19/06/2014 River City

I need dirt on someone.

-Who are you after?

-Eileen Donachie.

Do you really think this development is such a bad idea?

I'm not backing down.

If you're fine everybody knowing Raymond's a murderer

and you're an accessory.

You said this project was going to be a disaster.

That it was going to cause chaos.

-Well, I've changed my mind.

-Why?

So Frank wants to use his own guys on the ground report.

-It's no big deal.

-It's my responsibility.

We can't do it without him, so we need to keep him sweet.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.

Eric Turnbull.

Let me know what you think.

Do you always hand deliver?

Only when it's important.

As I said, let me know.

DOOR CLOSES

I'm outside.

No, outside your house.

Oh, aye. Very good, Romeo. What are you after?

What do you mean?

Flashing the cash. Are they not a bit showy?

A bit better than the last ones, eh?

Could you not have brought something useful like milk?

Who says they're for you?

If you give them to anybody else, you're in big trouble.

They're called bird of paradise, reminded me of you.

Is that the best line you've got, aye?

Pretty much. Will I bring them up?

Aye, well, what's plan B? Are you going to chuck them up?

Thank you. These are lovely.

I'll tell you what, you're learning.

Look, I really enjoyed your company.

I'd like to see you again.

I was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner, tomorrow night?

I'd like very much.

Good. I'm glad.

OK then.

Has everything settled down, after the court case?

Aye, it's good to see my mum and Jimmy back together again -

-it feels right.

-Good.

Right, well, I'd better put these in some water.

I'll be off. Busy day and that.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Alan, how's it going?

No, I'm at the Oyster, how?

The ground report?

OK, see you in a sec.

Eric Turnbull?

Is that not Frank's guy?

That's him. Delivered it himself, this morning.

Really? Why?

Because he knows what the results could mean.

This isn't like the renovations we've done,

there are other procedures.

Such as?

That - having a ground investigation report done.

-And?

-And they've found high levels of chromium in the plot.

What does chromium do?

It's toxic. It's very bad news.

Magic, additional expense.

Worst case scenario? Project's over, no development, no flats.

We've not even started.

I haven't had time to go into it properly.

I wanted you to know before your meeting with Frank this afternoon.

He's had the report?

No, that's the only one, for me to countersign.

-When are you meeting him?

-Soon. I better head.

Cheers for heads-up.

I've used Eric a lot, put plenty business his way.

He knows the significance of the levels.

-For ground remediation costs?

-And more.

You're legally bound to declare the findings in the report,

before you start work.

Not a problem, there's a meeting tonight. We can tell them there.

That's not a good idea.

Keep this one close to your chest at the moment.

-What exactly are these risks?

-Perceived risks, totally unproven.

But?

There are those that would argue a tenuous link between certain

types of chromium and cancer.

-I don't believe this.

-Calm down, Alex, it's fine.

Sit down.

I'll explain.

Back in '91, there was a blip in the cancer rates,

near where a chromium factory had been.

Obviously, for someone trying to make a name for themselves,

there had to be a link.

So, even though chromium exposure in the local area

was below everyday levels, an independent study was called for.

-A bit OTT?

-Precisely. Scaremongering's more to the point.

There was no evidence of a possible relationship between chromium

in the soil and cancer.

If there's no concrete evidence, that's a good thing,

we've nothing to hide.

I'll get you a new report.

It's all about perception.

If people even think that site is dangerous, they won't buy the flats.

It would jeopardise the whole Lowtherhill development.

I'll lose face and favour.

Yourself and Alan could lose everything, not just this job.

We need another day before the meeting. Can you arrange that?

Shouldn't be a problem.

Good.

Where are you? We need to meet.

Eric.

Frank.

I thought first reports are for my eyes only. No third parties.

I assumed everyone along the riverside was on board.

-I assumed the report would be clean.

-It can be.

Those levels needn't be a problem, you know that.

-It's a question of size.

-Size?

Shieldinch is part of the biggest land deal you've overseen.

-Loads of money to be made. More than usual for some.

-And?

I want more than usual to apply to me.

-How much?

-Twice the amount, into the same account,

and you'll have the clean report tomorrow morning.

You've got a brass neck, Eric.

You've got chromium.

Just make sure I get that report.

You will.

A report was commissioned.

