Minister backs 'brain' games role
Education Secretary Michael Russell says computer games can play a key role in encouraging children's learning.

Health chiefs in booze price plea
All 17 of Scotland's public health chiefs sign a letter calling on politicians to back a minimum price for alcohol.

Call for boiler scrappage scheme
The Scottish government comes under pressure to commit funds to upgrading old central heating boilers.

Labour MSP quits frontbench post
Scottish Labour's Cathy Jamieson is to quit the party's Holyrood front bench after deciding to stand for a Westminster seat.

First minister gets swine flu jab
Long-term asthmatic Alex Salmond receives the swine flu jab at a GP surgery, it is confirmed by the SNP.

Council nets £750,000 tax credits
A council claims it has generated more than £750,000 by helping families to secure their correct tax credit allowance.

Music tuition 'vital' for schools
A teaching union contacts every school in Scotland in a bid to promote and support music tuition and calls for funding.

Call to end early prison release
Calls are made to end automatic early release of prisoners after figures showed 150 freed inmates were sent back to prison.

Legal threats to election debate
The SNP and Plaid Cymru threaten legal action over plans for televised election debates between the main party leaders.

Aberdeen bypass given green light
The £395m Aberdeen bypass project, which has divided local opinion, is approved by the Scottish government.

Transport boss in £30,000 pay-off
Transport Scotland boss was paid £30,000 to quit his job early after controversy over the First Scotrail franchise.

Building sector confidence 'low'
Many construction industry bosses are still fearful about the sector's prospects for the year ahead, a poll suggests.

Web threat
Newspapers angry over plan to shift job ads online

Energy boom
Can Scotland meet its electricity generation targets?

Cabinet and ministers at-a-glance
An at-a-glance guide to the Scottish Cabinet and ministers.

Labour front bench at-a-glance
A guide to Scottish Labour's front bench spokesmen and women in the Scottish Parliament.

Tory front bench at-a-glance
A guide to the Scottish Conservative spokespeople in the Scottish Parliament.

Lib Dem front bench at-a-glance
A guide to the Scottish Liberal Democrat spokespeople in the Scottish Parliament.