15/11/2013 Reporting Scotland

Commonwealth Summit in Sri Lanka. That is all from the BBC News at

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland: A ?4 billion investment in a North Sea

oilfield gets the go ahead - the project will support 20,000 jobs.

He was badly injured in this horrific crash in America - now the

Scots racing driver Dario Franchitti has announced his retirement on

medical grounds. Welcome home, Dad - a homecoming

parade for the Scots battalion which lost three soldiers in a roadside

bomb in Afghanistan. I have got tears in my eyes. It is brilliant.

We feel for the ones who never came home. And later in the programme:

Going off piste - as Scotland's skiing season gets under way, a

guide is published for the more adventurous skier.

An Aberdeen-based oil company has been given the go-ahead for a ?4

billion project off Shetland. The Krayken development will support

20,000 jobs during its construction phase and is one of the biggest

investments in the UK this year. -- Kraken development. Steven Duff

reports. Situated east of Shetland, the

Kraken field is the biggest investment in the UK North Sea this

year. Developer EnQuest is plunging ?4 billion into the project. There

is an estimated 140 million barrels of oil and the construction phase is

expected to support 20,000 jobs. The field was discovered in 1985. But

the advent of new technology and the ability to access that technology

and the oil price going up has enabled us to make it economic. This

harbour already benefits from work related to development to the west

of Shetland. This new field to the East will mean more work. We have

the quayside is, we have the supply chain companies here. All of them

are very experienced in the oil and gas industry. We feel we are

perfectly located to be a port that is used for the installation and

ongoing operation of the Kraken field. The Kraken announcement comes

in a week when a report called for drastic action to stop the decline

in UK oil and gas production and exploration. Sir Ian Wood warranted

billions of pounds was risked being lost from the economy. It

demonstrates that when industry and government work together, when we

have a stable tax regime, significant projects can be

developed in the UK. EnQuest said during its expected 25 year life,

the Kraken field should support around 1000 operational jobs. As for

the oil, that's good, as soon as 2016.

-- that could come as soon as 2016. Douglas Fraser joins me now. Can you

explain what the technology here? We know there has been heavy oil in

this field for 30 years. But it has not been possible until now to

extract that. The technical challenge is that this oil is more

of this case. -- much more viscous. It requires some means of piloting

in order to get it to flow. You have to think more wealth than usual.

This field has 25 different wells. Many fields you have to leave quite

a lot behind. Handling it and processing it requires a lot of

energy and costs. They reckon this will cost about ?4 billion over the

life span, 25 years, of the Kraken field. They estimate, if they are

correct about oil prices, they should sell the oil for more than

twice that amount. How does this fit into the bigger picture for the

North Sea? It is part of a second wind for the North Sea which extends

into the Atlantic, west of Shetland as well. This year we are expecting

more than ?13 billion to be invested in the UK oil and gas sector

offshore, that is in new fields and upgrading equipment for the old

fields to keep them producing and that is a record amount. That should

help to turn around what has been decline in the last 14 years from

the peak of oil and gas production in UK waters. The past three years

has been a rapid decline. Clearly there is a good few years left if

you look at investments like this. There is still a lot of jobs to had

indeed oil and gas sector but there are concerns that we do not have the

skills to pick up all of the opportunities they have in this

sector. There are fears that girls are being

brought to Scotland from other parts of the UK and Europe to undergo

female genital mutilation. A BBC investigation has found that the

country is regarded as an easy option by those carrying out the

practice because no case has ever been brought to court. Lucy Adams

has this exclusive report. Fatou Baldeh is from the Gambia but

lives in Scotland. She remembers being cut aged seven. I was

blindfolded and some people held my hand and other people held my legs.

I remember I was screaming for my mother and my grandmother to help

me. But no one did. This is not where you would expect female

genitalia mutilation or FGM to take place. The UN estimates that 3

million girls are cut around the world each year. And now we know

that some of those girls are cut here in Scotland. Anela Anwar at the

charity Roshni is concerned that Scotland is becoming a centre for

FGM. Because Scotland has been lacking in prosecutions or pursuing

the issue of female genital mutilation, families are coming from

England and Wales into Scotland to carry out the practice on their

girls and that is concerning that Scotland is now being viewed as a

place that does not take the issue of FGM seriously. New Scottish

government figures seen by the BBC show that between 1987 and 2011 some

2000 and 403 girls were born in Scotland to a mother from an FGM

practising country. -- 2403 girls. This is child abuse inflicted on

children and young people and it needs to be treated as such. The

Detective Chief Superintendent is concerned that health professionals

are not referred cases. She said every daughter born to a woman who

had undergone FGM should be flagged as a child protection issues. How

many referrals have you had from health? Dell none. In a statement

the equalities minister said... Lucy Adams, former BBC Reporting

Scotland. And you can hear more on The

Investigation: Cutting Love on BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday at 10.30am.

