Nine Foot High Tribute to Former First Minister

There is no doubt that the late First Minister Donald Dewar, whose modesty became an art form, would not have approved of a statue in his memory, even one beside the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in the city he loved. But the nine-feet high bronze statue was unveiled this week by Prime Minister Tony Blair who was accompanied by many of Scotland's leading politicians. The statue, which is an excellent likeness of the man, crumpled suit and all, was created by Scots artist Kenny Mackay whose workshop is in Mr Dewar's former Glasgow Anniesland constituency. The plinth bears the words "There shall be a Scottish Parliament" - the opening sentence of the Scotland Act of which Donald Dewar was the architect. As one commentator remarked: "Dewar was a monumental figure in modern politics and he has now been officially put on a pedestal."

Of course, this is Glasgow. So within 48 hours a traffic cone had appeared on the top of the statue. Donald would have approved of the irreverence. Although the cone was immediately removed, it may well reappear - the authorities have given up removing the traffic cone on top of a statue to the Duke of Wellington in Exchange Square and it has now become a popular tourist attraction.

Support Still High for Devolution

Five years after the referendum in which the people of Scotland voted in favour of a devolved parliament, the Scotland on Sunday newspaper has organised an opinion poll with the same questions as before. It might have been expected that as some unrealistic expectations have not been fulfilled, support for the new body might have declined in the light of the reality of the last three years. But there is only a slight decline in the number voicing support - down to 69% from the 74% in 1997. Bearing in mind that, unlike the referendum, this poll includes a percentage of "don't knows", the figures are remarkably consistent.

Approval of Budget Shows Up in Polls

The latest opinion polls by NFO System Three for the Herald newspaper shows that the recent budget by the Chancellor of The Exchequer has increased Labour's standing in both Westminster and Holyrood voting intentions. Labour's share of the poll relating to Holyrood rose from 36% last month to 40% now, with the Scottish National Party losing out most. The voting intentions for the Westminster Parliament showed an even larger jump with Labour rising from 41% last month to 47% now.

Minister for Everything Appointed

Following the dramatic resignation in the previous week by Wendy Alexander, Scottish Executive Minister for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning, her successor was rapidly appointed by First Minister Jack McConnell. The new minister with the widest portfolio of all, is now Iain Gray, a 44-year-old, self-effacing political survivor. At least his addiction to tobacco will not be such an embarrassment as when he was deputy minister for health. Although he is not such a colourful character as Ms Alexander, he has been remarkably successful. Formerly a teacher in Lothians and Mozambique, an interest in the developing world took him to Africa working for the famine relief charity Oxfam. Until the weekend, he was minister for social justice. He oversaw the successful transfer of the Glasgow public housing stock to Housing Trusts which speaks well of his ability to work with people and quietly get on with the job.

Former Nationalist Leader to Return

Alex Salmond, the former leader of the Scottish National Party, has said that he plans to return to the Scottish Parliament in 2007. 18 months ago he resigned in order to concentrate on speaking for Scotland at the UK parliament in London. Of course, five years is a along time in politics, but Mr Salmond confidently predicted that there would be plenty of experienced Nationalist MPs at Westminster by 2007 and "Scotland will be well on its way to independence."

House Price Boom

A report by Nationwide says that the value of houses being sold in the UK in April shot up by 3.4% - the fastest monthly rate ever recorded. In the last twelve months, prices have gone up by an average of 16.5%, equivalent to 14,000 pounds. While some of that is due to an overheated housing market in the south of England, house prices in Scotland have been rising quickly too. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee announced this week that base interest rates were to remain at 4% for another month. They have been at that level since last November.

Glasgow Loses Battle of Braehead

Despite the efforts of Glasgow's Members of Parliament and City Council, a parliamentary committee has endorsed the decision that the local authority responsible for the huge shopping centre at Braehead should be East Renfrewshire. 90% of the development was within the previously defined Glasgow city boundary, The decision was based on 400 year old maps produced by East Renfrewshire which showed that the area was once part of the county. East Renfrewshire had strenuously opposed the Braehead development because of fears that it would have an adverse effect on the traders in Renfrew and Paisley. Shortly after the decision, traders in Paisley were lobbying their council to curb expansion plans by the Braehead developers.

