North Sea Fishing Ban "Not An Option"
Last week, a powerful committee of marine scientists reporting to the European Commission in Brussels, suggested that the only way that cod stocks in the North Sea, Irish Sea and in western Scottish coastal waters could recover would be to impose a total ban on fishing for all varieties, including haddock, plaice and whiting, perhaps lasting for many years. But the UK Fisheries Minister, who will lead the negotiations on behalf of Britain, has rejected the plan as "unrealistic" and that closure of the fishing grounds was "not an option." He accepted that many trawlers, perhaps as many as 30%, would have to be decommissioned and scrapped. However, due to earlier action in the UK and Scotland to reduce the size of the fishing fleet, the impact on Scottish boats this time round might be less than 25%. It is estimated that up to 80% of the jobs at risk from a blanket ban on cod fishing would be in Scotland, both in the fishing boats and the processing plants on shore. Fishermen claim that there are already signs of improved cod stocks - but they have often made these claims in the past.
Toast of Holyrood
Despite protests that there were plenty of other outlets selling alcohol, the Scottish Parliament has agreed that its new building at Holyrood will have an "off-licence" selling own-label whisky and claret. The souvenir shop will also sell a wide range of souvenirs from shortbread to pens. Other facilities in the building will include a café serving alcohol for visitors and a restaurant and bar for Members of the Scottish Parliament and their guests.
Shortage of Tradesmen
Although 4,000 recruits have started training in the building industry in Scotland this year, the Construction Industry Training Board says that this is still not enough. It estimates that by 2006 the industry could be short of 2,400 plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, painters and other trades. Employers are concerned that this could mean that the building industry which is already "overheated" could reach "meltdown". The large number of building projects being undertaken in Scotland has pushed up wages of tradesmen as demand exceeds supply. As a result of government encouragement to produce more graduates from universities, there is a dearth of bright youngsters to take up a trade.
Proposal to Start Schooling at Six
The Liberal Democrats are drawing up proposals to postpone the start of primary schooling in Scotland to age six instead of five. With the greater availability of nursery schools, it is argued that primary schools could then concentrate more on numeracy and literacy, instead of also having to develop social skills amongst pupils. Six is the more normal starting age in a number of European countries, including Germany and Scandinavia. Perhaps more controversially, the LibDems are also looking at allowing pupils to leave school at 14 to attend college courses. The plans were perhaps unveiled to gain publicity for the party's autumn conference which starts on Saturday. The Liberal Democrats are part of the coalition government in Scotland. As the junior partner with Labour they have the opportunity to push their policies. The present schools minister, Nicol Stephen, is a Liberal Democrat.
15% Pay Rise for Senior Scottish Doctors
Although their colleagues in England and Wales have rejected an offer of a 15% pay rise (linked to them doing less work in the private sector), Scottish senior doctors and consultants have voted in favour of accepting. Acceptance in Scotland was no doubt easier as there is less of a private sector offering alternative sources of income.
Giant Container Ships Returning to Greenock
The ports and property group Clydeport has concluded a deal with shipping giant Maersk Sealand which will result in the return of 1,000ft long container vessels to Greenock on the Firth of Clyde. A weekly international freight service will link the Ocean Terminal at Greenock with a large number of ports in Spain and the Mediterranean. Greenock has a deep-water facility but it is 1985 since such large ships used the port.
Electronics Firm Axes 600 Jobs
The Taiwanese-based company Chunghwa Picture Tubes has announced that it is to close its Mossend, North Lanarkshire factory with the loss of 600 jobs. Chunghwa say that they have invested around £205 million in the plant over the last six years but that the downturn in demand for cathode ray tubes for computer monitors and TVs means that they can no longer continue. But the closure comes just a month before the factory loses its "enterprise zone" status and would become liable for local taxes approaching £4 million. Chunghwa received almost £20 million of public money in grants to persuade them to set up the factory in Lanarkshire. When it was first proposed, it was expected to create over 3,000 jobs and the factory was opened by the Queen in 1997 amid a fanfare of publicity.
