16/09/2011 Reporting Scotland

Good evening. The headlines: after decades of abuse, just as at last

for this family. The judge says their father

subjected them to violence, depravity and fear. One of the most

sadistic individuals I have met. When you think about what he did to

his family, there is it true, barbaric nature to him. Kenneth

Blair is also the father of a baby whose death 40 years ago is being

investigated by police in Dundee. A warning to football fans ahead of

the Old Firm game. Police say they will clamp down hard on domestic

violence. Halle Berry is made up to be in

Glasgow. She is in the city to shoot her new film.

He he he he and music to be murdered by. The scary soundtrack

which will bring back memories of that shower scene.

The father of a baby whose death 40 years ago is being investigated has

admitted a catalogue of violent abuse against his family. Kenneth

Blair from Fife was jailed for 15 years at the High Court in

Edinburgh after admitting a series of charges dating back decades.

This is the man -- he subjected them to years of abuse. He started

the first week of their marriage. He hid his face in shame as he was

taken away. He asked his solicitor to apologise to his family. For

over 10 years, the family lived in Cooper. During this time, Kenneth

Blair worked as a fire fighters. He assaulted his wife, pulled her hair

and pressure downstairs. The court heard details of the violent

attacks to which he subjected his family. From the ages of four and

five he would beat up his children, beating them so hard they would be

six. He would stop them using the toilet and force them to take baths

in exceptionally hot water. Those involved in the case described his

behaviour as barbaric. He is clearly an evil man. And hopefully

he will realise that although he went to England, as he hoped this

information would never come to light, he will now truly regret

what he put them through. investigation led police to pass

information to Tayside Police. They have now reopened an inquiry into

the death of his baby son, who died in November 1968. For a brief

period in the early 1980s, Kenneth Blair had his children taken off

Thames. They describe that as the only happy period of their

childhood. The trauma has left lasting emotional scars. As well as

the domestic abuse, here -- he admitted raping a young girl years

ago. There is a warning that people who

commit domestic violence connected to this weekend's Old Firm game

will be dealt with robustly by the courts. It comes from Strathclyde

Police and the Crown Office. Recent figures showed a sharp rise in

domestic abuse around this fixture. Reevell Alderson has the details.

Are domestic violence and big football matches linked? That seems

to be the inference from analysis carried out by Strathclyde Police.

They gathered figures when Rangers and Celtic met twice in one month,

last February. After that first game, domestic abuse cases rose by

33 % over the normal figure. Two weeks later, cases were up 75 %. To

be fair, it is not always like this. After the April game, there was no

significant rise. But police and prosecutors have combined to issue

a new warning, that this weekend's match at Ibrox will be no excuse

for domestic violence. Police have targeted for hundreds

known offenders in advance of Sunday's game. In many cases, they

had been arrested for other matters, getting them out of the way while

the match is on. We look to see what is outstanding from them in

terms of criminality. And what we try to do is make sure that we

effect arrests up to the Friday before that to have a bit of

control over the individuals, so they are in custody. I would

encourage any victim of domestic abuse to come forward. Police had

been joined by prosecutors and organisations to deal with victims

of domestic abuse in a task force to tackle the problem. They say it

is unacceptable that football is used as an excuse for violence.

That all is said to be the beautiful game. There is nothing

beatable about domestic abuse. It is all it, ugly and her full. And

no one should have to put up with that. There will be more than

50,000 fans in Ibrox. Many more will watch the game on television.

And prosecutors say drink is not an excuse for domestic violence,

either. It is difficult to say that drink is the precise cause. I am

sure in many instances it has been involved. But what I say is that

alcohol is no excuse for criminal behaviour. It is not a mitigating

factor. It is an aggravating factor. And we take any instances of

domestic abuse very seriously. Patterns will run high on the pitch

and in the stadium. It is hoped they will not spill over into

domestic violence. This is part of a wider campaign.

Prosecutors in last who has set up a dedicated domestic abuse unit

working with police. In two years it has dealt with more than 9,000

cases, 75 % have resulted in court action.

Coming up... Inviting disaster. The warning against the UK Government's

plan to withdraw Coastguard tugs from her post.

And crumbling crofts. Fears the traditional farmsteads are being

left to rack and ruin. In sport, we are talking two Old

Firm rivalries. In the north, tensions are arriving for the

Cammanachd Cup final as Kingussie crash -- clash with the to more.

