16/04/2012 Reporting Scotland

Welcome to Reporting Scotland. Tonight on your national news...

Pressure mounts on this MSP to quit parliament, following claims of

domestic abuse. One of his former wives speaks out. He got in the

left and he just whacked me one. How can a man like that do that job

when he has a history of abuse behind 10?

Bill Walker has already been expelled from the SNP, but insists

he is staying on as an independent nationalist.

Also this evening, 100 days until the Olympics come to Hampden. But

with very few tickets sold, should we be worried about a lack of

interest? By a more popular now, so I am not complaining.

Seeing the big picture - why this young man found his portrait on the

side of a three-storey building. And we look back at the semifinal

goals which set up the first Edinburgh cup final since 1896. It

is Hearts versus Hibs on May 19. A former wife of an MSP at the

centre of allegations of domestic abuse has claimed he is not fit to

be a member of the Scottish parliament. In an interview with

BBC Scotland, she makes a number of allegation of domestic violence

against Bill Walker. Mr Walker denies all the claims made against

him by ex-wives. He has already been expelled from the SNP, but

says he is considering appealing that decision. Together, we can

make Scotland better. Bill Walker a member of the Scottish Parliament.

He has been thrown out of the Scottish National Party after being

abused of -- accused of domestic abuse. Tonight, one ex-wife reveals

what she endured. As soon as we got into the room, he just started.

Nightmare. He punched me all over my face, slapped me, kicked me, p

with metal tongs. I was screaming I was crying. She says it was not the

first time he attacked her. We got in the left and he just Witney. A

big slap on the side of the face. He did it twice. We went back to

the amount I said what are due to that. He was completely and a rage.

I think he slapped me another couple of times and he never said

sorry, never said why he had done it. To day, Bill Walker refused a

work request for an interview but Another former wife has accused him

of domestic abuse and police are now looking into another claim made

against him. He denies any wrongdoing and although it expelled

from the party, he needs the member of the Scottish Parliament. Why can

a man like that stay on and do that job when he has this history of

abuse behind him? He has got away with it. He seems to think it is

normal behaviour. I do not think a person like him should be in a

position of trust and representing the every day people of the

constituency. Bob is Russian parties save water should have more

power to our stores the opposed in Parliament.

Strathclyde Police is investigating whether a health board deliberately

covered up the circumstances surrounding the deaths of more than

20 patients. In February, we exclusively revealed how NHS

Ayrshire & Arran had been ordered to release documents relating to

deaths and serious incidents at its hospitals. Our health correspondent

Eleanor Bradford joins me now. Why have police become involved? It is

that a request of a nurse who turned whistleblower. To recap, she

realised that the NHS Health Board was not releasing details of

serious incidents. These reports should always be release all

lessons can be learned. This nurse submitted a Freedom of Information

request and the Information Commissioner writ forced the NHS

Trust to release the information. At first, they said it did not have

the information, but in some cases, they appear to have creation dates

days before the released when they should have been written up months

before. Today, I asked the nurse why they continue to pursue their

case. It is usually important case. There are 54 incidents, but no one

seems to have been held to account and no one has been investigated or

suspended. If it is proved that there is criminality here, then the

law should take its course. What has the health board had to

say? The vigorously refute any notion of the cover-up. They also

criticise the original report, which says that although they are

guilty of poor record keeping, it says they were not guilty of the

cover-up. They say it was unfounded and untrue that the chief executive

retired early because of this or the current medical director is

planning to leave early because of this decision.

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

programme... Seeing the big picture - why young

men are appearing on three-storey buildings across the capital.

And could Hampden be empty when the Olympics rolls into town? With only

100 days to go, less than 10% of the tickets have been sold.