It didn't provide any concrete evidence of a link

between chromium and cancer.

So why have safety levels, if it's safe?

You tell me.

-So the ground's fine?

-Aye.

-But it isn't?

-It is. Ignore that, it's gone.

We'll have a new report tomorrow.

-Are you serious?

-Same guy, different figures.

And you expect me to sign it? Forget it.

It's my reputation we're talking about.

Don't pull that one, Alan.

It's guys like me that'll get dumped on when it all goes pear-shaped.

You're asking me to build on toxic ground. I live here.

-It's not toxic.

-It is!

Listen, the report needs to be done, we need to disclose it.

Even the suggestion of a connection would scare investors -

jeopardise the entire development.

It has to say the right thing.

You're always saying there are ways around anything.

Not around perception.

Perception? What about the truth?

No, I can't do it.

And the Alex I know wouldn't ask me to.

Look, will you just trust me on this one?

I know what we're getting into. I trust Frank.

His guidance and assurance are what we need.

We're going to need to delay the meeting.

Will you tell Murray Crozier?

I suppose so.

DOOR CLOSES

All right for some.

You don't mind, do you?

We don't have a vase in the house.

Shows you how often Jimmy buys flowers.

No, not at all, they brighten the place up.

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Councillor Donachie's office, how can I help you?

Oh, hello, you. I didn't recognise you there -

must be your telephone voice.

Yes, I can take a message...

Postponed until tomorrow night.

Does that mean I'm being rescheduled?

Well, that didn't take long, did it?

Tonight? What time?

OK.

I'll need to check my mum can babysit, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

OK, see you then. Bye.

So, was that for me or for you?

Both. That was Alex, Alex McAllister.

Really? So he's the lucky man?

Yep, he sure is. The big meeting's been postponed to tomorrow night.

-Did he say why?

-Documentation issues.

He says he hopes you can still make it

and he's sorry for any inconvenience caused.

That was nice of him.

Aye, and they say business is ruthless.

So, how far along are things with Alex?

How far along? You make it sound like a pregnancy.

-You're not are you?

-No, I am not.

-I was going to say.

-What does that mean?

Nothing, nothing, wrong choice of words, I just mean I was surprised.

Surprised? What that somebody would want to see me?

Wee Kelly-Marie who answers the phones?

No. I think, we should stop there, eh?

-Happy to. My private life is mine.

-OK, agreed.

So they've asked me to tell you, the meeting's been postponed,

until tomorrow.

One day? Why?

Delay on a ground report. Just one of these things.

One of these things? That's it?

-Aye.

-Which ground report?

-I'm not sure.

-You're the builder and you're not sure? I don't think so.

It's better to delay and give you the full picture, surely?

The full picture? From you lot?

-It's just a change of a few notices? It won't take long.

-Yeah, right.

Cos I've got nothing better to do, have I?

I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs.

You know it's a wonder I get paid really.

The meeting's been postponed.

-Yes, I know.

-How?

-They phoned to tell me.

-Yeah, but did they say why?

Documentation, some kind of delay.

-What do you know about ground reports?

-I'm not a builder,

I don't know about ground reports or anything like that.

This stinks, it's a cover-up.

Murray...

do what I'd do, and go and find out for yourself.

Because I don't have time to listen to

any more of your conspiracy theories.

You let me down badly, Eileen. Now, I don't know why you

changed your mind, but you still represent us all.

Yes, I represent the best interests of Shieldinch.

And you think student flats is what we need?

-Yes, I do.

-I don't believe you.

Well, that's how it is.

You're here to listen and advise, Councillor.

I'm sorry, but you're on you own with this one.

Well, you've lost MY vote.

I'm going to make damn sure there's difficult questions

-asked at this meeting.

-Well, that's what the meeting's for.

It wouldn't be right if everything

went through uncontested now, would it?

I'm busy. You need to leave.

That was a bit full-on, was it not?

He's just scared for his job.

SHE SIGHS

All right?

No. Just been chased by your ex.

Have you been annoying her again?

No, I went to see my local councillor!

She wouldn't listen to a word I said.

She's tired, Murray, and she's carrying a heavy workload just now.

-You need to cut her some slack.

-Think what you like.

I am fighting for the future of this community.

What?

Kelly-Marie, don't take this the wrong way...

