Salmond hails paternity plan

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed UK Government plans to allow fathers to take up to ten months' paternity leave.

In answer to a question from Lothians SNP MSP Ian McKee, he agreed any short-term cost increase would be more than offset by the social and educational benefits.

He said: "Scotland is leading the way on addressing inequalities between men and women and improving support for families, especially during the early years of a child's life."