Last Week in Scotland
Glenallan
Your weekly insight into what has been happening in Scotland, snipped from
the Scottish media - plus some elements of Scottish culture.
A Web version of this Newsletter, with some graphics and newspaper-style
layout is available at http://www.RampantScotland.com/letter.htm
If you have been passed a copy of this Newsletter by someone else, but
would like to receive your own copy direct from Scotland, just send an
email to sco...@cqm.co.uk with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
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3,100 Jobs Lost as Motorola Closes Factory
Despite telephone calls from Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, to the
chairman of Motorola, and teams of negotiators sent to the company's
Chicago HQ, the company announced on Tuesday that it is to close its
factory in Bathgate, West Lothian, with the loss of 3,200 jobs. All the
staff will be redundant within three months. The future of Motorola's
German factory remains uncertain. Trade Union representatives are convinced
that the Scottish factory lost out because it is easier to make staff
redundant in the UK than in Germany and the company can write off losses in
its German operation. Motorola began production of mobile phones at
Bathgate in January 1992. Efforts have begun to find an alternative
occupant for the large, modern factory.
New Tourist Chief Sacked
Only a few days after he had been appointed, the new chief of
"visitscotland" (the trendy new name for the Scottish Tourist Board) was
effectively fired. The offer of employment to Rod Lynch was withdrawn when
it emerged that he wanted to continue working as chairman and chief
executive of an air cargo company, Global Supply Solutions. This would have
taken the equivalent of more than a month of his time each year. Initially,
the organisation had argued that the "moonlighting" would have enhanced his
stature in the tourist industry. But when Scottish Executive ministers
heard about it they immediately realised that quite apart from being a
distraction from the job as tourist chief, there were potential conflicts
of interest. Mr Lynch had already made pronouncements about the need for
more direct air links from Scotland. Mr Lynch is now likely to seek
compensation for his abrupt departure - he had made no secret of his
continuation with the air company prior to the job offer being made. Now
visitscotland are back looking for a new chief executive.
Bank of Scotland Merger With Halifax
Over three centuries of independence will be lost if the negotiations
announced this week on a merger between Bank of Scotland and Halifax
reaches a positive conclusion. Halifax, a former building society (savings
and loan) which demutualised in 1997, is capitalised at about £16.5
billion; Bank of Scotland, founded under an Act of the Scottish Parliament
in 1695, has a market value of £9.6 billion. No announcement has been made
about the location of the head office of the merged bank - Halifax has
strong roots in the Yorkshire town and will fight to have the HQ there.
However, the Bank of Scotland Chairman, Sir John Shaw, is understood to
have given assurances to Henry McLeish, the Scottish Executive First
Minister, about maintaining its head office in Edinburgh. Bank of Scotland
employs 4,000 staff in Edinburgh, out of a Scottish work force of 10,700.
Bank of Scotland lost out to the Royal Bank of Scotland in a takeover
battle for the English bank National Westminster. They have also been in
recent talks about a merger with Abbey National, another demutualised
building society. A merger of Bank of Scotland and Halifax would not result
in wholesale branch closures as there is little overlap in their networks.
Prison Staff on Strike
Hundreds of prison officers, who objected to a new shift pattern, went on
strike on Monday. Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow, Scotland's biggest jail, was
particularly badly hit. Normally there would have been 150 warders to guard
1100 prisoners there. But on Monday there were only 17 volunteers, six of
whom were medical staff. There is legislation which prohibits prison staff
from going on strike. But union officials think that European Human Rights
legislation means that the restriction on strike action is no longer valid.
The new shift patterns would have reduced costs but, faced with the strike
action, prison management have withdrawn the new arrangements.
Restrictions on Farms Eased
There were a number of positive developments in the foot and mouth disease
outbreak this week. First, the automatic pre-emptive cull of animals in
farms adjoining confirmed cases was ended as far as cattle were concerned.
