Scotland News

Hotel reputation management

2009-11-25T12:31:00.001-08:00

Its incredibly important that hotels understand reputation management, more often that not many sites like tripadvisor can be heavily tilted towards the negative feedback from customers rather than the positive ones. We have even come across instances where competitors have actually written negative comment pretending to be a customer.

Hotel reputation management can be a bit tricky just because of how competitive the market is, but with the right preparation and planned strategy can really limit the damage caused by negative comments or bad press. www.reputationmanagementfor.com can help advise hotels on how to manager their reputation.

Cobra Group

2009-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Cobra Group is now making itself more visible through different web channels:

Twitter: Cobra Group | Blog: Cobra Group | Facebook: Cobra Group

Cobra is taking a proactive approach on-line to become more visible, please follow their channels to see all the updates and news.

New software to block porn sites in Scotland

2007-10-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Scotland, Oct 3: Internet has gained popularity all over the world, particularly among youngsters. It is stuffed with information including both good and bad one. With the inclusion of videos and animation in the websites makes its more vulnerable to be misused and thereby mislead the school and college students.

So as to restrict this kind of malpractices, computer experts in Scotland have developed a new software to scan internet pages, which enables to stop pornography and offensive sites being loaded on to school and company computers. Bloxx, a Livingston based company developed this software that analyse the language and pictures to restrict the harmful content or visuals included in the websites.

The new software also allows restriction on the social networking sites to particular time limits of the day so they can be used during breaks. This added feature of this software enables the companies to cut down the online time wasting. A recent study conducted on the time lost through social networking sites, estimated this unnecessary expense costing UK companies about £130m a day. This study bring out the gravity of the situation.

In recent months "internet skiving" has emerged as a huge threat for the employers. Several government, corporate and school computers are being used to make illegal or offensive edits on the content of the popular web sites like Wikipedia. Rather than simply blocking pages the new software scans the pictures and languages for the signs of offensive material, including certain keywords like 'sex', it scans all the words in the text to analyse the context and decide which site should be blocked.

While commenting on the functionality of the new software, the company spokesman said: "There are certain ways to analyse pages, which allow you to analyse what a page is really about. For example, a race-hate page often features the word 'they' a lot, and you can use that fact to help devise intelligent ways to screen out damaging material, even if no-one has ever seen the page before. Similarly, a pornographic picture can have certain characteristics which can be analysed by a computer, the tones of the picture for example, and these factors can be used to block them from loading into the computer."

Earlier attempts to scan the internet pages involves having specialists known as “porn monkeys” who manually scans the websites and tries to find out the extend of ban to be implemented on a particular site or sites. Another tactic involved banning pages with single key words from coming through filters. The problem involved in this method is that internet is growing all the time and people are adding blogs all the time making it difficult to keep track of them in the traditional way.

Last week the new software was implemented by the shipping company Graypen, which employs hundreds of staff around the UK. In addition to wasting company time, the personal internet use consumes time, as connecting to websites will make the machine work slow. All together this new software will become a boon to the employer and bane to the employee.

Hit & run accuse bows to father's emotion

2007-10-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

The case of hit and run which we were tracking since last week in which ten-year-old Jack Anderson lost his life took a U-turn when the culprit Purcell handed over himself to the St Leonard’s police station in Edinburgh. It was told that the accused Isaac Purcell 26, wrote to Jacks parents, declaring that he was the driver of the car which hit jack and feel sorry for the incident. In reply Jacks father wrote back him and enclosed a photograph of his son and his grave.

Purcell still denies murdering Jack and agrees of driving the green Peugeot 406 which hit Jack. The video of the police interview with Purcell who himself is a father of five was played before the jury. Purcell said "I'm so sorry. I've handed myself into the police. I'm doing this for the parents. It's the only way I can give something back to Jack."

The exchange of letters between Purcell and Jacks father Mr Anderson made Purcell to hand over himself to the police. In the letter which was read to the court tells, Jacks father opened his heart saying "The only thing we have now are memories. The house is quiet now. Jack was the life and soul of our family”. He at last concluded the letter by appealing Purcell to surrender in the police station.

This incident was shocking, and police were hunting for the suspect who hit Jack, but were clue less. Jack in his statement said I knew we hit something but never knew it was a little boy, later that night when I saw the news I got to know about the victim. He himself is the father of five and says I can imagine how I would feel in such a situation.

In his letter to Mr Anderson Purcell also claims that though he was chased by police but he didn’t stopped because he was wanted on a charge in Liverpool so he fearfully drove off. The case is still on and now the court will decide the fate of Purcell after hearing all allegations.

SNP chief oppose the new pub laws

2007-10-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh, Oct 2: Strict laws are being implemented against the pubs in Edinburgh. The restrictions include the opening hours and the number of people allowed to stand up in the bar. Mixed remarks for and against this pub laws are coming out since then. The council put forth this law as an attempt to restrict the anti social behaviour.

The council's plans to impose the pub laws were announced last month by the Liberal Democrat coalition Councillor Marjorie Thomas, chairwoman of the city's licensing board.

The deputy council leader Steve Cardownie raised doubts regarding the outcome of this implementation. The SNP leader made an outspoken attack and he termed this attempt as a backward step. He further described the idea of sending "bean counters" to count the number of people standing up in individual bars as "nonsensical".

While commenting on the need of the pub laws Cardownie said: "I think it is a good thing that people can go out a bit later now if they want to. Changing the rules would be a backward step when we are trying to compete with other major cities around Europe".

"The situation is better in Edinburgh than it is down south where you get all the pubs shutting at once and huge queues forming at taxi ranks, when you get arguments and fights breaking out. I also think it's nonsensical to try to impose some kind of limit on the number of people who can stand up in a pub. How on earth would you enforce that?"

