Parliament Stands Down

Four years ago, veteran nationalist Winnie Ewing opened the first session of the new Scottish legislature with the words "The Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on 25 March, 1707, is hereby reconvened." Now Mrs Ewing and other major players such as Sir David Steel who was elected Presiding Officer from the outset, are retiring. Parliament rose on Thursday, prior to the elections on May1. Over the last four years the Parliament has passed 62 Bills - some very worthy, some less so. Parliament has guaranteed free nursery school places for toddlers, payment of university tuition fees is postponed until graduates earn above a threshold, free (ie, paid for by the taxpayer) personal care for the elderly has been introduced. But the economy has been sluggish, although unemployment has at least been kept low. Despite being able to introduce a number of worthwhile measures - which would not have happened without the Scottish Parliament - the "man in the street" appears to be dissatisfied with its achievements. Perhaps expectations were set too high at the outset, perhaps the negatives get more media coverage. During the life of the first "reconvened" Parliament, there have been three First Ministers - Donald Dewar died tragically in October 2000 and Henry McLeish resigned under a cloud. And when the new Members of the Scottish Parliament return, it will again be to their "temporary home" as the new Parliament building is well behind schedule - and well over budget.

Parking Party Fights City Election

In addition to the elections for the Scottish Parliament, there are also local government elections on 1 May. In Edinburgh, a new party has been formed - the "Residents Parking Independents" - specifically to fight the extension of restricted parking zones in the city and the imposition of fees to allow residents to park outside their own houses. They are also against the "indiscriminate" ticketing of illegal parking by motorists by the "Enforcers" employed by the council. Last year, the local evening newspaper in Edinburgh fought a successful campaign against over-zealous parking attendants in the capital.

Another Forth Bridge?

An investigation will be carried out later this year into the possibility of building another bridge across the river Forth between South Queensferry and Fife. A similar proposal was suggested in the 1990s, to alleviate the congestion on the existing road bridge which was built in 1964. But there were fierce protests from those who advocate public transport and object to any road building in the belief that keeping road arteries clogged will encourage more use of buses and trains. The new study will look at the possibility of creating a bridge which could take an extension of the new tramway system which is planned for Edinburgh as well as road traffic.

Rail Services Disrupted

Industrial action by conductors on Scotrail services on Friday and next Monday has meant more misery for commuters as half of the company's train services are cancelled. The conductors claim that the dispute is about rail safety and fears that more trains could be operated without conductors. The transport union plans more strikes on 17 April, the Thursday before Easter.

Budget Airlines Boost Edinburgh Tourism

A survey of tourists coming to Edinburgh has shown that nearly half of those visiting the capital are on long weekend breaks. The number arriving by air has more than doubled in the last three years, as travellers take advantage of low-cost airlines. The number of younger visitors has also increased with 49% under the age of 35.

Lonely Planet Praises Glasgow

The latest edition of the travel information guide "Lonely Planet" for Scotland says that Glasgow is a "must" for tourists and reports: "Refreshingly, it doesn't feel like a large faceless urban centre - but rather the most Scottish of cities with a unique blend of friendliness and warmth, urban chaos, black humour and energy". The guide also says "Boasting one of the UK's largest retail constituencies outside London, Glasgow is a shopaholic's clinic. Trendy retailers litter Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street's pedestrian malls." As in previous editions, the guide has criticised the "grim hinterland of grey council houses." While they say this is done to achieve a "balance" it is doubtful if many tourists would make their way to these areas.

Height of Bad Taste?

Heritage organisations in Edinburgh have slammed plans for the redevelopment of a building on Princes Street where architects have proposed the addition of a series of what are described as "cheap" black balconies which are out of character with the rest of the street. So much for plans to improve the capital's prime shopping and tourism street, proposed in recent weeks. The building involved used to be occupied by the C&A department store chain, which closed down its UK operation early last year. The building is being demolished and replaced with a new one with a mixture of retail and office space on eight floors. The developers say that they are surprised by the reaction and deny that the balconies are "cheap". The modern facade was approved by the city planning department and the balconies are additional details which are within the planning conditions. They say that they will serve to reduce the "flat" appearance of the original design. The new construction is next door to the magnificent late-Victorian building housing the Jenners department store.

Value of Whisky Exports Holds Up

The number of bottles of Scotch whisky exported in 2002 fell back from the record number of just over one billion in 2001 to 943.4 million. But as a result of the increased sale of premium malts, values only fell by 0.45%. There were strong gains in markets such as South Korea and exports to the USA, the largest consumer by value, grew by 4% to £302.5 million. France is the largest export market for whisky by volume - they do not drink such large quantities of the more expensive premium malts.

