Scotland Sizzles

Europe is having one of its hottest summers for 200 years. And with winds coming from the south east, even Scotland has been seeing some of that sunshine. Scotland sizzled this week as temperatures soared above the south those of France and the Spanish coastal resorts (though perhaps they were having a cool spell this week). While those of you who live in parts of the world where temperatures in the low 80s would be regarded as pleasantly cool, 28C (82.5F) is regarded as exceptional in Scotland. Glasgow reached that temperature on Monday and the Moray Firth, further north, hit the same level on Tuesday and Wednesday. There was dawn to dusk sunshine too - Aberdeen had 15.3 hours of sun last Sunday and Glasgow and Aberdeen had over 40 hours of sun from Sunday to Wednesday.
With the schools on their summer break, many parents who had the opportunity took their kids to the seaside and other open air attractions. Water skiers on Loch Lomond, who normally wear wet suits as protection from the chilly waters were able to swap them for bikinis and swim suits. Gardens and open spaces in cities and towns became crowded as office workers tried to catch some of the hot sunshine during their lunch breaks. Scotrail train services were disrupted as the sun buckled the railway track and caused points systems to fail. There were numerous cancellations and diversions and delays to rail services as temporary speed restrictions were placed on some lines.
By Friday, the temperature was back to a cool 16/17C (61/63F) as cloud and showers moved in.

Red Tape is the Biggest Problem for Scottish Business

A survey conducted on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Party has reported that the biggest concern of small and medium sized businesses in Scotland is form filling and red tape, with local business taxes also high on the agenda. The survey is to be used as the basis of proposals by the LibDems to cut down on bureaucracy in industry and simplify the Work Time Directive and other regulations. Scottish local business taxes are several per cent higher than south of the Border and many companies see this as a major disadvantage. It is estimated that 100,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Scotland since 1998.

Cull of Scottish Constituencies Delayed

Plans to implement the reduction of the number of Scottish Members of Parliament elected to the UK legislature in London have been delayed and will not be implemented until after the next general election. The cut in the number of MPs was part of the Scotland Act in 1999, which set up the new Scottish Parliament. Scotland has been over-represented at Westminster for most of the 20th century and the opportunity was taken to address this anomaly. But Scotland elects a significant number of MPs for Tony Blair's ruling Labour party and a cull would result in a number of them losing their seats. There have been suggestions that the delay was a reward for Scottish MPs supporting the government last week in a controversial reform of the National Health Service - which affects only English hospitals.

Mortgage Rates Cut

Two of Britain's largest home mortgage lenders announced a cut in their rates after the Bank of England announced a 0.25% cut in base lending rates. Since most personal mortgages have variable rate loans, rather than fixed rates, many thousands of borrowers will see an immediate reduction in their monthly payments.

Unemployment Down

The number of people unemployed, based on the International Labour Office (ILO) calculations, declined by 13,000 to 142,000 (5.7%) in the last three months.. This is 31,000 lower than the same time last year and the lowest since the ILO method was introduced in 1992. Using the traditional calculations, the seasonally adjusted jobless total is 101,000. The number of Scots in work during the latest quarter was 2.399 million, an increase of 51,000 on the same period last year.

Threat to Standard Life's Mutual Status

Yet another attempt is being made to persuade policyholders in Standard Life, the Edinburgh-based mutual insurance giant, to convert to a private limited company. David Stonebanks, a retired college lecturer, has gathered together a petition demanding that the question be put to policyholders yet again (an earlier attempt a few years ago failed). In recent years, a number of mutual savings and mortgage companies have been privatised - with windfalls for existing investors from the stock market flotation. Even with shares in their current low state, the windfalls from Standard Life are likely to be an average of £2,500. But most policyholders would only gain a few hundred pounds while a few investors (including Mr Stonebanks) would reap a rich reward of tens of thousands of pounds. Standard Life claims that its mutual status means that it pays out more on its policies because it does not have to pay company dividends - average payouts on a 25-year policy are over £10,000 higher than its listed peers.

Huge Leisure Development for Aberdeen

Plans were announced this week for a world-class sports and leisure development that would sweep along almost the entire length of Aberdeen's beach. There would be a light railway connecting with the city centre and a stadium with a retractable roof could house the local Aberdeen Football Club. A sports academy, with an Olympic-length swimming pool, is also envisaged. The plans are still at an early stage and the city council are looking for feedback from the public whether they are in the granite city, the North-east or around the world. The local football club has given strong backing to the proposals, two weeks after scrapping controversial plans to move to a new out-of-town stadium at Kingswells. In addition to the sporting developments, there are also plans to build a mosque at the northern end of the area.