Meanwhile the Councillor Thomas said: "I stand by the comments I made earlier this month but it is important to stress that we have simply put these proposals out for consultation at the moment. We have already had a big response, both from publicans and the licensed trade, but also from people in local communities across the city. Some don't like what has been proposed, some are in favour, but we are going to listen to all views. However, we're certainly not talking about turning the lights out on Edinburgh".

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Licensed Trade Association, Scotland, said: "The draft policy isn't just bad, it's plain daft. Are they going to have people walking into pubs and demanding that half the customers sit down?"

Liberal Democrats Councillor Paul Edie, who is leading the council's efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour, said: "Although this is really a matter for the licensing board, I'm certainly not aware of any demands by the police to cut back the hours of city pubs. There are obviously hot spots in the city, but there has been a lot of money invested in CCTV facilities and the police do seem to have coped well with the liberal licensing hours in Edinburgh".

While commenting on the political version of things the city's Labour leader, Ewan Aitken, said: "This is just another example of the complete chaos the SNP and the Liberal Democrats have got themselves in. They don't seem to be speaking to the other party or even amongst themselves."

Hope all these mixed responses will pave the way for some clear modification in the pub laws considering the public interest.

Scotland booked their berth in quarter final round

2007-09-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Scotland, Oct 1: After a setback in the third league match against New Zealand, Scotland Rugby team regained its name in the Rugby World Cup 2007. With this hard earned victory the Scottish team enters into the quarter final round of the world cup. Frank Hadden's men survived the scare and a good few others to defeat Italy, the score card was horribly close thing, and anxiety prevailed up to the last moment. Some crucial flaws from the Italian side paved the way for the Scottish team's victory.

The game was tight with plenty of kicking from both sides but in the end Scottish team gained the edge amidst heavy rain in St Etienne. In the initial league matches against Portugal and Romania the Scottish team won with a clean margin. But against the New Zealand side they failed to continue their winning streak as they gave way to a crumbling defeat.

With the rain interrupting the smooth conduct of the match, the wet field led to the flaws from both the sides. Most of the rugby on show came from the Italians who scored the only try of the night and were far more willing to risk moving the wet ball. The Scottish Coach won't care about aesthetics and this victory was built on the backs of two kickers. Parks led the team into attacking areas and Chris Paterson just doesn't miss when given the opportunity. He was given six in all and, insatiable, he took every one.

In the match against Italy the Scotland team give away 21 points in the initial stage of the match, but this time they were in no mood to repeat that generosity. Instead they got off to a flying start with two penalties within the opening five minutes, the perfect way to calm the nerves. In the final hour of the match, when the Italian team began to fought back the Scots team took defence as their rescue. Bortolussi kicked two penalties in quick succession; the first after Nathan Hines was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

With the clock ticking and Scotland leading 18-16, Italy full-back David Bortolussi has the chance to win the game for his team. His long-range effort drifts wide and it favours the Scotland team. This crucial victory will let the Scottish team helped in getting the last minute berth in the quarter final round. They have to improvise their performance so as to overcome the trouble against Argentina or France in the next match to come.

Modern art attracting investors

2007-09-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

October, 1

The art of investment has taken an artistic shape, with all contemporary and traditional ways of investments becoming outdated. Nowadays a new addition to this money making market has created quite a sensation with its presence. It's the Modern art which is attracting a lot of people, with a robust growth in cash making industry. The recent figures reveal that the value of the art works of 1970s has jumped up to more than 50 percent in previous year. In the same way the demand for English watercolourists has dropped a lot. These figures were revealed in the annual Hiscox Art Market Research (HAMR) report which was based on auctions all over the world.

Experts suggest that this mammoth rise in art forms have pointed out the positive reception this art has received making the markets to surge. Mr Ian O'Riordan, the manager of the prestigious City Art Centre in Edinburgh said, "I don't think people have ever seen contemporary art as an investment before and, even if they did, then it was only major figures like Damien Hirst. It was possibly one of the last markets not to have exploded in terms of people looking for a large profit." He also pointed out the fact that in recent years many hedge-fund managers have inclined towards buying these art forms as an investment.

This trend has also made people to take more interest in contemporary and modern art which is clearly visible from the recent figures. The value English sporting paintings have grown up by 26 percent, and the European 19th century paintings rose up by 19 percent. It also includes record-breaking sales in the past one year in the booming art world with few areas still to get some pace.

Adding his views Charles Dupplin, an art expert at the specialist insurers Hiscox said, the year was a golden year for modern and contemporary art. In this year several art works have been paid some record-breaking prices. These development and interest of people in art is a remarkable achievement for the art world.

Richard Ingleby owner of Edinburgh's Ingleby Gallery in the Carlton Terrace says these auction houses have transformed themselves, giving more stress to marketing. In recent years the market has seen many new individuals showing interest in these contemporary arts. They are all set to spend on these art forms, even the auction houses are now more inclined towards the retail sector. All these sudden moves have shown yet another door to give a makeover to the investment scenario.

Eileen waits for her sons return

2007-09-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh, Sept 29: After two decade long legal battle filled with uncertainty Eileen, mother of two prisoners in America revealed an astonishing twist in the developments. She expressed her hope that both her sons will return home in Edinburgh within few months. Having both her sons home would be an incredible development in the two-decades filled with ambiguity, which saw both boys quit the city for a new life with their American father that later end up in both being jailed within short span of time.

Eileen tells that Kenny, her elder son's dream of being released on bail will become a reality as the family succeed in producing a $100000 bail bond. Earlier this month, Kenny moved to an open prison after 21 years protesting his innocence on Death Row. His younger brother Tom is convicted for murdering a shopkeeper has already served a third of his 65 year sentence. Both the brothers have promised to rebuild their lives in the Edinburgh.

While commenting on the legal battle the mother said: "Tom's case is more complicated than Kenny's. He has been fighting for a long time but he is definitely getting out in a few months. He has served his sentence, he'll be free soon. And he wants to come back home."

