Commenting on the Children's Minister's visit to Aberdeen to view what action is being taken to address the issues raised in a damning report into the city's child protection services, Liberal Democrat MSP for Aberdeen South Nicol Stephen said:

"I welcome the Minister's visit and his interest in this vitally important issue. Clearly a significant amount of work is being done to turn around the problems faced by Aberdeen City's child protection services.

"I believe it is vital that the Minister does not rule out providing additional resources as clearly funding remains a very big issue for Aberdeen City Council.

"Securing a fair funding settlement for Aberdeen would help the situation immensely and is of the utmost importance."

Ends.