18/12/2013 Reporting Scotland

let-up. Thank you. That is all from the BBC News at Six. Goodbye. Now

Tonight on reporting Scotland: The Treasury claims they will be a hole

in the finances of an independent Scotland. The SNP say that the

figures from the UK government do not add up.

A BBC investigation uncovers a wide variations in the wake police in

different parts of Scotland are dealing with the mystic abuse. --

domestic abuse. A top swimmer tells us that a recent heart scare did not

frighten him. I was more interested in boasting about it to my

team-mates, I trained so hard that I pushed my heart rate into an

irregular rhythm! And a spacemen comes travelling. Chris Hadfield

lands in Edinburgh. The UK Treasury claims that there is

a financial hole in the claims of the Scottish government outlined in

a financial White Paper. It claims it would cost an extra 1.6 billion

pounds to fund pledges such as improved childcare. But Nicola

Sturgeon says that those claims do not add up. The Treasury claims to

have costed plans in the Scottish cup and White Paper. They say that

the policies to: They say that those policies add to a bill of ?1.6

billion every year. The truth is that the plans do not add up

whichever way you look at them. People should be cautious about

voting for a plan and shaky economic foundations. Ministers claim that

the Treasury analysis ignores the tax which would be gained from

getting parents back to work. The Treasury dispute that, singer costs

will go up first, before benefits. -- saying that. The Prime Minister

responded to the first Minister, who demanded assurances over the

long-term future of the armoured formula. -- Barnett. In a few --

letter, he said: Nicola Sturgeon points to estimates

that scrapping it could cost Scotland ?4 billion every year. The

primary studies saying he can give no guarantees about our budget. Yet

he is part of a campaign that guarantees future assurances from

the Yes campaign every day of the week. When asked for the same, he

will not give them. The most recent figures show that the number of

Scots seeking work was down by 7000, while the number of people in

work, went up. And a record number of women are now working. Our

business editor was looking at the figures.

There is some Christmas cheer in these figures. Even though they come

from the period August -October. The number seeking work, down 7000. Two

196,000. A really large drop at a UK level. 99,000. As a share of the

workforce, the unemployment rate is down to 7.1% in Scotland, 7.4%

across the UK. That figure is significant. The governor of the

Bank of England says that if 7% is reached, they could be a return to

normality, a rise in interest rates. That is not guaranteed, but

it may be a trigger for the economy to recover.

And those people in work? Yes, 11th hour is more Scots in

work. That is the 11th month of the figures rising. -- 11,000 more

Scots. The number in work has risen very much faster over the past year

than the number looking for work has fallen. But both figures are heading

in the right direction. However, we also got the pay rate today,

covering the whole of the UK, up by less than 1% in the year to October.

Now, the inflation rate is about 2%. That gap is the continuing

squeeze on household spending. It is not all good news.

A warning of severe gales has been issue by the Met Office for

Western, Central, and northern Scotland. The worst is likely to hit

later tonight as winds reach 90 mph in exposed areas. Flood warnings are

in place for West Central Scotland and Tayside. We have been having

some technical problems because of the weather. We can try to visit

Katrina Renton who is in Largs. Believe it or not, this is the calm

before the storm. It has gotten worse since we arrived at this

evening. Worse is predicted. The Met Office has provided amber warnings

from the Highlands, down the West Coast, to Aaron. That means winds of

over 80 mph. Potentially very damaging. The rest of the country is

not exempt either. Everyone else has been issue with a yellow warning.

Winds of up to 70 mph. The relatively good news is that these

warnings have been issued from 9pm this evening until 8am tomorrow. The

very worst will be in the early hours and hopefully many of us are

asleep in our beds. Transport Scotland are on stand-by. As our

power companies in case there is disruption. But there are also flood

warnings in place where there will be heavy rain. The Scottish

environmental protection agency has provided flood warnings across 16

areas in the country. Escher, Argyll areas in the country. Escher, Argyll

Bute, Tayside, west Central Scotland. -- Ayrshire. A miserable

night ahead. Hopefully it will clear up in time for the morning commute.

But you can still expect unpleasant conditions in the morning.

Christopher has already told me that we can not expect a great day

tomorrow. Much colder, sleet, blizzards, snow in the Highlands.

You can expect disruption. The advice is, before you go to bed, if

you are in one of the worst affected areas, make one of the necessary

preparations. A full weather bulletin will follow at the end of

the programme. But let me warn you, he said it would be unsettled from

now until Christmas. That is is warmed.