The Scottish Green Party has launched its campaign for a Yes vote

in next year's independence referendum. Steven Godden reports.

In the yes Scotland Alliance, the Green Party are very much the junior

partner. Their vision of an independent Scotland is not the same

as the SNP's, a vision spelt out at a campaign launched in Edinburgh

this morning. Many in the SNP membership would like a Scottish

currency, would like to challenge the idea of monarchy or of

membership of NATO. But the opportunities that exist and the

risks that exist, we need to be honest about both. The Green Party

bot message is that they are not nationalists. Instead, the party's

belief in independent is rooted in an desire to transform politics and

society. The kind of radical change, they argue, that Westminster is

increasingly unlikely to deliver. They have a lot of energy and ideas.

They have distinctive policies. It is important people begin to CD

adversity within the pro-independence camp. But according

to their referendum opponents, the Green Party have chosen the wrong

side. Patrick talks about our success in the National Health

Service in Scotland and in education in Scotland, there are lots of those

issues I would agree with him. Devolution has been good for

Scotland. Scotland can continue to enjoy the best of both worlds with a

strong Scottish Parliament and still a place in the United Kingdom.

Having fleshed out a distinct case for independence, the challenge for

the Green Party is to make sure that their voices heard in the run-up to

next September's vote. You're watching Reporting Scotland

from the BBC. Still to come on the programme. We go off piste with a

new guide to skiing away from Scotland's main slopes.

In sport, two of our national teams are in action tonight. We'll be live

at Hampden as our footballers prepare to play the USA. And we'll

look ahead to the biggest match in Scottish Rugby League history - that

and more later. F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Jenson

Button and Paul di Resta have all paid tribute to Dario Franchitti,

who has announced his retirement. The Scottish IndyCar driver may be

relatively unknown in his homeland, but he's one of the biggest sporting

stars in the United States. Last month, the 40-year-old driver was

involved in an horrific crash in Houston. Rhona McLeod has more.

This is the moment that ended the career of Dario Franchitti. He

fractured his spine. He broke his ankle and suffered a concussion. One

month later, doctors have advised the spinal and head, make it too

dangerous for him to continue in this port. -- spinal and head

trauma. His sporting achievements are considered legendary in America.

A four-time IndyCar champion and three-time winner of the Indy 500,

his earnings total around ?50 million. He is also a fully paid

member of the American elite through his marriage to Ashley Judd. But the

dangers of the sport were on his mind as he mentioned on a visit home

almost a year to the day before the crash. Anybody who is involved in

racing at any level has to think about the safety. And decide if it

is for them. I have asked myself that question a couple of times and

decided that I am per appeared to accept the risk and continue racing.

At knock a sing course, his friend and fellow racing driver believes

his talents have been undervalued in this country. He is a global

superstar in motor sport but he could walk down Princes Street or

Buchanan Street and nobody would notice him. The success he has had

has been phenomenal. To win one Indy 500 is incredible. That is the

biggest race in the role. But to win it three times especial. Some

British greats have paid tribute. Dario Franchitti's cousin has

said... Jenson Button said he looked up to Dario Franchitti as a

youngster and Lewis Hamilton said... Deter said he hopes to continue in

and off track capacity in an Indy car. The community will welcome back

the man they call a legend. the man they call

Hundreds of people have gathered in Glasgow city centre to support a

homecoming parade of the Royal Highland Fusiliers. The battalion

lost three soldiers in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan earlier

this year. Laura Maxwell watched the parade.

