23/10/2013 Reporting Scotland

Tonight's Reporting Scotland is dominated by the announcement of the

closure of the petrochemical plant at Grangemouth. The bitter

industrial dispute between the plant's owners and the Unite union

looks like ending in the loss of 800 jobs. Politicians from across the

spectrum have urged both sides to keep talking. This is what the

workers had to say. Absolutely devastated by this. Absolutely

devastated. It is an absolute disgrace what they have done. It is

going to be horrendous trying to live after this.

We'll be live at the plant with a full report. We'll also be looking

at what it means for the future of the refinery at Grangemouth, the

implications for the wider economy and the political reaction.

Also tonight: A number of people have been arrested and are being

held at the high security Govan Police Station under the Terrorism

Act. This security guard tells a murder

trial he killed a woman delegate at a conference, but has no memory of

it. And Celtic boost their Champions

League prospects with the first win of their campaign.

800 workers at Grangemouth's petrochemical plant face losing

their jobs after its owner announced its closure. The future of the

neighbouring refinery remains uncertain. Ineos says it's too

expensive to run but the Unite union accused the company of economic and

industrial vandalism. Our Business correspondent David Henderson is at

Grangemouth tonight. David, although the announcement was made, we

understand last ditch attempts are underway to save the plant. For

months there has been a war of words between management and the union

about the future of this site and what could be done to help it

survive. Today, it was about actions and not words. Management have taken

very drastic action and it is now the workers who are left counting

the cost. Leaving work, perhaps the last time.

Staff at the Grangemouth plant walked away from meetings with

management this morning, their worst fears realised. Absolutely

devastated. It is an absolute disgrace what they have done. This

vast petrochemical plant has been shut down since the weekend, made a

bit -- bitter dispute between owners and staff. Now it won't reopen at

all. Most here knew this was a moment of crisis but few expected

this outcome. 800 jobs at ago. That is it, it is shut. It is going to be

horrendous. It is going to be horrendous trying to live after

this. This giant plant once produced 2 million tonnes of plastic and

chemicals each year but managers say it has been running at a loss and it

can't be subsidised any longer. It was made very clear that unless we

could get a competitive package on the table that we would not be able

to secure the resources and finances. At the heart of this

dispute, a battle over cost-cutting. Ineos wants to move away from final

salary pensions and accept a cap on salaries. Only half agreed and the

rest said no. Today the union pointed finger of blame at

management. Unite and our members at Grangemouth are devastated by this

morning 's announcement. It has confirmed our fears that this was

always the intention of Ineos all along. Grangemouth is Scotland's git

industrial sites of this closure is a body blow for the local economy.

The people of Grangemouth and the wider community feel betrayed. We

have heard some of the things that went on in the negotiations. Instead

of seeing, let's work this out in the long term, they just came in and

said we wanted all. Tonight, threat still hangs over the rest of

Grangemouth. The refinery remains shut and only a deal between owners

and staff can bring it back from the brink.

So half the workforce faces redundancy. The rest without the

refinery behind me and of course it is currently idle. Management say

they will only fire it up if the union lifts the threat of industrial

action there. That this tough talk but today they have shown what they

are prepared to do if union members don't go along with their plans.

Political reaction has been swift. Both the Scottish and UK governments

have called on Ineos and the Unite union to keep talking. The First

Minister, Alex Salmond, says he'll do all he can to save the plant. We

have laid down contingencies and we have been in touch with a potential

buyer and yes, that would be a far better prospect than closure of the

plant. Our priority has been to try and bring the sides together to

allow the future of the plant to be secured. It is regrettable that both

parties have not managed to negotiate a fair and equitable

settlement which to live as a viable business model for the plan. Even at

this late stage, the government urges them to continue dialogue and

we will offer all possible help and support with this. We want this

plant to stay open if at all possible.

Let's go to Westminster and our political correspondent, Tim Reid.