Plans to Scrap 69 Fishing Boats

The Scottish Executive this week listed the fishing vessels which could be scrapped under the decommissioning proposals. The list of boats which can be tied up in exchange for compensation, shows that the bulk of the vessels are based in Peterhead and Fraserburgh but the loss of eight boats from Lerwick will have a disproportionate impact on the small fleet based there. There are concerns that their loss will have a major impact on all the local communities. The 69 named boats are a sizeable proportion of Scotland's 580-strong fishing fleet. 178 applications were received from owners under the scheme, which is designed to help depleted fish stocks to recover. Grants paid under the scheme range from £170,000 to over £1 million, with the average around £580,000.

Manufacturing Still Contracting

The latest Purchasing Managers' Index, produced by The Royal Bank of Scotland, shows that Scotland was the second-worst performing of 12 areas of the UK in the three months to the end of June. The index of new orders was still in decline and output also fell. There had been hopes that the exchange rate movements would have helped recovery and that there might have been a so-called "Baghdad Bounce" following the end of the Iraq war. Other parts of the UK, notably the north-west and West Midlands of England had good growth in the manufacturing sector during the same quarter. The report is based on responses from 570 companies and the only bright spot was in the service sector where a decline for the last six months was reversed in June.

Wind Generators for Scottish Waters

The seas around Britain are being opened up to power companies to build fields of 200 feet high wind-powered generators in a major effort by government to increase the amount of electricity produced from renewable resources rather than fossil-based fuels. With increasing opposition from local residents to wind farms on high hills, because of the environmental impact, it is thought that building them off-shore will reduce planning delays. One of the first off-shore turbines will be along the Solway Firth in the south-west of Scotland. The UK aims to produce 10% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2010 (compared with 3% just now, mainly from hydro-electric schemes ) and 20% by 2020. In Scotland, the Scottish Executive has set a higher, ambitious target of 40% of power from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Cut Price Operations Offered in Poland

A new private medical centre in Poland is offering to carry out hip and knee replacement operations and cardiac surgery for patients waiting for these operations in the National Health Service in Scotland. The cost of the treatment, by English-speaking staff, would cost less than half of that in Scotland - and that includes flights to and from Poland and two weeks accommodation. But although there are nearly 600 people waiting for treatment for over nine months in Glasgow, it is unlikely that the offer will be taken up. Greater Glasgow National Health Service says it is working towards guaranteeing all patients hip and heart operations within the nine months target.

Health Board Workers Offered Green Deal

In an effort to persuade staff to leave their cars behind and use public transport to travel to work, 33,000 staff working for the Greater Glasgow National Health Service are to offer subsidised fares - and interest free loans to buy push-bikes. But the scheme will be partly paid for by charging staff, visitors and patients attending out-clinics for parking in hospital ground. Staff at the new Glasgow Royal Infirmary are already paying for parking in the car park there. The plan will go out for consultation but already staff unions are complaining about problems being created for shift workers who do not have access to public transport.

Alba Campus on Hold

A £200 million development in Livingston, intended to be a world centre of microchip design excellence, employing 10,000 highly-skilled engineers, has been put on hold as it cannot attract tenants. Alba Campus was a joint venture of Scottish Enterprise, Miller Group and Bank of Scotland and was created to take advantage of the rapid development of the microchip industry. But the global downturn in technology has affected it badly and a 36,000 sq ft building has lain empty for over a year, though two smaller buildings on the site are occupied. Cadence, the US-owned micro-chip design company has its own building on the campus - but has recently cut back on staff numbers. Other companies nearby include Motorola and Epson but much of the site is lying undeveloped. The campus is a major part of the Scottish Executive's plans to create a "smart successful Scotland" by replacing production jobs (which are moving to Eastern Europe and the Far East) with high-value engineering and design employment.

Glass Roof for Historic Building

Glasgow City Council has approved a plan to demolish the interior of the former main Post Office building in the city's George Square and create seven floors of office space - with a curving, four-storey curved glass extension to the roof of the A-listed building. The plan has been attacked by the Scottish Civic Trust. It claims that the new roof will overpower the imposing 19th century building which faces Glasgow's main square and looks across to the City Chambers, the Council's own impressive Victorian offices. Glass penthouse extensions have already been added to the rear half of the building, which has been converted to 61 luxury apartments, but the glass is largely unseen from street level. The city planning department says that the new glass roofline will "enhance the architectural integrity of the building" and responds to the fact that it can be seen from a distance. Certainly, the architectural models show an attractive new facade and the curved glass roof adds interest to the building and complements it. The building has lain empty since 1995 and a number of proposals have fallen through as architects have struggled to maintain the facade but create an economically sound proposal.

