9am Briefing: Margo's bid for right-to-die 'should be thrown out of parliament'

The six-strong, cross-party committee appointed to examine the Independent Lothians MSP's proposals decided by a majority of five to one they could not recommend approval of the principles of her End of Life Assistance Bill.

But Ms MacDonald accused them of making up their minds before they heard the evidence.

Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie, convener of the committee, said: "Fundamentally, the committee wrestled with the Bill's premise that it would help maintain an individual's dignity and autonomy as they move towards the end of their life."

A MOTORCYCLIST has died after being involved in a three-vehicle collision.

James Marlow, 33, from the Capital, was travelling on the A1 Edinburgh to Berwick road on Tuesday when he was involved in the crash at the south junction leading to Ayton Village, near Eyemouth, at around 5.10pm.

A Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Focus were also involved.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

A NURSE who was kidnapped and left in the boot of a car for ten days has joined a campaign for crime victims to be given a higher priority, it was reported today.

Magdeline Makola, who works as a nurse in Edinburgh and Livingston, was found in her vehicle in Airdrie on Boxing Day in 2008 after being abducted by a man who robbed her.

She has since joined Victim Support Scotland, which wants victims and witnesses to play a greater role in the legal system. Ms Makola has also called for changes to compensation rules.

Speaking ahead of the charity's Manifesto for Action: No Going Back event in Edinburgh, she said: "I am very happy to endorse the charity's new manifesto, particularly calling for a fundamental view of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. Offenders should pay a surcharge on any fine and that money should be used to fund improvements to victim services."

A TOP private school has banned pupils from playing with full-size footballs on health and safety grounds.

Edinburgh Academy insists pupils use tennis balls or small, soft balls for playground kickabouts.

The school fears pupils could get hurt if they play with full-size balls.

Deborah Meiklejohn, senior deputy rector at Edinburgh Academy said: "There was a feeling that the children could cause themselves injury if they used a ball which was inappropriate."

But Nick Seaton, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: "It's health and safety gone mad."