Glasgow Leads on Wealth Creation

Figures produced this week by the wealth management arm of Barclays Bank shows that Glasgow's gross domestic product is £12.1 billion, making it the 39th in the league table of European cities, ahead of Edinburgh (51st). London came out with £158.7 billion, well ahead of Paris with £89 billion. Scotland's total GDP was estimated to be £75 billion.

Massive Redevelopment Prescribed for Hospital Site

Details published this week of the redevelopment of the site currently occupied by the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, shows that it will be the largest in central Edinburgh for decades. The cost of creating a five-star hotel, offices and private and public housing, while retaining the original 130-year-old buildings, will be 400 million pounds - twice the cost of the replacement hospital at Little France outside the city. Some temporary structures will be removed and there will be a considerable amount of new landscaping.

Normal Service Will Be Resumed - In September

Even though 62% of the Scotrail drivers voted to accept the pay deal negotiated by their union, Scotrail management have said that it could be September, when the winter timetable comes in, before services are fully back to normal. An emergency timetable has been in place since January when the drivers introduced an overtime ban. Overtime will continue to be on a voluntary basis and it is thought that some drivers will continue to refuse. The problems are exacerbated by drivers calling in "sick" - 25% of drivers at the Yoker depot are off work on most days for that reason. Drivers will see their basic pay increase from 23,000 pounds a year to 28,000 pounds by January 2004. Of course, any hope of the rail service getting back to normal could be adversely affected by conductors, supervisors and ticket staff who are already demanding a similar deal to "maintain differentials".

Spectacular Procession Planned

The Scottish State Coach will be used by the Queen when she travels up the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to open the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland later this month. It will be the first time since her Silver Jubilee in 1977 that she has personally attended the opening. Later the same day she will host a special Golden Jubilee Garden Party, with more that 8,000 guests, in the grounds of Holyroodhouse.

European Champions League Final at Hampden

Glasgow has been bedecked with flags for several weeks now proclaiming that the final of the European Champions Football League is to be played at Hampden Park on 15 May. The finalists are Real Madrid from Spain and Bayer Leverkusen from Germany. With an estimated audience around the world of 350 million, it will be the largest number to ever watch pictures broadcast from any event in Scotland. And even the city's cab drivers are getting into the spirit of the occasion and hundreds will be wearing white polo shirts with "welcome" on the collar and the Uefa Champions League Final logo on the sleeve. The drivers have also been supplied with conversion charts so that they can charge customers in Euros or in pounds.

City Centre Ban on Cars

As part of the arrangements for the European Champions League Final in Glasgow, the city's central square is to be made traffic free on the day of the match. The ban on traffic will be re-imposed on 23 May when the Queen visits Scotland's largest city as part of her Golden Jubilee tour of the UK. Now city councillors are considering shutting George Square also on September 22 to mark the European Union's "Car Free Day". The impact that day is likely to be minimal as it is a Sunday. Of course, Sunday is a major shopping day in the city, so that is likely to take a dent. The Automobile Association branded the plan as a "gimmick" and claimed that the European Car Free Day has been declining as people have realised it is nothing more than a ploy.

Motorola Plant Sold

The former Motorola mobile phone manufacturing plant at Bathgate, which closed last April with the loss of 3,100 jobs, has been bought for 12 million pounds by a Scottish property development company. The 500,000 sq ft building, which was completed in 1991, will be divided into three sections, to provide manufacturing, offices and distribution facilities.

Leader in Renewable Energy

The chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise has claimed that Scotland has the potential to lead the UK in renewable energy technology. He made the assertion at the opening of the first wind turbine factory near Campbeltown in Kintyre, Argyll. The purpose-built factory was built on the site of the former RAF Macrahanish air base and is working on its first order. First Minister Jack McConnell was also at the opening and backed up the drive to create more renewable energy projects. Scotland already creates 10% of its electricity demand from hydro-electric schemes and in the next few years the figure will improve as a result of other renewable technologies such as wind, bio-mass and wave. The current target is to increase to 18% production of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2010. Consultations are in hand to work towards a target of 30% by 2020.