Long sentences are being slashed as part of the legal reforms implemented in the United States, opening the door for Tom's early release from Clallam Bay Corrections Centre in Washington State. When he reaches Edinburgh to stay with his mother, he will be seeing his mother after a long wait of more than 20 years.

In Ohio, Kenny is now adjusting to live in an open prison after two decades of imprisonment under maximum security. Sent there after being convicted of starting a fire in a block of flats, this took the life of a two year old girl. Even after several investigations he continued to proclaim his innocence. His case took a dramatic shift when an appeal court recently upheld the 2005 decision to overturn his conviction, ordering he be freed or face a new trial.

"If they don't go ahead with the retrial within 90 days, then Kenny will be released, We'd all rather there was a retrial - Kenny has always said he is innocent and we'd all prefer it if he walked free having been declared not guilty. If it's the same verdict as before," she adds, "he'd go back to Death Row and I don't know what I'd do then.” said Eileen, in an excited manner.

She further added that: "Kenny is very excited about coming back. He keeps asking about places he remembers. He was asking about the Palais de Danse, his granddad's old work, Joseph Mann's the lorry firm, and the Baberton Hotel where his mates used to go for a drink".

It all mean that Eileen's small flat would change into a lively family home once again with Tom, Kenny, his American wife Wendy and, perhaps, even the couple's 21-year-old son Sean and his two young children all expecting a warm get together after a long legal battle filled with uncertainties.

Witness speaks out in hit and run case

2007-09-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

September, 29

In the trial of the tragic accident which claimed the life of Jack Anderson a 10-year-old boy last year while he was crossing the road was heard at the court yesterday. The witness Sharron Scott said how within seconds the deceased boy Jack lost his life. He just took two steps on to the road and was hit by the car. Another witness Mrs Scott earlier told the high court in Glasgow, that when she reached the traffic light and stopped her car the boy looked at her and smiled. He was looking to cross the road, then he looked at the lights and then again he looked at me and smiled all was going right until a zipping car came from the back and hit the boy. All things changed in fraction of seconds.

Mrs Scott further added that, “I thought he might have seen the car and stepped back but I was wrong he was no where there. She also got a glimpse of the driver and the rear passengers laughing as the car hit the boy. She also told the court the car didn’t applied brakes. Samantha Jane Sharp, 33, another witness told court that she held Jacks hands as he was dying. She said, I pulled my car to the side of the road and ran towards the boy who was lying in the gutter. His mouth was full of blood and his pulse was also not there. She further added that, as per her knowledge the green Peugeot overtook her at a speed of 40-45mph, but the speed was increasing as it went past her.

After hearing to all the witness the court charged the alleged driver Purcell of driving carelessly at a speed of 60mph. He was also accused of speeding the car on the red light and breaking the traffic rules. Purcell also later fled the scene of crime after hitting the boy to death. The case is still under trial and time will tell what the verdict will be. Still this incident will be a lesson to all other rash drivers who plays with the lives of innocent people daily on our city roads.

Bullet train project to be sidelined

2007-09-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh, Sept 28: The Scottish Government's transport advisors on yesterday announced that a high speed railway line for the bullet train would cost at least £7 billion and be poor value for money than upgrading the existing route. This declaration came as a set back for the supporters of the long cherished dream of an Edinburgh-Glasgow 'bullet train'.

The ministers also confirmed plans to increase services on the main line via Falkirk, which would help in gaining 40 minutes time. The project involves electrifying the route is scheduled to be finished within nine years time and expected budget is between £500 million and £1 billion. The limited stop services would take 37 minutes and stopping services will take 47 minutes, while the current fastest time is 48 minutes.

Jacobs, consultant of the Transport Scotland agency, in his report said that: "The option represents the most cost effective way of cutting journey times, increasing the efficiency and converting the rail journey more attractive one".

He further added that the "For the long term the long route is unlikely to offer better value for money. So it is better to invest in the Edinburgh and Glasgow route, the main link via Falkirk. A dedicated high-speed line, which would reduce the journeys to 27 minutes, should still be considered as part of an ongoing major projects review, due to be completed next summer".

Stewart Stevenson, the transport minister, also confirmed plans for a train-tram interchange at a new station near Edinburgh Airport to replace a proposed direct rail line to the terminal. The Gogar plan would cost only about £200 million and avoid putting a tunnel under the airport runway. Rail experts agreed to the point that Scotland could not afford a high-speed line, but business leaders said it must still be considered as part of faster rail links to London.

Jon Shaw, director of the Centre for Sustainable Transport at Plymouth University, said that: "£7 billion is an awful lot of money just to save ten minutes' journey time; you could fix almost all of Scotland's transport problems for that sum. What has been proposed instead is both practical and deliverable. Electric trains are more comfortable, quicker and more reliable than diesel trains." he further added.

But business leaders are opposing the move from the government's side. Iain McMillan, the director of CBI Scotland, opined this as "a lack of ambition".

Violent crime on the rise in Scotland

2007-09-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

September, 28

Violent crime is on the rise in Scotland, the figures show a huge increase in the percent of crime in the recent years. These surprising figures were disclosed by the Scottish crime and victimization survey on the basis of poll conducted on 5000 people. In this survey minor assault recorded the major cause for the rise in the violent crime graph. The survey also showed that the number of crimes committed from April 2005 to March 2006 was 13 percent more than the last survey. The minor assault rose to 35 percent from 2003-04.

The survey also pointed out that about two third of the attackers involved in the minor assault cases did the crime under the influence of alcohol. John Carnochan the head of Violence Reduction Unit says, majority of such violent crimes remains hidden from views and are not reported. He insisted people to take initiative and report such matters to police.

Some interesting facts were also found in the survey, it shows that the most of these crimes were backed by drugs and alcohol. This factor was the biggest concern for these crime rates going up. It also revealed that over one million crimes took place in Scotland during the period of the survey. Even in these crimes about 44 percent accounted for personal crimes and rest 56 percent relating to property.

