News from Scotland

Scotland's financial sector suffered another blow when insurance firm Standard Life announced it was axing almost 500 jobs in the capital.

The body set up by the SNP to help finance the building of public projects like schools and hospitals provided £111 million of benefits last year, bosses have said.

A primary pupil was the toast of his class after he got a helping hand with a school project from US president Barack Obama.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to help victims of the Pakistan floods as she prepared to take part in fundraising events.

Scotland's largest police force said that it had no plans to cut a large proportion of its traffic officers.

Up to 600 jobs are being cut at life and pensions group Standard Life, it has been announced.

Gordon Brown has been described as "maddening" in former Prime Minister Tony Blair's autobiography, which reveals the depth of the rift between the two men.

A collection of historic manuscripts which documents the establishment of the Protestant church in Scotland are going on display.

The video gaming industry has the "world-class talent and skills" to endure and prosper after recent blows, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has said.

The father of one of serial killer Peter Tobin's victims has welcomed an offer to meet officers investigating the criminal's past.

A Scotland-wide crackdown on people who do not wear their seatbelts has been launched.

Bungalows have enjoyed the biggest rise in property prices in the last year, new research has revealed.

A Premium Bond holder has won £1 million in September's jackpot.

A body found in a field next to a road has been identified as a pensioner who went missing from his home last week, police said.

The father of one of serial killer Peter Tobin's victims is to meet the officers investigating his past.

New legislation to tackle dangerous dogs "cannot come soon enough" after a 10-year-old girl was mauled by two rottweilers, campaigners have said.

A large gang of youths has rampaged through a fast-food restaurant, breaking doors and smashing windows.

A UK-wide price limit on drink should be brought in to try to curb alcohol misuse, a specialist commission has said.

A large "panther-type" cat has been spotted in the Highlands.

GP consultation rates went "through the roof" last winter as the health service battled with the impact of the swine flu outbreak, according to official figures.