What you said before,

-about your private life being none of my business?

-Uh-huh.

-Well, it could be.

-How?

Alex is involved in a potential major development in Shieldinch.

-Potential?

-See, that's exactly what I mean.

Eileen, you're going to have to help me out here.

-You're already picking up on his interests.

-Meaning?

I'll be straight with you and I don't like asking,

but can I trust that you'll be honest

and discreet about anything that happens in this office?

There won't be any more wee slips of the tongue, like with the scrubland?

-SHE GASPS

-I can't believe you're bringing that up again.

But you do see where I'm coming from? Think about it.

Think about what?!

Do you don't think this is an awful coincidence?

Eileen, you're really going to have to spell this out for me here.

The flowers, the dinner date, the postponed meeting,

-all on the same day.

-All right, so here we go again.

Alex couldn't be interested in somebody like me, is that it?

I'm just... I'm extrapolating.

He could be using you to get information out of this office.

Eileen, look around you. It's not Watergate.

You're hardly the hub of operations. What is there to spy on?

But you see what I'm saying?

-SHE SCOFFS

-Do you know what?

I've had enough of this.

-Here you go, Malcolm.

-Aw, thanks, Raymond.

Wee soul's shattered. What have you done to him, Raymond?

He's had a great day, we've been all over Glasgow.

Sounds great. I'd like to go up to the town sometime.

Take Liz for an afternoon tea.

-We'll make a date, we can all go.

-Oh! That would be great, Raymond.

-Where's Stuart?

-What happened to hello?

Hello, everybody. Where's Stuart?

-He's SOUND asleep.

-At five o'clock?!

He's had a great time.

Raymond, I've told you, I don't want him getting spoiled.

I can spoil my own son.

-For you.

-What are you up to?

Eileen!

-I'm trying to be nice.

-I've a lot on my plate right now.

Haven't we all?! But we're not RUDE!

Cheers.

-Now, remember, you two, let's make a date.

-Aw, yeah!

SHAME on you.

I'm going to go and see to Stuart.

SHE TUTS

Can't be easy being a councillor.

Forgive me, Malcolm, but it's Eileen,

she is not easy.

NEVER was.

Never mind, we'll have a great day, in town.

Aye, aye, we will.

So I bought Eileen a gift. Just a wee gift.

What do you think she said?

"What are you after?"

Close. "What are you up to?"

Welcome to my world. That's sort of thing happens all the time.

She casts a cloud, that one. Blows hot and cold.

-Wee second, Murray. Same again?

-Let me guess, Eileen?

She's certainly not up for doing her job these days.

How do you mean?

Well, she's left us all high and dry,

she betrayed us with that U-turn on the flats.

Her duty should be to the whole community.

She's carrying a lot.

We don't know the bigger picture - the pressures.

It can't be easy, trying to keep everyone happy.

-So she's excused?

-She's reason to be.

Must be easy to be so forgiving, when your livelihood's secure.

Listen, Murray, maybe if you thought about other

people BEFORE yourself, you might improve your own outlook.

I AM thinking of other people.

You want a drink?

I've changed my mind. I've got to get back.

-CARTOONS PLAY ON TV

-Will I do?

Oh, darling, you look lovely.

-You're not just saying it?

-Would I do that?

Probably. Have you seen my purse?

You'll not be needing your purse, he's loaded.

-Ma!

-Well he is!

-Aye, but I'm not a gold-digger!

-Cool your jets. Are you nervous?

Nah, not really. But I have got the flutters.

-Aw. High hopes?

-Aye.

-DOORBELL RINGS

Right, you! Come here! You be good tonight, OK?

Listen, you make a night of it. Don't come back early.

I'll get Cal ready for school tomorrow, don't worry.

-Just have a good time.

-Thanks, Ma. Don't wait up.

You're joking! Those days are over.

-Bye.

-Bye, darlin'.

Looked lovely, didn't she?

Do you want to have a drink first?

Aye. I can't remember the last time I was out like this, properly.

It's great.

-What you looking at?

-Potential.

I like it.

It could be so much more. I've got my eye on the place.

Oh, right, so not only was I rescheduled,

I'm now acting guinea pig for your wee scouting trip.

Hey, a free dinner's a free dinner, don't knock it.

Right go on, then, what would you change?