The figure also tells that the risk of being a victim of personal crime is more due to the increase in the minor assault rates. It also pointed out those men and women who are in their late teens are at more risk of being a victim of crime rather than old aged people.

Creative Fire

2007-09-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Jane Paul Master Firewalk Instructor Realise your potential with a unique Firewalking workshop on the Isle of Skye. Seize the opportunity to take part in a Firewalk with one of the UK’s leading firewalk instructors.
Is it time to bring direction, joy and energy back into your life? Imagine what you can achieve when the "Impossible" becomes possible?
Creative Fire workshops include:

Three to four hour preparatory seminar
Visualisation programme
Arrow breaking
Chance to walk on fire

On Saturday, 27th October - Starting at 5.30 - 11pm.
At Glendale Village Hall. Nr. Dunvegan, Isle of Skye. For more info please contact; jane@creativefire.co.uk 07950 017137 or oceanandscotty@btinternet.com 01470 511351

Weather radar in the offing for Shetlanders

2007-09-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

September, 27

The weather gods are quite predictable for the people of Shetland with there traditional way of prediction. The 'wind dogs' helps to predict the day's climate more accurate than the television forecasters for the locals which they were banking on till now. The traditional theory works in an interesting manner, as the phrase denotes a fragment of rainbow. While if one appear in front of the sun, then the weather will be fine tomorrow. But if the wind dog is behind then people should be ready for some showers.

Sharing his experience, Lawrence Tulloch a former lighthouse keeper tells that, people like him who are living here since a long time can make out how the weather gods will play. He adds that the old method to predict weather is still in practice but the credibility of wind dogs will soon face stiff competition with modern science.

Moving a head, the government is planning to include Shetland into the network of the thirteen national weather radars. This device will help to track all moves of the weather and sudden climatic changes. The council is backing up the need to connect Shetland with the radar network. It is also getting support of Tavish Scott, Shetland’s MSP and key members of the business community. Even the council’s general manager Jim Dickson feels the need for radar in Shetland as there is very less observable data on weather there. He state that "To the north and west of Shetland, there is little in the way of observation sites, and a polar low can descend with little or no warning,". This type of sudden disturbance could result dangerous for the place and as it is the largest oil port, so disturbance could affect the economy of the region.

According to one of the spokesman of Met Office said that discussions are going on with the ministry of defense of the use of the site Saxa Vord for the installation of the radar. The estimate cost for this is said to be around £1.5 million. One can still hope, which one the people will rely on the old way or the technological device to predict the weather through out the day.

Survey questions the existence of civil legal aid

2007-09-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Scotland, Sept.27: The mere existence of the Civil legal aid is put into question after the publication of a survey showing nine out of ten law firms are preparing to withdraw from all such cases within the span of four years. The Civil legal aid is provided to those who cannot afford to appoint a solicitor in non-criminal cases. Divorce cases and the women being abused often depend on civil legal aid. It is also provided for adoption cases, debt and child law.

The reason for this is attributed to the way payments are decided with the low rates of pay under civil legal aid. Lawyers across Scotland are disappointed over this. As a result, the number of law firms offering their services for civil legal aid has seen a steep decrease. The remaining 736 firms which are extending their services to the civil legal aid are preparing to pull out in the next four years.

Oliver Adair, the convener of the Law Society's Legal Aid (solicitors) committee, warned that the weaker side of the society would suffer if the solicitors withdraw their services.
He further added that, ‘the reforms included in the system in 2003, which were expected to increase access for the most vulnerable, will end up doing the opposite’.

The reforms were supposed to make the system simpler and more accessible for those most in need, introducing standard block fees for lawyers for set amounts of work and allowing lawyers to be paid for at least some of their work before the case was completed.

The survey was conducted by the Law Society only after hearing the increasing number of anecdotal evidence of dissatisfaction with the reforms that were introduced by the previous Scottish administration. However, the survey found 92 per cent of lawyers who provide services under civil legal aid were planning to end the service in the next four years. Most believe that they are getting so much less now, in terms of legal aid fees, that it does not make any sense to stay within the system.

When asked about the reasons for either giving up or considering quitting civil legal aid, 80 per cent of lawyers said it was because the system was "financially unviable" and 60 per cent also complained about the problem of bureaucracy.

The Scottish Government spokesman while responding to this survey said: "We are aware that civil legal aid fee levels are a major concern for solicitors. That is why the Scottish Legal Aid Board is reviewing the fees paid to solicitors undertaking civil legal aid work to see if the block fee arrangements are providing an appropriate level of remuneration”.

He further added that, “Regulations have been laid in parliament this week which will improve payments for undefended (non-divorce) civil actions in the sheriff court. This should make it more financially viable for solicitors to take on work such as seeking a protection order."

For most firms, civil legal aid amounts to only a small part of their work, so it would not be difficult for them to pull out. The Law Society survey laid emphasis onto the serious problem lying ahead and stressed on the need to implement the reform so as to get rid of the overall collapse of the system. We can expect the legal firms and the government authorities to strike a balance to bring out an amicable settlement of this issue, considering the public wellbeing.

Scotland too overweight

2007-09-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

September, 26

Once again Scotland is making news in the global scenario, this time the issue is very fat, the beautiful and historic place has been declared the second largest most overweight nation after United States. The study conducted points that, out of every four Scottish adult one is victim of obesity.

This fact has raised a serious concern which needs to be addressed or else this obesity will result to a big public health problem in coming days. The statistics released by the Scottish Public Health Observatory (SPHO) suggest that obesity graph is scaling high day by day in Scotland. It points out that since 1995 obesity has rose to 46 percent in the adult population. In case of children every one in five children is said to be obese in the year 2004-05. This problem is also costing Scotland ₤171 million each year. Obesity is also leading people to many other serious health problems.

Scotland population follows an in-active lifestyle, along with that Scots prefer more junk, fatty and high-calorie foods. This eating habit is adding to their woes making them more fat. Even Scotland races first in comparison with other neighboring nations where this problem is rare.

