20/11/2013 Reporting Scotland

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland: Same sex marriage is expected to move one

step closer tonight in a free vote at Holyrood, despite opposition from

the Kirk and Catholic Church.We'll have the latest from the debate.

We are stopped from having any religious celebrant there. And we

want that as an option. We will have the latest from the debate.

Also tonight: Scotland's most senior judge tells MSPs that corroboration

should not be abolished in criminal cases.

Dundee takes it on the chin - disappointment as it fails in its

bid to become UK City of Culture. They've been a familiar sight on

streets for two centuries, but now the makers of the traditional cast

iron post box say orders have dried up.

A great pleasure for us to welcome The Black Watch.

And we meet the former Black Watch piper who met President Kennedy just

days before his assassination and then played at his funeral.

MSPs are this evening taking part in an impassioned debate over proposals

to legalise same sex marriage in Scotland. The Marriage and Civil

Partnership Bill is expected to clear its first parliamentary hurdle

in a free vote. But both the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church

oppose the legislation. Here's our Political Editor Brian Taylor.

Ian and Drew run a Glasgow gallery. They are partners in work and in

life. They could get a civil partnership, but they are holding

out for marriage. For better or for worse, in any

relationship. And also for the right to refer to each other as husband.

And they want the option of a religious blessing.

We are stopped from having God or any religious celebrant is there,

and we want that as an option. Supporters of change outside

Parliament today say it is about equality. They say that some faith

organisations are ready for same-sex marriage.

Some churches face -- favour traditional marriage.

They have got to opt into the process, they cannot be forced to do

it. It is a guarantee. But some MSPs doubt that and want

guarantees for teachers who might speak out on the issue. For a

conservative leader who is gay, she wants it to be about fairness.

I wanted to extend across Scotland to those who told it says no.

Others are worried that it is moving too quickly.

We have people in a relationship who believe that these changes could

devalue their relationships. For people like myself, who have a

relationship with Jesus and want to show my love for him.

Marriage has always been about a man and a woman. The purpose is to

provide a context in which children are born and raised. For Ian and

Drew, it is simple. I want to marry him.

The vote is expected to take place soon. How was it looking?

I think the vote will be yes. I think that Parliament will give

approval. I think those who have concerns may abstain, rather than

voting against. I think there will be more stages of this bill, to

provide guarantees. I think that MSPs will look for guarantees about

teachers who might offer ideas in class. I think that this will go

through and will become the law of the land.

Scotland's senior judge and the bulk of the legal establishment versus

the Scottish Government. That's not how the legal system usually works,

but the government's proposals to abolish the rule of corroboration

has put the two on opposing sides, and today the controversy

intensified. Our home affairs correspondent Reevel Alderson

explains. Scotland's legal system is unique in

requiring corroboration. That is to say each piece of evidence must be

supported by another, either eye-witness or forensic material.

The government and prosecutors want to abolish it. One effect, they say

would be to improve the conviction rates in rape and domestic abuse

cases. More than 2800 allegations of

domestic abuse couldn't be taken to court last year because of a lack of

admissable evidence. In the past two years, 170 rape cases were also

dropped. The rape conviction rape stands at around 50%, according to

prosecutors. They say abolition of corroboration would be in the

interests of victims, particularly the sort of crime committed when

only the perpetrator and the accuser are present.

Police have a duty to gather as much evidence as is available in

investigation. This includes trying to find corroboration, made much

easier in the advent of DNA technology.

If you sort your partner, it often goes unseen.

Domestic abuse campaigns have been launched by many governments, but it

it can be difficult to get convictions. Despite the widespread

proposals to abolish corroboration, others are forging ahead.

Everyone has an opinion on this. What they are not seeing in the

cases which cannot be taken up because of the requirement for

corroboration. Overwhelmingly, the Labour

profession wants to keep corroboration. A judge said that it

was not in antiquity and said that the legal changes were not useful.