You are watching reporting Scotland. Still to come: The Canadian

astronaut who serenaded the world from the International Space

Station, lands in Scotland. And the swimming version of the Ryder Cup is

being held in Glasgow. Michael Jamieson talks about that and his

recent health scare. And the Ryder Cup itself is coming to Scotland,

but a former European captain is concerned that there might not any

Scots taking part. -- might not be. A BBC investigation has discovered

variations in the way police in Scotland deal with cases of domestic

abuse. Only 50% of cases were investigated last year in the old

Grampian force area. I contrast, in the northern region, 90% of

complaints were acted upon. We heard the harrowing story of one woman's

experience with domestic abuse. Nicola is looking forward to

spending Christmas with her young son and extended family. A very

different picture from two years ago when she was on the point of leaving

a violent and abusive husband after four years of abuse. I was

threatened with weapons. Assaulted whilst breast-feeding. I would be in

bed breast-feeding my son in the dark, I was not allowed to switch

off lights. On one occasion he physically kick me out of bed.

Nicola and her son fled the family home and went into hiding for 18

months. No charges were ever brought against her ex-husband. The police

were understanding and supportive on an emotional level. But the law is

weak. There was not much action they could take. They questioned my

abuser. He gave no comments. He would not discuss the situation.

There were no which assist to any of the situations which led to me

fleeing. Figures show that how cases are dealt with varies greatly across

Scotland. Victims in the Grampian saw only a few Mac cases taken to

the procurator fiscal. In Strathclyde, the number was three

quarters. But officers say that a single

national force has entered the postcode lottery. We can deal with

this in a fair, equitable, consistent, highly professional

manner across Scotland. Units set up across Scotland are getting results.

Bryan Strang was today sentenced for eight years for the rape of two

former partners and an attack on a third. For victims it is time that

abusers were held to account more often. He has not been charged for

any acts of abuse against us. Although I am incredibly grateful

for the support that we have had and the new life that we have had, and

they wouldn't change that for anything, I have no regrets, but the

cost has been enormous, and it has been nice. -- on us. And you can see

the investigation on BBC Scotland tonight at 10:35pm. Police divers

searching for a missing 17-year-old boy in Fife have recovered a body in

the river leaving. -- Levin. For teenagers have appeared at

Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with breaking into the Clutha pub where

ten died in a helicopter crash last week. The group are alleged to have

stolen items from the building. They were remanded in custody. The final

funeral for a victim has been held, 59-year-old Joe Cosco died in

hospital almost a fortnight after the accident. -- Joe Cusker.

Mourners gathered for the service at a crib tool in Blantyre. --

crematorium. Melissa Reid, the Scot sentenced to

eight years after being caught with ?1.5 million of cocaine in their

luggage in her room in their luggage into ruin August has appealed to the

Peruvian government to spend part of her jail term in Scotland. It is up

to the Peruvian and Scottish governance to decide whether they

can be transferred. An investigation is underway to after a 79-year-old

woman was hit by a car on a dual carriageway just before 9am this

morning. A bill to help stamp out abuse of

the disabled drivers parking scheme would allow parking wardens to

confiscate badges from offenders. This will give powers to local

authorities to use badges which are being used inappropriately. If we

confiscate anything, we will return it to the Batchelder. -- badge

holder. The Scottish government says that the renewable energy potential

of the western and Northern Isles is huge, but could be jeopardised

without the backing. Plans for a ?33 million

redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery have been approved by

councillors. The project involves a large roof extension condemned by

some as corporate vandalism. But supporters say it will create a

world-class cultural centre. It is being hailed as a cornerstone for

the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre.

There is concern that a wind farm in Cumbria acute undermine plans for a

art sculpture on the England-Scotland border. It is hoped

it would have a tour is attraction similar to the Angel of the North in

Gateshead. -- tourism. More stories from your area, and the

latest news, on our website. Just before the sporting action,

Rangers shareholders are being told to attend the AGM which takes place

tomorrow. The call comes from someone trying to get onto the

board. This is where shareholders will

gather tomorrow morning for a much anticipated meeting. Paul Murray, a

nominee trying to get elected to the board, reacted with surprise last

night when BBC Scotland ran a story that none of the group had earned

sufficient report to get a place on the board. We also brought you news

that the current incumbents had received sufficient votes to in

place. Who are these men? David Somers will remain as chairman. He

was brought in in November when there were only two Mac directors in

place. Graham Wallace stays as Chief Executive. A former director of

Manchester City. Brian Stockbridge, financial director since Charles

Green purchased the assets. He has resided over extensive losses but

has been re-elected. James Easdale, appointed in July, and his brother,

Sandy, sit on the football board. They hold voting rights over 26% of

shares. And Norman Crichton, a nonexecutive director, brought in in

November as the order sought to bolster numbers. They will continue

to run the club until the AGM tomorrow. I spoke to a critic of the

board to get his view. Last Saturday we held a red cards showing we want

a new board. There is disappointment. The institutional

investors who went along with supporters and listened, I believe

they are long-term investors. I would imagine there would be a

reaction from them. The short-term investors have got what they wanted.

