22/12/2011 Reporting Scotland

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: Police say they have had a good

response from the public in their hunt for a rapist who attacked two

women in the centre of Glasgow in the early hours of yesterday

morning. A 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted, and minutes

later, a 22-year-old woman was raped on the same street.

Crimestoppers has tonight offered a reward of �5,000 for the arrest and

conviction of the attacker. Emergency services were called to

the town's Weaver Terrace late last night following reports that a man

had been injured. 21-year-old Stephen Pollok was found dead at

the scene. Police say their inquiries are at an early stage.

The first attack happened here. That second attack happened 15

minutes later. Their access ramp across the road. The second attack

came to the police's attention, because the victim was able to flag

down a delivery driver, and he drove into the street where the

police had arrived. The attacks happened in this street, but police

believe the man was hanging around for three-quarters of an hour.

There have been very helpful and strong. What I would say is that

one of them struggled quite vigorously with this man, and he

may have injuries or scratches. I cannot confirm it, but it is

possible. This is mainly a business district. It has made women to

think about their own safety. a very dark airier, and at night

time, there is nobody around a. Police are hopeful somebody will be

able to identify this man from the CCTV image. It may be the

distinctive watch worn on his right-wing let -- dressed, or

unexplained scratches. Crime stoppers have put up a reward of

�5,000. Police have launched a murder

inquiry after a man was shot dead after a disturbance at house in

Paisley. It is a terrible loss of a life. I want to appeal to people -

put yourself in his family and their position. Anyone with any

information, please come forward and help us to establish how

Stephen died. The Crown Office has tonight

announced that there will be a fatal accident inquiry into the

death of young Declan Hainey in Paisley. Last week, his mother

Kimberley was found guilty of his murder. The news broke tonight

after the issue was raised at Holyrood by the new Labour leader

Johann Lamont, who was confronting Alex Salmond for the first time.

Surrounded by her supporters, the New Labour leader, looking for to

confronting Alex Salmond? I am relishing it! Johann Lamont is the

fourth Labour leader to question him. Where the opposition are bring

forward. Of substance that the government will be prepared to take

common cause. And out of business. A moment's laughter, but the

business was solemn - the tragic death of baby Declan Hainey,

murdered by his mother. Johann Lamont urged an urgent

investigation. We have a counsel of despair. There is nothing that

government can do. But if we worked together, if we are honest, we can

get this right. We can't afford a gap between what we say we care

about, a rhetoric, and the reality in Scotland's home. There has to be

a connection between what we see and how people live. Alex Salmon

said such issues were under constant review. There is

substantial evidence that departments, as a result of

inspections, are performing much better than they were before.

Johann Lamont is asking for a guarantee that there will never be

a tragic circumstance. I cannot give that guarantee! No politician

can. A sensitive topic to choose, but overall, deftly handled by the

New Labour leader. She was speaking as a mother. She turned down the

political rhetoric, and sought to resonate with popular concerns.

Brian Taylor joins me now from Holyrood. Plans announced for an

inquiry into the case of Declan Hainey. That was raised by Johann

Lamont. It was indeed. It was the substance of her concern. She was

asking for a wider, independent investigation. We do have an

announcement, taking the first steps towards what should be a

fatal accident inquiry where there are issues of wider public concern,

or general concern of, or public safety to be raised. The First

Minister was constrained when he was answering questions, because

there was the prospect of this inquiry in the wings, and also, of

course, we do not have the details of the sentence upon Kimberley.

Another issue at Holyrood, MSPs criticising the UK government's

plans to changes to the welfare system. Welfare is a reserved power

to Westminster, is is meaningful? It is not significant in terms of

changing the benefits regime. Plans will go ahead. Holyrood does not

have power to block those. There are consequences for these changes.

Holyrood is saying, instead of allowing that to be lumped under

the UK Bill, the Scottish Parliament would take decisions on

those. Why? That allows scrutiny by a committee here at Holyrood,

perhaps putting pressure back on the UK government on this issue,

but I stress, it does not stop those changes happening.