Protest Over Sunday Flights
About 50 campaigners stood in silent protest at Stornoway airport last Sunday as the air service to the Western Isles capital landed for the first time on the sabbath. But they were outnumbered by 200 people who gathered inside the airport to welcome the arrival of the 22 passengers on the Loganair flight from Inverness. A second service by bmi, which started on Monday, will also operate on all seven days of the week, using jet aircraft instead of turbo-props. The protestors believe that by going against the teachings of the bible the way of life on the island will be destroyed. They quoted Exodus Chapter 20, Verse 8 "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." But it was the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1647 at the height of puritanism in Britain which laid down the rigour of sabbath observance which was then observed in Scotland longer than in many other parts of the UK. Shops and bars remain closed on the island, as do the children's play parks. But in recent years some of the hotels have opened their licenced premises to non-residents. The airlines claim that they are responding to public demand. The 34-seat plane was full on its return journey to the mainland. Sunday newspapers were on the flight, making them available a day earlier than the islanders have been used to. But the sea ferry remains tied up at the harbour as the planes fly overhead. Of course, in the more Catholic dominated parts of the Outer Hebrides, such as North Uist and Barra, ferry services have operated on a Sunday for the last 20 years.
Aberdeen to Paris Flights Inaugurated
Air France resumed daily flights from Aberdeen to Paris this week - ten years after a similar service was scrapped due to lack of demand. The new service will operate three times a day during the week to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
Flight Delayed - Four Days
Passengers returning to Glasgow from Amsterdam on Wednesday on a budget airline easyJet flight were told that because high winds had closed Schiphol airport their flight would be delayed. Nothing very unusual in that, but because the airline did not have any seats on alternative aircraft, passengers were told it could take up to four days before they could fly them out. Many chose to pay out an extra £205 for seats on a KLM flight.
Increase in Duty Free Allowance
New rules introduced this week mean that holidaymakers travelling to Europe will be allowed to bring back 3200 cigarettes, duty free, instead of 800. The change means that an average smoker can buy six months' supply rather than six weeks in one trip. But tobacconists and newsagents in this country will lose sales as result of the move.
Kirk's Glass Ceiling
The Church of Scotland missed the opportunity to elect its first female moderator this week when the Rev Margaret Forrester was beaten by two votes on a dramatic second ballot for the post after the first vote ended in a 21-21 tie. This was the third time in five years that 64-year-old Mrs Forrester has failed to win the top job in the kirk. The winner was the Rev Professor Iain Torrance who is the dean of the faculty of arts and divinity at Master of Christ's College, Aberdeen.
Save Our Scotch
A group of Scottish farmers demonstrated outside the Edinburgh offices of Diageo, makers of world famous brands of whisky such as Bell's and Johnnie Walker, protesting at the low prices paid for malting barley. Prices this year have been at a thirty-year low of £75 per tonne. The president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, Jim Walker, pointed out that the cost of barley accounts for 7.5p a bottle. But another penny on a whisky-makers costs would give the growers an extra £20 a tonne. Unless the price paid to farmers is increased, they will stop growing malting barley. Mr Walker says that then the whisky producers will have to sell Scotch with small print on the bottle saying "Made with French barley." Diageo were puzzled as to why they had been targeted as they buy 86% of their annual requirements from Scottish growers. Part of the problem has been long-term contracts at fixed prices.
Aircraft Carrier Work for Scotland
Both of the companies bidding to build two aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy at a cost of around £3 billion have unveiled this week where they would undertake the work. Both BAE Systems from the UK and Thales (a giant French defence company) say that much of the work will be done in Scottish yards. BAE intends to build the ships in three separate yards while Thales would use five locations and bring them all together in a dry dock. Regardless of who wins the contract, much of the construction and design work will be done at Clydeside shipyards and the North of England and assembly will be completed at Rosyth in Fife. Work will start in 2004 and the first ship will be completed in 2012.