Reservoir Fenced Off in Terror Fear

A few weeks ago, rumours leaked out that a reservoir which supplies half of the drinking water to Glasgow was to be fenced off due to concerns that it was open to a terrorist poison attack. At the time, a controversial water treatment plant at the wel-known beauty spot in Milngavie, north of Glasgow, was about to be reconsidered by the local planning authority. It was suggested that if the treatment plant was in place, the unsightly metal fence would not be required. This week, a six feet high fence was indeed erected but only round the present water treatment facilities. While it does indeed detract from the area, which is a popular area for walks by residents, at least it is not currently surrounding the water as had at first been suggested. However, it appears that the fence is only temporary - a stronger, higher barrier is expected in the coming weeks. Scottish Water were apparently instructed to instal the fencing by the MI5 security services in London. Details of the plans have been kept under wraps for "security" reasons.

£22 Million Scottish Garden to Bloom

The plans for a 70-acre national garden near Perth took a step forward this week when Scottish Enterprise allocated £3 million of the £22 million budgeted cost. Scotland's Garden Trust will create a living encyclopaedia for Scotland's gardeners on a site next to the existing Bell's Cherrybank Garden (which focuses on heaths and heathers). But it could be another 18 months before the first grass is turned over for the new centre.

Space-Age Kibble Palace Bid Fails

Plans to transform the Kibble Place - a Victorian glasshouse in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens - with a futuristic glass and copper structure next to the 130-year-old building, have had to be scrapped as the Heritage Lottery Fund has turned down an application to pay half of the £8 million cost. Now, the greenhouse will be restored to its original condition (it is currently showing signs of rust on its iron structure) and there will be a new cafe in a nearby existing building.

Baby Boy for Harry Potter Creator

JK Rowling, the writer of the highly successful Harry Potter series of books, gave birth to a baby boy last Sunday. Rowling married Dr Neil Murray in 2001 and the couple have set up home in Perthshire. The fifth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is due out on 21 June. Rowling says that work on the sixth book is likely to be put in abeyance while she concentrates on the new baby, named David Gordon Rowling Murray. 140 million Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide.

Irn-Bru Profits Fizzing

AG Barr, the manufacturer of "Scotland's other national drink" - the sweet, carbonated, orange-coloured Irn-Bru - has refreshed its bottom line by producing profits up by 14% in the year to January 31. Turnover of Irn-Bru, Tizer and Orangina grew by 16% in England and Wales as the company pushes for sales south of the border. The company claims that Scotland is the only country in the world where Coca-Cola is not the soft drink brand leader, because of strong sales of its Irn-Bru.

Clan Gathering Cancelled

Hundreds of Macneils from all over the world were due to arrive in the traditional clan stronghold of Barra in the Western Isles for an international clan gathering next week. But concern over air travel as a result of the Iraq war has resulted in the event being cancelled. The next Macneil clan gathering is scheduled for 2004. But the clan chief, Ian Roderick Macneil said that any Macneils coming to the island during the original scheduled period will still get a "warm Barra welcome."

Trout Fishing on Lake of Menteith

The trout fishing season on Scotland's only natural lake (all the other stretches of water are lochs) opens on Saturday, 29 March. The Lake of Menteith last season saw records tumbling with the final figures showing that 25,889 trout were landed totalling 60,241lbs. And the fish were of excellent quality too. The cold weather and ice on the lovely lake meant that predators such as cormorants had to retreat back to the coast, so that should have helped fish stocks over the winter. The Lake is rated as one of the UK's great 'top of the water' fisheries.
This news item comes courtesy of a new Web site Fly Fishing Scotland created by Colin Johnson and Jim Boyd, which aims to be Scotland's foremost ezine type web site on fly fishing.

Tatties, Neeps, Sybies and Kail in Supermarkets?

Campaigners for the Scots language have called on supermarket chains to "mak sikkar" (preserve) the "mither tung" (mother tongue) of Scots by displaying signs and labels in the Lowland Scots language. But although most Scots would recognise "tatties" (potatoes) and "neeps" (turnips/swedes) and maybe even "sybies" (small spring onions), many might need a Scots dictionary to translate "cebbok" (cheese) and "kail" (cabbage). And "stoorsooker pokes" for vacuum cleaner bags or "tea-pokies" for tea bags would be a bit of a "trachle" (trouble) and have most Scots scratching their "powes" (heads). The proposals to encourage shops to "spread the word" is contained in a report by a cross-party group in the Scottish Parliament. Other ideas include dual language road signs and Scots language tapes for children. Some supermarket chains such as the Co-Op and Safeway already display Gaelic signs in their outlets in the north of Scotland.

