Highland Council’s continuing cash crisis was highlighted yesterday by the revelation of a projected social work overspend of almost £1million. The authority had managed to slash £2.1m from its housing and social work budget, but warned that any further reduction would seriously effect services.

{mosimage} The head of Scotland’s flagship secure unit for under-16s has been suspended after being provisionally disqualified from working with children.

William McFadyen was sent home from St Philip’s School near Airdrie, Lanarkshire, after authorities were told of allegations made against him when he worked at Kerelaw, the Ayrshire residential unit closed earlier this year amid one of Scotland’s biggest-ever child abuse investigations.

One of the men who killed Kriss Donald was out of prison on early release when he murdered the Glasgow teenager. Imran Shahid was sentenced to 30 months in February 2003 for assault to danger of life and dangerous driving. Shahid, 29, who had also been in prison for assault in 1995, was released after nine months and went on to kill 15-year-old Kriss three months later. The SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon said it was appalling that Imran Shahid committed such a crime while on early release.

A new multi-million pound private care home is set to open in the Capital, creating 88 new beds for elderly patients and up to 120 jobs. Four Seasons Health Care has already started work on the new centre, behind its Guthrie Court home in Liberton.

{mosimage} Three men have been jailed for life after they were found guilty of the racially motivated murder of white Glasgow teenager Kriss Donald. Faisal Mushtaq, 27, Zeeshan Shahid, 28, and his brother Imran Shahid, 29, had denied murdering Kriss, 15, in 2004.

Kriss’s mother Angela – quiet during the trial – shouted: “You bastards,” as the jury delivered its verdict. Imran Shahid must serve of a minimum of 25 years, Zeeshan Shahid, 23 years minimum and Mushtaq, at least 22 years.

Outside the court, Ms Donald, 42, thanked police, the prosecution and witnesses. She said: “Justice has been done, thank you – it is over.”

The jury of nine women and six men took about eight and a half hours to reach its verdict.

The number of disabled people waiting for supported accommodation in Edinburgh has soared in the last five years as city leaders battle a cash crisis. New figures show that in September there were 136 people waiting to be housed by Edinburgh City Council – a rise of 89 per cent since 2001.

From the age of seven, Andrew Dudgeon has looked after his ailing mother and father, providing vital practical support as well as much needed emotional care. As well as his daily schoolwork, Andrew, now 15, is responsible for running the house, coping with the regular chores his parents are unable to carry out.

Work has started to draw up an action plan to improve social services in Dumfries and Galloway. Adviser Stephen Wilds has begun a six-month contract with the council after a

The number of people convicted for abusing children has increased by nearly 50% in the past six years, according to figures released by the Scottish Executive. The charges include cruelty to children, sexual abuse and grooming children for sexual purposes.

A project which helps care for babies born addicted to drugs in Edinburgh has scooped a major award. The city council-run Vulnerable Babies Project was among the winners in the Standard Life Edinburgh Achievement Awards. Run from the Springwell House Social Work Centre on Gorgie Road, the project helps prepare foster carers to look after babies born to drug addicted mothers. The children often experience withdrawal symptoms, called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, after becoming dependent on drugs in the womb. Latest figures show 40 babies are born every year in Edinburgh addicted to heroin.