In sport, we will have exclusive news of a proposal that could have

ramifications for all involved with football in Scotland. Plus, capital

gains, as Edinburgh's top two prepare to go head to head in the

final of the Scottish Cup. A fatal accident inquiry has heard

from one of the nurses who cared for a woman who died shortly after

her dentures became impacted in the roof of her mouth. Betty McGaw was

admitted to hospital after swelling spread across her throat and she

was not allowing anyone at her Glasgow care home to feed her. The

inquiry started last year, but resumed today. 87-year-old Betty

McGaw died some time after any danger became impacted and embedded

into the roof of her mouth. Doctors described her mouth as filthy and

believe the danger could have been in four weeks. Betty McGaw was

cared for at heather bank care home in Glasgow before being admitted to

hospital. Today, a fatal accident inquiry hear from staff nurse. He

was responsible for the care of between 17 and 35 residents with

the main share each day. The inquiry heard that care assistants

had to ensure that personal and oral care where carried out for the

patients. That involves brushing teeth and that it is down to the

staff nurse to ensure that work is done. During her time there, he was

the staff nurse. The Deputy Fiscal The inquiry has already heard from

a care assistant. It says that she was fed through a straw at the care

home. The staff nurse was asked if he was aware of this and he said he

was not. The inquiry continues tomorrow.

A multi-million pound investment by Japanese company Mitsui could see

the creation of 4,500 jobs in Scotland. Mitsui's deal with Global

Energy Group will see the acceleration of the redevelopment

of the Nigg fabrication yard in the Highlands. Finance Secretary John

Swinney said it was evidence of confidence in the Scottish energy

and renewables sector. There is just over a fortnight to

go until the council elections and campaigning is stepping up a gear.

Today, the Liberal Democrats were highlighting their record in local

government and promising to try their best to deliver for

communities across Scotland, despite tough council budgets. And

as our local government correspondent Jamie McIvor reports,

voters have questions for which they want answers. Leader, fitter,

healthier - it is what every council would claim it is trying to

become. But there is no room for excess flab when budgets are being

squeezed. I certainly would not have fought for some of the people

who are simply part of the apparatus. I am more likely to vote

for borderline candidates to have the conscience. It is very

important that we look at their history and what they are planning

to do in the future. These Scottish Liberal Democrats hope to persuade

people their party has the best that ideas. He claims they are more

committed to local decision-making and any other major party. A others

will say they're in favour of local decision-making. But they are

centralising the police across the five services. That says everything

about the other parties. Bury is 0 national manifesto been published.

Instead, they are publishing with local issues for different parts of

the country. These are investing in jobs and growth, investing in

education and responding to the needs of an ageing population.

Winnie to make sure communities have control and the have

opportunities. These are the principles of the Scottish Liberal

Democrats. There are can let part of 13 coalition councils across the

country, but are all too aware that of the poor results in the last

year elections. Only the results in the elections well short of their

optimism is well placed. Meanwhile, the Scottish Green Party

has also been busy launching its council election manifesto. The

party has councillors in three administrations across Scotland and

is hoping to break through in other local authorities. It people give

their first preference vote for as his what they will get his

councillors dedicated to a more fair and sustainable society. We

will have the opportunity to put into practice the practical

measures we have, such as using public assets and public land and

buildings to produce cleaner in revenue and produce the Revenue for

better services. A look now at what else has been

happening across the country this Monday. I had the wind farm

protesters have picketed the meeting of the shell and trust. The

meeting was abandoned. The Applecross community come make it

says it is struggling to bring plans for a hydro scheme to

fruition. They have been spending three years tried to get the scheme

running. Finance Secretary John Swinney is travelling to Japan and

South Korea to promote Scotland's renewable energy. The this is about

long-term investment in the economy and to find out how we can

contribute to the renewables market in the Asian market. Firefighters

had been tackling a major delays in Wigton Shire. But one point, the

blaze was on the four-mile front, fanned by a breeze. The Airport is

planning to ask workers about the possibility of industrial action.

For spectators were taken to action to hospital after a crash in the

Scottish Rally. I am very lucky to have escaped with what I got. The

other three chaps are obviously seriously hurt. And there is more

than the stories on the BBC George Galloway has taken his seat

in the Commons after winning the Bradford West by-election last

month. It was considered a safe Labour seat, but Mr Galloway,

standing for Respect, won it with a 10,000 majority. Previously he was

the Labour MP for Glasgow Hillhead and then its successor constituency

Glasgow Kelvin. Mr Galloway was expelled from the Labour Party in

2003 because of his strident public opposition to the Iraq War.