Further south, it is the first Old Firm game of the season and this

time it is not personal. Ally McCoist says he has no desire to

The Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was out on the streets of

Glasgow this morning filming her part in the new Holyrood film,

'Cloud Atlas'. It is the latest in a string of American movies to

locate some of the filming here. Experts say it is down to the weak

pound and the "can-do" attitude of local organisations.

Another day, and more Holyrood action on the streets of Glasgow.

This time, the big noise is Oscar winner Halle Berry. Today, Glasgow

is doubling as San Francisco in the film version of the book, 'Cloud

Atlas'. Halle Berry is on said already, and as you can see, once

again, they have brought the American cars and the street

furniture. It follows hot on the heels of Brad Pitt's zombie movie.

It brought 1,200 cast and crew and an estimated �2 million to Glasgow.

And other film makers are keen to follow. It is fantastic in this

industry, because location managers will tell other location managers

about where they filmed and how it works in those cities. And that is

a great fantastic marketing opportunity. So it is not just

Halle Berry and Brad Pitt. Scarlett Johansson will beat making a film

in the river Clyde. And early next year, Edinburgh will be the setting

for another film. Experts say it is down to money. It is because it

hound is really week. So we will be doing all right, we will be cheaper

than anywhere else while the pound remains at such a low rate. So

despite the fact there is a recession here, selling actually

does all right. Five and it is better than all right. This

production facility is now turning away to war three productions a

week because of the huge demand for studio space. It took us years to

Pole all the funding together and refurbish the building. And it is

65,000 square feet. And so we were worried initially that we would be

rattling around. However, it is jam-packed every day. And we have

to turn away productions on a regular basis. It is a phenomenal

success. Meanwhile, Glasgow's streets are the place to find a

little bit of America - at least this weekend.

Around 100 students had begun occupying a lecture theatre at

Edinburgh University. They are protesting against the decision to

fix fees at the most expensive rate. Edinburgh is one of two

institutions set to charge applicants from England, Wales and

Northern island fees of �36,000 for a four year caused. A crowd outside

has been refused access. The University says freedom of speech

is important, but must be handled in a safe unlawful way.

55 people are set to lose their jobs as a small-scale wind tired --

wind turbine manufacturer goes into administration. Directors of Proven

Energy called in the receivers after a fault was found and the

firm did not have the finance to continue trading. The company

manufactures in Ayrshire, and has a design office in East Kilbride.

The UK Government is inviting disaster with its plan to withdraw

funding for Scotland's coastguard tugs in two weeks time. That is the

view of a group of MPs. They say taking the matter of service would

be short-sighted. They were introduced after the Braer disaster

in 1993 to help vessels in distress around Britain's coast.

A vital mission for an emergency tug. But UK ministers say they at

tugs cost too much, and they are due to stop the funding at the end

of the month. Are I am very concerned that the government still

wants to withdraw funding from the emergency tugs. They are there to

stop incidents of pollution, and they are also to save lives. There

is no evidence that withdrawing them would result... The government

should think again. It was after this disaster off Shetland that two

coastguards tugs were introduced. Thousands of tons of oil link from

the Braer, and there are concerns a similar environmental disaster can

strike. They cost �2 million per year each to run. But that is a

drop in the ocean compared to the cost of a massive oil spill.

Ministers insist that shipping safety is a matter for the industry,

not the tax payer. Tugs are expected to pick up the slack

around the Northern Isles. There is not that capacity of the west coast,

though. There is an insurance policy to protect the environment.

You cannot do that part-time, it has to be there all the time. But

we should not forget the tugs carry out a lot of other duties as well.

They are used all that time, at all times of year. Campaigners say the

decision is unwise, and they hope for a last-minute change of heart.

But was just two weeks to go, time is running out.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury says he is very surprised at claims

by the First Minister that he sent him a threatening letter over

public sector pensions. Dannii Alexander says the Scottish

Government will have to fund the scheme if it does not increase

workers' contributions. Illegal drugs may have caused the

death of One man and left a second man seriously ill in hospital.

Emergency services were called to a house in Inverness yesterday

evening. Northern Constabulary say the investigation is continuing,

and a possible line of inquiry is that Scott Macintosh's death was

drugs-related. 95 % of Scotland's beaches were not

to basic European standard this summer. Almost have all the beaches

met the more stringent standard, but four areas field, Irvine,

Lossiemouth and Eyemouth. Higher rainfall usually caused as

agricultural waste and sewage to There is a warning that a unique

example a Highland way of life is in danger of being lost. The

traditional croft house in Caithness has come onto the market.