A rousing return. Friends and family and the people of Glasgow turned out

in their hundreds to welcome home the Royal Highland Fusiliers. But

this was a difficult tour. The battalion lost three of their

comrades when their armoured vehicle was hit in a roadside blast in

Afghanistan in April. Corporal William Savage from urban. Private

Samuel fled from Blackpool. And private Robert Hetherington

originally from America. Today we remember them. We will continue to

remember them for the rest of the future. The battalion has spent the

last six month in Helmand Province, mentoring the Afghan police. They

are a force that can secure the protected communities in central

Helmand Province. To see their progress was encouraging. This

parade marks the end of two Scots FINAL tour in Afghanistan. Their

families are very proud. I have got tears in my eyes. It is brilliant. I

am proud. We feel for the ones who never came home. It is great to have

them back. The Royal Highland Fusiliers will now take on the leak

that -- take on a UK based role. Their families are happy to have

them home. One of South Africa's greatest

breadth of players is joining Scottish researchers to raise

awareness of military -- motor new rent disease.

On the pitch, he was Scotland's tormentor. This guy has so much

talent and aptitude. He is probably one of the best rugby players in the

world. Remarkably, he says his diagnosis of motor neurone disease

three years ago has made him a better person.

Joost van der Westhuizen already has the support of the rugby community

in raising awareness of the illness. Now he is working with Adam

University to promote research. He once to bring research to South

Africa, where at the moment nothing is happening. -- he wants. Former

Rangers star Fernando Rixon is also battling the disease. Those who know

Joost... I have seen an improvement since six months ago. I have seen

him progress. Joost is a rugby legend. He says his mental strength

as a player is now helping him face his greatest challenge.

Other stories from across Scotland this Friday: Police have named a

17-year-old girl who died after being hit by a lorry in Thornhill in

Dumfries and Galloway. Emma Harkness, from nearby Penpont,

was knocked down about five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. An appeal's

continuing for witnesses. An Aberdeen care home for the

elderly is set to close following a highly critical report. Beach Court,

operated by Four Seasons health care, was given until last week by

the Care Inspectorate to make a series of improvements or face

having it's registration withdrawn. The most recent inspection

highlighted how staff were not always alert to potential risks in

the home. A long-running industrial dispute at

Stirling Council looks set to end. A deal reached between the council and

unions means many staff will have a longer working week and see their

pay cut. The council says the changes will help protect jobs and

services. The deal's still to be agreed by union members.

A public consultation is to be held on whether Edinburgh Council should

end its long-standing tolerant approach to the sex trade by

scrapping licences for saunas. Councillors have approved plans for

the consultation on changing public entertainment licence rules.

Scotland's top earners have increased their income at a greater

rate than the rest of the nation's workers in the past decade,

according to a report on inequality by economists at Stirling

University. Pay packets for those in the top 1% are now 20 times bigger

than those in the bottom 1% of earners.

And there are more stories from your area, and all the latest news, 24

hours a day, on BBC Scotland's website.

The first book to offer snow sports enthusiasts a detailed guide to

off-piste ski routes in Scotland is published today. The author says

Scotland's mountains offer some fantastic downhill skiing away from

the groomed slopes of the five main resorts, and experts say such

adventures are not just for the daredevils amongst us. Our very own

daredevil, Craig Anderson, reports. It could be Colorado, but it is just

outside Fort William. Off piste skiing in Scotland has been a bit of

a secret amongst some of the most extreme skiers. But this new guide

suggests anyone could enjoy this. As they go up, people do not realise

how much there is and how good it can be. Obviously, conditions are

fickle in Scotland, everybody knows that, but when they are good, there

can be some fantastic skiing on offer. The book details dozens of

routes around the Nevis Range, traded as to their level of

difficulty, a revelation perhaps to those who regard Scotland's ski

areas as tame. Many people do not see what is over the next mountain,

they have no idea this kind of skiing exes in Scotland. But what of

the dangers of skiing outside the official slopes? For the right

people, those dangers can be minimised. People who know what they

are doing and have the right equipment and can mitigate a lot of

those risks. Itself, a guidebook is no substitute for experience and

technique for those prepared to try it, the only way is down.

Let's go straight to David for the latest on some rather different

sports. I thought that was Craig coming down

the hill! Children In Need is not the only big

event tonight. Two of our national teams will be in action. At 8.05,

our footballers face the USA at Hampden. Our senior football

reporter, Alasdair Lamont, is there for us now.

We are expecting about 20,000 fans inside Hamden for this evening's

match, the last international match inside Hamden for about a year

because of the Commonwealth games. What can the fans expect? It is a

friendly against the USA who are gearing up for Brazil 2014. You will

probably see a couple of changes from Gordon Strachan's usual team.