The whole place. Put private parking underground,

move the bar, a VIP bistro on that level,

some private dining areas,

boutique rooms up above. Revamp everything, designs, menus,

materials, fixtures, fittings, staff uniforms, the whole shebang.

-You're kidding?

-No, I'm not.

It's what I'm good at, making the old new.

Regenerate, rejuvenate, reap the rewards.

Is that what you're doing in Shieldinch?

It needs it, don't you think?

New build, new people, new business.

Busy bars and shops, a footbridge over the river,

Shieldinch as a destination.

Aye, sounds great.

How did you know I'd be here?

Tracked you down. I know you've got your eye on the place.

That's on me.

That thing we spoke about, it's all sorted.

I'll get it to you in the morning.

Enjoy your meal. Food's good here.

That was a bit swanky.

He does things his own way, I'll give him that.

Shieldinch is never going to be the same.

There's a long way to go though.

Tough decisions, compromises, strained working relationships.

I know all about them.

Building's different. Let someone down, your name's mud.

-I WILL make it happen.

-I don't doubt it.

That means a lot.

-Right, OK, no more work. Let's enjoy ourselves.

-Exactly.

Thanks for coming over, Dan. What do you know about chromium?

The shiny stuff on bikes?

No. That's what I thought.

Apparently it's toxic when found in soil?

Is this about the development?

They need permissions to build.

They need to show the public the ground reports.

They postponed the meeting. Don't you think that's strange?

Bearing in mind these meetings are usually PR pushes,

all glad-handing and back-slapping, I think they haven't got,

or they don't want to show something...

-Problematic?

-Exactly, something serious.

-And this is the report?

-No. Information, loads of it.

But it could be what's causing the delay.

I'm not the one to make sense of it.

Where did you get it?

Internet, readily available.

I think you should bring it up at the meeting.

-Why me?

-Public health, you're a doctor, people will listen to you.

Would you have a look through it, and have a word with Eileen?

-She's giving me the brush off.

-OK.

-So it ended up being a mullet.

-THEY LAUGH

It did! It was terrible!

Do you know my two favourite things about you.

-What?

-Your eyes.

-Oh!

I don't remember ordering the cheese board.

-THEY LAUGH

-Do you know why you're seeing me?

Em, because I like you?

Wrong, to get inside information from Eileen's office.

And risk getting slapped again?

Aye. I'd forgotten about that.

I haven't.

-Here you are, Sir.

-That's lovely, thank you.

Are you trying to get me drunk?

No. Agreeable.

Oh, really?

Agreeable to what exactly?

-I'm sure we'll think of something.

-Well, we have got all night.

Besides, can't let Frank buy all the drink for my date, can I?

Well, you don't need to spend your money to impress me,

like those mad flowers this morning.

Really? So I should have saved myself a couple of quid?

Aye, you could have.

That's not to say I don't enjoy the finer things life.

Good, cos the best things in life are free.

-Isn't that what they say?

-Aye. We'll see.

-SHE GASPS

-Wow!

This is nice, really nice!

-Don't sound so surprised.

-Oh, I didn't mean...

I'm joking. Gimme your coat. I'll hang it up.

-Oh, sorry.

-Don't be daft. You checking I'd done the dusting?

Aye, that'll be right. Guys like you, probably got a cleaner.

Pretty and Polish, probably.

Not Polish, and he's not pretty.

I take it this is Jessica?

Aye. Aye, when she was nine.

-What age is she now?

-She's 14.

-Do you see her much?

-Not as much as I'd like.

She's got her studies, I've got my work, it's difficult to co-ordinate.

Well, she's really pretty.

Well, she doesn't take her looks off me.

I wouldn't say that.

Are you OK?

Absolutely. Things aren't moving too fast for you?

-No.

-Cos I'd understand, if you want to take it easy.

I could still take you home.

I don't want to go home. This feels right.

-If you're sure?

-Aye.

-Should I stop talking?

-Aye that would help?

-Hey.

-Oh! You're up? I was going to bring you this in bed.

-Alex, you shouldn't have.

-You can't leave without your breakfast.

-At least have some coffee.

-OK.

Thanks.

-This is really lovely.

-So how are you feeling?

-A wee bit naughty.

-I meant your head, after the champagne.

Oh, right, well, it's been that long since I've actually stayed out.