Applications Rise for Scottish University Places

There has been an increase of 2.9% in the number of applicants this year for places at Scottish Universities - twice the increase being seen at English universities. Last year, there were 272,600 higher education students in Scotland, with over 50% of young people opting for university or college when leaving secondary education.

New Scottish Postage Stamps

A new set of six stamps depicting the Scottish countryside were put on sale by the Post Office this week. The series includes work by the well-known photographer Colin Baxter who produces stunning pictures of Scotland in books and calendars. But these stamps are drab browns and greens and will do little to add to Scotland's image at home or abroad. Views include Ben More on the Isle of Mull, Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber and Dalveen Pass in the Lowther Hills. Designs for UK stamps are approved by a committee which includes the Duke of Edinburgh.

Designer Guru Opens Two Glasgow Restaurants

Sir Terence Conran, a celebrated design guru, has been trying to open a restaurant in Glasgow for ten years - but has been thwarted in finding the right site. He tried to develop the former sheriff court in the Merchant City area of Glasgow a decade ago, but that was abandoned after lengthy planning delays. But now, just like waiting for a bus until a posse of them turns up, Conran opened two restaurants in the city last week. One is the Zinc Bar and grill in the up-market Princes Square shopping centre in Buchanan Street. This is the sixth Zinc restaurant, including one at the Ocean Terminal in Leith. The second restaurant is part of the "etain" stable that has top-of-the-range eating establishments in New York, London, Paris and Stockholm. Conran hopes to be able to tap into the fondness of at least some Glaswegians for eating out in stylish venues.

Rain Falls as Rose Convention Opens

After a week of high temperatures and wall-to-wall sunshine for much of the early part of the week, it was just as well that the formal opening of the World Rose Convention was being held in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday - because that was the day when there was heavy rain. But the weather is likely to improve again over the weekend, when the results of this year's international rose trials are announced. The week-long World Rose Convention was officially opened by the Princess Royal. The president of the Rose Society of Japan, Her Imperial Highness Tomohito of Mikasa, headed a large delegation from the Far East. The next convention is to be held in Osaka in 2006.

Cows in Clover

An Aberdeenshire farmer is claiming that garlic is not just a deterrent to vampires - but repels flies as well. He has been adding strong smelling garlic to the feed for his cattle and says that it helps to protect them from the attentions of swarms of flies in the summer. Apparently a clove or two of garlic results in the cows giving off a pungent smelling sweat, which deters the flies. He has been trying the experiment for the last three weeks, but does not know yet whether his Limousin and Simmental cattle will eventually develop into garlic-tasting steaks.

Madonna Boosts National Trust

When Madonna married Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle in December 2000, she not only sparked a surge in the number of people coming to Dornoch, but also the couples who wanted a romantic wedding in a castle or other historic building right across Scotland. That has been great for the National Trust for Scotland which owns 128 properties, many of them well preserved and beautiful historic buildings (such as Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, pictured here). The extra business was a bonus for the Trust which had been struggling to reduce annual trading losses. Unlike other organisations which can close or sell non-performing assets, the Trust needs a Private Act of Parliament to get rid of any of its properties. The Trust has adopted a more business-like attitude in recent years, appointing a marketing manager for the first time and divesting control to the local attractions themselves - while setting targets and making sure they are achieved. In the last two years, operating losses have been reduced and the Trust plans to be in profit by 2005. Membership of the Trust has shot up by 40,000 to 300,000 in the last two years, buoyed not just by people who want to help maintain Scotland's heritage but also the free entry to all properties enjoyed by members. Overall visitor numbers, which had been declining since 1995, marginally increased last year but are up by 12% so far this year.

Global Warming Brings Dragonflies North

Ever warmer weather is bringing previously unknown animals and insects north to Scotland and the latest one to be spotted is a rare type of dragonfly, the broad-bodied chaser. It was recorded by an employee of the Scottish Wildlife Trust as she was monitoring some recent planting work at Craiglockhart pond in Edinburgh. Experts had already reported the insect as far as Carlisle, in the north of England, earlier this year. But the warmer weather has encouraged it to travel even further north. Because the insect is so rare, photos had to be sent to experts across the UK to get a positive identification.

