9am news briefing

PART-NATIONALISED Royal Bank of Scotland today reported a return to profit, which it said demonstrated its improved strength since the banking crisis of 2008.

The Edinburgh-based bank published results showing pre-tax profits of £2 billion in the three months to September 30, compared to a £678 million loss in the previous quarter and a £1.6 billion loss the previous year.

The bank slashed its bad debts and offset a plunge in income at its under-pressure investment arm.

• FIREFIGHTERS had to put out 11 unsupervised bonfires last night as the service attempts to cope with one of its busiest periods of the year.

A further six that did have adults in attendance were the subject of call outs to Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade.

A spokeswoman said this morning that crews put out the fires across Edinburgh and West Lothian which only children had set up.

Unlike the previous night, there were no instances of appliances coming under attack by youths.

• HORSE urine and insects are among the disturbing ingredients found in fake cosmetic goods, Scottish shoppers have been warned today.

The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency said people who buy cheaper fake goods - particularly online - risked coming out in rashes and other allergic reactions.

• HOUSE prices in the centre of Edinburgh have dropped by almost 10 per cent compared with the same time last year.

New figures from ESPC show the average house price in the Capital between August an October was £217,867 - down 2.1 per cent. But in the city centre, the average price fell by 9.5 per cent to £230,820.

ESPC business analust David Marshall said: “Many people are still facing difficulties securing mortgages and concerns over job security are also constraining demand.”