It's 40 feet high and more than 20 feet wide, and it's designed to try

to challenge our attitudes towards our young men. The first of a

series of drawings of male teenagers has been unveiled in the

capital as part of an art project called Our Nation's Sons. Gavin

Walker reports. Towering above a Edinburgh's

Howgate, the three-storey Iron Age of local teenagers. This is the

first of a series about sized portrait been displayed across the

capital of young local male residents, designed to prompt

discussion about Scottish Society's relationship with its young men.

Young men up constantly portrayed negatively. These guys have the

same aspirations and anyone else and deserve to be recognised.

local teenager in question seemed to shock to see himself so precise.

It's pretty cool. I more popular now so I'm not complaining.

project is part funded by the city council and police. It quickly drew

attention. I think there should be more of the sort of stuff. Has it

been painted on or paper machine gun? It is incredible. A lot of

skill and talent. Further images of young men from the City are to be

put up across the capital over the next few days.

In exactly 100 days' time, the Olympics will be here in Scotland.

Organisers are promising a multi- million pound boost for the economy.

Hampden Park hosts eight Olympic football matches, and it all kicks

off two days before the London opening ceremony. But as our

Olympics correspondent Kheredine Idessane reports, ticket sales are

poor, and many people don't even know Glasgow is a host city at all.

He is excited. She is excited. And even he can't wait for the Olympics.

In exactly 100 days, the games are coming to Glasgow. Few in the city

seemed to know. Do you know what role Glasgow's playing in hosting

the Olympics? I have no idea. idea at all. Probably fitting the

bill. Not really, not at all. don't know exactly what we're doing

for the Olympics. Is it not more London's? Eight football matches

are to be hosted at hand in bringing a this to the local

economy. One of the benefits for Glasgow is around the �6 million

mark. Quite a lot of good construction work has been done by

Scottish companies. The education programme has been picked up by

hundreds of schools all around Scotland. The Olympic torch will

Gordon 95% of the population of this country when it comes here in

May. People will get behind it. Former champions Japan could be

headed to Glasgow as the draw is made next week as five of the eight

matches here are in the women's tournament. The eyes of the world

will be on the national stadium when Olympic football takes off but

it will not look good if there are thousands of empty seats here at

Hampden. With just 100 days to go, 90% of the tickets remain unsold.

Those who have bought them cannot wait. I ordered my tickets for the

Olympic football here at Camden. I am looking forward to it immensely,

it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will be obvious

when the Games come to Glasgow. George Square will house 30 ft

Olympic rings. Only four or overseas countries will have

training camps and Scotland beforehand.

And More sport now and Dougie's got the latest. The Scottish Football

Association is considering setting up a National Football League to

replace the SPL and the SFL. The governing body may act as

frustration grows over the failure to agree new league structures.

Chris McLauchlin is at Hampden for us, Chris, we've heard about league

reconstruction in the past, how does this differ? Basically, what

you have here is what has transpired because the clubs cannot

agree on league reconstruction. These are the bodies running a game

in Scotland. You have the SPL - a collection of a top clubs and the

top league. You have the ESFA which oversees all of Scottish football

including licensing. We also have the SFL which runs Leagues One, Two

and Three. There has been recent infighting over voting structure

and the ESFA are becoming more and more frustrated. There will be a

meeting on 30th May of the SPL clubs to get some consensus on

voting structures. The Old Firm have the power on things like

broadcasting rights and the smaller clubs want a bigger piece of the

pie. The ESFA and acting as exasperated parents saying, if you

cannot play nice, we will move in and take your game away. It will be

interesting to see if this wraps up the pressure for the SPL.

Now, for the first time in almost 120 years this season's Scottish

Cup final will be an all Edinburgh affair. Hibs and Hearts will both

be back at Hampden next month after winning their respective semi-

finals there at the weekend. And as Alasdair Lamont reports, the

excitement is already building in the capital.

It is not too often both have as an Edinburgh and equally elated. This

weekend was an exception. Things were a little calmer on the streets

of the capital today. Both sets of fans are looking forward with some

optimism to the final on 19th May. If they win it, it will be a big

Downer for us. Everyone will be up for it. We will beat them no

problem at all. Very confident. will be the greatest derby match

there has ever been. A veteran of the fixture agrees, saying victory

in the final would supersede all that has gone before. Whoever wins,

it will be the best bragging rights ever. This fixture has not come

round for so long and it may take that long again for the next one.