What, without telling your mum?

Aye, I know. It's ridiculous, I'm a grown woman too.

But it was worth it...

All of it. I had a REALLY lovely time, so thank you.

Me too. I didn't expect it, if you know what I mean.

Neither did I, or I'd have brought a change of clothes.

Anyway. So, is this what it's going to look like in real life?

Pretty much. What do you think?

Looks like somewhere I can't afford to live.

-Hey, hard work, you never know.

-As if.

Talking of work I should really head, could I get my coat.

-Aye.

-Thanks.

Mmm. That one.

HE RINGS THE BELL

Raymond?

I know, the last person you expected to see after yesterday's charm-fest.

I'm sorry about that. I was short with you, and ungrateful.

Right, you apologising only convinces me that there

IS something wrong.

-What's going on?

-What do you mean?

You're not yourself, even Murray said so. It's why I'm here.

Ah! As long as you two agree.

I chased him because he was annoying me with his protest.

-He's probably still brooding.

-See, that's it.

It's since you backtracked on the development, isn't it?

Towing the party line makes you unhappy, Eileen,

-it always has.

-Stop.

-Eileen, it's me.

-Can you just butt out?!

What?

-You need to step back.

-From what?

-Me.

I don't need help, I can sort this.

Sort what? Are you going to tell me what's wrong?!

It's work, it's home, it's everything, but I'll deal with it.

Now, if that's all, I need to finish getting ready.

RADIO PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

-Morning.

-Morning.

-You dirty stop out.

-Shut it, you.

-Any tea?

-Right, I'm away.

-See you.

-See you later, darlin'.

-What?

-Good night?

-Really good.

-Get much sleep?

-Some, aye.

That's a good sized yard you've got there, Alan.

-Should see you well into the future.

-That's the plan.

Good for you.

-I love it when a plan comes together.

-Really?

Makes all the hard work and tough decisions worthwhile.

You can look around and feel vindicated, justified.

Here. Can I have the original?

Good.

I'd hate to see you lose all this, before we even get going.

It doesn't matter what that report says if we know the ground is toxic.

But it's not. Did Alex not explain that?

Safe levels are plucked from the air.

With this, there is no remediation necessary.

-I can't ignore the original report.

-I know others that will.

Before long, they've taken over this yard.

No villas in Spain, fancy cars,

no day to day help with the kids, no luxuries.

It's a shame.

I respect your misgivings.

But in this circumstance, I think they're misplaced.

It's a case of bend or snap, Alan.

This development will go ahead, with or without you.

Work with me. I like you. I like Alex.

I can see a future here.

That's where we are. Just waiting on one final piece of documentation,

which we're expecting today, and we're ready to break ground.

-Break ground?

-Get to work. Start building.

-Sounds good.

Better than good.

If this comes off we're all in for a tidy wee nest-egg.

TEXT MESSAGE BEEPS

This might be the news we're waiting on.

-Is it?

-It looks that way.

Right guys, I'm going to have to shoot, I'll see you later.

Listen we'll be there, don't worry about that.

-And thanks for the catch up, it's much appreciated.

-Pleasure, lads.

-I didn't like it when he said, "if".

-Jumped out at me as well.

-I'm banking on this.

-You and me both.

What's up?

-Your pal, Frank just paid me a visit.

-Social?

Far from it. It was a threat, kowtow or lose it all.

-He brought the new report.

-I don't understand.

Why he came to see me and not you?

-Aye, I'm in charge.

-Isn't it obvious?

-I'm the one he needs to scare.

-I'm still the one he needs to see.

-All right?

-Hiya.

Good date then, with Alex?

It's none of your business, why?

-Do you trust him?

-Bob? What kind a question's that?

I'm a bit worried about the development.

He doesn't seem to be 100% certain.

He needs to be, for my sake, and Raymond's.

So look, could you find out?

-Find out what exactly?

-If my money's safe?

-Bob!

-What?!

-Are you not just the wee-est bit ashamed?

No, why?

Right, go now, back to your work. You're worse than Eileen.

-This is my personal life.

-HE SIGHS

-But you'll ask him?

-Go, now!

All right!

DOOR OPENS

-We need to talk.

-Certainly looks like you do.

I won't have a long term colleague and friend threatened by you.

-Threatened?

-Your visit.

