Medicines for hospital patients are to be rationed under radical new plans to halt the spread of killer superbugs.

Scotland's population has now risen to its highest level for a quarter of a century, defying predictions that it would plunge below five million.

A fresh row over the SNP's controversial local income tax plans broke out last night as the final days of campaigning in the Glasgow East by-election began.

Alex Salmond was facing fresh allegations of cronyism last night after it emerged that a company to which his Government handed £215,000 of public funds was created with help from his party.

Special report: In the shadow of the blade. Children fight in the same gangs as their fathers before them, while doctors treat a facial injury every six hours.