Scotland will lag behind rest of Britain

Economists believe that the lack of clarity on tax and spending plans for 2011 leaves Scotland outlook highly uncertain

Meldown over climate change boss

Alex Salmond's new adviser is also chief executive of company that disagrees with SNP government on nuclear power

Millionaire fought to save ponies from fire

Waste disposal magnate says the blaze that ripped through the stables at his £4 million home was started deliberately

Salmond needs to keep an eye on the lights

First Minister's 2020 target on renewable energy is not impossible but neither is Scotland entering a new dark age

Murder trial hears of text message terror

SMS sent to husband of Nepalese student Khusbu Shah ordered him to pay £120,000 for her safe return

'Parents must help cut truancy'

Minister tells parents to take responsibility as figures show that more than 6,000 pupils may play truant a day

CCTV footage of Irene Hogg's final hours

Headteacher who was found dead after school inspection criticised her leadership seen dropping off letter at council

Wall artist wins 2009 Turner Prize

Jury praises the "profound originality and beauty" of the work by 49-year-old Richard Wright, winner of the £25,000 prize

Case of 'abandoned' boy angers judge

Family judge left with a 'sense of disbelief' after two local authorities distanced themselves from sick boy to save money

Headteacher ‘killed herself after inspection’

Inquiry told heavy burden of administrative work and inspection process had put Irene Hogg under extraordinary stress

Scotland 'in denial' over anti-Catholicism

Composer James MacMillan accuses country’s media of sweeping the issue of sectarianism under the carpet

£10m boost for aspiring game developers

Funding cements Dundee's position as a leader in computer game development and could create as many as 400 jobs

Gaelic on a cliff edge, warns Russell

The next 12 months will be crucial says Education Secretary as embarks on crusade to save language from extinction

Trump hires green-keeper who makes golfers cry

Architect of Carnoustie pain to take up top job of links superintendent of tycoon's golf resort in Aberdeenshire