A Nightmare Hole in One

It's a dream of many golfers - a hole in one. But when George Montgomery (handicap 13) achieved just that, it was still a nightmare. At the 11th hole on the golf course at Loch Ness, George shanked his first ball into the woods where it was lost forever. He then proceeded to do the same thing with his next two shots (golfers will know the feeling). So he changed to another club and the next shot was perfect - it landed on the green and rolled straight in the hole. But although he had scored a "hole-in-one" the first three lost balls cost him six shots for a total of seven strokes. But the dream and nightmare combination was not over. During the same round he was stung five times after disturbing a wasp's nest while looking for his ball (in the woods again, of course). Then he hit his head on a branch as he tried to escape from the attentions of the wasps and had blood streaming down his face. Then he had to buy a round of drinks at the clubhouse for his "hole-in-one" (or was that a hole-in-seven?).

Weather in Scotland in June

The Scottish Meteorological Office has published the aggregate weather data for the month of June and it shows that once again average temperatures were above the long-term norm by at least 1.5C (2.7F) and in the extreme north east by 2.5C (4.5F), where a number of weather stations recorded their warmest June on record. But with the prevailing wind coming from the south-west, there was a lot of unsettled weather in June, with frequent showers, especially in the west. Total rainfall was low in the east, however, with the north-east again coming off best. The highest temperature in June was recorded at Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth which reached 26.1C (79F) on 1 June. The usual weekly weather report is in part of the first news item above.

This week's illustrations of current flowers in Scotland are both from the walled garden in Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. Trials of a large number varieties of sweet peas (shown above) take place there each year and there are also many examples of dahlias on display.

"Architectural Vandalism" Plans Ditched

Proposals by developers to convert the former Templeton carpet factory into flats and offices - which were branded "architectural vandalism" - have been withdrawn. They would have meant constructing a 15-storey modern office block in the car park and adding roof-top penthouses to the 19th century A-listed building, which is structure, clad in multi-coloured tiles, overlooks Glasgow Green and is a major tourist attraction in the city. The architects have now dropped the glass roof-top apartments and reduced the height of the planned tower block.

Roman Brooch Found in Shetland

Local archaeologists were called in after bulldozers extending a graveyard in the island of Unst in the Shetlands, unearthed some Viking objects. But underneath that, Roman items were found, including a brooch called a "fibula" which held clothing together. This is the most northerly find of Roman artifacts and the pin may have been made in Germany. There is speculation about how the items reached Shetland - perhaps as a result of trade. The Romans themselves are not thought to have landed as far north as Shetland, though their ships did sail round the north of Scotland from the North Sea.

Anger at Owner of Rosslyn Castle

Perhaps the dispute between the owner of historic Rosslyn Castle and residents in the nearby village has surfaced because the 7th Earl of Rosslyn is also the police officer who was in overall charge of security at Windsor Castle where a gatecrasher successfully broke into the 21st birthday party of Prince William. But Commander Peter Loughborough is being criticised for receiving £365,000 from Historic Scotland, to assist in the refurbishment of the castle and now rents it out at £1,500 a week - and bans the general public from the grounds unless they make a special appointment. Local villagers argue that unrestricted access would increase visitor numbers (though there are only 35,000 a year to nearby Rosslyn Chapel - a far more attractive and interesting building). The locals claim that there used to be unrestricted access, but that stopped - after public money had been provided to make it attractive to tenants renting the property from the Landmark Trust.

Loch Ness Monster Fossil

The fossilised remains of an original Loch Ness monster have been uncovered accidentally by a pensioner in shallow water at the edge of the loch. The fossil is from a 150-million-years-old long-necked, carnivorous plesiosaur sea reptile and shows four perfectly preserved vertebrae, complete with spinal chord. Of course, supporters of the Loch Ness monster story immediately suggested that this "proves" the sightings in the last century of a long-necked creature in the loch.

Re-enactment of Viking Raid

Raids by Norse Vikings over 1,000 years ago are normally associated with Orkney and Shetland and the west coast of Scotland. But Arbroath Heritage in Angus on the east coast are organising a re-enactment of such raids to highlight a largely forgotten aspect of the area's history. Redcastle in Lunan Bay in Angus was built by King William the Lion, the founder of Arbroath Abbey, as a deterrent to Viking raiders. 150 years earlier, in 1010, a large force of Vikings landed at Lunan Bay and pillaged all the way to Dundee, before being defeated by the Scots under King Malcolm II. Next month, on August 9, the Vikings will land again in the county. But this time their longboat will land at Signal Tower Museum and their ship will be burned later in the day at Victoria Park, Arbroath.