If there is a solid case for abolishing corroboration, then there

should not be safeguards. As soon as you say that there needs to be

safeguards, you are conceding that it is going to create a risk of

miscarriage of justice, which, in my view, it will.

The man said that the old rule had been found to be good. This has been

a major legal controversy, with people deeply entrenched.

But there could be a way out for the government. A Tory MSP suggested

corroboration could be retained until a proper review was carried

out. The Lord President said that would be the path of wisdom.

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

programme: Building firms are warned they face being banned from winning

public contracts if they're involved in blacklisting workers.

In sport: A recall for Scotland's captain and some words of wisdom

from the coach in the run up to the final autumn rugby test.

And a man for all seasons - we reflect on Gordon Strachan's first

ten months in charge of our national football team.

Almost but not quite. Dundee woke up to the news that it had failed in

its bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2017. The coveted title

went to Hull. But the bid team say they'll press ahead with some of the

big events they'd planned. Andrew Anderson's report contains flash

photography. This was decision day for Dundee.

The bit's backers came together to hear the result.

I am delighted to announce that the City of Culture 2017 is Hull.

It took a moment to sink in. A long road ended in disappointment. But

then applause for Hull. The people wish to make a change,

and perhaps in Hull's case, they saw that the need was greater. It was

further along the line. Dundee was offering a huge package

of events for 2017, designed to attract many visitors and create new

jobs. They were the only Scottish finalist in the competition, and

Scotland votes next year in the independence referendum. So there is

the possibility of not being in the UK by 2017. Was that a factor?

I don't know. You would have to ask them. I know the question has been

asked, and the formal answer we have had is that it was not a factor.

Despite the outcome, Dundee's has continued its regeneration. The

museum will still be built. And other events from the unsuccessful

bid will still go ahead. We need to get the positive

thoughts, and be glad for what we've done.

It has brought a lot of people together. I think that many projects

will come out of this. Dundee won't have the City of

Culture title, but it is taking it on the chin.

Building firms are being warned they face being banned from winning

public contracts if they're involved in blacklisting workers. The

Scottish Government's unveiled new guidelines which will require

suppliers to disclose whether they have breached laws against the

practice. Steven Godden reports. We want no more blacklisting! We

want compensation. Protesters outside Holyrood,

campaigning against blacklisting. People say that it has been around

for decades, stopping these men from working.

I knew there was something not right. I have applied for jobs, and

my friends got jobs, but I did not get one, for no reason. For years,

the existence of a blacklist was denied.

But then, if you years ago, a list was found, and some Scottish names

were found, on the list made by big firms.

Today, the Scottish minister said that there would be action.

We know that some companies who have admitted being involved in

blacklisting have now said that there was no evidence of the being

blacklisting. But we need to look to the future.

From now on, companies bidding for public set to contracts will be

asked if they have ever breached blacklisting laws, and they will

have to show that they have changed their ways. If they found to have

blacklisted people, their contract will be ripped up.

I think people have been losing their reputations. I think some of

the companies have had their reputations rightly tarnished

because this is unacceptable. A welcome development, say those who

are affected. It has emerged that letters will be sent to 1200 workers

across the UK who do not know that they were blacklisted. The

challenging legacy is clear. Other stories from across Scotland

this Wednesday: Almost 50% of Edinburgh council tenants facing the

under occupancy charge, or bedroom tax, haven't applied for extra help

to pay their rent, despite growing numbers being in arrears.

The City Council is urging people to get in contact, as help is

available. The council estimates it is owed ?1.25 million in rent

arrears caused by the recent changes to housing benefit.

People have a payment, and as of this week, we have allocated some

money, but there is still ?2 million to be allocated. People need to make

contact with our offices so that we can give them support.

Police say a major blaze at a disused Aberdeen hospital is being

treated as wilful. Dozens of firefighters were called in to

tackle the incident at Royal Cornhill Hospital on November 6.The

investigation was delayed as the building suffered structural damage,

and experts waited until it was safe.