Clydesdale Bank Profits Rise - Probably

When the National Australia Bank subsidiary in the UK announced an increase in interim pre-tax profits of 7% for the six months to March 31, the bank was unwilling to split the figures for Clydesdale Bank in Scotland and Yorkshire Bank in England. But analysts assume that the bulk of the increase has been in England - the Yorkshire Bank out-performed the Clydesdale in the last full financial year.

Go-Ahead for Highland Film Studio

Plans for Scotland's first film studio were approved by the Highland Council's planning committee this week. It will be located at Milton of Leys, on the edge of Inverness and will include a retail outlet, restaurant and hotel. "Garden of Angels" (based on the founding of the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland 40 years ago) starring Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver and Sam Neill has already been lined up to use the 15,000 sq ft sound studio which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The project is being spear-headed by James Cosmo who starred in "Braveheart" and Dave Stewart, formerly of the Scots band Eurythmics. Plans for film studios in other Scottish locations appear to be languishing, however.

New City Landmark Unveiled

The plans for a 50 million pound HQ for Edinburgh City Council have been unveiled by Railtrack. The eight-storey high building (with three below ground) will dominate the area to the east of Waverley station in the heart of Edinburgh. It will have a floor area of 200,000sq ft and will have an extensive area of glass and stone cladding. A large atrium in the building will look out onto Calton Hill. The modernisation and upgrading of the station (pictured here) is also part of the master plan. The Council will sign a 20 year lease but will be selling off a number of redundant buildings.

Royal Scots March Through Edinburgh

300 soldiers from the Royal Scots regiment marched along Edinburgh's Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle to mark their first posting to the capital for more than 20 years. The regiment recruits mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians region and was founded in 1633. Later this year the regiment will be deployed to the Balkans to assist in the Nato peace-keping efforts in Bosnia.

Co-op Shops Bringing Back the "Divi"

In days gone by, before the days of "loyalty cards" or even Green Shield Stamps, Co-operative shops were well known for the "dividend" which they paid out to customers - at one time their motto was "the more you spend, the bigger the divi." Co-op shops are no longer the force they once were and the "divi" was phased out in the 1970s. But profits are at last climbing and the Co-op societies have announced that they are planning to bring back its famous "divi" but using the more modern plastic loyalty cards rather than the cumbersome dividend books.

Best Airfield in Britain

An airfield created in Oban to take wartime Hurricanes and Spitfires has been voted by "Flyer", a leading aviation magazine, as the best in the UK for light aircraft. Four years ago, the airfield was being used by just 140 aircraft a year but a local businessman has taken it in hand and increased the number of visiting aircraft to 2,760. The pilots who voted for Oban were impressed by the high quality service and the helpfulness and warmth of the staff.

Top Restaurants Sold

All four restaurants in the troubled restaurant chain Leonardo & Company in Glasgow, which went into receivership earlier this year, have been sold off and are now operating under new ownership. The flagship restaurant at Merchant Square has been taken over by a consortium involving the owners of the development. It will be renamed "Metropolitan" and will be modified to include a small art gallery for local artists.

Fruit - A Soft Option

Researchers at Dundee University are working with health experts, food industrialists, marketers and fruit growers to see how an increase in the consumption of soft fruit could help improve the health of people living in Scotland. Although a lot of berry fruits are grown in Scotland, it is regarded as being at the luxury end of the market and avoided by those on lower incomes, the very people who could improve their diets with more fresh fruit and vegetables.

Job Cuts at Science Centre

Staff at the Glasgow Science Centre, a visitor attraction on the banks of the river Clyde which opened last year, have been told that costs will have to be cut, with potential staff redundancies. The 75 million pound centre has been plagued with problems since it opened and the 400ft high Glasgow Tower has been closed on a number of occasions due to failure of the lifts and worn bearings on which it rotates. The Tower has been closed since March and hopes that it could be repaired quickly have been dashed - there is now no estimate of when Scotland's tallest structure will reopen. Despite its difficulties it was named Scotland Family Attraction of the Year.

