Cathy Jamieson, Scotland[base ']s justice minister, last night promised to provide extra funding for a controversial anti-crime programme that will put pressure on juvenile delinquents and petty criminals to apologise to their victims.

In contrast to the hard-line policies of the past, Scotland[base ']s local authorities and police forces are embracing the concept of restorative justice and by the end of this year, it is expected the scheme, favoured by the First Minister, Jack McConnell, will cover the entire country.