The principal research officer for the SPHO programme, Ian Grant said the ways to tackle this problem is very scant. He further adds, "over the last ten years, the problem has been increasing and there is nothing to suggest from these figures that the problem will reduce in the next few years," he said. "What we have to do is look at the factors that are responsible and if some of these things don't improve, then I would imagine the problem of obesity will increase."

One of the spokeswomen for the British Medical Association suggested that, the best way to tackle this epidemic is to control this problem from its roots. She said its very essential to educate children about healthy eating habits. Another thing is to make nutritious food cheaper so that all can afford that. She added that "This is not just a health problem. It is a problem that has to be tackled as a social issue. If we act now, we can save the next generation."

The clinical director for the National Obesity forum says the figures are shocking and hints that UK is following the American trends. He said the eating culture has to be transformed to curb this menace. The public health minister, Shona Robinson also states serious concern over the increase in childhood obesity percent and thinks sudden actions is required before the situation becomes adverse.

This study results an alarm for all Scottish gourmets who prefer having junk food and high calorie diet. Now its on the side of the government and people how they cope up with this growing threat in near future before its become an epidemic.

Summary of the report is available at SPHO Scotland
Full Report on Obesity in Scotland (from Scotland.org.uk server)

Helicopter failure doubted reason behind McRae crash

2007-09-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Scotland, Sept.26: The helicopter crash that took place last Saturday, which claimed the lives of rally ace Colin McRae, his son and two other passengers, could have been happened by the mechanical failure of a component which links the engine to the rotor blades.

The helicopter in which Mc Rae was travelling crashed in a wooded area on his Lanark estate last Saturday afternoon. The deceased include the driver, aged 39, died instantly along with his five-year-old son Johnny, his best friend Ben Porcelli, aged six, and family friend Graeme Duncan, aged 37.

Expert team from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) joined hands with Strathclyde Police to investigate the reason behind this crash. Although the official report regarding this tragedy will not be made public for at least few months, initial findings point finger on to a fault with the aircraft and not the pilot.

Police sources are almost certain that the tragedy was caused by mechanical failure rather than pilot's mistake. One of the theories being examined is whether the Twin Squirrel's drive belt failed, causing a sudden loss of power. A police source further added that "It looks as if it was a mechanical fault, something which they knew nothing about and something they could do nothing about once they took off."

Traces of the belt have not been found yet, it is considered as a possible indication of the damage or disintegration of the vital component immediately after take off. The drive belt transfers power from the engine to spin the rotors and must be regularly maintained and replaced. So the inquiry is focusing on a specific part of the Eurocopter Twin Squirrel, which possibly could be the reason behind the tragedy.

The helicopter, which costs around £500,000 new, is one of the world's most popular aircraft and has an excellent safety record but previously involved in other high-profile incidents. Eurocopter, the French-based manufacturers of the Squirrel aircraft has not expressed their version of things. Aberdeen based aviation expert Jim Ferguson said: "People like the Squirrel. They are a nice little aircraft and they are very popular, reliable and normally safe."

The McRae family declined to comment on the reason behind the accident. Colin's father, Jimmy, has already stated that he does not believe his son caused the crash. Meanwhile condolences began to pour from various parts of Scotland. More than 51,000 people had signed an online book of condolence in memory of the rally supremo and the three other victims of the crash.

Risk factor for health care staff

2007-09-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

September 25

In a surprising study it was found that a major portion of NHS staff are victims of verbal or physical abuse. The figures states that over 20,000 such cases are reported each year in which doctors, nurses and other hospital workers have to face the aggression, ill-treatment and anger of people. Though the figures show on an average, 400 staff a week in Scotland suffer from violence and abuse. These figures may likely go higher as many more cases do happen to GPs and other workers.

The matter came into limelight after one of the Glasgow GP Dr Helen Jacklson became a victim of this violence. She was stabbed three times in the stomach while working in her surgery last month. This eye raising stats has made Scottish government to take this irregularity in a serious way. The government has assured to provide tough sentences to the person who assaults health staff and GPs.

This type of treatment done these health staff by people is due to the loss of respect towards the health staffs. The matter is very pity and actions should do made to combat. If one looks what the figures have to say, it will be a shocking stats, it states that about 20,800 such attacks and incidents of aggressions are reported in the 14 health boards of Scotland. These figures are far higher than the last years report, while there are many incidents which go unreported.

According to Dr Marshall (Chairman of British Medical Association’s Scottish GPs committee) the sudden change in the behaviour of people towards doctors and other medical staff the fall of the level of respect people use to give to the doctors.

GPs, as independent contractors employed by health boards, are also not obliged to report attacks to a central database, making it impossible to gauge the true extent of the problem. The society has transformed a lot people have gone far, from the time when the profession like doctor was respected a lot and now when its not followed.

Save the Delta Queen campaign gaining momentum in Scotland

2007-09-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Scotland, Sept.25: The 81 years old Delta Queen, a legendary paddle steamer built in Dumbarton is facing the threat of being off the river because of the strict safety laws. Considering the traditional link of this vessel support to save the ship from various quarters is gaining momentum.

Delta Queen has 60 years of glorious history, in her heyday, the vessel powered down the Mississippi with jazz bands playing and cheering the crowds who have gathered in the banks to admire the beauty of this vessel, overtaking her rival the Belle of Louisville in a race which thrilled the shipping community of the Grand Old South. She has carried presidents and princesses, seen wartime service and been hailed as the jewel of the Southern states of the US.

The 285ft vessel, built at William Denny & Brothers on the banks of the River Leven, could be scrapped after her licence was withdrawn. The steamer fell pray to the safety regulations requiring all boats carrying passengers overnight to be made primarily of steel. Previously, Delta Queen was granted an exemption after arguments that, as a riverboat, she was never more than a mile from shore, the consistent safety record, a 24-hour fireman on board and an extensive sprinkler system.

