9am Briefing: Standard Life sees huge profits rise

EDINBURGH-based insurers Standard Life reported a 7 per cent rise in its 2010 profit - bucking expectations of a decline.

The firm, which said it has made a strong start to 2011, made an operating profit of 425m last year, up from 399m the previous year.

Analysts had expected a profit of 355m according to a consensus forecast calculated by the company.

The firm has moved away from traditional insurance policies in favour of less capital-intensive savings products since ditching its customer-owned status and listing on the stock market in 2006.

A MOTHER who killed her three children was visited by the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland after she had been charged with their murder.

Theresa Riggi, a devout Catholic, was visited by Cardinal Keith O'Brien at her request while she was being assessed at the Orchard Clinic psychiatric unit.

The Catholic Church confirmed that it had taken place but declined to comment further, saying it was would a "private, pastoral" visit.

Riggi had been taken to the clinic at the Royal Edinburgh hospital to undergo psychiatric tests after being charged with the murder of her three children, nine-year-old twins Austin and Luke and Cecilia, five.

She pled guilty to culpable homicide at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday.

EDINBURGH is among the most expensive cities in Britain for commuters, new figures have revealed.

The daily cost of petrol and parking in the Capital is 20.65, cheaper than Glasgow at 21.25 and London at 22.65 but significantly higher than the 13.65 UK average.

The survey, commissioned by Virgin Business Media, shows that the average employee spends 3782 a year on petrol and parking while commuting to work, rising to 4853 in Edinburgh.

Neil Greig, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "We need to be looking at better value for money for parking in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

"What we have been saying is that we don't think Scottish drivers are getting anything extra special for that extra money."