Gift Saves Livingston House

The African home of explorer and missionary David Livingstone has been saved as a result of a £15,000 donation by an Airdrie businessman who read in a Scottish newspaper last month about the crumbling 19th century house in Tanzania. The house is owned by the Trade Aid organisation and could become a museum and tourist attraction in Mikindani. It was the house from which Livingston left on his last journey into the Congo. Trade Aid has already converted a local fort into a hotel in the village. The benefactor, Neil Bairdwatson, is the managing director of Caldervale Forge in Airdrie and he says his gift is a mark of respect for David Livingstone.

This Week in History

• July 20 1651 - Battle of Inverkeithing. Royalist force supporting Charles II failed to halt advance of army of Oliver Cromwell heading for Perth.
• July 21 1796 - Robert Burns dies in Dumfries, aged 37.
• July 21 1985 - Sandy Lyle won Open Golf Championship.
• July 22 1298 - The army of the English King Edward I, using longbows for the first time, defeated the Scots led by Sir William Wallace at Battle of Falkirk.
• July 22 1793 - Alexander Mackenzie completed the first overland crossing of North America.
• July 22 1913 - Edinburgh Zoo opened for the first time.
• July 23 1745 - Charles Edward Stuart landed on Eriskay at the start of the 1745 campaign.
• July 23 1637 - Presbyterian riot in St Giles during which Jenny Geddes shouted "Don't thou say Mass in ma lug" and threw her chair at the pulpit.
• July 23 1886 - Birth in Glasgow of Arthur Whitten Brown (late Sir Arthur), companion of Alcock on the first west to east crossing of the Atlantic.
• July 24 1411 - Battle of Harlaw Hill, one of the bloodiest battles on Scottish soil. Donald, Lord of the Isles and a force of Highlanders met an army from the north-east led by the Earl of Mar. After a long battle, both sides thought they had lost - and the descendants of both sides thought they had won.
• July 24 1567 - Mary Queen of Scots abdicated and the young James VI acceded to Scottish throne. The Earl of Mar was appointed regent.
• July 24 2002 - The Princess Royal formally opened the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park.
• July 25 1394 - King James I born.
• July 25 1843 - Charles Mackintosh, inventor of rubberized raincoats, died.
• July 25 1948 - Bread rationing ends in Britain.
• July 25 1980 - Alan Wells won Olympic 100 metres sprint.

Sun Shines on T in the Park

Unlike some previous sodden pop festivals, the weather at Balado near Kinross for the T in the Park open air festival was hot and sunny last weekend. 55,000 fans, including Jack McConnell, the Scottish First Minister (who, presumably did not sleep under canvas at the former airfield site) enjoyed a wide variety of pop music - and the fun-fair with some terrifying-looking rides. This was the 10th such festival and many of the participants - both performing and in the audience - reckoned this was the best one yet.

The Wicker Man Festival

The 1973 cult movie "The Wicker Man" starring Edward Woodward, which was filmed in Dumfries and Galloway, has generated a number of spin-offs, including what is described as an "Alternative Festival", where audiences hear a variety of music such as Northern Soul, Soul, Indie, SKA, Trojan, Psychobilly, Country and Western, New Wave, Old Style Punk, Deep House, Twistin Detroit (whatever all that means!) The event is described as a 48-hour homage to "punks, pagans and pyromaniacs...and fun, fire and freedom." In addition to the music, the organisers have created a large "Woodhenge" made from telegraph poles... Last year the event attracted around 6000 people from all over Britain, with small numbers from abroad as well - this year numbers are expected to increase. It is hoped that the Festival will develop into a major event on the musical calendar. This year's festival, at East Kirkcarswell Farm, near Kircudbright, runs from 18th to 20th July. For more information on the celebration of cult cinema and music visit www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk.

Bute Live Music and Arts Festival

The Isle of Bute's picturesque capital of Rothesay will be alive to the sound of music from 18th to 21st -July as the island plays host to the Bute Live Music & Arts Festival - a unique blend of traditional and modern approaches. Performers include Johnny Beattie's famous one-man show, Wolfstone, Carol Laula, Glasgow Steel Band, a Blondie tribute band and Gaelic music and song with acclaimed duo Roddyandon. Add to that blend the pub gigs, barn dances and family events and you are sure to find the perfect fun day out or weekend away for all the family. Some events are completely free while all offer great value. For further information visit www.butelive.co.uk

One of Our Movies is Missing...

