Chancellor to Introduce "Stamp Duty" on Whisky
During his annual speech on budget plans to Parliament this week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer dismayed the whisky industry by announcing that he aims to introduce legislation requiring that all bottles of spirits would be required to have a so-called "strip stamp" to prove that all the relevant duties had been paid on the product. He claimed that one in six of all bottles was evading tax and that if no viable alternative to the "strip stamp" can be found, legislation will be introduced. This would not only add to the costs and red tape of the Scottish whisky industry, it would mean that the stamps would have to be bought in advance - effectively providing the Exchequer with an interest-free loan and costing producers hundreds of millions of pounds. Duty on spirits has been frozen for the last six years, which has been beneficial to the industry The Scotch Whisky Association says it questions the estimates of the amount of whisky evading taxation and that it will redouble efforts to find an alternative solution. The whisky industry supports an estimated 65,000 jobs in the UK and sells 90% of its output overseas.
Scotland's Net Gain of £8 Billion
According to figures published this week by the government Treasury Department, Scotland received £8 billion more in government spending than it contributed in taxes. Total expenditure by the state amounted to £39.4 billion while Scotland raised £31.4 billion in tax and national insurance. Government expenditure per head of the population in Scotland is £6,246, which is around £1,000 more per head than in the rest of the UK. The gulf between taxation and expenditure in Scotland has grown as a result of a jump in expenditure but a lack-lustre economic performance which has produced only a small increase in taxation. Of course, the Scottish National Party dismissed the figures.
An End to Scottish MPs Voting on English Law?
Michael Howard, the new leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, has said that he would bar Scottish Members of Parliament voting on legislation in the UK Parliament which only affected English issues. Recently, Scottish MPs at Westminster supported the government's controversial plans for the National Health Service in England and Wales. English MPs, particularly those who oppose the government, are unhappy about Scottish MPs "dictating" on policies which are not being pursued in Scotland. But Scottish MPs say that they are elected to scrutinise all bills in the UK Parliament. As long as England does not have a devolved body, as in Scotland, some of that legislation will relate only to England and Wales. An opinion poll, conducted in Scotland this week, showed that over 50% of those responding agreed that Scottish MPs should not vote on purely English-related legislation in the UK parliament.
No Postal Voting in Scotland
A proposal for Scotland to be a test-bed for postal voting in next year's European Parliament elections has been thrown out. Concerns had been expressed that many people would return their voting papers soon after receiving them, undervaluing the election campaign fought by the political parties. The officials responsible for the voting system also felt that there was insufficient time for forward planning and problems with the delivery and return of ballot papers. It had been argued that postal voting might help to improve the dismally low turnout for European elections.
Pupils Attain More
New figures published this week show that attainment levels for pupils in the 5-14 age group have increased across the board in reading and writing and at almost every stage in maths. This continues an upward trend in literacy and numeracy attainment over the past four years - an improvement which the government claims is due in part to their actions.
Scottish Economy Picking Up
While economic growth in Scotland is still lagging behind the rest of the UK, a report by the Royal Bank of Scotland, based on regular reports from purchasing managers across the country, suggests that growth in the current quarter is likely to be the strongest so far this year. Scottish exports are apparently doing well and, in a reversal of the usual trend, the manufacturing sector is even showing higher growth than services. The growth in exports has been a surprise, as the pound has been strengthening against the dollar - since September sterling has surged from around $1.56 to $1.73, making Scottish exports about 10% more expensive in the US and south-east Asia. Stagnant economies in Europe have caused a slump in these export markets, however.
Scotland Retaining More Graduates
While many graduates still find it necessary to move to England or abroad to make full use of their qualifications (and earn a higher salary), it appears that more graduates who study in Scotland are choosing to stay here. Statistics, published this week, show that 88% of Scottish graduates and diplomates going in to employment in 2001/2002 remained in Scotland, up by 2% compared with the previous year. A higher number of graduates from the rest of the UK and from abroad also took up employment in Scotland.
Gas Prices Up By 5.9%
Scottish Gas have announced that prices to one million domestic consumers will rise by 5.9% from 10 January. Inflation is currently about half that level and Energywatch Scotland described the move as "worthy of Scrooge". Customers are advised to shop around for a better deal. Prices went up last year by 10% and Scottish Gas now supplies the most expensive gas in Britain.
Banks Claim Increased Market Share
Both the Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Scotland, the two largest banks in Scotland, were claiming this week that they have been increasing their market share, probably at the expense of Clydesdale Bank, the third largest. The Royal Bank claims that it is picking up business in both the commercial and personal sectors. Although the banks will not divulge their own specific figures, they have access to market research data on which to base their claims. Clydesdale bank counters that it is holding its own "in the round", helped by growth in the mortgage market. The Royal Bank has not been aggressive in selling mortgages as margins are considered to be too narrow.