Sheep and pigs will continue to be removed as the disease in these animals
is more difficult to spot in the early stages. Then the restriction of
movement of animals above the Forth and Clyde line will be relaxed from 1
May. Sheep which have been on winter pastures will be allowed to return to
their home farms. The relaxation on culling came just in time to save a
white calf named "Phoenix" which became a potent symbol, having survived on
a farm where a cull had taken place. A similar plea for a pet Vietnamese
pot-bellied pig in Dumfries may not be so successful - the pig is not as
photogenic as the little woolly calf.
Red Meat Sales in the Pink
Consumers have continued to buy red meat in butchers and supermarkets,
despite the foot and mouth crisis. It appears that customers understand the
situation and the lack of risk and the amount being sold is similar to that
before the outbreak began.
"Virtual" Auction Voted a Success
Dingwall Auction Mart was back in business this week, despite the Foot and
Mouth Disease restrictions on cattle movement. Instead of parading the
animals in the ring, pictures of the cattle were shown on a large screen in
a furniture saleroom. 800 cattle were sold and farmers praised the
initiative of the auctioneers. Buyers will collect their purchases when
movement restrictions are lifted.
Funding Formula to Stay
Despite mutterings by John Prescott, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, the
funding formula which gives Scotland a larger share of government regional
spending is to stay. The Prime Minister's official spokesman has
categorically denied that there are any plans to amend the "Barnett
Formula". This gives Scotland 10.6% of government spending although it has
only 8.8% of the UK population. This means that spending per head is higher
in Scotland than any other part of Britain. Representatives of the English
regions are unhappy about the arrangement, which makes allowances for the
more sparsely populated areas of Scotland where the cost of the provision
of services on a per capita basis is inevitably higher.
Scots Feeling More Scottish
An opinion poll by the "Scotsman" newspaper shows that more people in
Scotland regard themselves as "Scottish" rather than "British". It may be a
surprise to people outside of Scotland that the people who live here should
regard themselves as anything other than Scottish, but that is one of the
quirks of living also in the United Kingdom. Ten years ago around 65%
regarded themselves as Scottish; the figure is now 80%. Only 4% felt that
they were more British than Scots but 13% opted for being equally British
and Scottish. When asked about their opinion of Scotland, 67% thought the
country was "modern" as distinct from 14% who thought Scotland was
"backward". And more than half of those in the poll used words such as
happy, youthful and exciting to describe Scotland.
Last Farewell to Campbell Chief
A lone piper played at the funeral in Inveraray of Ian Campbell, the 12th
Duke of Argyll on Friday. The Duke had died earlier in the week at the age
of 63 following heart surgery. The great chief "Mac Cailein Mor" of the
clan Campbell was the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and Master of
the Royal Household in Scotland. His defence of the Campbell's historical
role sometimes led him into making controversial remarks - he described the
defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden as a "good result for the Scots". The
guard of honour at the funeral was mounted by the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, a regiment founded by his forebears as an insurance against
further Jacobite insurrection. In the tradition of the passing of an
important chief, the litany of the duke's hereditary titles was read by the
Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Numbers of Scots Continue to Decline
As the date of the National Census approaches (on 29 April) the Registrar
General's latest estimates of population in Scotland shows that more Scots
are dying than being born. Despite immigrants outnumbering emigrants by
800, there were 5,700 more deaths than live births in the first six months
of 2001. The population increased in Lothian, Renfrewshire, Edinburgh and
the Borders but the biggest percentage falls were in the Western Isles,
Shetland, Dundee, Argyll, Aberdeen and Dumfries and Galloway.
£70 million Development Project for Glasgow East End
A large business park, road links to the motorway and development of the
Parkhead Forge shopping centre, are all part of a £70 million plan to
regenerate the Dalmarnock area in the east end of Glasgow. Celtic Football
Club, whose ground is near the area will be making a contribution and the
City Council will provide £20 million. The rest will come from private
investment.
Billion Pound Order for Rail Coaches
Perth-based transport company Stagecoach placed a British record order for
a billion pounds of new rolling stock for their South West Trains company.