Cotton From Sheep and Oranges Grow in Aberdeen

The Royal Highland Education Trust, an arm of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society, carried out a small survey of 9 and 10 year-old school pupils in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and found that their understanding of farming and food production was abysmal. Apart from thinking that cotton came from sheep, some of the pupils believed that oranges and bananas could be grown in Scotland. Most knew that potatoes grew here but the Trust has launched an initiative to encourage schools to take young children onto farms to learn more about food production.

Trademark No Longer at Steak

The Sizzlers Steakhouse in Glasgow's Merchant City won a legal battle this week against a multi-million dollar American chain and will be allowed to continue to use the name. When the small restaurant tried to register their name Sizzler International Marks Inc objected, even though they had no outlets in Europe and had no plans to open there.

Weather in Scotland This Week

Scotland basked in glorious wall to wall sunshine last weekend with temperatures reaching 18C (64F) in Glasgow on Sunday, the warmest place in Britain. On Monday, a Bank Holiday, Mallaig on the west coast reached 22C (72F), hotter than Barcelona, Milan and Paris that day. Although the temperatures fell back to around 13/14C (55/57F) in the middle of the week, some areas still had lots of sunshine. In the four days from Saturday to Tuesday, Stornoway had nearly 49 hours of sunshine. Sunrise at this time of the year is around 5.15am and sunset around 9pm.

This week's illustration of current flowers in Scotland is of one of a blue poppy in the newly re-opened Crarae Gardens in Argyll, south of Inveraray. The photo was taken ten days ago.

Pardon for William Wallace?

A move has been made by a Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament to have William Wallace officially pardoned of the "treason" for which he was hung, drawn and quartered. Phil Gallie, the Conservative constitutional affairs spokesman says Wallace should be recognised as a "patriot" before the 700th anniversary of his death in August 1305. But Mr Gallie was accused of not knowing his Scottish history - Wallace always denied he was guilty of treason, having never taken an oath of allegiance. It is argued that he should have been treated as a "prisoner of war" - though such concepts were not always observed in the 14th century. David Ross, the historical adviser to the William Wallace Society argued that Wallace had never been a traitor to Scotland and had been tried in a foreign country by a king he did not recognise. A "pardon" in such circumstances was therefore totally inappropriate.

Tribute to New Zealanders

Last weekend, a plaque was unveiled to commemorate New Zealand Airmen who served in Scotland during the Second World War and in gratitude for those who lost their lives. The ceremony took place during the annual Aero and Auto Extravaganza at the Museum of Flight at East Fortune. A rare two-seater Spitfire Mk IX took part in the flying display along with a Pitts Special, Se5a and a classic Tiger Moth.

Facing the Light

An exhibition of photographs by two of Scotland's earliest photographers has opened at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. "Facing the Light" shows examples of the work of David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson who set up a photographic studio in a house at Calton Hill in 1843. They worked for five years, producing a body of work of 3,000 portraits, city views and landscapes which is still influencing photographers today.

Hogg Manuscript Found in New York Library

The handwritten manuscript of a 200-year-old novel by James Hogg has been uncovered in a New York Library. It was thought that "The Three Perils of Man" by the man known as the "Ettrick Shepherd" had been destroyed. But it was found in the basement of the Fales Library by a researcher from Stirling University. It is the only complete Hogg manuscript known to exist. The book was published in 1822 and the 447-page manuscript will now be restored and put on display by Yale University.

Boyhood Dream Realised

When John Macaskill and Ian Simpson played amongst the ruins of Fenton Tower near North Berwick in East Lothian, they dreamed of restoring it to its former glory. Now a New York banker and a local landowner, the two have now realised that dream and transformed the 16th century tower, which once provided a safe haven for King James VI, into luxury accommodation for wealthy guests. It had lain derelict for 250 years but now has underfloor heating, a helicopter landing pad and en-suite rooms. Up to 12 guests, each paying £275 a night, will have exclusive access to the tower which has walls 7ft thick, a vaulted dining room and traditional great hall, all set in 20 acres of ground.

