SNP 'FORCED' TO MAKE CUTS OF £680M

Robison made 'difficult decisions'

- KATRINE BUSSEY

THE Deputy First Minister has said forced make she was "exceptionally to difficult decisions" as she revealed the SNP government has had to make £680million in savings from this year's budget.

Shona Robison said while the "savings and funding prioritisation" had been required, she had sought to protect spending on the NHS and investment in "key programmes" such as the Scottish Child Payment - which provides cash help for children in low-income families.