Scotland hit the headlines last week for the drunken behaviour of some Glasgow Rangers football fans after the team's defeat in Manchester.

Such heavy drinking not only damages the country's reputation, but also hits the public purse. Environmental Health News (May 16) says that alcohol misuse cost Scotland a total of £2.25 billion in 2006-07. Of the £820 million in “wider economic costs”, almost half was due to hang-overs - with lost days and less productivity.

An opportunity to boost the nation's economy was missed when Scottish ministers rejected a 181-turbine wind farm plan, says Peter Peacock, Highland Labour MSP. Planning (May 16) says that the Scottish government failed to consult the European Commission on steering a course between legitimate environmental questions and the economic opportunities.

On the other hand, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has developed a new way of funding social services that so far has been well received, reports Community Care (May 15). A concordat between the SNP and local councils sets out the principles for a new working relationship, which is more of a partnership approach. Each council will have one outcome agreement and will have to provide one annual report. There will be fewer funding streams, less ring-fencing and councils will keep up to 2 per cent of their efficiency savings.

MPs are all ears for charity

Hard-pushed charities and better Westminster lobbyists than their deep-pocketed business counterparts

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It's a set-up that might be the envy of its neighbours, but at the same time Scotland needs to change the law to allow its police to combat fraud as effectively as forces in England and Wales. So says Paddy Tomkins, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland, reports Police Review (May 16).

Also on the improvement theme, the Scottish Parliament finance committee has launched an inquiry into the handling of public sector assets, says Public Finance (May 16).

The committee won't have to go far to kick off its investigation. Building (May 16) reports that the £430 million home of the Scottish Parliament is in need of further repair. Up to 1,000 of the oak poles that form part of its facade will be taken down to be renewed or repaired. Specialists are already repairing the leaky roof. A source says: “The poles were capped but the caps haven't done their job - the Scottish rain has taken its toll.” Rain in Scotland, whatever next?

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