This Week in History

• May 12 563 - Community of Iona founded by Colum Cille (St Columba) from Ireland.
• May 12 1725 - The Black Watch regiment was commissioned under General Wade to police the Highlands.
• May 12 1994 - Rt Hon John Smith, leader of the Labour Party died.
• May 13 1568 - Mary, Queen of Scots, defeated at Battle of Langside.
• May 14 1754 - St Andrews Society of Golfers constituted.
• May 14 1771 - Industrialist and social reformer Robert Owen born.
• May 15 1567 - Mary, Queen of Scots, married Earl of Bothwell at 4am.
• May 15 1887 - Poet and critic Edwin Muir born.
• May 16 1763 - Biographer James Boswell met Samuel Johnson for the first time.
• May 16 1791 - James Boswell's "Life of Johnson" published.
• May 17 1870 - David Octavius Hill, painter and pioneer photographer, died.
• May 18 1313 - Robert the Bruce invades Isle of Man.
• May 18 1843 - Break up of Church of Scotland and formation of Free Church of Scotland.
• May 19 1795 - Death in Auchinleck of James Boswell, biographer of Dr Johnston.

Prisoners Greet Garden Visitors

Victorian "lifers" and prison warders from Inveraray Jail were on hand to greet those arriving at the newly re-opened Crarae Gardens in Argyll last weekend. Their services were called upon in anticipation of a large influx of visitors to the beautiful gardens. In addition to the rhododendrons and azaleas for which the garden is famous, there were acers, camellias, cytisus, firethorn and large blue poppies on show as well as views from the steep slopes of the garden over Loch Fyne.

The Best Day of Our Lives

The song "The Best Day of Our Lives" commemorates the 35th anniversary of the day in Lisbon when Celtic became the first British club to win the European Cup. Liam Gallagher of Oasis, a lifelong fan of Celtic, made the recording and the video for charity and it stormed into number 17 in the UK charts this week - 24 hours after Celtic lost to their old rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. The video features the Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, Henrik Larsson the team's striker plus Lisbon Lions Jimmy Johnstone, Billy McNeill, Bertie Auld, Stevie Chalmers and Bobby Lennox. And comedian, actor and entertainer Billy Connolly also makes an appearance.

Audience of 350 Million for Proclaimers

Charlie and Craig Reid, better known as The Proclaimers, will have their biggest ever gig when they top the entertainment bill before the start of the European Champion's League final at Hampden Park on May 15. They will be performing a "Scottish Extravaganza" of songs, including many of their own hits. And there is an added bonus for these football mad fans of Hibernian FC - they will get free seats to watch the match.

On Your Bikes for Charity

Around 400 cyclists gathered in Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow last weekend as part of a "Bikeathon" organised by the BBC children's programme "Blue Peter". 70 similar events had been organised across the UK and it was hoped that the numbers involved would earn an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Money raised by the events will be donated to the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Salsa World Record Attempt

A group of salsa dancers were in George Square, Glasgow, this week drumming up publicity for an attempt on the world record for the largest salsa dance at the start of the Jazz Festival taking place in the city next month. It is hoped to attract 500 couples to take part in the record attempt on 26 June.

Perth Festival of the Arts

From 15th - 26th May the Fair City of Perth, already well known for its theatre and sculpture, is playing host to a galaxy of musicians in its annual Festival of the Arts. The programme includes a Gala Night with Scottish Opera, the English Touring Opera in "Don Giovanni" and "La Traviata", European Ballet in "Cinderella", the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Bob Geldof In Concert, stand-up comedy, an Exhibition by James Douglas at Perth Museum and Art Gallery and "Artay" - an art marquee in Perth High Street. The illustration here is of the Fergusson Gallery in Perth. Full details of the event at Perth Festival web site.

New Country Park Proposed for Beauly

As part of the bid by Inverness and the Highlands to win the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008, a plan has been announced to create an innovative country park out of a disused quarry in Beauly, west of Inverness. It would involve the creation of an artificial loch, a river walkway and children's adventure area. Part of the complex would be under a glass roof.

