The payment comes ahead of a planned major overhaul of Scotland's NHS which could see the number of health boards cut dramatically.

The Genesis fishing boat struck rocks off the west coast of the island of Hoy on 1 October.

A review of the front page stories from the daily newspapers in Scotland.

The tiny one-flowered wintergreens were rescued from an area of eroded coastline at Culbin Sands.

A council decision to demolish Motherwell Concert Hall is the latest in a long line of culture and leisure closures in the town.

Scottish Government bankruptcy shake-up sparks abuse fears as 92% of creditors receive nothing back. Ministers plan to double the debt limit to £50,000.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency makes a U-turn over its CalMac checks failure claim following questions about ferry safety and the Loch Linnhe grounding.

Sector leaders say that resource and capital budgets must rise in real terms in order to begin to repair the damage done by years of 'underfunding'.

OEUK report warns 80% of supply-chain firms expect future investment and growth overseas as UK confidence falls, despite £123bn offshore energy investment.

Scotland may need more judges as High Court cases surge, with Justice Secretary Neil Gray warned victims of serious crimes could wait up to four years for justice.