The Scotsman cartoon: Public spending and pandas

SHADOW Scottish secretary Margaret Curran has warned of “massive cuts in public spending” north of the border in the event of a Yes vote in September’s referendum.

Illustration: Iain Green

Ms Curran said leaving the UK would be a “leap in the dark” and warned of the risks to those reliant on benefits or pensions.

Meanwhile tests show that Edinburgh Zoo’s giant panda, Tian Tian, has conceived but is not technically pregnant.

Tian Tian was artificially inseminated in April after she and her intended partner Yang Guang failed to mate naturally.

If all goes well, Tian Tian could become pregnant in 20 to 30 days and give birth in late August.

MORE INFO

• Edinburgh Zoo monitors panda for pregnancy