Protection for Wild Mushrooms

A code of conduct has been drawn up by experts to protect wild mushrooms after pressure from professional pickers and amateur enthusiasts. The code has been drawn up by Scottish Natural Heritage to encourage people who go looking for wild mushrooms to care for the environment and to pick the fungi at the correct time in its life cycle. TV programmes singing the praises of favoured species such as chanterelles has meant that a lot more people are tramping in woods looking for the delicacy. The Black Isle, Deeside and Speyside are "hot spots" for mushrooms as they have the right combination of trees and soft, warm micro-climates.

Uist Hedgehog Rescue Launched

The plan by Scottish Natural Heritage, to cull thousands of hedgehogs in the Western Isles in order to protect the eggs of nesting birds, caused outrage amongst animal protection organisations when it was proposed last year. Now, days before the cull begins in Benbecula and North and South Uist, teams of specially trained "hedgehog nurses" have arrived to rescue the animals and fly them to sites on the mainland for release back into the wild.

Chaffinch Tops Pecking Order

The starling used to be the most common bird seen in Britain but numbers have declined by 67% since 1979, according to a survey by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. In both Scotland and the UK, the house sparrow was the second most common bird - but numbers of these have declined by 52% since 1979. The most common garden bird in Scotland is now the chaffinch, followed by the sparrow and starling.

Highland Drivers Pass the Test

The chances of passing the driving test, which allows learners to tear up the L-plates which their car has to carry while they have a provisional driving licence, is statistically better in the Highlands than anywhere else in the UK. The Highland town of Kingussie is best of all, with a pass rate of 73.3%, compared with a national average of 43.5% - and 27.5% at Wood Green in London. Many other Highland towns have a pass rate of over 60% and are regarded as the "softest" of the test centres. Of course, while the standard of instruction may higher there, another factor is that the practical test is less wide-ranging in less-populated areas where such things as traffic lights, zebra crossings and one-way streets are hard to find.

British Summer Time Begins

Clocks in the UK move forward one hour between 29th and 30th March, marking the start of "British Summer Time". The extra hour of daylight at the end of the day is always welcome - though why we have to wait until the end of March is due more to the lobbying of farmers in the north of Scotland than to logic.

Weather in Scotland This Week

This was another dry and sunny week over much of Scotland, prompting meteorologists to go back to historical records to find that this March is the sunniest for 42 years. Indeed, it could be said that it is the sunniest since records began - sunshine records only began to be recorded in 1961. Most parts of the country have enjoyed an average of five hours of sunshine a day, with some days with over 9 hours of sun. Temperatures have also been above the usual average for March with some parts of Scotland outstripping the rest of the UK and even Spanish Mediterranean resorts, on occasions. It has also been the driest March since 1996. This week, Aboyne, which soared into the record books in January with the highest ever temperature in Scotland in that month, became a UK hotspot on Monday with 19C (66F). Although temperatures have fluctuated this week - often as a result of the presence or absence of mist - they have mainly been in the range 13/16C (55/61F). Both Glasgow and Edinburgh enjoyed a total of 42 hours of sunshine from Sunday to Friday this week. Overnight, however, the clear skies have caused the thermometer to plunge below freezing in a number of places. Rainfall has been almost non-existent.

This week's illustration of current flowers in Scotland is of a rhododendron growing in Glenarn Gardens in Rhu, near Helensburgh Argyll. There are more photographs of Glenarn here.

King James VI and the Union of the Crowns

A BBC2 TV documentary this week, marking the Union of the Crowns on March 24, 1603, paid tribute to the way in which King James VI of Scotland was instrumental in bringing together England and Scotland, two nations who had been frequently at war for over the previous 300 years. King James inherited the throne when Queen Elizabeth I died and he had a vision of a United Kingdom which he pursued vigorously. Although he failed to persuade the English Parliament to combine with that of Scotland (that would not happen for another 100 years), he introduced the Union Jack flag (a combination of English, Scottish and later Irish flags) and encouraged Scots and English protestants to settle in Ulster (the so-called "Plantations"). The king also produced male heirs who would ensure the succession and thus avoid any conflict on his death. King James was also responsible for a new authorised version of the Old Testament which has survived for centuries. Initially there was resentment and even fights between the Scottish nobles brought to London by James and their English counterparts at court. Of course, other historians, with nationalist bias,would prefer to focus on the negative aspects of the reign of King James VI.

Mystery of Mull Galleon Resolved?

