Scotland Resists UK Independence

In the European Elections last week, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) caused a major upset in England and Wales, winning 15.6% of the vote and 12 seats in the European Parliament - where their aim will be to wreck proceedings, obstruct and delay legislation and "expose" the negative aspects of the European Union. UKIP pushed the Liberal Democrats into fourth place nationally, after doubling its share of the vote. In Scotland, on the other hand, although they increased their share of the vote from four years ago, UKIP did not have a major impact. It is being suggested that the UK Independence Party struggles in Scotland because of the "UK" in its title. All the other major and most minor parties north of the border have "Scottish" in their names.

In Scotland, the established parties held off the challenge from their smaller rivals and elected two Labour, two Scottish National Party and two Conservative members, while the the Liberal Democrats won one seat. Labour won 26.4% of the vote (2.3% less than in the last Euro elections). The Scottish National Party, which had aimed to increase its share of the vote to 30%, fell back instead to 19.7% (7.5% less than last time). The Conservatives lost 2%, moving back to 17.8% while the Liberal Democrats (who had encouraged the electorate to express their views against the Iraq war by voting for them), rose 3.3% to 13.1%. The Scottish Green Party increased its share by 1% to 6.8%, but that was not enough to win a seat under the proportional voting system used for Euro elections. The UK Independence Party increased their share of the vote by 5.4% to reach 6.7%, while the Scottish Socialist Party, were up 1.2% to 5.2%.

Economy Continues to Grow

The latest Purchasing Managers' Index, produced by the Royal Bank of Scotland, suggests that Scotland's economy expanded for the 11th consecutive month in May, with both services and manufacturing players enjoying strong growth. The survey of 570 major companies detected growth slightly down on the previous month, but levels of orders, output and employment remained positive. It appears that companies have been able to cope with steeply rising oil prices, mainly by raising their own prices, but that has not caused a fall-off in demand. The key market of Europe, on which Scottish exporters rely heavily, is continuing to show clear signs of improvement. Jeremy Peat, chief economist at Royal Bank, said the outlook in Scotland was brighter than for many years. "We should see Scotland at least matching the UK norm in the second half of this year." Export orders rose for a ninth successive month in May, with the US and Europe a frequent sources of new business.

Scottish Salary Rises Beat UK Average

An increasing demand for skilled staff, and a shortage in areas such as Information Technology, has resulted in salaries rising faster in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, according to a survey produced by the Bank of Scotland. The survey measures demand for staff, the number of people being appointed to new posts and salary levels in both permanent and temporary employment. The report highlights the creation of a significant number of new jobs in Scotland. Recruitment consultancies based in Scotland placed a rising number of candidates as employers became more willing to pay higher salaries to attract the right staff. The number of people registered for unemployment benefit is at its lowest level since August 1975. The overall unemployment rate is 3.6% and the Office of National Statistics reported that pay packets in the UK in March expanded at the fastest rate for three years.

Scottish Retail Sales Ahead of UK

The Scottish Retail Consortium, representing major High Street shops, has reported that retail sales value grew by 7.3% last month in Scotland, up from 4.4% in April. The equivalent figure for the UK as a whole was 6.5%. This continues the trend of most of the last twelve months where Scottish retail sales have been rising at a faster rate than in England and Wales. Although part of the difference can be put down to record levels of employment and a recovery in the number of overseas visitors, much of the growth is being fuelled by rising levels of debt and economists say that it is unsustainable. Non-food sales in Scotland in April rose by 11.4%, compared to last year. Sales of garden-related products and summer clothing were apparently leading the way.

Glasgow - "Scotland's International Capital"

Edinburgh and Glasgow have recently been trying to patch over their traditional rivalries so that they can co-operate in marketing both cities - and Scotland in general. But quite what Edinburgh will make of a new masterplan by Glasgow City Council to improve the city's image and presence in Europe by promoting Glasgow as "Scotland's international capital" is anyone's guess. A City Council spokesman pointed out that Glasgow is Scotland's largest city (factually correct) and is its largest provider of jobs and production. It also provides service, retail, educational, cultural, leisure and entertainment facilities on a national scale. He went on to say that it is no idle boast to claim Glasgow is Scotland's international capital. Hopefully, Edinburgh will haughtily disdain such upstart comments, safe in the knowledge that it has been Scotland's capital city and seat of government for centuries.

