Scottish Conservative MSP and Social Security spokesperson Michelle Ballantyne has welcomed changes to the UK Government's Universal Credit policy.

Scottish Conservative MSP Michelle Ballantyne has hit out at the SNP Government after they have u-turned on their decision to ban electric shock collars.

Figures reveal that businesses in the Borders will be left over £700,000 out-of-pocket as a result of Scottish Government changes to business rates.

Concerns have been raised this week after figures emerged that there have been three separate safety concerns in East Lothian schools over the last two years.

This week Michelle Ballantyne, MSP for South Scotland, spoke in the Scottish Parliament debate entitled ‘A New Approach Needed to Tackle Scotland’s Drugs Crisis.’

A Scottish Government Minister has revealed this week that the SNP Government will not assist East Lothian Council in repairing potholes in the area.

Statistics revealed this week have highlighted there have been a high number of teacher posts which have been re-advertised in Midlothian.

Figures published by Police Scotland highlight that the number of police officers in the Lothians and Scottish Borders police force is at its lowest level in nearly decade.

Figures published by the NHS’s internal accounting unit this week show that NHS Lothian has had a record number of cancelled operations due to capacity reasons.  

The SNP government has admitted it has no idea where in Scotland it’s going to place hundreds of new staff working for the country’s new benefits agency.

An estimated 400 staff will be hired to work in councils across Scotland to help deliver the newly-devolved powers to communities.