A further 15,849 cases of Covid-19 are reported in Scotland as the Omicron variant spreads.

Staff absences due to Covid led to the cancellation of more than 100 rail services on Wednesday.

The 60-year-old's conviction for child sex trafficking and cross-border Covid advice make the front pages.

Looking back at the top 20 stories on the BBC Scotland news website in the past year.

Tobyn Salvatore appeared in court accused of killing Denis and Mary Fell in Livingston on 26 December.

Keith Smith, 41, died at the scene of the collision in Midlothian on Tuesday afternoon.

Fearless 82-year-old Scot Murdoch McGregor is the UK sailor of the year for 2021 after his incredible solo voyage made him the oldest person to circumnavigate Britain.

Patryk Jasinski choked, punched and stabbed Tomasz Lipiec at a flat in Glasgow last year.

A fatal accident inquiry found the vessel had modifications which reduced its stability.

John Swinney says travelling to England, where nightclubs are still open, would be "the wrong course of action".

For years, Inverness Castle has largely been closed off to the general public.

A daily update on the number and location of coronavirus cases in Scotland.

Restrictions have been tightened again due to the rapid rise in cases of the Omicron variant.

New measures begin for hospitality and indoor leisure in a bid to halt the spread of Omicron in Scotland.

There are many things in our favour, but Omicron is spreading fast. What have we learned this week?

Could a runny nose be a sign you have Omicron?

Booster numbers have reached record levels in the fight against the Omicron variant.

Is the progress made in Glasgow in jeopardy from a rising tide of challenges in the year ahead?

Spanish train builder Talgo has still to reveal its plans for the former coal-fired power station site.

Is it always appropriate for relatives to interpret for deaf loved ones?

He is one of Scotland's most successful and versatile actors yet one role has defined his career.

A blood bank service for dogs helps supply vets with immediate access to blood in emergencies.

New figures show more than 11,000 cases were recorded in Scotland on Boxing Day.

In the Scottish Highlands you’ll find a large herd of reindeer roaming the Cairngorms National Park.

West End production Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a comedy adaption of the classic book.

It wasn't until Emma's partner held a knife to her throat that she escaped a violent relationship.

Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous will miss three matches after admitting to violent conduct in an incident with Aberdeen striker Christian Ramirez.

Celtic reach agreement to sign striker on loan as Newcastle challenge Watford's interest in Aberdeen right-back.

Football titans assemble to honour the late Walter Smith in a new BBC documentary featuring Sir Alex Ferguson, previously unseen footage and famous tunnel profanity.

Scottish sport has had a busy year in 2021. How much can you remember?