Scots Opt Out of Exercise Plan

In an effort to improve the health of some of the Scots who are over weight, doctors can refer patients to special exercise programmes. Unsurprisingly, many of the patients abandon the programme, including over 20% who do not even attend the initial appointment with an exercise counselor. Of those who do begin the programme, which can include swimming and keep-fit classes or simple exercises at home, over half do not return for a follow-up assessment. Now Glasgow University has been given the task of researching why the drop-out rate is so high. It is said that starting an exercise regime for some people would be as hard as giving up smoking for those already addicted.

Pall of Black Smoke Across Glasgow Skies

A fire in a scrapyard in Renfrew sent clouds of black smoke across the skies of Glasgow last Wednesday. City-centre newspapers didn't need to send photographers to the blaze - they could get dramatic pictures from the roof-tops of their buildings six miles away. The blaze threatened flights at Glasgow airport but fortunately the wind blew the smoke in the opposite direction. But passengers landing at the airport got a spectacular view of the blaze as firefighters used aerial ladders to fight the flames. You can just see an aircraft on the left of the picture which is landing at the airport. I took this picture from the Braehead Shopping Centre which is abiut a mile away. Much of the smoke was due to old tyres and car parts and residents in nearby houses were told to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. Firefighters had to work for nearly 24 hours before they could put out the fire.

Self-Service Airport Check-in

Budget airline EasyJet is planning to introduce totally self-service check-in desks at Glasgow airport later this year. The system will not only allow passengers to print their own boarding cards but also check-in and label their own luggage, reducing the need for staff at the terminal. EasyJet carries 500,000 passengers a year from Glasgow to destinations such as London (Luton and Stansted), Amsterdam, Belfast and Bristol. The new system will be installed at the new T2 terminal which opened a few months ago at Glasgow airport.

A Dram Good Idea

Whisky Live is one of the world's largest whisky-tasting events in the world and the two-day festival has been held with great success in Tokyo, Paris and London. Now the celebration of the "water of life" is coming home to Scotland, in September, when it will be held in the Glasgow's George Square. Whisky enthusiasts will be able to sample a wide range of fine and rare Scotch whisky. There will also be a series of master-classes given by whisky connoisseurs which will allow the public to learn more about fine malt whisky. Organisers hope to take the event to New York and San Francisco as part of Tartan Week next year.

Shoppers Face a Plastic Bag Tax

The Scottish Executive minister for the environment, Ross Finnie, is reported to be "interested in supporting" a private member's bill which would impose a 15p levy on plastic bags, currently issued free in supermarkets and shops. Campaigners for the tax say that 6,500 tonnes are dumped in landfill sites each year and have also become a litter problem (though a survey by "Keep Britain Tidy" says that only 1% of litter is from plastic bags). The manufacturers of the bags say that it would not help the environment, but would cost jobs if numbers used fall significantly. A similar bag tax was introduced in 2002 in Ireland and has encouraged shoppers to use re-usable bags instead, resulting in a staggering reduction of 96% in the use of plastic bags at supermarkets - but a 200% increase in the sale of black plastic bin bags, which are not taxed. Research by the Department of the Environment has found that 80% of UK shoppers retain bags for other uses. Research shows that Scots dog owners re-used 700 million plastic bags after dog fouling, for example. The plan would be for local authorities to enforce the levy and use the cash on environmental projects. The UK government in London has "no plans" to introduce a similar tax in England and Wales. The prospect of plastic bags (costing 0.05p) being sold in a black market in Scotland at a vast profit is on the horizon...

Giant Spiral for National Park Gateway

The centrepiece of the new Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is the Lomond Shores development at the southern end of the loch. However, Drumkinnon Tower (pictured here), designed to look a bit like a Scottish castle, is not visible from the main road heading for the Bonnie Banks. So it was decided to construct an eye-catching monument at the Stoneymollan Roundabout, to mark the entrance to Scotland's first National Park. The winning design was announced this week - a giant wooden spiral, designed to look like a crown, plus a series of geese sculptures arranged so that they appear to swoop beside motorists as they approach the roundabout. It is supposed to provide a fitting welcome to visitors - and to improve road safety. It is questionable, however, whether a large sculpture and swooping geese will improve road safety as drivers are distracted at this busy junction. From the south, cars approach on a dual carriageway with a speed limit of 70mph; from the north, the single carriageway carries traffic which is often nose-to-tail; and the local traffic from Balloch tries to merge with all that too. And with no designated parking beside the roundabout, tourists will be tempted to park on grass verges to take photographs.

