devolution

The SNP has branded the delay in transferring powers over air guns and drink driving as well as other recommendations from the Calman Commission utterly unacceptable and deeply cynical.

SNP leader Alex Salmond today proclaimed independence to be "the next step" as the Scottish Parliament enters its second decade.

Alyn Smith has slated proposals for a "quangoisation" of the English disease control regime which he fears could have negative implications for Scotland's farmers, and called for full devolution of animal health, and animal health budgets, to the Scottish government.