FIRST MINISTER Jack McConnell came under renewed pressure yesterday to back the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

MODEL STUDENTS from St Andrews University had a flavour of RAF Leuchars yesterday ahead of a charity fashion show there this weekend.

PUB PROFITS in Perth and Kinross may have soared by as much as 25% in the wake of the new smoking ban.

MOBILE PHONE users are being warned of a text message scam. A Dundee man realised he was the victim of the scam after he was charged £3.75 each time he received an unsolicited text message, and he wants to warn others about it.

THOUSANDS OF Dundee water customers are likely to have their claims for compensation rejected by Scottish Water because the water pipe that burst in a field north of the city was a “strategic” main pipe—and not an ordinary water pipe, it has emerged.

MUSIC FANS will know on Monday which bands will be playing at the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Dundee, with stars from both sides of the Atlantic now confirmed for the event.

THE PROCURATOR fiscal’s office in Dundee is to carry out further investigation before deciding if an inquiry is to be held into the death of a grandmother who suffered a devastating rare reaction to a flu jab.

A PERTHSHIRE teenager yesterday became part of history by being the first recruit from the area to join the newly formed The Black Watch 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland.

THE OPERATOR of the Errol car boot sale has been required to prepare a blueprint on how it is going to combat the sale of pirated DVDs at the weekly Sunday market.

THE FORMER manager of a Perthshire hotel who admitted stealing £44,439 from his employers over five years will be forced to sell his home to pay the debt.

A LONG-RUNNING employment tribunal hearing into a Tayside police constable’s claim that he was passed over for promotion because he expressed concerns about the force’s working practices is expected to end today.

A PERTHSHIRE woman enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience yesterday among the Queen’s guests for lunch.

DRIVERS IN Broughty Ferry faced teatime diversions after the level crossing gates at Broughty Ferry station malfunctioned, forcing the closure of a section of Gray Street.

MSPs ARE to write to the First Minister and the transport minister demanding their views on the future of the tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges.

RESEARCH WHICH will revolutionise appreciation of single malt whisky through the identification of 12 “cardinal flavours” has just been released by an academic at St Andrews University.

THE FUNERAL of singer and entertainer Calum Kennedy is to be held tomorrow at 3 pm in St Columba’s Church of Scotland, St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

THE VERY Rev Miriam Byrne, the controversial provost of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, has announced her resignation.

SOME OF the earliest pieces of prestigious Perth and Dundee silverware— including an arrow created as an archery prize—are among seven items expected to raise well in excess of £500,000 when put under the hammer by Sotheby’s.

A POEM by a Dundee man has been given a permanent home at Holyrood.

AT ANDREWS University has confirmed it is in the early stages of planning for the award of a Doctor of Laws to film star Michael Douglas.