Submarine Rescue Base at Faslane

Rolls-Royce has announced that it is to set up an advanced submarine rescue centre for NATO at Faslane on the Gare Loch, one of the stretches of water leading off the Firth of Clyde. The centre will house one of the most advanced submarine rescue systems in the world. Faslane is already the base for the UK's Trident nuclear submarines and has easy access to deep and shallow water for training exercises. It has been the base for the UK's current submarine rescue operations for the last 20 years and is within easy reach of Glasgow airport for rapid deployment anywhere in the world.

Skibo Castle Turns Away Business

The exclusive Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Sutherland has turned away £1 million of business from couples who wanted to get married at the same location as Madonna and Guy Ritchie (in December 2000) and where singer Robbie Williams recently hosted a star-studded birthday party. The club has 500 members who pay a £4,000 annual fee to use the exclusive estate and the Skibo management say that their interests are having to be taken into consideration. There is no such inhibition at the National Trust for Scotland who are only too delighted to hire out their stately homes and castles for wedding celebrations, parties and corporate functions. Since the Madonna effect, the number of weddings in romantic spots in Scotland has increased significantly and the National Trust now earns £500,000 a year from renting out its venues. Meantime, palatial Skibo Castle is undergoing a programme of major refurbishment and upgrading costing over £10 million.

Protest as Rocket Man Takes Off

There was delight in Aberdeen when super-star Elton John announced that he was to perform in front of 26,000 fans in the city at Pittodrie Stadium, home of the local football club. But a row emerged this week because Elton (known to his fans as Rocket Man) will not be staying in Aberdeen after the concert. Instead, he will jet off in a charter plane from Aberdeen airport at 11.30pm - 30 minutes after the curfew on night flying. Some local politicians said that such special treatment was "ridiculous" and that he should be made to stay overnight and catch a flight the next day. But Aberdeen City Council has approved the request, arguing that it was perfectly reasonable for a man of Sir Elton John's stature to be allowed special treatment so that he did not have to cut the concert short and rush away early. Aberdeen Airport has applied for planning permission to operate round-the-clock flights, arguing that the current restrictions impair economic development in the surrounding area.

£5 Million "Father's Day" Gift to Museum

Tom Hunter, who is estimated to be the richest man in Scotland, has announced this week that he is to donate £5 million to fund a new gallery in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow which will be named after his father, Campbell Hunter. Father's Day in the UK is next Sunday and Tom Hunter says that his greatest inspiration was his father. The retail tycoon borrowed £5,000 from his father to set up his own business which eventually became the Sports Division chain which he sold for £290 million. Since then, he has encouraged others to become entrepreneurs and has set up a charitable trust. The donation to the museum will create a new education pavilion which it is hoped will inspire a future generation of young Scots by celebrating the country's legendary figures who succeeded by overcoming adversity.

Major Development Plan for Inverness

Inverness Estates Ltd have outlined a proposal which would create a massive development on the edge of the Highland capital at a cost of £320 million. The City of Inverness has been growing fast in recent years and Highland Council's own strategic plan calls for more retail development to meet the demands of the increased population. If the development goes ahead, on 580 acres of land from Stratton on the A96 across to the A9, it would create 3,000 jobs. But a number of long-established retailers in the centre of the city claim that it could sound the death knell for the older section of the city.

Decline in Native Scots Pine Forests Halted

Forestry Commission experts claim that the centuries-long decline in Scotland's native pine trees has been reversed. The forests were on the verge of extinction 40 years ago as large areas were given over to faster growing varieties such as the Sitka spruce which marched over Scotland's hills. In 1959, however, a book "The Natural Pinewoods of Scotland" and a survey of what remained of the Caledonian pinewoods drew attention to the desperate situation for a type of forest which once covered vast areas of northern Scotland. 35 years later, the decline had been halted and since then there has been significant improvement. In addition to the Forestry Commission, which is a government agency, private landowners have been encouraged to establish new pinewoods with the help of government grants. The creation of native pinewoods has been important not just for the trees, but also helps associated wildlife.

Deer Bridges to Cut Accidents

A deer's main defensive mechanism is to run fast. But running across a busy main road is not always successful and can be fatal not just for the deer but for those in any vehicles that hit it. There were 68 car crashes on the A9 road from Perth to Inverness last year which involved deer and in Aberdeenshire over 300 deer are removed from roads following collisions. To try to reduce the carnage, a government-funded study has suggested building turf-covered bridges across accident black spots in northern and central Scotland. These have proved to be successful in Holland and could reduce the estimated £11 million cost of vehicle damage, medical treatment for occupants injured in accidents and removing deer carcasses from the roads.