Standard Life Unfazed by 20% Slump
Europe's largest mutual insurance society was said it was quite relaxed about a fall of £400 million in sales of its products, a drop of 22% from a record sale of £1.82 billion in the previous year. Other insurance and pension companies have been reporting increased business but Standard Life's chief executive is expressing confidence that his company's sales will bounce back next year. Standard Life is currently under pressure from a campaigner to end its mutual status and become a limited company with shareholders. Despite the possibility of existing customers receiving windfall shares if Standard Life demutualised, the proposal was defeated on the last occasion it was put to its members.
Package Tour Company Loses £910 Million
Holiday company MyTravel, with 500 staff based at Glasgow Airport, was busy assuring thousands of Scots that their package holidays were safe despite the travel giant losing a whopping £910 million in their last financial year. The company admitted that it had experienced a "poor year" and that action had been taken to cover the cash loss. The company (formerly known as AirTours) is bonded with industry regulators, so even if it went into liquidation, money paid for package tours booked by holidaymakers would still be safe. Turnover in MyTravel in the twelve months to 30 September fell by 5% to £2.34 billion.
Regiments to Wait 12 Months for D-Day
A decision about the future of six Scots infantry regiments has been delayed - for up to a year. So whether the Highlanders, the Black Watch, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and other regiments will be disbanded or merged will not be known until autumn next year. The army insists that speculation about the future of the regiments, with their links to the areas in which they do much of their recruitment, is just that - speculation.
Oath of Allegiance Before the Saltire
Immigrants to Scotland who are successful in applying for British citizenship, will in future swear an oath of allegiance before the Saltire, the national flag of Scotland under plans announced this week. New citizenship ceremonies are to be tailored to reflect the part of the UK in which they are performed. So the anthem "Flower of Scotland" will also be played. The aim of the new ceremony is to reinforce the obligations as well the rights of being a citizen and make it a significant day for all involved.
Hedgehog Cull to Continue
Despite the efforts of animal rights activists earlier this year to relocate more hedgehogs from the Outer Hebrides than Scottish Natural Heritage managed to capture and kill, tSNH is to resume the controversial cull next year - and extend it to Benbecula and then South Uist. The hedgehogs are blamed for the dramatic reduction in the number of wading birds in the Western Isles because they eat their eggs. Since the birds are given a higher level of protection under European Union rules than hedgehogs, the UK government could face legal action if they don't protect the waders.
Top London Store to Sell Irn-Bru
Scotland's "other national drink" - the orange, fizzy soft drink sold as "Irn-Bru" - is more associated with hangover cures than champagne. But now the top London store Harvey Nichols is to stock it in its Edinburgh branch - in an effort to create more of a Scottish identity in its food hall. Surprisingly, the old-established Edinburgh store Jenners does not stock Irn-Bru, presumably because they think it is too down-market for their customers. Harvey Nichols is also adding Isle of Skye mineral water to its store - a company based in Broadford on Skye is starting production for the first time on December 18. The premium price water will be sold in the restaurant at the top of the store as well as in the food hall.
Scottish Food Exports to US Suffer
New rules governing the paper-work required from companies exporting food and drink products to the US have caused some Scottish producers to withdraw from the market. The rules were introduced under a US bio-terrorism act to protect against poison attacks. But the volume of paperwork and the disclosure of commercial information involved is leading some specialist exporters to give up the US market. The Scotch Whisky Association says that some producers are concerned that they may have to reveal secrets about each individual spirit that goes into blended malts. Other problems could arise from some food exporters not knowing about the new documentation, resulting in imported goods being destroyed. The rules will include, for example, small producers of smoked salmon exported by post - the Post Office will now not accept food or drink destined for the US without the new documentation.
New Car Park to Escort Women to Their Vehicles
A new 400-space car park to be built in Glasgow near the large St Enoch Shopping Centre is to include a long list of safety features - including staff who will escort women drivers to their cars if they request it. There will also be 24-hour a day closed circuit television and extra lighting. The company building the facility already operate a multi-storey car park at Candleriggs in Glasgow's Merchant City, which was recently named Britain's safest car park. The new building will incorporate the facade of a derelict building which was erected in 1908. The site, behind St Andrew's Cathedral, is owned by the Catholic Church and will provide an income stream for the Archdiocese.
Las Vegas on the Clyde?
The village of Bowling on the banks of the river Clyde, ten miles west of Glasgow and half way between Clydebank and Dumbarton, doesn't even have a local bookmakers shop and the two slot machines in the village don't do much business. But the US's largest gaming operator has unveiled plans to transform a former oil terminal there into a las Vegas style resort. The project would involve restaurants, bars and a hotel as well as casino facilities. The site has been unoccupied for seven years and is heavily contaminated because of its former use as an Esso terminal. But Scottish Enterprise is keen to see the development of the banks of the Clyde and might become a partner with the Las Vegas company Harrah (which runs 26 casinos in the US). Some local residents of Bowling (population is around 500) are not too keen on the idea and are likely to lobby the local council to reject the plans.
