What the Scottish papers say

The latest developments in the Northern Ireland peace process dominate the Scottish papers once again.

The Herald reports that the IRA has taken the unprecedented step of decommissioning some of its weapons - putting the stop-start peace process back on track.

The paper also tells how cannabis laws are set to be relaxed after Home Secretary David Blunkett signalled an unprecedented shake-up of the government's drug policy.

The Scotsman says that cannabis could be available on prescription from British chemists by the middle of next year following what it described as the biggest change in government drugs policy in living memory.

The paper also reports how a divorced man sparked an anthrax alert after sending his ex-wife a package of cow dung through the post.

The Press and Journal says that the Northern Ireland peace process has moved into a new era after the IRA began decommissioning its vast stock of weapons.

And the paper reports that pioneering surgeons in Aberdeen are preparing to reconstruct the face of a Nigerian woman disfigured by a flesh eating infection.

The Daily Record reports on the IRA's move to surrender weapons for the first time in its history and highlights the government's plans to cut the penalties for cannabis possession.

The Courier says that the IRA's move on the weapons issue has moved the peace process into a new era.

The move should end lingering Unionist doubts about its commitment to a future free of violence, the paper adds.

Meanwhile, The Scottish Sun says that Prime Minister Tony Blair was jubilant after the IRA finally committed to peace by destroying its weapons.

It also tells how Michael Barrymore won a top television award against the odds - but did not turn up at the ceremony to accept it.

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