Airline Brings MSP Down to Earth

Tommy Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party and a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) got into a dogfight with Irish airline Ryanair this week. The well known personality was not allowed to board a Ryanair flight from Prestwick to Bournemouth in the south of England because he could not produce a passport or a driving licence with a photograph - the only two ID items acceptable to the airline. But the MSP (his wife is an airline stewardess) claimed that he had phoned Ryanair in advance and had been assured that his Parliamentary pass would be acceptable. When he went to the check-in desk he was greeted with "Good morning Mr Sheridan" by the staff - then told that he could not board the plane without the valid identification documents. Earlier in the week, BA had accepted his parliamentary pass on a flight between Glasgow and London. Ryanair said that Mr Sheridan should have been well aware of its policy to which there were "no exceptions".
The illustration shows Tommy Sheridan electioneering in the streets of Glasgow, megaphone in hand, during last week's European elections.

Tayside Reservoirs at Record Low Levels

Reservoirs which supply 300,000 people across Tayside, including Dundee, are only 50% full, their lowest level on record for this time of the year. It was the dry and warm weather of 2003 which led to this situation. Last October the region had an all-time low of 6mm of rain, instead of the average of 103.7mm. Since then, the reservoirs have not recovered and Scottish Water is asking customers to cut down on wastage and to save water. Otherwise, the spectre of sanctions such as a ban on the use of hosepipes will start to become a reality.

Weather in Scotland This Week

In researching the content for the "Scottish Snippets" I now receive electronic news updates from Google on specific key words. I was surprised to see a headline "Rain sets record in Glasgow." While heavy rain in this part of the world is not unusual, it certainly hadn't been that wet in recent days. But of course, with an unthinking computer doing the selection of news items, I had received a paragraph about Glasgow, Montana, USA. The exceptional rain (1.31 inches) flooded the rodeo arena..

In Glasgow, Scotland, there was nearly an inch of rain on Friday - but nobody thought that remarkable. The best of the weather this week was in the north-east. Aberdeen reached 26C (79F) on Monday and between last Saturday and Tuesday had over 34 hours of sunshine. But that came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday when temperatures in Aberdeen could only reach a maximum of 12C (54F).

This week's illustrations of current flora and fauna in Scotland show on the right the tall spires of delphiniums growing in the gardens of Finlaystone Country Estate in Renfreshire. Below are first of all a Ringlet butterfly with its distinctive markings. It was photographed in the walled garden of Aberdour Castle earlier this week. Next is a red rose, also seen at Aberdoure, and finally a wasp on a pink Pink in Finlaystone.

"Aviation Heritage Left to Rot"

Aircraft restorers in Scotland have voiced concern about the "Concorde mania" which they claim is resulting in other aviation conservation projects being starved of money and resources. There was understandable delight when the Museum of Flight was successful in obtaining a supersonic Concorde for display at East Fortune, east of Edinburgh. But it is being claimed that other historic aircraft, including a Spitfire, Lancaster and Blenheim were displaced from an air-conditioned hangar to make way for the airliner, and now have no protection from damp and cold. The Scottish Executive is investing up to £8 million over five years to develop the museum site, with Concorde as the star attraction. For more on the Museum of Flight, see Places to Visit - East Fortune.

Scottish Textile Heritage Online

A new Web site has been created carrying information and images on the history and development over the years of Scotland’s textile industry, held in a database of some 4,000 descriptions of archives and museums across Scotland and beyond. Information ranges from embroidery, textile art works, textile machinery, tweeds and tartans, haute couture garments, trade union banners to records and industry business records. Access is by a database search for key words or subjects. See www.scottishtextiles.org.uk/.

A Window Into Jekyll and Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" is one of the writer's most famous tales. Various theories have been put forward to suggest the inspiration for the name and the split personality of the leading character. Now it is being proposed that they are based on inscriptions on a stained glass window in the 16th century great hall of the Middle Temple, one of the four ancient Inns of Court in London, which house the upper echelons of the English legal system. The windows bear the coats of arms of distinguished legal figures from the 17th and 18th centuries. They include a Josephus Jekyll who was a Master of the Rolls in 1717 and, next to that, a Robertus Hyde who was elected a justice of the King's Bench in 1663. It is claimed that the appearance of the two names on the one window has to be more than co-incidence. Stevenson had wanted to be a professional writer but, as a compromise with his father, he studied instead for a law degree at the Inns of Court in London, becoming an advocate in 1875. And the contrast between the sober, bewigged judge who sat in court during the day and the boisterous drinking companions in the evening, may have led to the contrasting behaviour of Stevenson's character. Of course, Stevenson wrote about a doctor, to avoid offending his former colleagues. It certainly sounds plausible.