Top of the Pops
Those who help children to cross busy roads are known as "Lollipop" men and women, due to their poles with a circular "stop" sign at the top. In an award to mark the 50th anniversary of the first school crossing patrols in Scotland, Hugh Smith, a Lollipop man at Underbank Primary School in Crossford, Carluke, South Lanarkshire, was presented with "Scotland’s Best Lollipop Person" award by Jack McConnell, the First Minister (pictured here with Hugh Smith).
The 68-year-old patrolman beat stiff competition to win the inaugural prize which attracted 2334 nominations from pupils, teachers and local people across Scotland. The head teacher at Underbank said: "Hugh is a well-loved personality in the village and a real favourite with the pupils. His duties extend far beyond that of a patrolman and for that we believe he is irreplaceable." The award has been established by Kwik-Fit insurance and they plan to make it an annual event. Child casualties in Scotland reached a peak in 1972, when 111 children were killed and 2,258 were seriously injured. In 2002, 14 children were killed and 511 seriously injured in road accidents in Scotland, the lowest figures since separate recording began.
Halal Haggis
Many of the immigrants into Scotland from the Indian sub-continent have become involved in the local culture. Businessman Sirdariqbal Singh, for example, is an expert on Robert Burns and had a Singh tartan accepted by the Tartan Society - so that his sons could attend a wedding dressed in the kilt. Now an award-winning Scottish butcher has broken with tradition and is now producing haggis made from lamb killed in accordance to Islamic traditions. So Scottish Muslims can now enjoy the traditional Scottish dish. An artificial casing is used instead of the more usual sheep's stomach and all the utensils are sterilised and kept free of non-halal products.
Nothing of Interest in Dundee?
Ford, which owns the UK luxury car companies of Jaguar, Aston Martin and Volvo, has branded the City of Dundee "of no interest" in its satellite navigation system, fitted to the top models. Dundee, with a population of 150,000, is Scotland's fourth largest city and home to a world centre of excellence for the design and production of bank auto-tellers. But the navigation system not only ignores Discovery Point, an award-winning tourist attraction which has Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott's research ship Discovery moored alongside, but the system also has no record of the castles, parks, museums and historic buildings in the city. The Tay Bridges across the water to Fife, of course, start in Dundee. Even worse, the city's hotels are nowhere to be found on its database. Asked for "points of interest" it reports "For Dundee, there are no points of interest". Ford say their information is provided by an outside source.
Clan Links Save a Life
Genetic research has shown that people with the same clan name are much more closely related than was previously thought. That was brought home this year when 20-year-old Millie Forbes, from Aberdeenshire, was struck down by a return of acute myeloid leukemia. She needed a transplant of matching bone marrow to save her life, but no matches were found amongst donors in the UK. But her grandfather is Chief of the Clan Forbes and the US clan members were asked for assistance. An anonymous donor was found and she is expected to have the operation shortly. Other research into the clan MacDonald has found that an unexpectedly high percentage of 20% are directly descended from Somerled, the 12th century warrior who founded the clan.
A Blow for Pipers
The Scottish Executive is currently progressing an Anti-Social Behaviour Bill which is designed to tackle persistent young offenders. But Members of the Scottish Parliament, who were debating the legislation this week, were told that it could lead to bagpipe players having their instruments confiscated if they caused a public nuisance. Pipers who play in city streets have sometimes upset those working in nearby offices and some retail souvenir shops annoy their neighbours by playing bagpipe music for up to ten hours a day. Noise levels can reach over 120 decibels from a set of bagpipes.
Sprouts Off the Menu in Aberdeen
According to a survey conducted by supermarket chain Safeway, the people in the Aberdeen suburb of Westhill are the second most unlikely in the UK to buy brussels sprouts as their vegetable to go with their meals. Children often turn up their noses at brussels sprouts (let's face it, they often reject most vegetables) but sprouts are sold in appreciable numbers in other parts of the country. But out of the 489 Safeway supermarkets only an outlet in Newcastle in the north of England sold fewer brussels sprouts. Other Scottish towns at the bottom of the sprout league table are Irvine and Kilwinning in North Ayrshire and Port Glasgow in Inverclyde.
Weather in Scotland This Week
Temperatures dipped overnight between Sunday and Monday to -7C (19F) in Glasgow and the maximum daytime temperature that day was -2C (28F). But by Wednesday, temperatures had recovered to around 9/10C (48/50F). Apart from Sunday and Thursday, when the sun eventually appeared, much of the week has been cloudy it took to Thursday before there was any appreciable amounts of rainfall.
The illustrations this week show two different aspects of the current scene in Scotland. The picture of the sunset and the swan was taken at Helensburgh, looking out over the Firth of Clyde. But because Scotland is on the same latitude as northern Labrador, this picture was taken at 3.30 in the afternoon. The hydrangea (below) would normally be withered and frost-bitten by this time of year - indeed, many are. Admittedly this one was growing in a sheltered part of Helensburgh, but there is hardly any sign of damage on the petals.
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