pensioner

Scottish pensioners who lost out on winter fuel payments this year are to receive a new Holyrood benefit next year, the government has confirmed.

Applications for pension credit - allowing low-income pensioners to also receive winter fuel payments - have seen a sharp rise since the government announced cost-cutting plans.

The UK government is urging pensioners to check if they are eligible for the benefit.

Unite is pushing ahead with legal action against the government in a bid to overturn winter fuel cuts for millions of pensioners.

A man previously charged with attacking a pensioner appeared in court on Tuesday charged with his manslaughter.