The film "The Rocket Post" about the experimental firing of rockets to deliver mail between Scarp and Harris in the Outer Hebrides in 1934, was made two years ago. The idea was to make a quirky "technological Whisky Galore" and there was grandiose talk of Oscars and spin-offs for the island tourist industry. The local Stornoway Gazette was a bit more sanguine, however, describing it as "a tartan turkey" and a "thin story line." But two years later the film was making headlines - because nobody could find it. Scottish Screen, who had said that the film would be premiered at this year's Burns Festival in Ayr were left with red faces as they were unable to find anyone, including the director, who knew where the £10 million movie had disappeared to. Eventually, a Sunday Times newspaper reporter tracked down the head of the production company involved, who expressed surprise at all the fuss. Mark Shorrock claimed that there had been "post-production problems" and that a new musical score was awaited. Shorrock insisted that the film would be finished later this year. Then a distributor will have to be found. Not exactly rocket science, but there is a suspicion that the film will be as successful as the original Western Isles Rocket Post (which exploded in mid-air, scattering singed letters on the beach).

Hibs Facing Police Action Over Unpaid Bills

Hibernian Football Club are facing legal action by Lothian and Borders Police over an unpaid bill of £70,000. The money is due for the services of uniformed police officers at Hibs' matches at Easter Road in Edinburgh last season but the club disputes the amount - claiming that they are being asked to pay more than their rivals Hearts, on the other side of the city. The police say that they have to provide more officers because Hibs employ fewer of their own staff as stewards and that they have to stay longer at Easter Road to keep fans segregated after the game. There is even a veiled threat of withdrawing police services which would make it impossible for Hibs to play. Hibs are currently estimated to be £17 million in the red at the end of their last financial year.

Monty Stumbles Out of Open

Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie was forced to pull out of the Open Championship at Royal St George's in Kent this week after falling and injuring his hand on the hotel steps before the start of the match. He attempted to play through the pain but had to withdraw after seven holes. He went off to have his swollen wrist X-rayed.

Els Wins Scottish Title

South African Ernie Els cruised to victory in the Scottish Open Golf Championship at Loch Lomond last Sunday. He finished with a 17-under-par aggregate of 267, five shots clear of the field. He became the first player to win twice at Loch Lomond. Last year he came in 50th at the Scottish event - and then went on to win The Open at Muirfield.

Liz McColgan Back on Track

Olympic, World and Commonwealth medalist Liz McColgan is to take over the chair of Scotland's athletics governing body, scottishathletics. She will work to ensure effective management of the sport in Scotland, chair meetings of the board and serve at UK level. She will also be the interface when dealing with key partners and sponsors. She currently runs three sports health and fitness club with her husband, employing 50 people and still finds time to coach 20 kids aged 9-16 at Dundee Hawkhill Harriers.

Artificial Pitch for Dunfermline

Scottish Premier League club Dunfermline have been given the go-ahead to lay an artificial surface at their ground. The groundbreaking move will take place immediately after the club's home game against Celtic on August 9. In order to allow plenty of time for the new artificial pitch to be laid, the home match against Hearts, scheduled for August 30, will be held at Tynecastle instead. Dunfermline are participating in a pilot European scheme which includes a number of clubs across the continent. If successful, it could pave the way to artificial surfaces being approved for use in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

The Colin McRae Forest Stages GHI Rally

The man who lends his name to this event, Citroen's World Championship star Colin McRae, will be out on 19th July, driving his Mk2 Escort as '00' car. There will be a city centre start, this time moved right into the heart of Perth's shopping centre, with an enthusiastic Perth & Kinross Council and other event partners promising a number of "add-on" attractions. Last year's rally route proved to be such a success that the organisers are planning a 2003 route along similar lines, with 4/5 stages of between 45 and 55 miles and retaining central servicing. This means that competitors again have a chance of tackling some of British rallying's most famous forests, stages such as Craigvinean, Funab, Errochty and Drummond Hill.

Claymores Coach Departs

Scottish Claymores coach Gene Dahlquist and his defensive co-ordinator Ray Woodard will not have their contracts renewed for next season, after three years at the helm. The NFL vice-president of football operations has announced that they are making the change so that the team can "move in a new direction". After a good start to the 2003 season, the Claymores fell away badly and then recovered, narrowly missing a chance to play at the World Bowl.