You're watching Reporting Scotland from the BBC. Still to come on the

programme: Large parts of Skye and the Western

Isles are without electricity, but Scottish Power say they are

spending millions to keep the lights on through the winter.

In sport, the Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson goes on strike over

the late payment of wages. And just how likely is it that the

former Rangers striker Kris Boyd will soon be in the hoops of Old

Firm rivals Celtic? There are calls today for

protection of Scottish links to Heathrow Airport following the

takeover of the airline BMI by its rival British Airways. The boss of

the new airline says it will be good for customers, but not

everyone's so sure. This is a great story for the UK. This will give

consumers better choice going forward. This will allow us to

expand our network, provide opportunities for business and

tourism, to connect to the emerging markets. I am concerned that we

might find ourselves back in the position we were a number of years

ago, where British Airways owned the caviar at we were flying into.

The choice might be undermined, and prizes might go up. For the health

of the nation, it would be better if there was more competition.

Our business editor, Douglas Fraser, is here to unpack this for us.

There are more links between the UK and the rest of the world, but

probably at a price. Possibly at higher ticket prices, and what is

happening is that BMI is a losing money, and British -- at British

Airways wants to get valuable landing slots. They want to make

them long-haul flights where they make more money. The Edinburgh,

Aberdeen, but you will have no more competition between BMI British

Airways. That all lightly put prices up. Can we expect any

protection for Scottish travellers? British Airways should -- says

there should be more than enough capacity. He says, you have a

choice. If you want a good to London, you can get the train. But

this matters not just for those of us planning our holidays, it is

important for international business travellers and tourists

who are coming and you want convenience and competitively

priced at flight. They might not come here. The regulators might get

involved, and put conditions on this deal to protect the UK. Also,

there is a in regional division of BMI. There are smaller planes not

using Heathrow. There have been talks between at Scottish Aviation

in best does today that over. Those talks are behind schedule, they are

going on, they have got a few weeks to ensure they reach a deal. If

they don't, British Airways gets that regional division.

Some of the other stories across Scotland this Thursday: Abdelbaset

al-Megrahi has given what he's described as his "last interview",

and again denied any involvement in the Lockerbie bombing. Megrahi is

the only person to have been convicted in connection with the

1988 attack which killed 270 people. He was released on compassionate

grounds in 2009, after being diagnosed with cancer, and returned

to Libya. Edinburgh Council has been attacked

by hackers. The council says a "malicious cyber attack" was

carried out on the records of residents who' ha asked for debt

advice. The council has written to thousands of people to warn that

their personal records may have been accessed, and is urging them

to monitor their bank and credit card accounts carefully.

The High Court in Edinburgh has heard that a man charged with

murdering his wife is "insane" and "unfit to stand trial". Neil

Cumming is accused of killing his wife Jane in their home in

Longforgan near Dundee in July this year. The case has been continued

for further medical reports into Mr Cumming's mental health.

Large parts of the Western Isles and Skye have been left without

electricity after a major power cut earlier today. Scottish Hydro says

it's sending generators to the affected areas, and power should be

restored by this evening. Meanwhile, electricity companies say they have

invested millions of pounds to reduce the risk of power cuts

caused by severe winter weather. Our environment correspondent,

David Miller, took to the air to find out how that money has been

spent. They are the giants of the glens,

the network relies on the pilot's which slide across our landscape.

But winds, has slowed and buyers Flying in by helicopter may seem

dramatic, but Scotland's rugged terrain and weather conditions mean

that aircraft like this one have a vital role to play in maintaining

electricity suppliers. Most lines are in good shape. The power

companies have invested millions of pounds to ensure they can keep the

lights on across the country this winter. But when something does go

wrong, we still have to rely on teams of unsung hero as he take to

the hills, often in the harshest of conditions. They are the unsung

heroes of the industry. What drives them is they know it that people

depend on them. The guys get a lot of self-satisfaction and they are

dedicated to their jobs. Tens of thousands of households were left

without power after the recent violent storms, but bosses say the

poor weather conditions the country has already endured show their

investment is paying off. A we had a major storm on Boxing Day in 1988.

