Image source, bbc

Speaking outside court, Mr Salmond thanked the 4,000 people who contributed more than £100,000 to a crowdfunding appeal to help pay for his legal challenge to the government's handling of the case. The money will now go to good causes in Scotland and elsewhere, he said.

Mr Salmond added: "The last time I was in that court was to be sworn in as first minister of Scotland. I never thought it possible that at any point I would be taking the Scottish government to court.

"And therefore while I am glad about the victory which has been achieved today, I am sad that it was necessary to take this action."

The former first minister said Leslie Evans should now consider her position.

Image source, bbc

Speaking after the case was resolved, the Scottish government's most senior civil servant, Leslie Evans, said she wanted to "apologise to all involved for the failure in the proper application of this one particular part of the procedure".

But she insisted: "There is nothing to suggest that the investigating officer did not conduct their duties in an impartial way.

"Unfortunately, the interactions with the complainants in advance of the complaints being made meant that the process was flawed, however impartially and fairly the investigating officer conducted the investigation."

Ms Evans stressed that it was "right and proper that these complaints were investigated", and that the "procedural flaw in the investigation does not have implications, one way or the other, for the substance of the complaints or the credibility of the complainers".

And she said it was open to the Scottish government to re-investigate the complaints, adding that "subject to the views of the complainants, it would be our intention to consider this".

But Ms Evans said this would "only be once ongoing police inquiries have concluded".

The Scottish government has admitted acting unlawfully while investigating sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond.

Allegations against the former first minister, which he denies, were made to the Scottish government a year ago.

The government has now admitted it breached its own guidelines by appointing an investigating officer who had "prior involvement" in the case.

As a result, it conceded defeat in its legal fight with Mr Salmond.

Read more here.

Image source, Getty Images

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will shortly giver her reaction to the Scottish government admitting acting unlawfully while investigating sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond.

Image source, CHRIS JAMES

A public transport system using stackable cars similar in design to shopping trolleys was unveiled last year.

The Esprit, external (Easily Distributed Personal Rapid Transit) project has involved the development of lightweight electric vehicles that can be stacked together to save space.

Up to eight can also be driven together as a "road train".

The University of Aberdeen and transport group First are among the organisations across Europe involved.

It is part of the European Commission's Green Vehicles Sub-Programme of Horizon 2020.

The vehicles will be designed for short journeys in busy areas.

Read more here.

Image source, Reuters

Scottish scientists have developed a liquid battery which could charge electric cars in seconds.

A team at the University of Glasgow has created a prototype system that could revolutionise travel.

The technology uses a metal oxide - described by researchers as an "exotic rust" - that can be charged with electricity when added to water.

Drivers would use filling stations to refuel their electric cars, driving away instantly once a battery is full.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur welcomes many of the steps outlined by the minister, but says he is slightly concerned the government motion comes across as "slightly congratulatory" and suggests the passing of the amendments would improve it.

Mr McArthur says Scotland still falls short of countries like the Netherlands with 18,500 charging points to Scotland's 1,000.

Norway has a far higher proportion of ULEVs than Scotland, he argues.

The Lib Dem MSP says leadership is being shown in councils across the country.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, bbc

Green MSP John Finnie agrees with the government motion that it is an "unprecedented period", although he expects he is talking about something slightly different, citing the global challenge of climate change.

Mr Finnie says: "The Climate Bill as it stands is insufficient; we need a Climate Emergency Bill".

He says the Scottish government's transport policy seems fixated with road building and we need to take a different approach to things.

The Green MSP points out his party does not support the "vanity projects" of the Scottish government.

Mr Finnie calls for change in the whole system, calling for efforts to get more people onto buses.

He also calls for improvements to the rail network, particularly in terms of introducing electrification of the Highland mainline.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, bbc

Labour's Colin Smyth says although road transport accounts for most air pollution, air travel should be targeted by ministers as well.

He says air pollution leads to many health problems, and welcomes the introduction of more low emission vehicles.

The MSP is calling for a better long term plan from the Scottish government, and calls on ministers to provide incentives for those on limited incomes.

He also says hydrogen fuel should be promoted, and not just electricity.

Mr Smyth is calling for improvements to public transport, particularly bus services in rural communities.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Steven Brocklehurst
BBC Scotland news

Image source, bbc

Electric cars may be the future but problems such as "range anxiety" and the high purchase price are keeping them from becoming a more prominent feature on Scotland's roads.