In any case, it should be an interesting match to see how

Scotland fare against the United States. They eat them 18 months

ago. -- the USA beat Scotland 18 months ago.

The Braveheart 's, also known as Scotland's rugby league team, are

also in action. They play New Zealand in the quarter finals of the

World Cup. The Scots are unbeaten but are 500-to-1 outsiders to win

the tournament. The Kiwis are the defending champions and favourites

to win the competition. Scotland's red elite players and

staff celebrate reaching the quarterfinals. -- rugby league. But

do not worry - they played much better than they sing! The brave

hearts are unbeaten, winning against Tonga, drawing with Italy and

beating the USA. Next up, their toughest battle, New Zealand. The

reigning world champions. This is a massive challenge. We are aware of

that. That it is bored. We will have a good go. There is no doubt about

that. The Scots may pull off the biggest shock is warts world history

but they will never match fellow world quarter finalist Samoa when it

comes to victory celebrations. Mind you, with the Bravehearts, nothing

will surprise you. I can't match that, but I can treat

you to a look at what else is happening across Scottish sport.

Scotland have won just one of their last ten matches against safe Africa

but one man making his international debut on Sunday says he will not be

overawed by the Springboks. We have to play as if it was our last ever

game. We will come out fine. It does not matter who you position is, it

is always a special occasion. Neil Lennon was at Celtic's annual

meeting today. He told reporters the club's recent success means they

have money to spend. It is not a substantial amount of money but

there will be money available if we want to improve the squad in certain

areas. Paul Foster will play in the final

of the international world Bowls. It is one of the best games I have been

involved in. We both did turn it on today.

Scots golfers Craig Lee and Craig Jamieson are just tried Henrik

Stenson at eWorld tour Championship in Dubai. The Swedish player leaves

12 under. And there are more sports stories on

our website. That is all from me.

Thank you. At the BBC studios in year in Glasgow we are gearing up

for Children In Need tonight. We will be telling you all about the

children we help, the projects we fund, and we are joined by our loyal

fundraisers. Can we have a look at them? Come on, make a noise!

CHEERING They were so quiet.

We have them so well trained. On top of Terri's treat tonight, tomorrow

in our highlight show we will have our children's wire, Nina Nesbitt,

and this very special lady, Susan Boyle. We will see you at 7:30pm.

Yes, but have you got Christopher Blanchett? I have excavation mark --

I have! Staying fairly cloudy and mild

tonight, and easy from the South West. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle

across the North West of the country. A mild night. One or two

spots just a touch cooler than six or seven. A cloudy start on Saturday

but mild. Some rain starting to edge its way in and drifting South.

Elsewhere, cloudy and drive for many parts for most of the day. Certainly

by mid afternoon. Across the South, cloudy and drive. That rain just

edging in towards Glasgow in the afternoon. Some areas drive. Wet and

windy through the Highlands including in the North West.

Nine-year-old Liam McIver brought in to say that if Castletown was on the

map he would donate his pocket money to Children In Need. So that is ?5,

please! Across the Galloway hills, some drizzle arriving later on in

the day. Across the eastern ranges, dried that fairly cloudy. Some

brightness through the Cairngorms. A south-westerly force six two

north-westerly force five. Moderate seas and moderate visibility. In the

Firth of Forth, a south-westerly force five veering north-westerly

force seven. Good seas and visibility. The rain continues to

work its way southwards. And then it is dry, clear and called. Widespread

frost during the early hours of Sunday morning. Sunday is sandwiched

in between Saturday is a smart weather there, Monday's whether

towards the North. Plenty of sunshine but cold. Monday is a bit

of a messy day. A transition day between what we are seeing at the

minute and some really cold stuff to come. That really cold stuff is with

us by Tuesday. By day, three or four degrees at best and potentially one

or two snow showers to low levels, too.

The main news: An Aberdeen-based oil company has been given the go-ahead

for a ?4 billion project off Shetland. The Kraken development

will support 20,000 jobs during its construction phase and is one of the

biggest investments in the UK this year.

200 demonstrators surrounded David Cameron's motorcade inch relying at

the start of the controversial Commonwealth summit. They were

protesting against the government's human rights abuses during the

country's civil war. Late bulletin just after the 10pm

News. See you then.