Around 300,000 customers last their supply. This time round the

conditions were similar and only 45,000 people lost power. Of course,

the winter has only just begun and the engineers concede be Scottish

weather always has the potential to disrupt even out what best-laid

plans. -- away at best laid plans. People are warning people are using

cash machines to be on the lookout for hidden cameras and bank card

copy of devices. Skimming technology is so sophisticated it

is getting more difficult to spot. And number of devices had been

found on machines in the borders recently.

You can only imagine how much these machines will be used over the next

few days, but criminals are targeting cash machines we skimming

devices. What are we talking about here? What we have here is this

device on a piece of plastic which is almost identical to the

framework of the machine. If you turn it over, you can see the

device on the back. There is a battery, circuit boards and the

device which his place in here. that scans the card. You yes. The

information they require is early on that magnetic strip. This is the

camera device which films you using your PIN number. It fits on to the

machine like this. When it is in position, it is almost identical,

so people do not notice it. then as the camera in this? You us.

It is a tiny hole. In the back there is a standard camera that is

connected up to eight circuit board. And the information goes to someone

there by? Yes. They are quite ne'er -- near. They send information to

other people sitting with blank cards so they can use your

information within half-an-hour of it been taken. So within half-an-

hour of your card going into the machine, they could have skinned

you carte? You yes. These are terrible pieces of equipment and if

you are suspicious, reported to be back or shop or whether the machine

is. Thank you. Also, take care in supermarket queues and always got

your -- and always guard your PIN number. Now for the sport.

Kris Boyd's history as a Rangers player would be no barrier to him

joining Celtic. So says the Celtic manager Neil Lennon. Boyd this week

terminated his contract with Turkish club Eskisehirspor and the

SPL's record goal scorer is on the look-out for a new club. Kris Boyd

is the all-time record goalscorer and the Scottish League with 164

goals. He is a free agent and now has been linked to a number of

clubs, including Celtic. He is a prolific goalscorer. He is a player

with a great record and any player like that would be welcome. People

are speculating, but going to Celtic would not be a problem.

what about the Celtic fans? How would they feel about Kris Boyd?

problem. If he can score goals, or we would be glad to have him here.

A I do not know it if Kris Boyd would play, but if he does, why not.

Maurice Johnston is famous for playing for both clubs over 20

years ago. Could boy it be their next play it to cross the great

divide? Not if the bookmakers have anything to do with it. If you do

fancy a flutter, and you can get 10-one for him to join up at Celtic

Park. Meanwhile the Celtic trio of James

Forrest, Adam Matthews and Scott Brown have been approached about

the possibility of playing for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. The

players have now all received letters asking if they will make

themselves available for selection. The Hearts midfielder Ryan

Stevenson has told the Edinburgh club he won't be showing up for

training until he gets paid his December salary. The delayed

payment of wages to players has become a major feature at Hearts

this season, and it seems there's interest in Stevenson from English

Ryan Stevenson in happier times scoring again St Mirren. After

asking to have his contract terminated and been told no, he

informed the manager he would not be coming to training until he

receives his December salary. The player's Agen has held talks with

the club to try to negotiate apart way away from Tynecastle when the

transfer window opens. Fans have mixed views on the player's actions.

If you are not getting paid, why not. You cannot do a job and not

get paid. I've been he should appreciate that Hearts have given

him a chance. He needs to be patient. I would not turn up if I

was not being paid. Ryan Stevenson has six months left on his contract

at Hart. The club must decide whether he will be allowed to leave

before the end of the season. Motherwell's Steve Jennings has

been banned for two matches after his involvement in a spat with St

Mirren's Jim Goodwin at the weekend. Jennings was given the ban by the

SFA's Fast Track Tribunal, who also reduced the red card shown to

Aberdeen's Peter Pawlett against Hibs to a yellow. It was a busy day

for the disciplinary department today. The Dunfermline manager Jim

McIntyre's criticism of referee Steve Conroy for awarding Rangers

this penalty was ruled not to be worthy of punishment. We recognise

what a hard job the referee has got. I am glad I had a chance today to

explain that my words were about the decision made at the time and

not the referee's performance. it a victory for common sense?