What's the prospect of either government being able to resolve

this? I don't think ministers underestimate the difficulties that

lie ahead. They believe there is still hope they can get both sides

around the table. They are not resigned to the closure of the plant

despite the possibilities of that happening. There are those who

believe the union has played into the management's hands. That

management has been seeking to blackmail the workforce and both

governments. Despite that, the both governments say they are working

together. They are determined to try and get some kind of peace between

the two of them. They'll also redoubling their efforts to find a

buyer, however difficult that maybe. There were a succession of peers

that claimed there was a lack of high-level intervention and have

called on the Prime Minister to bang heads together. They believe there

has been a lack of high-level intervention. Investors would deny

that but if they are to resolve this and seek a deal and get the deal

done for the future of the plant, then they have got their work cut

out for them. So why have Ineos decided to close

the plant and what will its impact be on the Scottish economy? Our

business and economy editor, Douglas Fraser, is here with his assessment.

Around 800 jobs are likely to go. Around 800 jobs likely to go, plus

contract workers. And that's just the start. Grangemouth is pivotal to

supplying a lot of manufacturing. Minutes before today's announcement,

we learned that refining and the chemicals industry have been driving

the recovery in Scottish exports. Not now, though. The Chambers of

Commerce warns today's news has put economic recovery is at risk. So

what's gone wrong? They have been refining at

Grangemouth for 90 years. North Sea oil, the evening by product was

processed at the petrochemical plant but as that source became scarcer,

the plan has been operating below capacity and has been making losses.

Ineos wanted to import cheap shale gas from America but said that meant

big cuts. For some of these assets in Europe, it is the only way they

can survive to bring some of the US economic across to Europe. There was

to be no deal with workers. Was that inept union leadership or a company

already set on closure? I don't see people being terribly excited about

investing in petrochemicals. The cost to borrow money for them for

this kind of long-term purpose is quite high and the returns are

meagre. If you look at the plant at Grangemouth they thought it was

going to take eight or nine years to move into profitability. At the

weekend Jim Ratcliffe warned that the survival of the neighbouring

refinery looks unlikely. There are big forces at work here.

The surge in America's production of cheap shale gas has upended energy

markets. Grangemouth has seen the power of global companies set

against that of workers. And there's the question of whether any

government has the power to protect vital parts of the economy.

And later in the programme, we'll be hearing from people in Grangemouth

about what the closure means for them. And this evening, a specially

extended edition of Newsnight Scotland will be discussing the

issues raised. That's on BBC Two at 10:30pm.

A number of people have been arrested in Scotland under the

Terrorism Act during an operation focussed on dissident Irish

Republicans. Police Scotland said they were arrested at several

locations "on suspicion of committing various offences". Our

Home Affairs correspondent, Reevel Alderson, is outside Govan police

station in Glasgow. What do we know? Not very much more. Police Scotland

have given very few details. What we do know is that the number of

people, we don't know how many, were arrested at various parts of the

country earlier today. We understand they were a series of raids and that

specialist officers were involved in some of these rates. Police said

that public safety was paramount. They were arrested under the

terrorism act. They were dissident republicans or affiliated to no

particular group. They have all been brought here to Govan police station

which is the Scottish terrorism detention centre and they will be

questioned here in a secure -- insecure conditions. They will be

questioned for 48 hours and then they must we released although there

are opportunities for that period of questioning to be extended.

A security guard who's admitted killing a delegate at a conference

in Glasgow, where he was working, has said he has no memory of it.

Clive Carter has been giving evidence in his own defence at the

High Court in Glasgow. He admits he killed Khanokporn Satjawat, but

denies murdering her. He's lodged a special defence of diminished

responsibility. Joanne Macaulay reports.

Clive Carter said he came across attempt to map last November when

she was attending a pharmaceutical conference. In his role as a

security guard, he asked to see the delegates pass but he said she

became angry and kept asking him why. If heated argument followed. He

said he felt angry and frustrated that he was getting abuse for such a

simple request. He says the next thing he remembers is eating his

sandwiches. Attempt to map's body was found -- Khanokporn Satjawat's

body was found and she had been battered by a fire extinction. Clive

Carter was asked whether he membered attacking her with it. He said no

and could give no explanation for that happened. He told the court he

was confused about the event but he knew there was a chunk missing.

Defence counsel as if he had killed her, he said yes. From statements

and evidence he had heard into the incident, he accepted he had

attacked. But he said he still struggles to understand and explain

what had happened. He denies murder on the grounds of diminished

responsibility and the trial at the High Court in Glasgow continues.

It's the final day of campaigning before voters go to the polls in the

Dunfermline by-election. There are seven candidates standing. The

election was caused by the resignation from Holyrood of Bill

Walker. From Dunfermline, our political editor Brian Taylor

reports. This is a tough one for the SNP.