It was a courtesy, I was taking round the report.

If he felt threatened, maybe he's not strong enough.

I'll handle Alan. Don't go near him again.

Agreed. If it's that important.

It is. He's MY concern.

And here's my concern, and why we need to bring Alan in line.

Screw up, you'll be ridiculed then ruined. Nobody wants that.

Shieldinch is a beginning. We're looking for future partners.

People won't appreciate integrity if it costs them money.

Every project along that path is linked. One fails they all fail.

An iconic riverside walkway will never come to be.

Also, failure condemns Shieldinch to slum status.

And when my land was worthless,

you would compulsory purchase, and re-sell, to an "associate",

-for well below market value?

-An option, yeah.

But too long term.

The new report has saved

1.5 million in remediation costs, clearing the way for us

to proceed, with or without Alan.

-Can you spare a minute?

-Is it about the flats?

It's important.

Before we go any further, you need to understand,

that I am backing the development from the podium tonight.

You made that clear at the last meeting.

-This might change your mind though.

-Dan, I respect you,

and that's why I'm willing to listen to what you have to say.

I appreciate your time.

This is some research that Murray pulled up.

He was looking into ground reports and came across some other stuff,

of which I think this was the more pertinent.

They're studies investigating reported links between cancer

and chromium deposits in the ground.

So how does this relate to the flats?

Because of its proximity to the river and history of industry,

Shieldinch boat yard, and a lot of local land,

is affected to some degree.

This ground report is a permission they haven't made public yet.

And they postponed the meeting at short notice.

-Meaning?

-Coincidence? Should I be worried?

-You're directly involved, I thought you'd know?

-I don't, I'm afraid.

You should read them. I've highlighted the key points.

-Could you leave it with me?

-Of course.

I'm sure that once you see the potential risks to health,

you'll withdraw your support for this development?

I'm sure it's more complicated than it seems.

Not from where I'm standing.

I'll get back to you.

I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts.

-Hi, Dan!

-All right?

Are you OK? You look stressed?

-I'm just exhausted. Let's call it a day.

-Really?

Yeah, yeah. I've got stuff to read,

and I need to get my head together for this meeting tonight.

-OK, if you're sure.

-Yeah, you go on.

Right, will try and get some rest. I'll see you later.

-You told me you'd sort this out.

-I have.

This isn't sorted, by any means.

Look, will you get your head around the fact that the land is safe.

-Land you own.

-Uh-huh.

But we both lose money if we don't crack on, you know that.

It's happening, like it or not.

Alex, put yourself in my place.

This is my home, Shieldinch is a new start for me.

OK. Well, you put yourself in my place.

I've been protecting you.

Frank's happy to move on without you.

But I've been fighting your corner the whole way.

Don't let me down.

This makes it a viable proposition, no remediation fees, no starting

off in the red with toxic rumours to deal with when it comes to selling.

No-one gets ill and no-one loses money if we're diligent.

Absolutely no cutting corners as regards to health and safety.

Have you heard yourself? It's about doing right by people.

Alan, it's going to happen.

I don't want you to miss out.

Are you with me?

I'll see you at the centre, 6:30.

-Oh!

-Hiya!

-Hiya!

-I thought you were working today?

-Aye, so did I.

-Eileen's given me the rest of the day off.

-Really?

Aye, she seemed a wee bit frazzled.

Dan and Murray keep banging on about your flats.

-Em, they're apartments.

-Oh, sorry, apartments.

Come on. I've got some time, I'll take you for a drink.

Aye, that'd be nice.

-I'm not getting you champagne this time, though.

-Aw, come on.

-No.

-I've got a taste for it now!

-THEY LAUGH

This is a treat, seeing you again, sunshine on a cloudy day.

Do you know, it's like I'm a different person,

as soon as I get linked with you.

It's just Eileen being paranoid.

And my brother Bob.

He was in earlier, annoying me about you.

What? I'm not good enough, that kind of thing?

God, no, he doesn't give a monkey's about that.

He's worried about his investment, is his money safe?

As if I'd know anything about that.

It's fine, safe as houses, excuse the pun. Relax.

Right, so I can tell him not to worry then, get him off my back?

And tell him his worries are nothing compared to mine.

Have you had a tough day?

Not any more.

SHE LAUGHS

And the cheesemonger returns.