I have received a fair hearing and I am delighted with the result.

To rugby, and Glasgow still have room to improve, says coach Sean

Lineen ahead of the festive double header against Edinburgh. The

Scottish pro-sides meet on Boxing Day at Murrayfield and then again

at Firhill in Glasgow on New Years Day. And despite some decent recent

Glasgow results, Lineen is still looking for more from his side.

Some of the attack has not been as great as it could be and the

players know that. They work incredibly hard at the game, but

again, of what a fantastic occasion? Two teams that are going

really well and they have caught the imagination of the public.

Boxing Day will be a cracker. Should be great, and also don't

forget BBC Sports Personality tonight on BBC One at 8pm. I

understand there should be at least a bit of Scottish interest.

A tiny Scottish airport on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean has been

voted the world's most stunning landing spot. Barra Airport in the

Outer Hebrides came top of a global poll of pilots and travellers,

beating the likes of St Barts, the Maldives and Gibraltar. Laura

Bicker has been finding out why.$$NEWLINE And finally, a man on

the Isle of Skye has turned his home near Portree into something of

It is just spectacular. The views are amazing. We are waiting for our

first view of Barra beach. This is the only beach on the planet used

regularly for scheduled flights and it presents a challenge for the

most able of pilots. It is quite a windy part of the world most of the

time, so you will notice it and feel the movement. Every little

changed is going to be noticeable. Lots of reactions from people when

they get off the plane. I have had someone kneeled down and kiss the

sand before. A lot of people travel from across the world to do this.

It is one of the most sought-after landings in the whole world. They

airport first opened in 1936. Higher winds happy to be a problem.

This aeroplane was toppled in a gale. A good time to mention

another one of the airport's other accolades. National Geographic

boasted it one of the most treacherous airport. The sand

absorbs the impact when you are touching down, so you get a smooth

landing than you would expect. too soon it is time for the return

journey. The wind has picked up and we have been warned that the take-

off could be a little bumpy. That is what makes this place so special.

It is not just at the mercy of the tides, it is at the mercy of the

weather and it is a special place that you really want to come back

Another weather. Today, it was extremely mild. If we take a look,

to those of 12 Celsius. On the same day last year it was minus 16

Celsius. Very much for the time of year. It was also cloudy and will

continue to be said tonight. A band of rain coming in from the north-

west. It will turn into a snow over higher ground in the north-west. A

little bit drier towards the east. We may see some fast developing in

the North East. It will be windy in Weston Park, but quite mild.

Tomorrow morning, the rain will linger for a while in the south. It

will gradually clear away during the course of the morning to leave

a colder, but brighter day. The best of the sunshine towards

eastern part. Cloudier towards the West with those showers carrying on.

Some of them will be quite wintry. The biggest difference will be the

temperatures. Highs any beaching four or five degrees. Not too

different from our work night-time lows tonight. It will feel quite

cold in the wind. Tomorrow evening, it will be cold and they could be

some frost in the North East. Over the Christmas weekend it will be

wet and windy. On Saturday, rain pushing into the West. It will stay

very windy. Dry and bright it was that East and temperatures

beginning to recover. Christmas Day, the rain will still be a big

feature as we have another fund pushing in. The West will bear the

brunt of it. -- another front. Wind macro still strong across the

country, but very mild for this time of the year. The top stories

tonight: A series of coordinated bombings

has killed at least 63 people and injured 200 in the Iraqi capital

Baghdad just days after American troops finally withdrew from Iraq.

In total, 14 bombs went off in various locations in both Sunni and

Shia neighbourhoods, prompting fears of sectarian violence.

Police investigating two serious sexual assaults in Glasgow city

centre say they have had an encouraging response from the