Stagecoach retained the franchise for the rail service only three weeks
ago, promising an investment of £1.7 billion over the next few years. The
785 railway carriages will be supplied by the German Siemens company and
the first will be in service by November 2002. Finance for the investment
is being provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
More Direct Flights
The low-cost Irish airline Ryanair has announced that it is considering
direct flights from Prestwick International Airport in Ayrshire to Sweden,
Italy and Southern France. The statement was made as the airline started a
daily service from Prestwick to Charleroi, south of Brussels, in Belgium.
Cab Drivers Fly Into Rage
40 Edinburgh city cab drivers mounted an unusual protest at Edinburgh
Airport on Wednesday evening - they offered passengers free rides into the
city centre. But airport security guards ushered bemused passengers away
from the cabs - towards the official rank of taxis. The city cabbies were
protesting about the fact that when they take passengers to the airport
they are not allowed to pick up any fares. Only the licensed taxi drivers -
who pay £1,200 for the privilege - can do so. Edinburgh Airport cabs have
special livery and are not the normal black hackney cabs but converted
saloon cars.
Robert is UK Secretary of the Year
Gender equality came full circle this week when a male won the title of UK
Secretary of the Year, the first time in the 45 years of the contest that a
female has not won the award. Robert Laird is the personal assistant to the
chief executive of Aberdeen College. He is also the first man in the
111-year history of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Examinations Board to win their gold medal for secretarial qualifications.
Mr Laird can write shorthand at 120 words a minute and type at 70 words a
minute and has audio transcription and management skills.Less than 1% of
the 2,500 people sitting the Chamber of Commerce exams this year were male.
Resistance to Wind Farms
Proposals to build 12 wind turbine generators at Ark Hill near Glamis in
Angus are being resisted by local people who describe them as a blight on
the landscape which create noise and scenic damage. The project would
provide enough electricity for all the houses in Glamis and Forfar - around
6,200 homes. A special meeting of Angus Council's development control
meeting will be held next month to decide whether or not to give the plan
approval.
Scots to Join English Sunday Cricket League
Teams from Scotland are to participate in the English Sunday Cricket League
from 2003 in a move designed to improve the standard of the game in
Scotland. The league is covered extensively by Sky Television. The better
Scottish players have to move to English clubs to advance their careers and
it is hoped that this move will encourage professional cricketers to stay
in Scotland. The Scotland cricket team will be participating in the ICC
Trophy in Toronto, Canada, later this year, from 28 June to July 18. See
the Scottish Cricket Union Web site for details - http://www.scu.org.uk
Witch Saves Nessie?
The High Priest of British White Witches travelled to Loch Ness this week -
to scupper the plans of Swedish researchers who were to use a modified
trawl net in an attempt to capture the Loch Ness Monster. The Swedish
Global Underwater Search Team (Gust) have alarmed heritage groups and
animal lovers - not so much concerned about Nessie (she knows how to take
care of herself) but the environmental impact on other creatures. Whether
as a result of the incantations of the white witch or due to technical
problems, the Swedish monster hunters failed to find any sign of the
elusive monster (surprise, surprise!). The winners in this contest,
however, were the local Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board.Twelve film
crews turned up to film the project, relaying their pictures round the
world. Mr Carylon, the High Priest was staying in room 13 in Drumnadrochit
Hotel to be on hand should his services be required again.
Terrier Rescued from Castle Ramparts
Hamish, a black and tan Jack Russell terrier had a lucky escape on
Thursday when he fell from the ramparts of Stirling Castle. He would have
plunged 200 feet down the cliff but instead he landed on a bin bag which
was caught in a tangle of ivy on the rocks less than ten feet from the top.
His owner contacted the emergency services from a mobile phone and the fire
brigade were quickly on the scene. One of the firemen climbed down the
cliff face and lifted the wee dog to safety.
