A VIOLENT criminal, deported from Australia to Scotland after serving time for a vicious attempted murder, was yesterday allowed back on the streets of Inverness.

WITH a distinguished career in Scottish football spanning more than 30 years, Tommy Burns was highly respected, both on and off the pitch.

First Minister Alex Salmond called for a full inquiry as police south of the border last night defended their response to rampaging Rangers fans.

Individuals with no known history of following Rangers were among those believed to be involved in the trouble in Manchester which marred the Uefa Cup final on Wednesday night, club officials said yesterday.

AN AWARD-WINNING north-east brewery could see its beers blacklisted from outlets across the country after a national watchdog group said its promotions and packaging could encourage antisocial behaviour.

A Scottish government minister will not be carpeted for causing “confusion” over the policy for physical education in schools, First Minister Alex Salmond indicated yesterday.

A new SNP attempt to slash fuel taxes was rejected by the Treasury last night.

A PROPOSED housing development on an Aberdeen flood plain has been labelled “astonishing” by people in the city.

Pressure is growing on Scottish councils to stop charging for preparing meals for people who get free personal and nursing care.

The prosecution service in Grampian “performed remarkably well” despite a growing caseload and staff shortages, according to a watchdog report.

AN UNFINISHED document from the 18th century that reveals insights into Scotland’s parliamentary past has been discovered, academics said yesterday.

Aberdeen City Council must take “urgent action” to address major weaknesses in its social work services, the latest damning report into the local authority concludes.

House prices continue to rise across Scotland despite an overall drop in sales, official records revealed yesterday.

Supporters of efforts to keep alive the old county name of Banffshire have welcomed moves by Moray Council to put up road signs on the former boundaries.

Radical action is needed to save the crofting industry in Scotland from its “perilous state”, Environment Minister Mike Russell has warned.

A lifeline volunteer service for the elderly and disabled in remote rural areas is under threat from rocketing fuel prices.

A senior Aberdeen councillor and a powerful financial watchdog were at odds with one another last night over claims that he did not request to give evidence at an inquiry this week.

A skateboard park that was accomplished through the joint effort of older and younger residents in a Moray community will have a royal visit at the end of this month when the Duke of York officially opens the facility.

LOCAL talent will be showcased at this year’s Inverness Highland Games, organisers revealed yesterday.

THE finalists have been announced for three school competitions being held at the north-east’s annual food and drink showcase.

EVIDENCE of an abandoned 18th-century settlement has been uncovered on the site of proposed plans for a water treatment plant near Aviemore.

There will be further disruption in Inverness city centre after Scottish Water yesterday announced vital improvement works for the Highland capital.

A new study aims to understand why Orkney and Shetland have some of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.

Hundreds of special-needs pupils in Aberdeen could be left without learning support as city schools struggle to cope with budget cuts, it emerged last night.

A DRUG company is looking to develop groundbreaking new treatments for the potentially deadly hospital superbug MRSA following a breakthrough by a team of north-east researchers.

Six Inverness sports students and their lecturers are celebrating after conquering a French mountain higher than Ben Nevis on bicycles and raising more than £1,000 for charity.

NHS Grampian has finally overcome a virulent stomach virus that has closed dozens of hospital wards in recent months.

An MSP has been criticised for comments she made regarding the proposed Crossrail link in the north-east.

A WESTERN Isles artist has scooped a prestigious art award in Edinburgh.

LOCAL authorities will get extra help enforcing a ban on selling tobacco products to under-18s.

A Russian fan was stabbed and at least 30 Rangers supporters were arrested in clashes with riot police as the Glasgow side slumped to a 2-0 defeat in the Uefa Cup final in Manchester last night.

DR WHO star David Tennant has backed a campaign opposing cutbacks at his former drama school.

A FORMER MSP arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse yesterday to take up his post as Queen’s representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Time is running out for Westminster to hand over control of the Scottish Parliament elections to Edinburgh, an SNP minister said yesterday.

Alex Salmond’s government plans for the next 12 months were dismissed as “positively flyweight” by the opposition yesterday.

A POLICE investigation was continuing yesterday following the discovery of a body in a tent.

STIRLING University is to become the centre of a national network supporting Scotland’s top athletes.

Gordon Brown was accused last night of “double counting” a £300million package of aid for hard-pressed home-buyers hit by the credit crunch.

POLE-DANCING and sisterhood set the scene for a play with an all-star cast opening at Arbroath tonight.

WHEN it comes to food at most of Scotland’s big music festivals, revellers normally have to make do with burgers and chips.

There were fears of a tourism downturn in the Highlands and islands last night as hoteliers, tour guides, and retailers and other businesses which cater for the sector reported a worrying slowdown in trade.

A GRANDMOTHER yesterday said she was “overjoyed” that her court bid to win damages from the NHS after she caught the superbug MRSA can go ahead.

A clan chief is planning to restore his castle home, with work estimated to cost more than £18million.