They are defending a slim majority but say they have a good record to

defend. The only way to preserve the council tax freeze is to pull the

SNP. We know what promises are and are delivering on our budget. Labour

are also highlighting local issues and believes the SNP will be

deterred by the wider ambition of independence. People are telling me

that they are very concerned about the SNP's plans to break up

Britain. In particular, the threat to jobs. There is also controversy

over a Labour leaflet which the party defends universal services.

The SNP says this leaflet runs entirely counter to the wider review

of policy priorities in which nothing is said to be ruled out but

Labour insists that intention is to deform and enhance public service

delivery. Liberal Democrats say, don't write us off. They have a

recent test of success here. The lady member of the hard-working

Liberal Democrat team they had here before and one that team back again.

The seat extends along the River Forth. I think people are fed up

with the left-wing consensus and we are the only party in this

by-election putting former centre-right policies. Dunfermline

has other options. The Green Party make a pitch for environmental

concerns. We are pushing for a better bus and rail links and

calling for no convictions for the bedroom tax. They have tried the SNP

and Labour Soho boat ate fresh common-sense start with UKIP? There

is one further choice. I would work with them to improve the state of

Dunfermline than Scotland. The election here today has been

completely overshadowed by the events at Grangemouth but all the

candidates and says this contest is crucial for the people of

Dunfermline and could be a signpost for politics in Scotland.

We will have a special results programme tomorrow night.

Other stories from across Scotland this Wednesday.

The multinational chemical firm BASF is to close its plant in

Renfrewshire with the loss of 141 jobs.The site in Paisley, has

produced pigments to colour paints, paper and plastics for 60 years.

The closure is part of moves by BASF to restructure its global

operations. Police in Edinburgh have withdrawn a

proposal to ban condoms from the capital's saunas. The force had

written to city councillors asking that any licences granted should be

on condition that no items of a sexual nature were allowed on

premises. Safe sex campaigners argued the move would have increased

the number of HIV cases. Scottish brewer BrewDog plans to

create 50 jobs in the next six months after reporting "record

growth" in 2013. The Aberdeenshire-based firm said it was

on track to turn over ?19 million this year, almost double the

previous year's figure. This year's Scottish poppy appeal

has been launched by Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers.

They're asking people to give up small luxuries and donate the money

instead to help Scotland's veterans. The message this year is to think

about the donation and maybe give up a pizza or a cup of coffee and think

about the money you are donating. Think about it and people have to

make choices nowadays and it would be nice to donate to the British

Legion. And there are more stories from your

area and all the latest news, 24 hours a day on BBC Scotland's

website. The stars of the comedy 'Still Game'

have announced they're reviving it for the stage in a four-day run at

the Hydro in Glasgow next year. Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan, who play

Jack and Victor, say they're also looking at the possibility of

bringing the hit show back to our TV screens. Julie Peacock reports. See

you soon then. Good night! Still Game is one of Scotland's's best

loved and most missed comedy VCDs or when the creators said they had an

announcement, people wanted to know what it was. You're not going out

turned out like that! They are going to the Greg Hemphill -- Hydro next

year. It is a reunion and we wanted to be

fun. We have the chance now to bring Still Game fans together. After a

six-year absence they say the warmth of the fans persuaded them to bring

it back and B there's still plenty of adventures ahead. You are

celebrating... Celebrating just being old pals! That's that!

To David now for our sporting round up, and a double blow for Ajax.

European football's governing body UEFA's opened disciplinary

proceedings against Ajax following crowd trouble at Celtic Park. Ajax

fans pulled up and threw plastic seats during their 2-1 defeat by the

Scottish Champions. Is slightly downbeat first-half

ended on a high with a penalty kick as Anthony Stokes was felled in the

box. There was then some delaying tactics which obviously didn't work.

