grants to lift 90,000 Scottish kids out of poverty.  A study by the charity showed that 60 per cent of low-income families would never have enough to live on.

A huge rise in the number of people seeking emergency medical attention has triggered an investigation into why more Scots are turning to the NHS. Frontline health services in Scotland are facing growing pressure at nights and weekends, although levels of serious illness are believed to be the same.

Cosla president Pat Watters has said he was humbled after being honoured for his services to local government. Mr Watters who is also a councillor in South Lanarkshire has been involved in local politics for 35 years.

The number of nursery jobs axed by local councils has been criticised by Scotland’s largest teaching union. In the past year, 120 teaching posts have been cut in nursery schools across the country, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said. The union believes having qualified teachers in a nursery setting is the best way to give children a good start.