Post N° 53

Prozac ‘waste of time for most’New-generation anti-depressants such as Prozac which are taken by thousands of Scots are largely a waste of time, research suggests today. continued...HEADLINE NEWSWaiting times for hospital treament at record lowHealth secretary Nicola Sturgeon today revealed that waiting times for hospital treatment have hit an all-time low.MPs fear Terror Bill switches power from Scots to English courtsA constitutional row was brewing last night over the UK Government's planned Counter-Terrorism Bill, which, it is claimed, will drive a "coach and horses" through 300 years of Scotland's independent legal system if passed unchanged.Bus stop killer prime suspect in Milly Dowler murderA bus stop stalker convicted yesterday of the murders of two young women is also the prime suspect in the unsolved killing of schoolgirl Milly Dowler.Victims are given chance to sue over abuseA Scottish judge has lifted a time bar in a landmark case that could help unblock thousands of potential civil actions for childhood abuse.Calls for more investment in tourism after fall in visitorsSome of Scotland's most popular attractions have recorded a drop in visitors, prompting officials to call for more funding to be invested in tourism.Brown steps in to give Martin supportMichael Martin last night defied his detractors by making clear he was staying put as Commons Speaker as Gordon Brown offered his unequivocal support to the embattled Glasgow MP.Warm welcome for decision to retain cities’ brain surgery unitsThe decision by ministers to retain brain surgery units in all four of Scotland's main cities received a widespread welcome yesterday.Sheridan aide cites crime statisticsSupporters of Tommy Sheridan yesterday highlighted the level of unsolved crime in the Lothians and Borders Police area while an average of 14 officers investigated the former MSP.MAIN BUSINESSInvestors add £2bn to value of Royal Bank Almost £2bn was added to Royal Bank of Scotland's anaemic market value yesterday after investors became increasingly confident the bank would produce a strong set of results later this week.Murgitroyd buys Kennedys Patent Agency for £3.4mMurgitroyd Group, the acquisitive patent attorney, has bought Glasgow rival Kennedys Patent Agency for £3.4m in a deal that made a millionaire of its eponymous founder.Stagecoach performance at top end of expectationsStagecoach Group said yesterday that financial performance since October 31 has been at the "top end" of management forecasts after it attracted more bus and rail users.

TILDA’S TRIUMPH: It was a night to remember for Scots-based actress Tilda Swinton as she picked up her coveted Oscar. First Minister Alex Salmond was among those to congratulate the 47-year-old, as she scooped the award for best supporting actress for her role as a ruthless corporate lawyer in the George Clooney film Michael Clayton. Picture: EPA MAIN SPORTMacLeod gets green light to play onScott MacLeod can continue his playing career after admitting to a violation of anti-doping rules, but the Scottish Rugby Union seemed to be premature in claiming yesterday that the international lock has "been completely cleared".Cleared… but now the questionsKevin Ferrie: What matters as much as the facts of the Scott MacLeod case is the public perception and, as far as that is concerned, those outside Scottish rugby as well as many inside it are now entitled to ask many questions.The day I failed a drug test...Cammy Mather: The former Scotland flanker and Glasgow Warriors captain reveals for the first time the way he discovered how easy it is to run the risk of being dubbed a drug cheat.Burley has Bardsley in mind for call-upGeorge Burley has pledged to employ an open-door policy as Scotland manager and has earmarked Phil Bardsley, the Sunderland full-back, as a potential new recruit for the World Cup qualifying campaign.Scotland’s leading golfer has a major ambition this seasonDouglas Lowe on Tuesday: On current form there is only one Scottish golfer able to declare the serious intent to win a major championship this year without causing the raising of at least one eyebrow, and that is Catriona Matthew.Wadsworth admits Gretna must beat KilmarnockMick Wadsworth, the Gretna caretaker manager, has urged his players to put a smile back on their faces by beating Kilmarnock and breathing new life into their bid to stay in the top flight.Smith pleads with managers to let referees do their jobsGordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, has called for players and coaches to lay off referees amid an avalanche of recent complaints. Most Popular StoriesMPs fear Terror Bill switches power from Scots to English courtsBurley has Bardsley in mind for call-upSomething familiarSheridan aide cites crime statisticsTitle race: Celtic's championship experience will be vitalProzac ‘waste of time for most’Investors add £2bn to value of Royal Bank Why Byrne was among last to know about Swinton’s Oscar Cleared… but now the questionsTitle race: Can Rangers defence stay solid?Key statistics: Last week Site Visits - 260,827 Page views - 1,320,203Last month - Jan Site Visits - 501,843 Page views - 5,980,089A NEW STAGE

Maria Aitken has relinquished a stellar acting career to develop her role behind the scenes THE AWARDS GO TO

Elizabeth McMeekin looks at the fashion winners and losers from the Oscars