A total of 42 people out of 778 patients who required care in the islands died in the last three months of 2017, a rise from 18 in the previous quarter.
A seven-year-old boy has been identified by police as being involved in recent alleged vandalism at a Moray cemetery.
The boy was spoken to by police about his behaviour in the presence of his family.
PC Michelle MacDonald said: “In relation to the youngster involved, we are working closely with our partners within criminal justice social work with the assistance of Police Scotland’s local early intervention officer to highlight the consequences of such behaviour to try and prevent this from happening again.
“Inquiries are still ongoing into these incidents and we would encourage anyone else with information to get in touch.
“I know these incidents have caused a lot of strong feelings within the local community and would like to thank all those again who have provided information for their help and support.
“The local community policing team work extremely hard to ensure the area is a safe and welcoming place to live, and when crime does happen we do everything we can to identify those responsible and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
There is no chance of any charges being brought against the boy as the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland is eight.
Seven-year-old boy spoken to by police over Moray cemetery vandalism