Although the buildings are largely dilapidated, they could still be

preserved. The fear is that any buyers would be more interested in

developing the land surrounding the buildings, leaving the croft to

crumble. As period features go, this

property has plenty, including a thatched roof, cart shed and on

external wash house. Just off the A nine in Caithness, its panoramic

location is breathtaking. Even the Close Line has a view. But working

condition, it is not. And there are fears that this historic settlement

could disappear if a buyer cannot be found. It's the last thatched

roof house in Caithness. It's a shame to see it go. It is thought

to be the only Long House of its kind left in Scotland. Built in the

early 1800s, it was worked in the traditional way by Tim elderly

sisters until relatively recently. It's sad to see some why go so

quickly. In a thatched house, the minute that the thatch descends

from the chimney stacks, water gets in. Very quickly you have a damp

house. Listed because of its historical importance, the house

and its hardy inhabitants hold many memories for locals. It wouldn't be

an easy life. A meagre living, from the humble soil. You used to have a

mobile party appear, all of the teenage folk. It clear that some

sort of life could be brought back to this settlement so it can be

preserved for future generations. But with the surrounding land

likely to be sold separately for development, the complex has

already been put on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register and the

race is on to save it as some kind of heritage centre. It is very

historic and very important. It would be an awful shame to lose it.

It's on the market for just under �200,000. A slice of Highland

Now, let's get the sport. Rangers' manager Ally McCoist says

that Sunday's Old Firm game, the first of the season, is not about

getting one up in -- on Neil Lennon. But he is clear it is a must-win

game for Rangers. He says focus should be on the players. Celtic

must regroup and refocus after last night's 2-0 defeat against Atletico

Madrid. Back home this afternoon after a

difficult travels in Europe. Now Neil Lennon and his men have less

than 48 hours to get themselves back to peak mental and physical

condition. It's the opening old firm of the season. They are always

quite tense. They are always physical. They played at a frenetic

place. I'm sure it will be no different, going into the game. In

terms of our own approach, will try to be as positive as we can, try

and go there and get a positive result. There is no denying that

there can be fireworks At Any Old Firm game. Tensions are famously

run high between the current managers of Rangers and Celtic. But

the Ibrox boss says that winning on Sunday is not about getting one

over on Neil Lennon. No, absolutely not at all. I can guarantee that is

not the answer you wanted to hear. But it is about the two teams.

Emotions are high in every Old Firm game. But the players on the part

of by far and away the most important people. Hopefully it is

the Rangers players that will win us the game. Celtic will be

determined to keep a tighter defence on Sunday. Last night,

Atletico Madrid broke their ranks just three minutes into the game.

Their defence was in tatters again in the 67th minute. This cutback

was driven home by Diego from 12 yards. So, are Celtic at a

disadvantage with such a short turnaround before Sunday's vital

game? The Rangers manager says definitely not. They had a tough

game in Madrid. You can say one thing and the next, but the one

guarantee is that Celtic will be able to play us on Sunday, as we

will them. One of the biggest crowds over the weekend will be at

Ayr racecourse, for the running of the William Hill gold and silver

cup. Conditions for the running of the Bronze Cup this afternoon were

far from ideal. There was a dramatic finish between the Richard

Fahey pair of Coolminx and Jeannie Galloway. Coolminx came out Gus

Kohntopp. Tomorrow sees Scotland's other old

form so porting clash, with Tim historic adversary is coming head-

to-head. The Camanachd Cup final at Bught Park brings together

Kingussie and Newtonmore. The local rivalry is intense and so is the

anticipation. This year, the Cup final looks

certain to be electrifying. The 14 years since these age-old rivals

last faced each other in shinty's Showcase Cup competition has seen

Kingussie's dominance waned, while Newtonmore is on the rise. But its

25 long years since the blue-and- whites last held the trophy aloft.

As the shop windows Show, the weight of expectation in Newtonmore

is massive. Older folk had asked me for years, when his our Cup

returning to the village. I told them, next year. I kept saying next

year. Obviously next year has not come. Hopefully tomorrow, things

will change. To be in the final means everything to us. It means

absolutely everything. The whole place is buzzing. We are so nervous.

We don't know what is going to happen. It such a family thing, we

have the kids, young people, old people, everybody want Newtonmore

to win the Scottish Cup. But along the road there is just as much

local support by a team that just a few years ago were unassailable,

but recently had to rebuild whip young blood. Shinty's own Ronaldo,

Ronald Ross, the Sport's all-time top scorer, is still as dangerous

as ever in front of goal. rivalry is intense. Maybe not as

much as it was in the past. But it is still there and it is evident

for everybody to say. The one thing I will say, which everybody will

join in, the Cup is coming home to where it should be tomorrow night.