Paisley Abbey Refurbishment Complete

It has taken 15 years and cost £2.4 million, but the refurbishment of Paisley Abbey has now been completed. There have been major improvements to the stained glass windows and stonework has been restored. The completion was marked last weekend with a four-day flower festival which had flower arrangers from across Scotland flocking to see the displays. The ornate carving of the wood and stone in the Abbey were an excellent back-drop for the floral art. For more on Paisley Abbey, see Places to Visit - Paisley Abbey.

Next Week in History

• June 20 1887 - New Tay rail bridge opened, the longest in Britain.
• June 21 1791 - Robert Napier, regarded as the "father of Clyde shipbuilding" was born. He died on 23 June, 1876.
• June 21 1796 - Scottish explorer Mungo Park reached the source of the river Niger in Africa.
• June 22 1679 - Duke of Monmouth subdued Covenanters at Bothwell Bridge.
• June 22 1725 - Malt Riots, Glasgow - against higher taxes imposed on Scottish malt.
• June 23 1650 - Charles II sailed into the estuary of the river Spey and signed the Covenant before going ashore.
• June 23 1927 - Singer Kenneth McKellar born.
• June 23 1952 - Salvador Dali's painting "Christ of St John of the Cross" went on display in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery. There was a public outcry when the then director of Glasgow's museums and art galleries spent the city's entire annual purchasing budget (all £8,200) to buy the painting.
• June 23 1971 - Mass protest in West of Scotland against closure of John Brown's shipyard.
• June 24 1314 - Robert the Bruce defeated Edward II at Battle of Bannockburn.
• June 24 1886 - Crofters' Holding Act passed providing limited security of tenure.
• June 25 1799 - David Douglas, explorer and botanist, born at Scone, Perthshire. In addition to the Douglas Fir, he brought back to Europe lupins, phlox, penstemmon, sunflowers, clarkia, Californian poppy, mimulus, flowering currant, rose of sharon and mahonia.
• June 25 1887 - Wallace statue unveiled at the Wallace National Monument, Stirling.
• June 25 1971 - Lord Boyd Orr, biologist and Nobel Prize Winner, died.
• June 25 1876 - Seven Scots, including John Stuart Forbes, were in the US 7th Cavalry with General Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
• June 25 1891 - The first Sherlock Holmes story by Edinburgh-born author Arthur Conan Doyle was published in the "Strand" magazine.
• June 26 1488 - James IV crowned king at the age of 15 at Scone. He reigned until 1513 when he fell with the flower of Scotland's nobility at the Battle of Flodden Field.
• June 26 1695 - Darien Company formed to set up a Scottish colony in Panama.
• June 26 1830 - King George IV died, aged 67 (and William IV ascended the throne). George IV is reckoned to be Britain's fattest king. His favourite breakfast was two roast pigeons, three beefsteaks, a bottle of white wine, a glass of champagne, two of port

British Pipe Band Championships

Last year's winners of the World Pipe Band Championships added another title to their long list of honours when they became British Pipe Band Champions 2004 at Turriff in Aberdeenshire last Saturday. There was sunshine and high temperatures as House of Edgar (Shotts and Dykehead) swept to victory. Last year's winners, the Strathclyde Police Band, could only manage fourth place this year. Field Marshall Montgomery from Northern Ireland were in second place and St Laurence O'Toole from Eire were third. House of Edgar also won the best drum corps award.

40,000 at West End Festival Street Party

It was estimated that 40,000 partygoers took to the streets last Sunday on the opening day of Glasgow West End Festival's Midsummer Carnival. Streets were closed as five stages, 20 bands, street theatre, cafes and restaurants entertained the revellers on a sunny afternoon. Barbecue smoke filled the city streets as people queued to enjoy a variety of food on offer. A parade meandered its way from the Botanic Gardens down Byres Road to the sound of samba and steel bands. The procession was led by "Big Rory" a giant Scotsman in a kilt on tall stilts, towering above the crowd.

Honorary Degree for American Folk Singer

St Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland, has announced that it will be awarding the folk singer Dylan an honorary doctor of music at its summer graduation ceremony on June 23. The iconic figure of the 1960s and '70s has accepted only one previous honorary degree, from Princeton University in 1970. St Andrews University was founded in 1413 and is the third-oldest in the UK. Prince William, second in line to the British throne is currently a student there.

