Scottish Government

News Releases:

Monday 28/11/2005

Green light for improvements to A9 [Transport]

Go ahead for final phase of the A9 upgrade between Helmsdale and Ord of Caithness.

Guidance to improve care home fire safety [People and Society]

Publication of guidance aimed at ensuring care home owners and employees are aware of fire safety responsibilities.

New Kilmarnock Procurator Fiscal [Law, Order and Public Safety]

Les Brown has been appointed as the new District Procurator Fiscal for Kilmarnock.

Promoting Scotland's enterprising spirit [Business and Industry]

Government and industry team up to promote Scotch Whisky.

Services for victims of crime [Law, Order and Public Safety]

Improved training and a revamped website are among the next phase in planned support for victims.

The Values of Britishness [People and Society]

First Minister says different identities can be celebrated without threatening Britain.

West to get almost £6 million in Euro cash [Housing]

Objective 2 money for 36 social regeneration projects.

Friday 25/11/2005

Launch of Scots Connect [Government]

New venture between Executive and private sector companies to promote shared ICT services across public agencies.

Progress of Fresh Talent scheme [Government]

First Minister and Home Office Minister see how Fresh Talent is working in Scotland.

Scottish Ambulance Service [Health and Community Care]

New Board member appointed.

Scottish Economic Statistics 2005 [Economy]

Compendium of data on the Scottish economy from a wide range of sources.

Thursday 24/11/2005

Fall in waiting times [Health and Community Care]

Unprecedented investment in the NHS has resulted in faster treatment for patients - Minister.

New Lord President named [Law, Order and Public Safety]

Lord Hamilton to replace Lord Cullen as head of Scotland's judiciary.

Single survey to reform home buying system [Housing]

New legislation will bring in single survey and more rights for private tenants.

Student income and expenditure survey [Education and Training]

Average debt of students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is lower than in England and Wales.

Wednesday 23/11/2005

Capping of transmission charges [Environment]

Charging mechanism for renewable energy operators extended to 2024.

Economic measures for businesses [Business and Industry]

Minister also confirms local government funding settlement up to 2008.

'Immediate family' redefined for purposes of compensation [Law, Order and Public Safety]

Proposed expansion of definition to reflect nature of modern families in Scotland.

Nurses playing greater role in delivering patient care [Health and Community Care]

New data shows patient numbers treated in GP practices, most common ailments and prevalence rates for certain conditions.

Parents get greater say in headteacher selection [Education and Training]

Headteacher recruitment procedures will be updated and made more rigorous so that parents are involved at all stages.