Scottish government

Dropping plans for a new national park is the latest in a series of policies driven by the Scottish Greens to have been scrapped by the SNP.

The justic secretary said there were "many reasons" for the complex problem - with "more than one solution" for dealing with it.

Potholes are unfilled and prized local services like libraries and nurseries are coming under threat because of a £650m budget gap.

Funding has not kept pace with inflation, higher costs and increased demand, a watchdog has found.

Ministers are expected to adopt the recommendations after abandoning repeatedly-missed targets last year.

The GMB union previously rejected a 3% pay rise from council umbrella body Cosla.

The new agreement is set to affect sectors including fishing, agriculture, hospitality and defence.

A new deal extending access for EU boats in UK waters has been agreed as part of a wider softening of relations with the bloc.