Dumfries and Galloway Council's new Labour-led administration is set to

abandon plans for a so-called "super school" in Dumfries. The first of

its kind in Scotland, it would have taken all the town's senior

secondary students from S4 to S6. The council will now lay out

alternative plans to re-build two of the existing Dumfries secondary

schools and refurbish the other two. Scottish Borders Council is offering

to make available its desks for police Scotland for members of the

public to report crime. People across the border could go, as part

of a cost-cutting programme. More than ?5million has been spent

on a marketing campaign to attract visitors to Scotland next year. The

Brilliant Moments' initiative includes a ?3 million advert

designed for the internet as well as television.

The staging of The Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games and Homecoming

events are described as a once in a lifetime opportunity for the tourist

industry. And there are more stories from your area, and all the latest

news, on BBC Scotland's website. The classic red post box could be under

threat. The Scottish firm which makes the boxes says it has had no

new orders since Royal Mail was privatised. And there's concern

their traditional cast iron versions are being replaced by lighter boxes

made of stainless steel. Here's our business correspondent David

Henderson. Every postbox starts life in a

shower of sparks. For years, they have lit up this factory in Denny,

but staff here are asking for how much longer? Among the team are

father and son who work side-by-side. I take a lot of pride

in making them. They are beautiful. If I can make them look like they

are supposed to look, I have done my job.

The spokes -- these postboxes are cast iron, but face competition from

firm which makes them in stainless steel. The quality of them, you

cannot beat it. But we will have to wait and see. Wait and see. Everyone

here is doing just that. For the last 30 years, this company has been

making some of the most iconic street furniture that you can see

all stop as well as these telephone boxes, it is still producing 600 of

these every year, as well as 60 of these. As you can hear, it is built

to last. But will demand last? Managers see a long-term contract

with Royal Mail has now lost and since the postal giant was

privatised last month, orders have dried up. I do not think it is fair.

It is not fair to the boys in the factory or my suppliers. It is as if

we do not exist. In a statement tonight, Royal Mail said...

But piecemeal work may not be in. Without regular orders, jobs are set

to go and a proud tradition could be lost.

Let's get the sport now. Kelly Brown has been be called the

Big Yin against Australia. The headquarters given his team

something to think about with what could be Scottish sport's quote of

the year. -- called in for the big game.

The manner of the tries we give away was really disappointing. And they

took them which is why they are the second best in the world. Changes

are now being made. What is the reaction to the South Africa game?

There is a lot to acknowledge. A lot we need to do better. Endeavour and

good personal performances reap rewards. I have realised the

enormity of the match this week. It is the aim for everyone this

weekend. I have spoken at length about this process. We have got

really good competition. When the tide goes out, we are going to find

out who is swimming naked. They do not want to get caught out a second

time. The Scottish Professional Football

League board is considering pursuing Rangers for a quarter of a million

pounds. It is for a fine imposed by an independent SPL commission on

Rangers Football Club PLC's use of a tax benefit scheme. Meanwhile the

club have appointed a new chief executive. He's Graham Wallace, a

chartered accountant who was previously chief operating officer

of Manchester City. Now, a look at what else is

happening across Scottish sport. Meet Celtic's new Icelandic striker

Holmbert Fridjonsson. He's got the strip, two of them, to prove it. But

what can the club expect from him? I can hold up the ball well and link

players to the game. I have good technique and I am good in the air.

Scotland international Kim Little has left Arsenal for Seattle Reign

in the United States. Little, who has been with the Gunners for five

years, is English football's player of the year.

They're just watching today at the Scottish Open, but two of our top

badminton players Imogen Bankier and Kirsty Gilmour will team up for

doubles at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

We have to hit the ground running from the very start. It is going to

be hard. Bookmakers William Hill have

extended their sponsorship of racing's Ayr Gold cup till 2016. It

is Europe's richest sprint handicap with a prize of ?100,000.

