A new weekly digest of Scottish news launches today with the first edition to be distributed free.

The Stooshie – named after the Scottish dialect word for a rumpus or commotion – aims to provide readers with “Scotland in seven days”.

The first ‘official’ issue of the new DC Thomson title will go on sale next Friday, priced at £2.50.

But today’s issue – dubbed ‘edition zero’ by the publishers, will be distributed free in selected areas across Scotland, and at travel points throughout Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The magazine will contain Scottish news and opinion from the week’s major stories, plus a round-up of the top business and sports issues and a digest of the best of Scottish arts and lifestyle.

Stooshie editor-in-chief, Richard Neville said: “Our team have immersed themselves in the week’s news to bring The Stooshie’s readers comprehensive coverage of the biggest and most engaging stories in Scotland.

“If you are interested in what is going on in Scotland and in reading all sides of the debate, then you need to pick up The Stooshie.”

This week’s issue includes coverage of the big pensions debate in Scotland, the UK’s biggest EuroMillions winners’ financial support of the ‘Yes’ campaign in the forthcoming independence referendum, and a feature posing the question ‘Are we living in a new age of misogyny?’

The Stooshie will also feature ‘Around Scotland’ with quirky news stories from Lerwick to Lockerbie plus all of the big sporting stories from across the week.

Arts, food and drink, and book sections will all cover top cultural events, along with top travel, consumer stories and property.