Charity workers will today start distributing aid supplies to thousands of people stranded by the cyclone in Burma, as fears rose of a big rise in the overall death toll.

Proposals will be announced today for the new points-based immigration system for people who wish to come and work in the UK, the Home Office said.

By Neil Mackay in Lennoxtown and Judith Duffy

Study reignites debate over Scottish Six
By Peter John Meiklem

He's won every primary in states neighbouring his own. She's hoping his 'pastor disaster' will see the tide finally turn. All eyes are on Indiana and North Carolina
By Andrew Purcell

Foreigners feel ‘unwelcome’ in new visa regime
By Paul Westerberg in Beijing

Government takes action to stabilise prices and prevent riots and unrest
By Ray Thibodeaux in New Delhi

Iain Macwhirter on BBC Scotland

Columnist of the year Ian Bell on giving offence

Accusations of cautious, dull play are simply sour grapes. Lacking in more expansive players, Walter Smith has created a highly effective defence that works, says Michael Grant

Since his return to Ibrox 16 months ago, Walter Smith has been invigorated by the consistency, success and positive energy at the club, says Michael Grant

"Aberdeen have no qualms about putting on John Hewitt. He really has a nose for goal"
ITV commentator Brian Moore, 87th minute, May 11, 1983
By Michael Grant

Expert says rising costs have changed landscape for business in China
By Colin Donald

Ayrshire scheme claims to solve turbine slowdown
By Steven Vass, Deputy Business Editor

Hedge fund group Lansdowne Partners limbering up to expand portfolio
By John Phelps

From Dante’s mediaeval visions to Sartre’s other people, author John Burnside examines how eternal damnation continues to torment our imaginations

Once upon a time there was an ex-Spice Girl called Geri Halliwell. She was very rich and famous. But then she decided to quit the singing business and instead write books about a tomboy called Ugenia Lavender. This is her story...
By Barry Didcock

From child actor to goth rock pin-up,Speed Racer star Christina Ricci talks to Craig McLean about growing up in the fast lane

While Medicine has rendered the virus ‘invisible’ in the West, epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani believes successful treatment has harmed the global battle against HIV
By Vicky Allan

Faking a tan may be safer than the real thing, but it also fuels the myth that bronzed skin is healthy. So why can’t we just learn to love our pasty complexions?
By Vicky Allan