The identity of a galleon which sank off the coast of the island of Mull has mystified researchers since the 17th century. They had no idea where the wreck came from, or even when it had sunk. But a group of expert marine archaeologists from Southampton who were exploring the wreck, stumbled across five cannons resting on the seabed. A local historian has searched through mountains of historical records and uncovered a 350-year-old diary which describes a Dutch ship which had been sent by the king to attack Mingary Castle in the Sound of Mull in 1644. The records show that the ship was lost in the area and it seems likely that was the ship carrying the cannons.

Demolition for A-Listed Building?

The owners of a townhouse which was designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson, have applied to demolish the building instead of restoring it. The owners were granted permission last year for the refurbishment of the building, which is in the commercial heart of Glasgow. The building is in a very poor state of repair after years of neglect and demolition would be the cheapest option. The four-storey building dates back to the 1820s as part of a Georgian terrace but was radically altered by Thomson in 1872. He later took two of the offices in the building for his architectural firm. Because of the strong Thomson connection, the building is A-listed as being of architectural importance, worthy of preservation.

This Week in History

• March 30 1406 - King James I captured by English near Flamborough Head on his way to France.
• March 31 1938 - David Steel, (Lord Steel of Aikwood), Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and former leader of the Liberal party, born.
• April 1 1295 - Robert Bruce, "The Great Competitor" and grandfather of King Robert the Bruce, died.
• April 1 1571 - Dumbarton Castle, under siege since January 1570, captured by Captain Thomas Crawford scaling the walls.
• April 2 1593 - Marischal College, second University in Aberdeen, founded.
• April 3 1401 - Murder of Duke of Rothesay, heir of Robert III.
• April 4 1384 - John of Gaunt, son of Edward III attacks Scotland.
• April 4 1406 - King Robert III died and James I ascended the throne (but was not crowned until 1424 as he was a prisoner of the English).
• April 4 1689 - Scottish Parliament declared that James VII had forfeited the Scottish throne.
• April 4 1617 - John Napier, inventor of logarithms, died in Edinburgh.
• April 5 1603 - King James VI leaves Edinburgh to travel to London.
• April 5 1830 - Birth at Lesmahagow of composer Alexander Muir, creator of "Maple Leaf Forever".
• April 5 1902 - Disaster at English/Scottish football match at Ibrox Stadium when part of the flooring collapsed, killing 25, injuring 500.

Scotland's Tourist Season Starts on 1 April

The sunshine and good weather in Scotland this March has highlighted the fact that many of Scotland's tourist attractions are not open during the month. They are closed from October to 1 April, or even Easter in some cases. Most Historic Scotland properties remain open (though for reduced hours) over this six-month spell (Blackness Castle in Lothian is illustrated here), but National Trust for Scotland properties are closed. Even Branklyn Gardens, which used to be open all year, now closes for six months. The Trust's star attraction, Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, at least has the Country Park open to visitors all year - but the visitor centre, castle and catering facilities are not available.

They're No Gonnae Dae That Ony Mair

The popular TV comedy sketch series "Chewing the Fat" which features Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan, has achieved iconic status over the last five years. Phrases such as "Gonnae no dae that" and "Get it right up yiz" have entered everyday language. But the fourth series now running on BBC Scotland will be the last, despite being the channel's most popular comedy show. The actors are also the writers and they say that they want to go out on a high, while the show is still fresh and popular. But there is a ray of light for disappointed fans as the comedy duo say they will continue to write Hogmanay specials with the characters they have created. They may even continue doing that "until we no longer need makeup to look like old men."

Magic in Glen Coe

Normally, construction in the scenic Glen Coe area of Scotland is severely restricted. But a large building has been magically appearing there in recent weeks. It is Hagrid's Domain - the Hexagonal Hut and staircase walkway through the Archway to Nowhere in the movie "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Filming over a two week period takes place in May. Hagrid is played by the Scottish actor Robbie Coltraine.

Modern Bands Join Burns Festival

The second "Burns an' a' that" festival will see a wider range of events than last year. The festival, staged in Ayrshire between May 3 and May 11, will feature American punk icon Patti Smith, Scottish pop band Deacon Blue, the Latin beat of Salsa Celtica and the modern ceilidh band Shooglenifty. The major opening event will be a spectacular open-air gala concert at the Fountain Court of Culzean Castle on May 9. Theatre company Grid Iron has been commissioned to produce a new open air production based on the life of Scotland's national poet. The Arches Theatre Company is premiering a new production of Tam o' Shanter before embarking on a national tour.

Sunday and Mid-Week Football Results

Inverness 1 Celtic 0 (Tennent's Scottish Cup Quarter Finals)
Dunfermline 1 Rangers 1 (Tennent's Scottish Cup Quarter Finals)
Alloa 2 Ayr United 3

Bank of Scotland Premier League Results

Due to the Scotland v Iceland international, there were no SPL matches on Saturday.

