A new Scottish cultural landmark has been lit up for the first time, days before the public get a chance to take a closer look at the colossal structures.

The leader of Scotland's separatist movement predicted on Friday that the United States would not try to stand in the way of the breakup of Britain, Washington's staunchest ally for decades, if Scots vote for independence at a referendum this year.

RAQUEL ROLNIK, who came to Scotland to investigate the bedroom tax, said the benefits claw-back must be suspended immediately because of its tough impact on the poor and disabled.

A bill which allows same-sex weddings to take place in Scotland has been passed by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs voted by 105 to 18 in favour of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.

MSPs will fail the people of Scotland if they do not reduce the dominance of large, traditional sporting estates, according to the Scottish environment minister.