Swinging Time for Caddies College
The first course for wannabe caddies drove off this week at Cupar, Fife
(not far from St Andrews). Top caddies can earn a lot of money but equally
a lot is now expected of them as they have to be a combination of
companion, guide, knowledgeable on course layout, teacher and valet - and
have to be well groomed themselves. The first caddies were students -
Cadets - employed by Mary Queen of Scots when she took up the fledgling
game. The new students will get a combination of practical work on the golf
course and academic work in classrooms.
Viva Loch Vegas
A revision of British gambling laws could see a major shake-up of casinos
in the country. There are currently only 13 casinos in Scotland as previous
legislation restricted casinos to the major cities. You have to be a
"member" of the casino and there is a 24-hour "cooling-off" period before
new members are allowed to play. No other forms of entertainment are
allowed - and casinos are restricted to a maximum of 10 slot machines!
Glasgow is currently regarded as Scotland's gambling capital but Edinburgh
is catching up with a new Cascades super-casino in Leith. Not quite Las
Vegas (yet) it will be the largest in the country with 16 tables for
blackjack, roulette and stud poker.
Weather in Scotland This Week
Although there were a number of showers during the week there were also
long bright sunny spells - Glasgow had 6.4 hours of sunshine on Tuesday and
temperatures as high as 15C (59F), the warmest place in Britain. But the
following day a northerly airflow caused the thermometer to plummet and it
only reached 7C (45F). The outlook is continuing changeable.
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HISTORICAL AFFAIRS - Topical Items from Scotland's Past
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Museum Centenary
Originally named the "New Fine Art Galleries" and now known as the
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the landmark building in Glasgow's West
End celebrates its centenary next week. In 1901 the museum was at the
centre of a six-month International Exhibition which covered 73 acres and
was visited by more than 11 million people. The project to fund the
original museum went bankrupt but the building was taken over by the City
of Glasgow Corporation and it has remained in their care ever since. It is
now the most visited free entry tourist attraction in Scotland.
King Over the Water Arrives in Edinburgh
Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite Uprising of
1745/46, his supporters would drink the loyal toast to the "monarch" but
quietly pass their glass over a bowl of water - thus toasting the health of
the "king over the water" living in exile in France. This is now the title
of a new exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait gallery in Edinburgh.
The centre-piece of the display is a ten-foot wide painting entitled "A
View of the Palazzo Mutti" which shows the "Old Pretender" James Stuart,
welcoming his son Prince Henry who had just been ordained a cardinal in
Rome. The painting shows just how significant the Stuarts were in Rome's
society at that time. It is the only painting in existence of the Jacobite
Palace in Rome.
This Week in History
April 29 1988 - Actor Andrew Cruickshank, died.
April 30 1940 - Free French Destroyer "Maillr Breze" explodes and sinks off
Greenock.
April 31 1728 - Royal Bank invents first overdraft, Wm Hogg overdraws by
£1,000 (£66,000 at today's money).
May 1 - Beltane's Day - ancient fire festival celebrating start of summer.
May 1 1690 - Battle of Cromdale, Jacobites defeated by government troops.
May 1 1707 - Act of Union of English and Scottish parliaments proclaimed.
May 1 1873 - Missionary and explorer David Livingstone died.
May 2 1316 - Edward Bruce, brother of King Robert the Bruce, crowned High
King of All Ireland.
May 2 1424 - King James I crowned at Scone
May 2 1568 - Mary Queen of Scots escaped from Loch Leven castle.
May 2 1963 - Rootes car factory opens at Linwood, making the Hillman Imp.
May 3 1557 - John Knox began the Reformation in Scotland.
May 4 1645 - Marquis of Montrose victorious at Battle of Auldearn.
May 4/12 1926 - General Strike by workers throughout the UK.
May 4 1949 - Twelve girls died in a fire at Grafton's fashion store in
Glasgow.
May 5 1646 - King Charles I surrenders to Lord Leven.
May 5 1758 - James Taylor who developed the steamboat was born.