Scottish First Division Results - 29 March 2003

Alloa 1 Falkirk 3
Arbroath 1 St Mirren 1

League Tables

There is no change in the positions in the Scottish Premier League this week. In the First Division, Falkirk increased their lead at the top over St Johnstone to six points. Both teams have played the same number of games. Inverness are in third place. Arbroath are facing relegation at the foot of the First Division with only 14 points. Alloa are also in the relegation zone with 23 points. Raith Rovers and Brechin are leading the Second Division, with good prospects of promotion at the end of the season.

Scotland 2 Iceland 1

Scotland scored first, after only 11 minutes, in this Euro 2004 qualifying match at Hampden in Glasgow. But the Tartan Army was silenced 3 minutes into the second half when Iceland beat an off-side trap and scored a well-struck equalizer. But 20 minutes from the end, defender Lee Wilkie scored his first goal for Scotland. The Scottish team battled on to the end and eventually gave manager Berti Vogts his first victory at Hampden. Scotland now play Lithuania next Wednesday. At least temporarily, they lead their section in the competition.

Scotland 33 Italy 25

Scotland famously lost to Italy when the Italians first joined the European international rugby tournament to make it six nations. So there was a certain amount of caution about this match at Murrayfield which was reinforced when Italy scored the first try in the 4th minute. But Scotland fought back, and by half time were leading 23-15. The margin remained the same by the final whistle, with Scotland's points coming from four tries, two conversions and three penalties to Italy's three tries, two conversions and two penalties. As a result of this match, Scotland ended the Royal Bank of Scotland Six Nations Championship in 4th place, with two wins and three losses.

Super Caley Go Ballistic - Again

Three years ago, when Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Celtic in a Scottish Cup tie, the Celtic manager (John Barnes) was fired. Martin O'Neill's position is, of course, very secure despite losing 1-0 last Sunday against a team in a lower division. He accepted responsibility, however, saying that he "chose the team." The winning goal was scored by Dennis Wyness just before the half-time interval and Inverness had to hang on grimly in the second half. Their goal-keeper Mark Brown was as much responsible for this victory as the goal scorer. Perhaps Celtic could not adjust to the sell-out crowd at Inverness - 6,500 fans, packing the stadium to capacity.

In the other Tennent's Scottish Cup Quarter Final match at Dunfermline, Rangers also struggled but at least came away with a 1-1 draw against the hard-working Pars. Dunfermline scored first, but Rangers came back within ten minutes and most people - except the Dunfermline team and supporters - expected Rangers to cruise on to victory. But Dunfermline deserved a return match at Ibrox by dint of their determination and effort.

Rangers Cut Their Losses

Despite missing out on lucrative European football this season after being eliminated in the first round of the UEFA Cup, Rangers Football Club significantly reduced its trading losses in the last six months of 2002 to £4.99 million, down from £9.6 million in the same period in 2001. Record sales of season tickets and overall increased turnover helped to counteract rising interest charges on outstanding debt. Rangers said that the sale of new-style replica kit had also had a beneficial impact. Last year, Rangers announced an annual loss of over £30 million, the highest in British football history.

Barry Ferguson Signs Contract Extension

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson signed a five-year extension to his contract with the club. This will not expire until 2008, by which time he will be 30. Last year, there was speculation that he would move out of Scotland, but he says that he would happily stay at Ibrox "for 20 years". He joined Rangers at age 10, so if he sees out this latest contract, he will achieve that.

NFL Europe League Kicks Off

Pop star Sir Bob Geldof will be on hand with a live performance at Hampden on April 6 when the Scottish Claymores take on Berlin Thunder at the start of the new season of American football. Regardless of the outcome of the matches, Glasgow will be hosting the World Bowl final on June 14.

Scott Harrison Retains WBO Title

The arena at Braehead near Glasgow last Saturday was the location of Scott Harrison's first defence of the WBO featherweight title which he won six months ago. In a convincing points victory (all three judges had him well ahead), the 25-year-old Scot from Cambuslang in Lanarkshire took control of the fight from the outset.

Below Par Ice Rough on Golfers

The Drambuie World Ice Championship which is held annually in Greenland (using orange fluorescent golf balls) has had to be cancelled this year because of a thaw. The golf course is created 380 miles north of the Arctic Circle but due to freak weather conditions the ice and snow has not formed to a sufficient thickness. Edinburgh-based Drambuie arrange for the course to be built on a frozen fjord at Uummmannaq. But this year south-east winds have meant that the ice is only four inches thick instead of seven feet.