-HE LAUGHS

-You're right though, this a treat.

I had a cancellation, so I thought I'd distil what we had down.

I know what you're thinking.

It doesn't look like much, after all your work, just a few questions?

-You took the words out of my mouth.

-The chromium though, it's awkward.

-They haven't shown us the ground report yet.

-Exactly.

They're going to know we're vigilant, that they need to

do everything by the book, if this goes go ahead.

You think asking awkward questions can really make a difference?

It could.

-You're not convinced?

-I don't know.

It just all feels bigger than us.

Going through all this stuff... The same names kept cropping up

and not just for Shieldinch, for projects all along the river.

Same architects, same building suppliers, Portakabins,

security, same everything.

-It's a racket.

-Isn't that always the way?

How the contracts are divvied out could be an awkward

question in itself, if we had the time and the access.

But with so much money involved, and charlatans like McAllister,

what can we do, really?

You think they got to Eileen? That's why she changed her tune?

If they did, they'll get to everybody else.

But we can't just sit by. Nothing's a done deal, surely?

And if a doctor starts asking questions about public health,

-people will listen.

-We're just the little people.

David brought down Goliath. Questions are our weapons.

The harder they come, the harder they fall and all that.

I like that idea.

-Keep up with me, Malcolm.

-Go on the front.

No, not the front row.

-Keep smiling, councillor, reassure me.

-Of what?

That you are on message and fully behind this development.

-You know I am.

-That's good to hear. Let's impress your constituents.

CROWD CHATTER

-Large whisky, please.

-Do you want ice?

-No.

There you go.

Another.

-You not supposed to be over by?

-Just going.

They'll smell the whisky off you.

As long as they don't smell the fear.

Public speaking, gets me every time.

Well, get that down you, it'll sort you out.

Keep the change.

DOOR OPENS

Now we're all here, we can start.

First of all, I'd like to thank Councillor Donachie

for the invitation to speak tonight and to Mr Crozier,

for making the room available and comfortable for this meeting.

And to you, for turning out in such numbers.

So, first question, please?

All these new people, what are they going to bring to the community?

-Over to you, Alex.

-Well, they'll eat and drink in the Tall Ship,

they'll shop in the Mini Market, they'll get their hair done,

they'll book a taxi, get their nails done,

buy coffees...

To put it simply, it'll bring business, money and life.

-Can I get a road to my garage?

-LAUGHTER

So, you see, the eyesore

that is the boat yard will be transformed into a

vibrant, cared-for and energized corner of Shieldinch, a gateway,

a focal point of renewed pride, with a dedicated access road, landscaped

surrounds, tended pathways, a new footbridge, health centre and...

Of course... a new community centre.

APPLAUSE

What about the missing ground report?

Two other regeneration projects,

adjacent to Shieldinch, have had a problem with

toxic levels of chromium, necessitating extensive clean-ups.

This January 2000 report links chromium deposits to poor

general health...

and doesn't rule out a link to cancer.

THE CROWD MURMURS

Surely, that's a cause for genuine concern?

Cancer on our doorstep.

-I couldn't agree with you more.

-So?

So...

We were delighted

when the ground report came back with acceptable levels of chromium.

The ground is safe.

RELIEVED GASPS

-Anything else?

-Like what?

Viking coins, pirate treasure, human remains, knowing Glasgow...

-"There's been a murdur!"

-LAUGHTER

I'll murder you! SHE LAUGHS

Here you go, boys, thanks for an enjoyable night. It went well.

I'd like to buy whoever shouted "murdur" a drink,

fair took their minds off the chromium.

By the way, have you got the report?

That's us, we're good to go.

See you soon, boys.

-Here's to us.

-You're celebrating?

I can hardly look these people in the eye.

-I know it's not great.

-It's FAR from great, it's wrong.

And I'm ashamed of my part in it.

Well, I've got a child that needs a foster placement.

Just for a trial.

His name is Finlay McKay, he's 15 years old.

-Hi.

-Hiya.

-Hi.

-Come in.

My mum made me clean everything off the plate.

If I cooked it, you'll eat it. You little sod.

Forgot my phone.

-What are you doin'? That's mine.

-Finn, I wasn't going through it.

-You want to see my texts as well, yeah?!

-I wasn't...

Why not?! Everyone else does!