First Minister's wife falls ill

First Minister Alex Salmond has pulled out of a series of official engagements after his wife Moira fell ill.

Her condition was last night described as "nothing serious" by a spokesman for Mr Salmond.

"Mrs Salmond has been unwell for the past few days," the spokesman added.

"He has understandably stayed at home for the past few days, but she's now very much on the mend."

Mr Salmond will travel to Edinburgh today from his constituency home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire. His place at today's National Economic Forum will be taken by education secretary Michael Russell.