And there are more sports stories plus all the latest news, 24 hours a

day on BBC Sport Scotland's website. The Scotland manager Gordon Strachan

and his squad will go into an international hibernation of sorts

having finished off their year with a win in Norway. They won't have any

games now until the spring. It's been ten months since Strachan took

over the national team and, as David McDaid reports, Scotland's fortunes

under him have changed with the seasons.

Victory in Norway and a good end to is Gordon Strachan's 2013. How would

you assess your ten months in charge? I am still in a job. Here is

why. It is February and the new man begins. When over Estonia.

The following month brings defeat to Wales and Serbia. Scotland's World

Cup hopes Peter out. In June, Gordon Strachan's Scotland

click. An unlikely win over Croatia is followed by a narrow defeat by

England. As the International year comes to a close, three wins from

four matches. Five victories from ten games. How does it great? To

start with, I was a little bit worried. He was testing players, did

not know what is best team. Then they beat Croatia away and it has

gone from strength to strength. I think he will be pleased with the

way it has gone. The next cycle begins again in February. I can

hardly wait. Friday marks 50 years since the

assassination of US President John F Kennedy. A former Black Watch piper

has been recalling how he met President Kennedy and then nine days

later took part in his funeral procession through Washington.

Steven Duff reports. It's a great pleasure for Mrs

Kennedy and myself to welcome the Black Watch to the White House.

The massed bands of the Black Watch perform on the White House lawn.

Newsreels show a contented Kennedy family watching from the balcony.

Bruce Cowie was one of the pipers. 50 years on, he remembers his brief

meeting with President Kennedy. He came round and he shook hands with

everyone on the bus and then he went back to the other bus and did the

same thing. That made our day. It really made our day.

From the high window rings out the shot...

Nine days later in Dallas, Texas, President Kennedy was shot dead.

Never in the history of the American Republic has there been anything

like this. On November 25, Black Watch pipers

led the President's funeral procession through Washington. Bruce

Cowie was one of the nine pipers. It didn't sink in. The way it

probably should have. It was part of the job I suppose. It was only

later, in a sense, I realised. Today's Black Watch pipe major is

heading back to Washington, taking part in events commemorating 50

years since President Kennedy's assassination. Why did pipers from a

Scottish regiment play such a prominent part in this bit of

history? The reason why Mrs Kennedy asked for

this is that she felt herself the last time the president was relaxed

and fully enjoyed himself was the Sunset Beating the Retreat that the

Black Watch performed at the White House.

50 years on, Bruce Cowie is the last remaining Black Watch paper who led

off President Kennedy's funeral. Good evening. It was a windy day for

some. Around the West Coast, especially. Showers pushing down

eastern another warning for snow showers

continuing. Away from the East Coast, largely dry, clear, cold and

frosty. Temperatures close to freezing. Tomorrow morning, it will

be a cold start. But high pressure is coming our way, settling things

down and staying with us until Sunday. A cold start tomorrow, a

frosty start. Showers continuing on the east coast. But through the

afternoon and into the evening, largely dry for many of us. It will

be colder than today, but without that winter, feeling better. Later

wins in the North -- lighter winds in the North. Thursday night will be

really called, and a cold and frosty start on Friday. A cold and frosty

start to end the week, but there will be some from around -- fog

around. Thank you. MSPs are taking part in a

debate to allow same-sex marriage in Scotland.

The government is to order an independent inquiry into why the

disgraced Methodist minister Paul Flowers was deemed a suitable

chairman of the Co-op Bank. It follows allegations that Reverend

Flowers bought illegal drugs and used a male prostitute.

The Prime Minister has ruled out an amnesty in Northern Ireland for

people responsible for killings during the Troubles. It follows a

proposal from Northern Ireland's Attorney General, John Larkin, that

all inquests, inquiries and criminal prosecutions linked to the conflict

prior to 1998 should be halted. And that's Reporting Scotland. I'll

be back with the late bulletin just after the ten o'clock