Owners talk of the cars being fun to drive and being much cheaper to run than petrol or diesel. They can also be more environmentally friendly if the power they use is generated by renewable energy.

However, anyone living in a flat, or even a terraced house without a drive, could find them impractical to charge. And once fully-charged pure electric vehicles are usually not practical for long journeys, as there are very few fast-charge points.

So, who drives electric cars and what do they think?

Click here to find out.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Jamie Greene says his party will be supporting the government's motion today and adds it would be churlish not to recognise the improvements being made.

Nevertheless, he says there is still a lot of work to be done, particularly in remote and rural areas, as evinced in the Tory amendment, elucidates Mr Greene.

He stresses the need for more charging points and for incentives to use them.

The Tory MSP points out there simply are not any charge points near him and says "range anxiety is an issue".

He welcomes progress on the A9 but points out it is only one road.

Image source, bbc

Kevin Keane
BBC Scotland News

Image source, bbc

In 2017 we reported Scotland's longest road was to be turned into an "electric highway" under plans announced by the Scottish government.

It was part of the government's big push to get drivers out of petrol and diesel vehicles which contribute to climate change and cause pollution in our towns and cities.

The aim was make it easier for people with electric vehicles to travel the full length of the country. But what exactly is needed?

Clearly the main demand would be for electricity, with the biggest gap between charging points currently about 88 miles (142km).

Read more here.

Mr Matheson says the progress made on ULEV vehicles reflects the Scottish government's commitment to lower emissions.

He continues, saying there has been a 46% growth in ULEV vehicle registrations in Scotland in the last year.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asks for reassurances on classic car ownership.

The transport secretary says there are no plans to ban them, but adds drivers of the cars may face difficulties in entering low emission zones.

He says Scotland can become an innovation centre for low carbon transport, saying the country has a highly skilled workforce and many universities.

The minister says there is also a place for hydrogen as a fuel in the plans.

The increasing demands on Scotland's electricity network must also be taken into account, Michael Matheson concedes.

He sees this as an opportunity for investment in infrastructure, however, saying there will be a period of rapid change.

Image source, Scottish government

Last August we reported that the Scottish government had increased funding to schemes that support its ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032.

The overall budget for the Low Carbon Transport Loan has risen from £8m to £20m for 2018/19.

The scheme encourages businesses and consumers to switch to electric vehicles.

Another fund, Switched on Fleets, was increased from £1.2m to £4.8m.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says there have been huge shifts in the electric car market.

Mr Matheson adds the number of ULEV models available will have jumped to 289 by 2022.

He insists Scotland is pioneering a low carbon future.

The minister says the government's commitment to phase-out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032 is progressing, with Charging Point 1,000 nearing completion.

This means the average distance from any location to the nearest public charging point is just 2.78 miles in Scotland.

Image source, CHRIS JAMES/ESPRIT

The Scottish government lead a debate on progress being made in Scotland on ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV).

Last year the government announcemee £700,000 for housing associations who want to apply for car clubs or electric vehicles

Ahead of her programme for government Nicola Sturgeon announced£16.7m from Nicola Sturgeon to transform Scotland into a low carbon country.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, KAIAM

On 26 December 2018 we reported that an appeal to help computer factory workers who lost their jobs just before Christmas had doubled its target after a surge in donations.

Fundraisers initially hoped to raise £10,000 for staff at the Kaiam factory in West Lothian.

But by Boxing Day the crowdfunding total had topped £17,500. A new target of £20,000 was then set.

More than 300 workers at the plant in Livingston were made redundant without being paid wages.

They will have to claim their wages through the Insolvency Service.

• Livingston computer factory lays off 310 workers
• Administrators appointed at computer firm
• Uncertain future as workers' wages go unpaid
• Read more here

Livingston SNP MSP Angela Constance asks how workers at Kaiam, which has entered administration, will be helped by the Scottish government.

Business, Fair Work, and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn responds, saying a jobs fair is planned for 17 January, to help those affected back into work.

He continues that support will be provided to make sure they apply for the benefits they are entitled to, and also commends how the West Lothian community has responded, helping those affected.

Mr Hepburn added there had been 20 expressions of interest in the site from potential buyers.