Council to settle baby ashes claims

Scotland: Edinburgh council announced a scheme yesterday that will settle claims from more than 100 families affected by the Mortonhall baby ashes scandal.

Over decades the remains of stillborn and dead newborn babies were disposed of at the crematorium without the families knowing. Parents were instead told there would be no ashes left to scatter.

The settlement, put together with lawyers representing 129 families, will provide payments of between £1,000 and £4,000.

STUC demands action to tackle poverty pay

Living wage: Scottish TUC leader Grahame Smith slammed the Scottish government yesterday after it announced a delay in the introduction of statutory guidance on the living wage.

Mr Smith called for Holyrood to take action to “force public bodies to address poverty wages in companies seeking public-sector contracts.

“Workers on low pay need lifted out of poverty now and very few contractors delivering goods and services to Scottish public bodies are living wage-accredited employers.”

Dundee marks ‘city of design’

Scotland: The city of Dundee celebrated the launch of its new status as Unesco City of Design yesterday, marking cultural contributions including the Beano and Grand Theft Auto.

Dundee was also recognised for scientific excellence in areas such as biomedical research.