Glasgow River Festival

This new event aims to be an annual celebration of the famous river that made Glasgow what it is today. The highlight is the Zapcat Racing series using 40 of the noisy little power boats which have become popular (with some people). Other events over the long weekend of the Glasgow Fair Holiday of 16-19 July include dinghy sailing and power-boating and a concert at the Tall Ship at Yorkhill. The organisers say that they hope attract 75,000 visitors to Glasgow's first river festival See www.glasgowriverfestival.co.uk/ for more details.

Deep Sea World Produces Buoyant Profits

After a number of years of financial problems, the aquarium operator Deep Sea Leisure, which runs the Deep Sea World facility at North Queensferry in Fife, has reported a profit of £261,000 for the first six months of its current financial year, compared to a loss of £22,800 for the same period last year. The company reports that visitor numbers have increased by 16% year-on-year. Good weather is never good news for indoor attractions and so it is benefitting from the lack of sunshine in 2004 compared to last year. For more on Deep Sea World see Places to Visit - Deep Sea World.

Euro 2004

Since Scotland did not qualify for the Euro 2004 football tournament in Portugal, many Scots are finding the many televised hours of the current group stages of the competition a big yawn. Some Scots become temporary supporters of France, Switzerland and Croatia (the other teams in England's group) and there was a good deal of interest in the performance of former Celtic player Henrik Larsson, playing for his native country, Sweden. In the game against Bulgaria, Larsson scored twice within two minutes and made two of the other goals in Sweden's 5-0 win. Memories of Celtic's "Lisbon Lions" winning the European Cup in Lisbon moved some to call Larsson a "Lisbon Lion" too. Amazingly, despite being available without a transfer fee, no club appears to have made Larsson an offer of employment for next season. Larsson will be 33 at the start of next season and has indicated that he would like to end his footballing career at a club located in a sunny part of Europe. Understandable, after five years in Glasgow...

Partick Thistle Take SPL to Court

A second meeting of the Scottish Premier League on 22 June is expected to result in enough of the 12 clubs reversing their previous decision and allow First Division champions Inverness to be promoted. To avert this, Partick Thistle, who finished bottom of the SPL and would thus be relegated, have applied to the courts for an order blocking the second meeting. Until the messy situation is resolved, the fixture list for next season cannot be finalised and the two clubs do not know which division they will be playing in - with serious financial implications as well as uncertainty for players and supporters. The legal arguments are likely to be heard on Monday, in advance of the scheduled SPL meeting. Inverness have also lodged an appeal with the Scottish Football Association which will be heard on 23 or 24 June if the SPL meeting does not take place or the decision goes against the northern club.

Fantasy Football for Charity

Hundreds of football fans will be able to turn their dreams of playing at the National Stadium at Hampden in Glasgow into reality next month - and help deserving charities at the same time. And football legends such as Danny McGrain, Joe Jordan and Gordon McQueen will be acting as captains and managers to teams taking part. Football Aid is in its third year of operation, having previously taken place at stadia including Old Trafford, Highbury, Celtic Park and even the Nou Camp in Barcelona. More than £600,000 has been raised for a number of charities and around 6000 fans have taken part. To take part, fans must log onto www.footballaid.com and put in their bids for selection. The main event on July 10 will be full international games, with sides playing in Scotland's famous dark blue shirt. After a period of open bidding, every few days the person with the highest bid wins the position, subject to successful payment and allocation.

Australia Defeat Scotland - Twice

Last Sunday in Melbourne, Australia defeated the Scotland rugby team 35-15. The Scots had fought back in the first half from 13-0 at one point, going in only 13-12 at half-time after Scotland scored four penalties. Commentators suggested that Australia were "rusty" in their first competitive match for six months. If so, some oil was applied at half-time and they moved up a gear in the second half. Scotland could not keep the try-scorers out. Then on Saturday 19 June, the Wallabies gave a repeat performance, defeating the Scotland touring side 34-13 (17-10 at half-time). Australia scored five tries while Scotland only crossed the scoring line once, the rest of their points coming from the kicking of Dan Parks. After the game, Scotland coach Matt Williams said: "I am very disappointed with that final scoreline. I believe we played better than that." Australia has thus extended their winning sequence against the Scots to 13 games. In 1998, Australia beat Scotland by the largest-ever margin in games between the two nations with a 45-3 score-line.