It made me concentrate even more and I am just glad it went on the back

of the net. In the second half, it was 2-0 to Celtic. The first goal

for me for over a year and I am very happy. Victory was Celtic's. We knew

that was going to be a huge game for us and the points was vital to

qualify. That means Celtic will reach the last 16 F a C Milan lose

their next game and Celtic when a way to Ajax and at home to a C

Milan. It will be very difficult and on tonight's evidence, it was a

massive victory in the context of the group. Last night, Milan and

Barcelona fought out a draw. Still a lot of football to be played in the

grip, but one thing is for sure. Their Champions League adventure

remains very much alive. Rangers shareholders Jim McColl and

Paul Murray will meet the club's three main supporter groups tomorrow

afternoon. Murray recently won a legal battle to postpone Rangers

annual general meeting, at which he hopes to win a seat on the board

with three other allies. He and McColl, the billionaire chairman of

Clyde Blowers, are expected to outline their future vision for the

club. Now, a look at what else is

happening across Scottish sport. Shaun Maloney will not play for

Scotland again this year. He needs a hit operation and will miss the

National is next month. They are clubmates at Glasgow city

but Julie Nelson and Suzanne Mulvey will be on opposite sides when

Scotland play Northern Ireland on Saturday. Such a great start and as

I said, if we keep going we will definitely have the potential to go

all the way. Championship club Livingston have

enlisted football fans group supporters direct to help them deal

with financial problems. They have debts of ?1.5 million.

The country's best endurance track cyclists are in Glasgow, an

opportunity to boost qualifying times for the Commonwealth Games. It

is motivating me to do some horrendous training sessions to get

to the level required. More sports stories plus all the latest news 24

hours a day on the BBC sport website. Now back to our main story

the news that the petrochemical plant at Grangemouth is to close.

Our reporter Andrew Anderson has spent the day in the town itself to

gauge reaction. As the lunchtime news bulletins took

to the year, the talking stops. Reporters bringing the news these

customers hope they'd never here. Some had worked at the giant complex

in better days but all knew this was one of Grangemouth's darkest days.

It will be a ghost town. My girlfriend is a cleaner down there.

My old man worked the years ago. It is devastating. A few hundred yards

from the gates, the burger van that serves scores of workers. It is

everybody roundabout I feel sorry for. What are they going to do?

Grangemouth sheers many of the economic ills that have befallen

tones across Scotland. It is exactly one year since this man opened his

clothing store in Grangemouth's shopping arcade. He fears his and

other businesses will be badly hit. Everybody is trying their best to

rejuvenate the town and get it back up to the standards of the long time

ago. Whether we will see that again... We will see what happens.

This is a community mourning the loss of 800 jobs and wondering just

what the future may hold. Let's get the weather now from

Christopher. Fairly bright and breezy across most

parts of the country with some showers around and this evening is

being breezy. A cold night compared with the last few. The brisk

north-westerly winds will continue to be strong up to deal force at

times. Some rain across Shetland but mostly dry overnight with some

spells colder than of recent nights. Not much on the pressure chart

tomorrow with some high pressure which is good news. Tomorrow it is

good, probably the best day of the week. After a chilly start,

temperatures by mid-afternoon up to around 10 Celsius. With light winds

and sunshine, not feeling too bad at all. Not wall-to-wall sunshine with

some clouds around but the wind will be much lighter across the far

north. The rest of the afternoon into the evening, it starts to cloud

overhead of the rain and that comes with an early warning, a yellow

warning for rain, meaning to be aware. This is all courtesy of this

area of low pressure moving up from England bringing heavy and

persistent rain. Difficult conditions on the roads and

potentially some localised flooding. That works its way across the

country and it will be heavy and persistent and will be replaced by

some blustery showers. On Saturday, more rain on the way with this

weather front moving in from across the Atlantic. Saturday starts

derived from across the East and the South and works its way in from

across the North Sea. Make the most of the dry weather tomorrow if you

can. Now, a reminder of tonight's main

news. 800 workers at Grangemouth's petrochemical plant are to lose

their jobs. Ineos see it is not competitive but unions are accusing

them of economic and industrial vandalism.

Several people are being held at the high-security Govan police station

in Glasgow under the Terrorism Act. They're said to be dissident Irish

Republicans. It follows an operation co-ordinated by Police Scotland,

also involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and MI5.

David Cameron says he wants to roll back the green taxes that add, on

average, ?100 to household energy bills. The announcement came in a

furious exchange between the prime minister and Ed Miliband over the

rising cost of gas and electricity. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

have christened their three-month-old son in a private

service at the Chapel Royal in St James' Palace in London. Prince

George is the third in line to the throne.

And that's Reporting Scotland. I'll be back with the headlines at 8pm

and the late bulletin just after the ten o'clock news. Until then, from

everyone on the team here have a good evening.