NEW FACE: The Rev David Lunan, officially sworn in as  the new moderator  yesterday

Kirk’s General Assembly gets under way

THE Church of Scotland’s annual General Assembly began in Edinburgh yesterday.

Published: 16/05/2008

WALK THE LINE: The Great Marquess travels along the Stirling-Kincardine-Alloa railway, marking its reopening yesterday

Line reopens after 40-year absence

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson yesterday hailed the reopening of a railway line which was closed in 1968.

Published: 16/05/2008

IN MOURNING: Grieving fans gather at Parkhead to honour Celtic legend Tommy Burns who died yesterday morning

Tributes to Celtic legend Tommy Burns

Celtic legend Tommy Burns was remembered as a “wonderful human being” as tributes flooded in following his death from cancer yesterday.

Published: 16/05/2008

Violent criminal claims to be reformed

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

A career at the top of the Scottish game

WITH a distinguished career in Scottish football spanning more than 30 years, Tommy Burns was highly respected, both on and off the pitch.
Published: 16/05/2008

Salmond calls for probe into rampage by fans

First Minister Alex Salmond called for a full inquiry as police south of the border last night defended their response to rampaging Rangers fans.
Published: 16/05/2008

Manchester troublemakers ‘not Gers 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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Watchdog makes claim over brewery

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

SNP accused of ‘acrobatics’ over school PE pledge

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

SNP move to cut fuel tax rejected by the Treasury

A new SNP attempt to slash fuel taxes was rejected by the Treasury last night.
Published: 16/05/2008

Disbelief over housing proposal for city flood plain

A PROPOSED housing development on an Aberdeen flood plain has been labelled “astonishing” by people in the city.
Published: 16/05/2008

Councils told to scrap meal charges now

Pressure is growing on Scottish councils to stop charging for preparing meals for people who get free personal and nursing care.
Published: 16/05/2008

Big pat on the back for prosecution service teams

The prosecution service in Grampian “performed remarkably well” despite a growing caseload and staff shortages, according to a watchdog report.
Published: 16/05/2008

Scotland’s unfinished business

AN UNFINISHED document from the 18th century that reveals insights into Scotland’s parliamentary past has been discovered, academics said yesterday.
Published: 16/05/2008

Renewed calls for leader to leave post

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Scottish house prices continue to go on rising

House prices continue to rise across Scotland despite an overall drop in sales, official records revealed yesterday.
Published: 16/05/2008

Moray Council praised for backing road signs appeal

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Crofting’s future in doubt without radical action, MSPs told

Radical action is needed to save the crofting industry in Scotland from its “perilous state”, Environment Minister Mike Russell has warned.
Published: 16/05/2008

High fuel prices puts vital service for OAPs and disabled under threat

A lifeline volunteer service for the elderly and disabled in remote rural areas is under threat from rocketing fuel prices.
Published: 16/05/2008

Senior councillor’s absence at inquiry raised eyebrows

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Royal opening for skateboard park that united a village

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Local talent to feature with Proclaimers at city gig

LOCAL talent will be showcased at this year’s Inverness Highland Games, organisers revealed yesterday.
Published: 16/05/2008

Taste of Grampian school finalists announced

THE finalists have been announced for three school competitions being held at the north-east’s annual food and drink showcase.
Published: 16/05/2008

Experts unearth Strathspey settlement

EVIDENCE of an abandoned 18th-century settlement has been uncovered on the site of proposed plans for a water treatment plant near Aviemore.
Published: 16/05/2008

City-centre traffic faces new chaos in major upgrading of water mains

There will be further disruption in Inverness city centre after Scottish Water yesterday announced vital improvement works for the Highland capital.
Published: 16/05/2008

Research to probe MS links to the Northern Isles

A new study aims to understand why Orkney and Shetland have some of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.
Published: 16/05/2008

Special-needs pupils may lose learning support staff

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

UK-based drug company to take up MRSA bug buster fight

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Inverness sports students in feat on Tour de France route

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.
Published: 16/05/2008

Grampian hospitals finally fight off virus

NHS Grampian has finally overcome a virulent stomach virus that has closed dozens of hospital wards in recent months.
Published: 16/05/2008

Row erupts over Crossrail link

An MSP has been criticised for comments she made regarding the proposed Crossrail link in the north-east.
Published: 16/05/2008

Artist inspired by visits abroad picks up prestigious title

A WESTERN Isles artist has scooped a prestigious art award in Edinburgh.
Published: 16/05/2008

Help on way for councils to enforce bans

LOCAL authorities will get extra help enforcing a ban on selling tobacco products to under-18s.
Published: 16/05/2008

Russian stabbed and fans battle riot police in cup final violence

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.
Published: 15/05/2008

Dr Who star ‘upset’ by drama-school cuts

DR WHO star David Tennant has backed a campaign opposing cutbacks at his former drama school.
Published: 15/05/2008

Former MSP takes up post as Queen’s representative to General Assembly

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.
Published: 15/05/2008

Waiting for Westminster . . . Scots in limbo over elections

Time is running out for Westminster to hand over control of the Scottish Parliament elections to Edinburgh, an SNP minister said yesterday.
Published: 15/05/2008

First minister sets out next year’s plans for government

Alex Salmond’s government plans for the next 12 months were dismissed as “positively flyweight” by the opposition yesterday.
Published: 15/05/2008

Police probe into body find continues

A POLICE investigation was continuing yesterday following the discovery of a body in a tent.
Published: 15/05/2008

Varsity to host centre of sports excellence

STIRLING University is to become the centre of a national network supporting Scotland’s top athletes.
Published: 15/05/2008

Scots round on Brown’s new deal

Gordon Brown was accused last night of “double counting” a £300million package of aid for hard-pressed home-buyers hit by the credit crunch.
Published: 15/05/2008

All-star cast put play in pole position to draw audiences

POLE-DANCING and sisterhood set the scene for a play with an all-star cast opening at Arbroath tonight.
Published: 15/05/2008

Festival to offer the best of local produce

WHEN it comes to food at most of Scotland’s big music festivals, revellers normally have to make do with burgers and chips.
Published: 15/05/2008

Slowdown prompts tourism fears

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.
Published: 15/05/2008

Judge rules granny can take NHS to court over superbug

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.
Published: 15/05/2008

Chief’s £18m plan to restore Skye clan seat

A clan chief is planning to restore his castle home, with work estimated to cost more than £18million.
Published: 15/05/2008
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