Blow to Windfarm Protestors
One of the arguments put forward by people protesting about the march of windfarm turbines across the hills of Scotland is that it will be disliked by tourists in areas where they are present. But a survey of over 300 visitors to Argyll, where windfarms are already operating, shows that 91% said that the presence of windfarms would make no difference to whether they would return. Only 2% said that they might be put off by the structures. Groups arguing against windfarms, however, rejected the findings, saying that they turned rural country areas into an industrial complex.
Zoo Gets Deadline
Glasgow Zoo's licence to continue in business could be in jeopardy if it fails to produce a programme of maintenance work on its premises by 31 January. But the zoo management says that it does not have the finance to carry out the work. The 50-year-old zoo is trying to get out of debt by selling part of its land but this is being delayed due to a planning enquiry and objections because it is in a "green belt" where building is restricted. While animal welfare is said to be satisfactory, a large number of buildings and walk-ways are in need of repair and overgrown trees need to be cut back. Supporters of the zoo are calling for a reinstatement of financial support from Glasgow City Council but animal rights groups have called for the zoo to be closed down.
Inverness Loses City of Culture Contest
The city of Inverness was told this week that it had failed in its bid to be shortlisted as one of the UK cities to be considered for the title of European City of Culture in 2008. The panel of judges shortlisted Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead and Oxford. Six other bids, including Inverness, were not short-listed. By way of a consolation prize, Jack McConnell, the First Minister, announced that there was to be a year-long event to celebrate Highland culture within the next decade.
Hallowe'en on Royal Mile
Hallowe'en used to be the last day of the year in the old Celtic calendar and was celebrated by the Druids as "Samhain" (from "Sain" meaning summer and "fuin" meaning "ending"). So the Druidic Beltane Fire Society organised a celebration on Edinburgh's Royal Mile (which runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse) on 31 October, with beating drums and colourful pagan dancers swirling down the street.
The illustration is courtesy of Christophe Mercier.
Gretna Green Hosts 20% of All Scottish Marriages
The annual report of the registrar general for Scotland shows that there were nearly 30,000 marriages in Scotland last year, with 6,000 of them taking place in the little Border village of Gretna Green. Over 5,000 of the Gretna marriages involved people from outside Scotland who had been attracted by the romantic reputation it has built up over the years. In 1977, only 80 marriages took place there. But since then, growth has been staggering, with 20% more in 2001 than the previous year. Other figures show that in 2001 there were fewer divorces in Scotland than at any time since 1982. Experts believe that is because of the smaller number of marriages - there has been a steady decline since the peak in 1951. The average age of those getting married for the first time is now 29 for women and 31 for men. The report also shows that there were fewer babies born in 2001 than at any time since records began 150 years ago but the number who died were also at a record low.
Crail for Quality of Life
A survey by Country Life magazine of the "best places in Britain to live" has placed the fishing village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife in 5th place - and the only place in Scotland in the top 10. Certainly, Crail is a pretty village, its houses with traditional crow-stepped gables and pantile roofs crowding down to its harbour. King David I built a castle there in the 12th century (though little of that remains) and King Robert the Bruce conferred royal burgh status in 1310. At one time, the local market was one of the largest in medieval Europe. Because it is so well established, there are no modern buildings in the heart of the village - these are confined to the periphery. The local fishing industry declined many years ago so the village lacks any hustle and bustle - which is appreciated by those who live there.
Montrose Split on Connecting Bridge
The community of Montrose have been asked to give their preferences on two bridge designs which have been proposed to replace the crumbling bridge over the River Esk. Two models, which meet the necessary engineering, economic and navigational criteria, have been on display in the town's museum. But locals who have expressed an opinion have been evenly split, with no clear winner. Funding for the bridge is also problematic - £2 million of the £3.4 million cost has still to be found and it may be that other projects in the county of Angus will have to be deferred to fund the bridge. Completion is expected in April 2005.
Balmaha Bears Aim For Big Time
A writer who was born at Croftamie, five miles from Loch Lomond, is set to publish the first of a series of books on the "Balmaha Bears". Keith Meara and his wife run a gift shop which stocks a range of Scottish bears which have been localised with "Balmaha Bears" on their sweaters. Now Mr Meara has written a story about the bears which is being published by Glowworm Books who already publish the popular "Maisie" series by Aileen Paterson. It remains to be seen whether the Balmaha Bears do for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park what Yogi did for his national park.