Earlier the Delta Queen begins its service as a packet boat, carrying mail, livestock and passengers. After undergoing refurbishment she began to offer luxury overnight travel between Sacramento and San Francisco.

The interior of the Delta queen boasts 88 state rooms, and fitted out with Tiffany-style stained-glass windows, brass fittings, hardwood panelling and the dramatic grand staircase crowned by a magnificent chandelier. She was considered as a prestigious symbol as she attracts wealthy passengers and gamblers who risked their fortune in the gaming room.

During the Second World War the Delta Queen was under the control of US Navy, used to carry the wounded took her over and, painted grey and under the designation "Yard Ferry Boat 56", she was used to carry wounded soldiers in San Francisco Bay. After decommissioning in 1947, she travelled 5,000 miles through the Panama Canal up into the Mississippi, where she came to be regarded as the jewel of the south.Many high-profile guests including US presidents Harry Truman, Herbert Hoover and Jimmy Carter, as well as Princess Margaret and other celebrities have sailed on her.

She had overcome similar safety-based threats in the past to take her off the river, most notably in 1966 and 1970. On both occasions the public rallied round and in 1970 she was designated a national historic landmark. Considering all these history Scottish politicians joined a campaign to save her.

The campaign kicked off last month after the Majestic America Line, the vessel's owners, announced she would cease operations permanently at the end of the 2008 season. Jackie Baillie, the Dumbarton MSP, has persuaded 15 MSPs to back her motion calling for the preservation of the vessel. "I want the American authorities to reconsider this threat to our joint heritage. They must find a way of preserving this Clyde-built vessel for future generations," Ms Baillie said.

Graham Kennison, a trustee of the Scottish Maritime Museum, who is backing the campaign, said the Delta Queen represented a huge part of Dumbarton's shipping heritage.
"There can't have been a river in the world which did not have one of Denny's shallow draft vessels and the Delta Queen symbolises something unique. After construction, the Delta Queen, which was built as one of a pair alongside the Delta King, was shipped in segments across the Atlantic accompanied by a team engineers from Scotland, providing a lasting emotional connection with Dumbarton." He said.

Construction of the Delta Queen provided work for Hundreds of ship workers from Scotland participated in the construction work of the Delta Queen. They built the steel hull, engines and deck up to the second level. The wooden superstructure and further two decks were built in the US.

Singer Johnny Cash extended his support to the campaigners by penning a song on Delta Queen. He also performed on television before asking the audience to support the ‘Save the Delta Queen campaign’.

New Zealand beat Scotland in Rugby pool match

2007-09-24T01:16:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh, Sept.24: On Sunday the Murrayfield stadium witnessed the third round pool match of Rugby World cup 2007 between Scotland and New Zealand. The All Black team thrashed the home team by scoring 40-0, with this victory the New Zealand team booked their berth in the World Cup quarter finals.

Some of the key players of the Scotland team were rested for the fourth round pool match against Italy, which is scheduled to be conducted on next weekend. The new caps included in the team failed to impress with their performance. This is the first time the New Zealand team keeping the opponent scoreless in a world cup.

The Scotland coach, Frank Hadden and the team members were not happy with the outcome of the game. The home team fails to make use of the territory advantage and the local ground support. The previous victory against Romania has raised the team spirit and the two consecutive win in the first two pool matches had worked as a morale booster of the team. But this crumbling victory has disappointed the fans to a greater extend.

The opposition team scored six tries, two by winger Doug Howlett and the Scots were blanked for the first time since March 2004, when France won 31-0 at Murrayfield. The All Blacks made too many passes forward and started to play an attacking game right from the beginning; the attempts made by the Scottish team to restrict the attack went in ruin. The New Zealand team captain Richie McCaw, Byron Kelleher, Ali Williams and Dan Carter scored the other tries, and Carter nailed only four of eight goal kicks, although the misses were from the touchline, one finds the post.

Right from the kick-off the Scotland team find difficult to break the defence wall of the opposition team. Scotland team has to stick to an effective strategy so as to regain its form in the next match against Italy.

Bluetongue hovering over Scotland

2007-09-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

September, 24

It is feared that 'Bluetongue' a dreadful livestock virus is all set to enter Scotland by next year. Reports suggest that this disease was first found in a highland cow at a Suffolk farm in Britain. The virus is spread by insect and results fatal for the livestock.

While the government is cautious about the outbreak of this disease, UK Agriculture Minister, Lord Rooker in a meeting says, the disease could arrive on the British shores, there is nothing to panic, and "We have been expecting it because of what's happened in Europe in the last couple of years. It isn't a surprise," he said.

Another reason why the arrival of this disease is considered threatening is due to its effect on the red meat industry. It is learnt that Scotland has a vast red meat industry, which is worth £1.5 billion per year. And if this disease will hit Scotland, then it will have an adverse effect on the growing market too.

There are assumptions that the disease is due to the result of global warming, it has been noted that bluetongue is spreading across north since Oct 1998, and since then around 3000 cases have been reported in Europe. Jim McLaren, the president of the National Farmers Union Scotland, said this dark cloud of bluetongue was hovering all round the summer from the shore of Europe. Borne by midges and this animal in England points that the disease had landed here.

After the information about the discovery of this disease in a nearby farm, all tests are going on to check whether any more fresh cases are reported. Even The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs informed that the first case can not be considered to be the outbreak of bluetongue, and its too early to say that it’s a wide spread.

The government tough has taken this matter seriously and is monitoring the situation so that in adversity they can fight out the disease. So government has kept there fingers crossed and are monitoring all small moments in this matter.

What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue disease also known as 'catarrhal' fever is a insect-borne viral disease which effects sheep and other livestock's. The disease is caused by a virus called bluetongue, it does not transmit to humans.

