HOPE of a new life is putting a smile on the faces of street children who have been rescued from the slums of Mumbai.

AN 11th hour deal could yet be struck which will see former SPL winger Barry Wilson in an Elgin City shirt to face Scottish Cup finalists Ross County in a mouthwatering start to the season tomorrow (Saturday) at Borough Briggs.

OUR exclusive last week on the plan for a human chain from Elgin to Lossiemouth, as a salute to our armed forces personnel in conflict zones, is, as expected, creating a great deal of interest.

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 15th annual Speyfest music festival, the line-up for which was this week described as "fantastic".

THE issue of the week in Westminster has, once again, been the budget.

TRAVEL writer Ron Smith takes us on the second leg of his journey through the Sud Tyrol in the north of Italy, which he hails as discovery destination 2010, and encounters remarkable communities and attractions on a plateau...

Sir, – I refer to all previous correspondence concerning the River Spey and its everlasting flood issues, in particular to the recent continual precipitation, which is not unusual. But what happens to the water?

CALLING all local musicians: 'The Northern Scot' wants you – and your music – on our website.