For the other 51 weeks in history and a chronology of Scottish events see
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/bltimeline.htm
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Capital Concerts Cancelled
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra expects to have to cancel half of its
concerts at Edinburgh's Usher Hall because of continued restoration work in
the building. Ten orchestral concerts and three choral concerts are likely
to have to be cancelled next season. Scaffolding on the stage and
engineering work to refurbish the Usher Hall organ will coincide with the
RSNO's spring season in 2002. The orchestra announced its programmes for
next year this week - but Edinburgh's concerts could not be confirmed. The
RSNO has only just moved back to the Usher Hall after an enforced absence
of three years while the venue underwent a major refit. The RSNO conductor,
Alexander Lazarev, compared the situation to Edinburgh Council building a
new road and then starting to dig it up again.
Controversial Rock Music Figures in Glasgow
The "Gig on the Green" pop festival on Glasgow Green, is to have two of the
most controversial rock acts at the top of the bill. Eminem, who was
recently given two years' probation for pistol whipping a stranger with an
illegal firearm and the cross-dressing Satanist, Marilyn Manson, will
perform on the opening night of the concert in August. The Glasgow band
Travis will headline the second evening. An audience of 60,000 is expected
for the two-day event.
End of Road for High Road?
Scottish Television's long-running soap "High Road" is to be part of a
"review" by the company and there were broad hints this week that after 24
years it was "time for a change". The start of a new license period for the
company means that it has more choice over the sorts of programmes it is
required to produce. Scottish Television has to commit to Scottish news,
current affairs and Gaelic but there is more freedom to produce programmes
of other types. There is likely to be more news coverage in future - its
local news programme "Scotland Today" has been named Best Regional News
Programme by the Royal Television Society, beating even the BBC Scotland
output.
Glasgow's Treasures to Hit the Road
It is likely that during the closure of Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum and
Art Gallery for a £25 million refurbishment, many of the city's treasures
will be shipped abroad on touring exhibitions. The city is still short of
funding for the renovation and income from lending out the exhibits would
be a welcome addition.
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SPORT
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Sunday and Mid-week Results
Celtic 1 Hearts 0
St Mirren 2 Dundee United 1
Livingston 3 Falkirk 0
Greenock 0 Ross County 3
Scottish Premier League Results - 28 April
Dundee United 1 Motherwell 0
Dunfermline 1 St Mirren 2
St Johnstone 0 Aberdeen 3
Rangers v Celtic and Dundee v Hibernian will be played on Sunday
Scottish League Division One Results - 28 April
Ayr United 4 Alloa 1
Clyde 2 Ross County 0
Greenock 2 Falkirk 0
Inverness 2 Livingston 3
Raith Rovers 5 Airdrie 0
League Tables
The relegation battle at the foot of the Scottish Premier League is
continuing with only one point separating St Mirren and Dundee United as
both teams won their matches today.
Livingston's win today clinched the Division One Championship and
guarantees the club promotion to the SPL next season.
Rugby Results - BT Cellnet Cup
Boroughmuir 39 Melrose 15
Poland 1 Scotland 1
In this friendly international, Scotland was forced to play many new,
untried players (seven were new Scottish caps) as injuries hit the more
established members of the squad. But they acquitted themselves well and
although they lost a goal five minutes into the second half, Scott Booth
equalised with a well taken penalty 20 minutes later.
Six Match Ban for Colin Hendry
It looks as though the international career of Scotland's captain Colin
Hendry is at an end. The 51-times capped player elbowed an opposing player
during the World Cup qualifying match against Monaco. Nicola Albani had
been holding onto Hendry's shirt from behind and the defender had lashed
out with his elbow, catching the Monaco player on the throat. Although a
strong player, Colin Hendry did not have a reputation for fouls on opposing
players. But FIFA have announced that Hendry's action has resulted in a ban
for six international matches. The ban will mean that he will miss the rest
of Scotland's qualifying matches and, if Scotland win through to the World
Cup final stages, Hendry would not be able to play in the first of the
games in Japan and Korea in 2002.