Grants slash threaten the Charities in Edinburgh

2007-09-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh, Sept.22: Charities faced a huge setback after the city council’s move to cut the grants assured to them early this year. They are planning to sue the council as a protest against the move. Charities under the purview of the council fear that the reduction in the grant will be a hurdle in their path of service and some charities will be closed as the outcome of this.

The new budget in this regard was given sanction yesterday by the councillors. The approval of this budget was against the pleas of the voluntary sectors. The education leader of the city, Councillor Marilyne Mac Laren registered her disappointment over this decision.

While responding to this decision Ian Boardman, member of the Edinburgh Network of Voluntary Organizations for Children, Young People and Families, said: “The Community groups are taking legal advice to see if there is any legal proceedings to help their way out of this”.

He further added that "Individual organizations should have to make the decisions themselves, but some are considering legal action. They are trying to clarify whether the funding agreement signed between themselves and the council is of a contractual nature”.

Meanwhile several organizations made heart-felt pleas to the council on behalf of their groups, many of which serve the most vulnerable members of society. Christine Richards, of Smile Childcare, based in Wester Hailes, added: “We are being cut so close to the bone that it may result in a situation where the company is trading as insolvent. We may have to close down."

While reacting to these mixed responses of the charities, Councillor Ewan Aitken, the city's Labour leader, claimed the cuts were "undermining years of work building positive relations with the voluntary sector, that at this moment are shattered. They've been reduced to asking for legal advice - that can't be good for us as a city."

Councillor Jeremy Balfour, the city's Tory education spokesman, said: "The trust factor has gone. In future are we going to hold our hands up [when handing out grants] and say we can't guarantee we will provide, for example, money for this service for the homeless”.

The decision to slash the grant in total humiliated the Charity organizations to a greater extend. While the council is considering this as a codifying attempt.

Iam innocent: Atif

2007-09-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

September, 22

“Atif is innocent, he is not a terrorist he is just a young muslim”, said this father talking to the media. The distressed family of Mohammed Atif Siddique, a Scottish student who was convicted for al-Qaeda terrorist offence states that there son has fallen prey of sheer mis-interpretation. They told that Atif embraced a strict Islamic way of life which made great differences with the family leading to his ill-fate.

The family said Atif was like any other Muslim boy just he had a quest for al-Queda and the so called war on terror. He had a strong desire to do an in-depth study of al-Queda, and nothing more than this. For this mistake he was convicted, his actions were not strange pointing towards any terrorist intentions; thousands of people also do such acts.

Giving his insight to the incident, Mohammed Siddique the father of Atif says, my son is the first person to be convicted under the new terror laws in Scotland, if this is what people have to face then it will curb the civil liberties. The grief sticken father in a message to the parents tell’s that “all parents should stop their children going on the internet or in case they will end up in jail.

He further added "The sad thing is why our young people shouldn’t be able to find out what is happening in Iraq or Afghanistan? Does it mean every child that goes on to a website is considered to be a terrorist? Thousands of young people in the Muslim community will have accessed the same material."

On the part of Atif, he thought its his right to know what’s going on with Muslims as this could also happen to him. There were few questions haunting his mind for which he needed answers. His questions were the Taleban encouraging people to carry out suicide bombings was all that justified. Many more such questions were there in his mind.

In the past two years Atif had some hard times and was reported to be eloped from home on two occasions after some differences with family. At that time he developed some contacts with some other people from England. Since then he was under doubt. Now his case is under trial and time will tell what will be his fate.

Scotland beat Romania in Rugby Pool match

2007-09-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh attracts thousands of arts lovers from all around the world for its renowned festivals on every August. But this September is dedicated to rugby fans who gathered in large number to witness the Rugby World Cup-2007. With the home team continuing its best performance and moving towards the third successive victory, it is a real time for celebration in Scotland. In the first match Scotland beat Portugal and in the second one they beat Romania, both with a clean dominance. With these sweeping victories the Scottish team proved their competence and ability to win this world cup.

Scotland scored 56-10 against Portugal and in the second match they improved their previous performance without any loopholes and proved their dominance right from the beginning by scoring 42-0 against Romania. The highlight of this match is the hat-trick scored by Hogg, which propels the score board to tick fast. The defence of the Scottish team is worth a special mention which restricted the Romanian team to move forward to score points. Even though it is a slow victory, considering the tactics and the team work this victory deserves an appreciation.

In the first match Romania lose against Italy by a four point margin, but this time they cannot make the score board tick at least once in their favour. The coach of the Scottish team, Frank Hadden, Will be happy with another five points but he has to carve out a perfect team which could retain the winning streak going. On 23^rd September, Scotland team will face the All Black, New Zealand team in Edinburgh. The only matter of concern is the arm injury of Euan Murray, who had been helped from the field in the final quarter of the match against Romania.

Even though the seating capacity of the Murray field Stadium is 67,500 the crowd turn over were only 31,000 in the match against Scotland and Romania. As the home team is continuing its winning streak the crowd turn over is expected to increase in the oncoming match between Scotland and New Zealand, Which is scheduled on 23^rd September.

BBC shower gifts to Scottish viewers

2007-09-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

September 21

Good news for Scottish people, the major the media baron BBC is all set to expand its operations in the region with a £50 million increase in regional programmes. This announcement comes as bonus for Scotland’s television industry, revealing a surprise for the UK wide audience, Mark Thompson yesterday told about the plans to triple BBC Scotland’s output. This move will not only benefit the media industry but also will generate several new jobs he added.

Currently BBC’s has raised their investments to £90million as against £38 million previously. Adding further the director general said we want to make few of our established hit national shows in Glasgow. Mr Thompson said that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister opened the BBC Scotland’s new £188 million headquarter at Pacific Quay in Glasgow which is one of the world’s leading digital centres.

The expansion will be a boon in all aspects said the analysts; it will expand the industry and also help many people to get jobs. Even the Scottish government is planning all possible ways for the growth of media, they have also appointed a commission on broadcasting to think about the future of television in north of the border.

