The Scottish Premier League player of the month, Billy McKay, rounded off a comfortable win for Inverness who beat Hibernian 3-0 to move above their opponents into second place in the SPL.

Ross Draper's free header from a 13th-minute free-kick opened Caley's account and, apart from one first-half chance for their leading scorer Leigh Griffiths, Hibs never looked like getting back in the game.

Caley Thistle stepped up a gear in the second half and Richie Foran and McKay secured a deserved win in the final 14 minutes as they stayed three points behind the leaders Celtic.

Hearts responded to their Scottish Cup exit at city rivals Hibernian with a deserved 2-0 victory over Aberdeen at Tynecastle. Hearts relinquished their hold on the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle last Sunday, but took a half-time lead on their return to SPL action through Ryan Stevenson's 31st-minute penalty, his first goal since his August return. Callum Paterson, a half-time replacement for the injured Stevenson, doubled the lead after 54 minutes. Aberdeen were frustrated by the home goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald, who made a number of fine saves.

Motherwell recorded their first home win since the beginning of September as they defeated Ross County 3-2 at Fir Park. Rocco Quinn's 30-yard drive gave the visitors the lead after 17 minutes, but their advantage was short-lived as Michael Higdon headed in Chris Humphrey's accurate delivery eight minutes later.

Nicky Law capitalised on some poor play from County to put Motherwell ahead in the opening minute of the second half, but the visitors responded positively with Quinn striking at the second time of asking to restore parity. Both sides showed a determination to grab a winner and Keith Lasley clinched the game for the hosts when he beat Mark Brown with eight minutes remaining.

Nine-man St Johnstone clung on for a 1-1 draw at St Mirren in a heated contest. The Perth side played most of the second half two men short after Chris Millar was ordered off, joining Steven Anderson who was dismissed in the first half. Despite having numerical advantage and the bulk of the chances, the home side had only Paul Dummett's goal to show for their efforts as thevisitors' overworked defence held out for a share of the points thanks to Murray Davidson's early goal.

David Templeton and Andy Little scored as Rangers avenged their only Third Division defeat so far this season with a 2-1 win over Stirling Albion at Ibrox.