These are the ruins of the barracks built by the Redcoats to keep

rebellious Highlanders at bay. From this vantage point you can see Kim

gussied down there and, couple of miles further up the road, the

village of Newtonmore. When the Jacobites were fleeing, they burnt

this garrison. Tomorrow, a different battle to get there will

be joined. This trophy is the prize. -- a different battle altogether

That is it from me for tonight. Well, it was the music that made

people think twice about getting into the shower. The screeching

violin note, completed -- repeated over and over in Hitchcock's

masterpiece Psycho. Norman Bates carried out one of the best-known

murders in Hollywood history. Now the Scottish Symphony Orchestra is

performing the score, whilst showing the movie live.

The key to a good murder is in the preparation. The planning. And the

The suspense is tangible. I can feel it. The back of my head. It

wouldn't be a thriller without the music. The suspense factor would

barely be there. I think it is one of the instances of a score really

heightening the tension of the drama tenfold. Alfred Hitchcock

wasn't keen on music for the shower scene. He even laughed at composer

Bernard Herrmann when he suggested strings. This score is proof that

it pays to be persistent. For an audience to experienced the music

in a physical world is going to beat... I want to watch it, but I

can't. I have to play it. I'm desperate to watch it, it will be

amazing. There will also perform other thriller scores, including

Taxi Driver and that saxophone. saw it when I was very young and it

has stayed with me all three years. It's just a joy to be able to play

the music. Thrills... Suspends... And just the kind of orchestral

A reminder that our money man Fergus Muirhead is back with us on

Wednesday. He'll be looking at income protection and critical

illness cover, what options are available and which are best for

Now let's take a look at the weather. Christopher tells me,

depressingly, that he is too young to have watched the film Psycho.

That is depressing! Any horrors in the weather?

It doesn't look great. All smiles because it is the weekend, but I

can't promise much sunshine. It was very different today to yesterday,

a fairly damp affair. As we going to this evening, staying cloudy and

wet in many places across the country. Taking a look at the map

from 7 o'clock, we can see some clearance in the south and west.

The rain is going to move northwards towards Aberdeenshire

and Shetland. Heavy showers are working their way into the south-

west across parts of Ayrshire, Strathclyde and Argyll. Overnight

temperatures are not too bad, 10 or 11 for most of us. Into tomorrow,

for Saturday the area of low pressure works its way in and sits

overhead for much of the day. You can imagine the wind circling

around it. We'll have heavy showers across the south-west and some rain

continuing across northern coastal fringes. As we go to the day,

towards the mid-afternoon, certainly across the South the

showers will be heavy at times, with a chance of a rumble of

thunder or two. Further east, across the borders and the Lothians,

dry and a hint of brightness. Temperatures around 15 degrees or

so at best, with light wind. It means the showers will be quite

slow-moving. In the centre of the country, light and variable wind.

Still the risk of a shower. Further north, some rain across their

island region. Temperatures are 13 or 14 degrees. If you are walking,

the showers will be heavy at times. Reasonably light wind, from a

south-westerly direction. Further north, the showers will be lighter.

Wind is coming from an easterly direction, around 10 or 15 mph.

Across the south-west and the south-east, on the inshore waters,

forced three to force four. The direction will be west to south-

west. The wind will be coming from an easterly direction in the West.

Many dry across many parts of the mainland, some rain continuing down

the western half. As we move towards Sunday, the area of low

pressure starts to shuffle towards the North Sea. Dry conditions

working in from the West. Showers continuing down the east coast. We

will also introduce a northerly flow of air. Across this half of

the country, quite cool and chilly. But in Glasgow 17 or 18 degrees.

Into Monday, another weather front pushing in bringing showery

conditions to the West. Dry air in The 4th and final miner trapped

underground and a flooded South Wales Callery has been found dead.

The men were working 300 feet below the surface of the Swansea Valley

on Thursday morning when it flooded. A man has been jailed after

admitting sustained, violent abuse he gazed his family. Will Sir 15

years in prison. Police in Tayside are also investigating the death of

his baby more than 40 years ago in Dundee.

Police say anyone committing domestic violence during the Old

Firm match will be severely dealt with.

A city trader wept in court as he was charged with fraud in