Jute, Jam, Journalism - and Grass
Dundee used to be famous for its three major industries - jute, jam making and publishing. The jute industry has seen a major decline but one company, which used to be renowned as a carpet maker, has turned to a new form of covering surfaces - artificial grass for sports grounds. Bonar Yarns and Fabrics has carved a niche for itself in this market and has been particularly successful in China where it is a major supplier. The company now produces nearly 5,000 tonnes of "grass" each year and 75% of the output is exported.
"Disappointing" Sales Figures at New Edinburgh Store
The new Edinburgh store of top London-based retailer Harvey Nichols is producing "disappointing" figures after the first two months of trading. The store opened in a blaze of publicity and was seen as a major coup for Edinburgh when it decided to build the store on St Andrew Square in the centre of the capital. But so far its sales figures are not matching those of other branches at Birmingham and Leeds. There have been lots of people visiting the outlet but not enough of them buying the expensive goods on offer. The long established Jenners store, which is also a quality retailer, says that its sales have increased since the arrival of Harvey Nichols.
Scotland's Trendiest Charity Shop
Fancy a Chanel suit for £25? Or a cashmere pullover for £7? Or a dress by Versace for £30? It may sound like the latest e-mail spam offer, but the Red Cross Charity Shop in Perth has these sorts of bargains on a regular basis. With a catchment area in the surrounding Perthshire countryside full of wealthy landowners, the shop receives a surprising number of designer-label cast-offs from the wardrobes of the rich. The clothes may not be this year's models, but at those prices, who cares? The availability of such bargains used to be known only to a small discerning clientele, but it was recently voted one of Scotland's ten most interesting shops by a panel of fashion experts. Now that the secret is out, the bargains are likely to be snapped up quickly.
Wind Turbine Plant for Isle of Lewis
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network are providing £2.6m worth of funding to a manufacturing project that will bring 65 jobs to Lewis. The money will be used to assist Cambrian Engineering set up a wind turbine tower and offshore pile manufacturing and assembly operation at Arnish Industrial Estate. The Scottish Executive is currently consulting on an ambitious target to increase to 40 per cent the contribution renewable energy sources make to Scotland's overall energy consumption. The Arnish Yard on Lewis was closed in November 1999 when the previous owner, Lewis Offshore Ltd, went into receivership.
Roe Deer in City Cemetery
Glasgow is often referred to as the "dear green place" but now it is the "deer's green place" as an explosion of wildlife in the Necropolis, the city's 19th century cemetery, has included two roe deer taking up residence there. The stag and a doe have been seen in the area which is only yards from the city's Royal Infirmary, Glasgow Cathedral and half a mile from the City Chambers. It is thought that they have migrated there from outside the city using river corridors to get there. Roe deer are regularly seen in Bearsden, a suburb of Glasgow, in small pockets of woodland.
Ceremony of Inauguration of the Arthur Clan Chief
Arrangements have been made to hold the Ceremony of Inauguration of the Chief of the Clan Arthur/MacArthur at the Braid Hills Hotel, Edinburgh on Sunday, 13th April 2003. The occasion will be combined with the Annual Clan Gathering. Tickets can be purchased via the Clan MacArthur Society in Britain - see the Clan Arthur Web site.
Weather in Scotland This Week
Another week of rain and a few bright spells with Aberdeen seeing more of the sun than many other places. Temperatures at the beginning of the week were mainly around 8/10C (46/50F) but Edinburgh and Glasgow reached 12/13C (54/55F) on Friday. The weather forecasters have issued a "weather warning" for this weekend with heavy rain likely to affect all parts and perhaps cause more flooding.
This week's illustration of current weather in Scotland is of sunlight through the trees in the conservation village of Eaglesham, south of Glasgow. As you can see, there are still plenty of leaves left on the trees, despite the lateness of the season.
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