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.

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

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.

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”.

When Thomas Brittain, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, left his home and a substantial trust fund to the elderly people of Dunblane, his hope was that future generations would benefit.

The Scottish government has begun work on plans to release the names and pictures of sex offenders who have gone on the run. It said the move was a “useful” way of finding potentially dangerous offenders who failed to stick to the terms of their registration.

Highland councillors in Lochaber have called for an urgent external investigation to be carried out at a Fort William care centre, following a second damning Care Commission report.