O'Neill Denies Move to Manchester
With the retirement at the end of next season of Sir Alex Ferguson, manager
of Manchester United, there is always speculation about who will succeed
him. This week, there were renewed rumours that Martin O'Neill, the Celtic
manager, was the favourite to replace Ferguson. Considering O'Neill's
success, it would be surprising if he was not on the list of potential
candidates. But O'Neill himself is adamant that he wants to stay with
Celtic.
Celtic Advert "Revised"
When the advert for the new Celtic strip appeared in the club magazine it
cheekily stated "The new Celtic shirt is designed to prevent overheating
(not strictly necessary for St Mirren away in December)" But after
complaints from fans of the Paisley side the advert now reads "Moscow or
Helsinki" instead of St Mirren. Celtic apologised to the Paisley Club's
chairman, stressing that they had not seen the advert in advance of
publication.
Big Bonus for Hibs Players?
Hibernian Football Club are having one of their best seasons for a long
time and the players are said to be not only enjoying the success but the
financial rewards too. If they finish the season 3rd in the Scottish
Premier League, as seems likely, each player is in line for a £20,000
bonus. And if they defeat Celtic in the Scottish Cup they will earn another
£12,000.
Aberdeen Lose £3 Million
Despite efforts to reduce costs, Aberdeen Football Club has announced that
it expects to make a loss of over £3 million for the second year in
succession. But the club claims to be making progress in reducing costs -
the wage bill has been reduced by £800,000. And they say that their
strategy of developing new, young local talent is the only way forward.
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SONGS and POEMS of SCOTLAND
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Leaving Scotland involves both anticipation and sadness. Here is Walter
Wingate's reaction on seeing an emigrant ship passing by on the river on
its way to a foreign land.
To the Emigrants
I rested by the silent Firth
Horizonless in autumn mist
Save where he sun in golden mirth
The far off waters kissed.
And suddenly there came a wave
That spake in surges at my foot
And ceased - a messenger that gave
His message and was mute.
Across the sea a glance I cast -
A sea all glassy smooth again-:
A great grey ship went gliding past -
I read my message then.
I blest her as she passed me by:
O may the gleam of western gold
That lies before them where they fly
A happy omen hold!
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SCOTTISH HUMOUR
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For many years four Scotsmen met together once a week for a social evening
and consumed a bottle of whisky (as you do on these occasions). But
eventually Jock announced that he had some bad news. The doctor had
diagnosed a serious illness and he only had a few weeks to live. But he
went on to say "I hope you continue to meet as before and that you pour a
dram on my grave as a remembrance." There was silence for a few moments and
then one of the others asked "Would it not be better, Jock, if we gave it a
swill round our kidneys first?"
The judge asked constable McTavish why he thought the two accused were
totally drunk. "Well, Your Honour, Jock was throwing away five pound notes
and Sandy kept picking them up and handing them back."
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"MAGAZINE SECTION"
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The "Magazine" section consists of brief descriptions of the items involved
and a link to the Web page where you can find the full feature, if you find
the subject of interest to you.
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UKinNY
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Manhattan Becomes "MacHattan"
Scotland will be well represented in the "UKinNY" Festival in Big Apple on
14-28 October 2001. And on 6 April 2002 there could be 10,000 pipers
marching through Times Square!
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/weekly/aa042301v.htm
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WHERE AM I?
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Photo Quiz
Here are 20 photos of Scottish locations to test your knowledge - or
increase it! The quiz starts with some easy ones, so everyone can join in.
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/where/blwhere.htm
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GREAT PLACES TO STAY
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Ballathie House
Join travel writer Vivien Devlin as she whets her appetite climbing to the
top of Kinnoull Hill and samples the luxury of a Perthshire country house
and its cuisine.
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/bldev_castles_ballathie.htm
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DID YOU KNOW?
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Tallest and Widest
The tallest and widest trees in the UK are in Scotland (of course!) and so
is the biggest hedge in the world - 120 feet high and a third of a mile
long.
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/blknow_trees.htm
Yours Aye
Scottie
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