What the Scottish daily papers say

Two Scottish regiments were named by defence officials as the spearhead of a Gulf task force which could be heading for war against Saddam Hussein within 30 days, says The Scotsman.

The broadsheet also reports that Edinburgh City Council suspended a ban on parents taking photographs and video films of school nativity plays.

Companies could be made to pay pension contributions for staff if they fail to honour their responsibilities on a voluntary basis, says The Herald.

The number of commuters using their cars to get work has risen, despite Scottish Executive investment designed to boost public transport, reports the Press and Journal.

And the race for Number One became heated as the Popstars boy band blasted their girl rivals, writes the Scottish Sun.

The Daily Record says that the council "Grinch" who almost ruined Christmas for nativity kids has apologised.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm has backed NHS Fife's decision to centralise major services at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital, rather than Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, reports The Courier.

SMG has resumed talks with rival bidders for its Herald newspapers after Gannett delayed finalising its £216m offer, acording to Business a.m.