9am Briefing: Probe into Salmond's involvement in Gathering

AN official probe into the Gathering - Scotland's largest clan reunion - is to investigate new evidence suggesting Alex Salmond was more involved in trying to clear its crippling debts than he has previously admitted, it was reported today.

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reportedly show the First Minister willing to work "hand in hand" with council leaders if they organised a second Gathering. Later an offer of at least 380,000 of taxpayer's money was made if a second event was staged.

Hunt for new Islamic uni site

A PAKISTANI teaching group is reportedly scouting for a site for a new Islamic university in West Lothian.

The Mohiuddin Trust, which funds health and educational projects largely in the disputed area of Kashmir as well as Islamic schools in Burnley and Birmingham, has reportedly set its sights on Bangour Village Hospital.

The building, near Dechmont, is currently up for sale by NHS Lothian.

The trust reportedly visited the site alongside a tour of the West Lothian Civic Centre and Livingston Sheriff Court.

SAS medals sold for 100,000

MEDALS belonging to a member of the SAS team that stormed the Iranian Embassy in London have been sold for almost 100,000.

Sergeant Tommy Palmer, who was raised in Edinburgh, was one of only three soldiers to receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal for helping end the siege in 1980.

His hood caught fire as he went in so he took it off and entered unprotected against the CS gas.

His machine gun jammed when he tried to shoot a terrorist so he had to pull out his pistol to dispatch the man who was about to throw a grenade into a room full of hostages.

Sgt Palmer died three years later on operations aged just 31.