BBC director general also hinted that this is just a beginning and the increase in the Scottish programming for UK network was just a start. They look forward to grow in coming years to the proportion of the population. Taking the viewers interest on count we eyes to take some titles we have and which have been broadcasted from Pacific Quay. BBC also reveals that it had uncovered four new instances of deception of viewers and its listeners by Blue Peter, the Tom Robinson Show and the Clare Mc Donnell Show on BBC 6 Music, and Flim Café on BBC Asian Network. This move has been backed by several media analyst who finds this to be great news for the Scotland television industry and its viewers.

Minister caught over 'Conflict of Interest'

2007-09-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

September, 20

In a sensational issue one of the government minister made an eye raising announcement previous night on the move to sell his shareholding in an energy company after he was alleged of a 'conflict of interest'. It was learnt that the minister owns £30,000 of shares in Scottish Power. Stewart Stevenson, the minister under allegation is responsible for drawing up Scotland's target on renewable energy. After a question was raised by one of the newspaper spokesman over the breach of ministerial code of conduct by Stevenson, the SNP government denying all allegations on Mr Stevenson said he has the right to hold the share even while dealing with ScottishPower as the transport and climate-change minister.

Later in the evening after a dramatic day full of negotiations with Alex Salmond, the first minister, his advisers and Mr Stevenson. He announced to sell those shares in order to avoid any insight of conflict of interest. Making a statement last night at around 8:20pm he said "I know that there has been no conflict of interests, and I cannot see any likely conflict of interest in these shareholdings and general legislation. However, I am passionately committed to the climate-change legislation that I will be charged with bringing forward as a minister. "Given that the ministerial code does speak about perception, I am disposing of all energy company shares to remove any scintilla of any possible conflict at any time in the future."

This ruckus on the holding of share by Mr. Stevenson began with the question raised by one of the dailies over the government. The question was whether he is going to sell the shares, or will keep him away from any discussions with the ScottishPower. It is also known that the company is a key player of the energy market in Scotland and deals in coal fired electricity generation and is moving towards the renewable energy sector.

Ending the silence over the issue Bob Graham of the campaign group Highlands Against Wind Farms said, "There is a clear conflict of interest here. He is going to make recommendations that are going to have an impact on ScottishPower. This government has to be seen to be squeaky clean. Its credibility is up for grabs." The government spokesman informed that in order to avoid any chance of doubt over Mr. Stevenson, he will dispose his shareholdings in ScottishPower and also few other shares which he has in Scottish and Southern Energy. Even his wife who also has some shares of the same company will dispose her shares too.

The spokesman further added that all this was decided by Mr. Stevenson as provided for in the ministerial code and has informed in writing about the issue to the first minister and permanent secretary. Adding more he said, Mr. Stevenson will not engage in any further shareholdings while being in ministerial office. This wrangle over the shareholdings has caused problems for the Scottish government and also for the first minister. The government avoiding any problems from this conflict of interest bringing any distrust from the people, acted timely and sought out this issue without further delay.

Scotland mulls to joins EU

2007-09-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

One of the senior officials here last night stated that the present day Independent Scotland would be forced to apply to become a member of the European Union (EU). Arguing repeatedly about the transition from Union with England to EU, Alex Salmond calls it "seamless". Looking into the sensitivity of the issue in Scotland, the European Commission always has refused to be in the debate over this subject. In a gust to Mr Salmond, Joe Borg the fisheries commissioner said that as independent Scotland will remain outside EU

Adding that the application process will be likely a cake walk for Scotland, as it was in the EU for over 30 years. But the serious concern is that it may take long to complete the process as before joining, the other member states must have to approve the country's membership.

Talking to media Mr Borg stated "On the issue concerning Scotland's independence, that's not my competence to assess or to evaluate but if, for one moment, we were to assume that Scotland gained independence and therefore is eligible as a new member state for the European Union, I would see that, legally speaking, the continuation of the membership would remain with the rest of the UK - less Scotland. And, therefore, Scotland, as a newly independent state, would have to apply for membership."

Further adding Mr Borg stood against the conjecture SNP was making till now. He also contradict the statements from Mr Salmond and Jim Mather (enterprise minister). Mr Salmond said previously that "Scotland is already a member of the EU and that would continue. It is not easy to leave the EU, as we saw with the attempts by Greenland when they won autonomy from Denmark." While his enterprise minister Mr Mather says, "We are an incumbent member state - what about England having to re-apply?"

One of the spokesman for Mr Salmond told that, the first minister have not shred the view of Mr Borg. He tells that Mr Borg has made it clear that the issue is not within his competence to assess as an individual. The European commission has intentionally have not given any answers to the questions levied on them by the European parliament.

Stating the views given by late Robin Cook when he was foreign secretary in a statement said, an independent Scotland will remain a member of the EU. European Union welcomes all new comers and Scotland will definitely be one of them. With the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria into EU as a member, Why not rich Scotland.

Taking neutral stand yesterday the European Commission spokeswoman said “It is not customary for the commission to state its views on matters which, as things stand are purely hypothetical. Mr Bog with his views has given a spark to the debate on the future of Scotland as an independent country. According to him, he suggests that Scotland is not assured of its membership in EU and it can find itself outside the main trading block for a long span of time.

Lorand Bartels, one of the lecturers in the international economic law at Edinburgh University tells that, the route to get into EU for Scotland will not be fast. He adds that . "This process may be relatively unproblematic, given that Scotland already applies EU law, but it is unlikely to be entirely 'seamless'. At the very least, there would be likely to be an obligation to adopt the euro," Lorand said.

One more acid test which Scotland has to clear is the French who have decided to boast a nationwide referendum before all new members into the EU. So now the fate of Scotland's inclusion into EU lies on the hands of French people. Now time will tell how long it will take for independent Scotland to make through into EU.

Travel Scotland News

2007-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

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