It will be, for one set of fans, the greatest day of their lives to

have witnessed their team beat their rivals in the Cup final.

may not have the hallmarks of a historic sporting venue but that

was in a saviour in 1896 when Hearts last played heads and a

Scottish Cup final. Hearts won on that occasion by three-to-one. Will

this occasion be when heads end their 110 you wait for Scottish Cup

final victory? Maybe it is our year, we don't know. They will have to

wait another couple of years because this is our Cup and we have

to wind. These Hearts fans will hope rudest actual is right. The

Hibernian counterparts have other ideas and have five weeks to debate

the matter. Neil Lennon will have to wait until next week to find out

the ramifications of his rant at referee Euan Norris because of a

backlog of cases at the SFA. Lennon was furious when Norris awarded a

penalty for Hearts in the closing stages of the Scottish Cup semi-

final. The Celtic boss then took to Twitter stating this and other

decisions going against his team were personal. Lennon will have to

wait until the SFA's compliance officer reviews Norris's report

which is likely to include the comments made on the pitch

immediately after the match plus a discussion held in the referee's

room at Hampden. Scotland's David Florence will lead

a British team of five slalom canoeists at the London Olympics.

Florence, who won silver in Beijing four years ago, earned selection in

the men's C1 and two-man, C2 categories on the Olympic course at

Lee Valley this weekend. I knew that it was really down to me to

stop the Olympic team. I am trying to keep that focus on a run won the

at a time and it has not sunk in yet. I can't believe I'm going to

the London Olympic Games now. Amazing.

That looked like good fun and a canoe.

Our financial adviser Fergus Muirhead joins us a week on

Wednesday to cast some light on your concerns over pensions and the

tax implications surrounding them. So as usual questions can be sent

Now as ever at this time, let's see what the weather has in store and

A dramatic change coming our way tonight with a lot of rain and wind.

It is all part of this Atlantic low-pressure moving towards us

bringing rain and stronger one mac. At the moment, that rain is

touching western peripheries of the country. It will extend fairly

quickly and sweep across the country. What will happen is as the

rain hits colder air across areas north of the central belt, it will

turn to snow over the higher ground. The Met Office have a yellow

awareness Warning For travel disruption. I think it will be the

rain and wind which is more noticeable for us tonight with

strong south-easterly wind back. It will stay dry in Shetland and quite

chilly with temperatures of around two Celsius. Tomorrow gets off to a

wet and windy start but quite quickly we'll see the main clearing

from the south-west. These dire and better conditions extend across

southern and central Scotland. The brain becomes quite static across

northern parts. We will she showers across Kintyre and parts of the

Galloway coast. Some decent spells of sunshine breaking through.

Highest temperatures in the south of around 11 Celsius. A bit more in

the way of cloud towards northern parts. For Orkney, not looking too

good a day. Becoming drier for the north-east in Moray. Edinburgh and

the Lothians, the odd passing shower. During the rest of the day,

the showers will die away leaving a dry evening. Stays when the in the

north but later went back in the south. The outlook is rather

unsettled with some showers and stories.

Anders Breivik, the man accused of Norway's worst atrocity of modern

times, has gone on trial. The 33- year-old said he killed 77 people

as an act of self-defence. Last July, Breivik first planted a car

bomb in the centre of Oslo, before shooting 69 young people at a youth

A former wife of an MSP at the centre of allegations of domestic

abuse has claimed he's not fit to be a member of the Scottish

Parliament. In an interview with BBC Scotland, she makes a number of

allegations of domestic violence against Bill Walker. Mr Walker

denies all the claims made against him by ex-wives. He's already been

expelled from the SNP but says he's considering appealing that decision.

Strathclyde Police is investigating whether a health board deliberately

covered up the circumstances surrounding the deaths of more than

20 patients. In February, BBC Scotland exclusively revealed how

NHS Ayrshire and Arran had been ordered to release documents

relating to deaths and serious incidents at its hospitals.

Charities who fear a drop in their income because of plans to cap the

amount donors can give tax free are to be consulted by ministers. The

proposal, contained in last month's budget, has led to criticism from