Midweek Friendly and Testimonial Matches

Leeds United 1 Celtic 4
Motherwell 1 Chievo (Italy) 1

International Tour

Scotland may not have qualified for the football (soccer) World Cup in Japan and Korea but, even so, they are setting out for the Far East with a 24-strong travelling group. They will play Korea on May 16, South Africa on May 20 and a Hong Kong League XI on May 23. All the matches are being broadcast live by Sky television.

Speculation on Rangers and Celtic Move to England

There has been continued speculation in the sports pages of Scottish newspapers about negotiations between Celtic and Rangers and the English Nationwide League. Last year, the clubs in the English First Division rejected any suggestions about the Old Firm joining them. Since then, the clubs have lost a substantial amount of television advertising revenue and now seem more enthusiastic about the supporters Rangers and Celtic could bring to matches against English clubs. There are, of course, many legal hurdles to overcome, not least of which is the two years notice required to be given for the break-up of the Scottish Premier League.

Ferguson Staying with Rangers

Rangers chairman David Murray moved quickly in the aftermath of Rangers' triumph in the Scottish Cup last Saturday. In the euphoria of the moment, Rangers captain Barry Ferguson was asked if, after months of speculation, he was really going to leave the club. His response was to emphatically say that he wanted to stay - and by the following Wednesday the player and the chairman confirmed he was to remain. Selling Ferguson would have netted the club around twelve million pounds but Murray says that transferring him at this time would not be in the best interests of the club.

Centenary Celebrations for Dons

According to their chairman, Aberdeen Football Club are planning a celebration of their centenary next year "the like of which has never been seen in the North-east". The event will also mark the Dons greatest achievement - winning the European Cup Winners' Cup final against Real Madrid in Gothenburg in 1983. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who led them to that victory, has pledged his support. The celebrations will kick off with a massive Hogmanay party at the club's ground at Pittodrie on 31 December this year. Up to 100 events are being planned during 2003, including an exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery, a parade down Union Street, Aberdeen's main shopping thoroughfare and publication of a new history of the club. There will be a match against a "World XI" with high-profile names from the past. Perhaps less glamorous, will be a match against Stenhousemuir - the first club Aberdeen FC played.

New Stadium Rejected

The proposed new stadium for Aberdeen Football Club is to be opposed by Aberdeenshire Council. However, the final approval is with Aberdeen City Council since the site is within the city boundary. But the county had been asked for their views as the new stadium would have cross-boundary implications. The proposals are to be considered by Aberdeen City Council planning committee in August.

Dundee United's Financial Trouble

While a loss of 2.4 million pounds is modest by some standards, that has increased Dundee United's debt to 3.6 million pounds at a time when income from television is under threat. United's board was removed earlier this year by former manager and chairman Jim McLean, who used his majority shareholding. The club has been paying out on wages almost as much as they earn from the turnstiles and their bankers will not be happy with that.

Claymores Lose Again

Back on their home territory, the Scottish Claymores might have hoped for a better showing in their latest NFL Europe match, but their offensive play continued to let them down and they were defeated 10-14 by Frankfurt Galaxy at Murrayfield last Sunday. They have now lost three out of their first four matches and the offensive statistics are as bad as anything they have produced since 1995. Scott Dreisbach completed just eight out of 22 passes for 39 passing yards. The Claymores total offensive yardage was just 60 - compared to Galaxy's 382. The miracle was that the scoreline was not worse, but a towering performance when it mattered by the defence, kept Galaxy in check. The Claymore's only touchdown came from an interception and a 48 yard run by safety Scott Shields.

Hope of More Champions League Final Tickets

Only 3,000 tickets were allocated to Scottish fans for the Champions League Cup Final at Hampden Park, Glasgow on May 15. But hopes of getting more tickets for local fans have risen as German side Bayer Leverkusen are reported to have returned 7,000 unsold tickets to Uefa. The tickets are likely to be split between Spanish side Real Madrid, the other finalist, and Scotland as the host country.

Monty Ends Ten-Year Partnership

The ten-year association between Colin Montgomerie and his caddie, Alastair McLean ended this week in what was described as an "amicable" dissolution of a partnership which had seen Monty win seven consecutive Order of Merit titles and more than twelve million pounds in prize money. But Scotland's top golfer has not won a tournament since August last year.