Paul Murray has said that every shareholder should make their voice

heard. We will bring you all the reaction to that tomorrow night.

The former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has lost an appeal over a court

ruling that he must pay almost ?18 million to ticketing firm, Ticketus.

They provided funds for Mr Whyte to buy the club under a deal which

would have seen it paid back from sales but when Rangers entered

administration that deal ended. Ticketus then sued Mr Whyte,

claiming he had not disclosed details such as a previous

disqualification from serving as a director.

We turn our attentions to sport now, and David.

Some of the world's best swimmers are in Glasgow as the City plays

host to its first Duel in the Pool. The competition is unique and has

been compared to golf's Ryder Cup. One Scottish winner is backing the

bill after a recent heart scare. Like many other Commonwealth Games

venues here in Glasgow, Tollcross will get a pre-games tester. Duel in

the Pool will see some of the top European swimmers competing against

some of the best from America. Leading European challenge in

Scotland's Michael Jamieson, thank you for joining us. First, you had

us worried a few weeks ago, how are you?

Completely fine. A bit of a scare a few weeks ago but I've been given

the all clear. It was just a blip from pushing as hard as I can in

training. I've been given the all clear and back full-time training

and competing as normal. This event over Friday and Saturday

will count towards the preparation. Tell us about the jewel in the

pool. It will be a great event. The pool

looks fantastic. This is the first time I have been back here to

compete, and it will be great fun. We have a great strong side with the

Europeans and hopefully we will give the American team you run for their

money. This place has changed since you

used to train here, has it not? Yes, it has had a full revamp and it

looks great. It is a lovely venue for something of the magnitude of

the Commonwealth Games. Thank you for joining us. Michael is

off to do more training. Duel in the Pool will take place here on Friday

and Saturday. .

Now on to the Ryder Cup itself. The competition's being held in Scotland

next year but one former captain is worried there won't be any Scots

taking part. Bernard Gallacher has high hopes of a win for Europe over

the United States at Gleneagles. But will there be any home heroes for

the fans to cheer? Kheredine Idessane reports.

Back in the spotlight after a real scare. He reminded reporters this

morning he is lucky to be alive after a serious cardiac arrest

recently. He has been told to take it easy, but that is hard for one of

European golf's best-known names, a Ryder Cup winning captain in 1985,

he is worried that there will be no Scots in the team on Gleneagles

hosts next year. They can't pick a Scott when he is

not well enough to get in it. We will just have to hope that some

Scottish golfers come through and make the team. I am optimistic that

a few will come through and get in the running to get in the team.

The one Scot he does rate is Paul Lawrie who brought the famous trophy

to Scotland this year. He played so well in the last one.

He will make a big effort to make the team, especially being in

Scotland. He was instrumental in our victory the last time. In fact, he

was the catalyst for the victory when he won early doors. I would

hope you would make the team. Gaelic's nephew, Stephen, is another

who could enter the fray, but he and the other Scottish players have a

lot of ground to make up to join your's deadly dozen at Gleneagles.

Now, a look at what else is happening across Scottish sport.

Scotland should have a new cricket coach for the World Cup qualifiers

in January. The South African is parting company from Cricket

Scotland after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins are reuniting for the tennis doubles in

Brisbane. Hutchins is in remission one year after being diagnosed with

cancer. Scotland international John Lamb and

could be out for up to six weeks. He has ligament damage. He could be fit

for the six Nations internationals. East Fife have appointed Gary

Naismith as manager. He joined the club as player in the summer after

moving from Aberdeen. Years also played for hearts, Everton and

Huddersfield. Scotland's woman could reach the

final of the international tournament in Brazil. They must beat

Chile by more than two goals tonight, and hope the Brazilians

beat Canada. More sports stories and the latest

news 24 hours a day on the website. I'll be on the website when I am

sheltering from the winter nights. He is the astronaut who became a

global star by singing in space. Commander Chris Hadfield captivated

the world with his music videos and photos from the International Space

Station, which he commanded until May. Now the Canadian has touched

down in Scotland, and Joanne Macaulay went to meet him.

# Ground control to Major Tom #. His performance give new meaning to

a David Bowie classic and brought space travel three new audience.

# This is ground control to Major Tom #.

Commander Hadfield also shared striking images of the Earth, such

as these from Scotland. He is amazed that his pictures and videos struck

a chord with so many. Hundreds of millions have seen that

all around the world. It is a delightful link between the science

of the space station and art and culture. I really enjoyed it.

It is not everyday you get to a spaceman at school.

Today's science lesson at this high school in Edinburgh was extra

special. Going into space is one of those

things people grew up thinking they would like to do, but if you're

someone who has actually managed to do it despite the odds, it's amazing

for kids to hear. Some of the pictures from space are

amazing. It does get inspired to get involved.

In the New Year I will pick my subjects for third year, and I think

it has inspired me to look further into studying sciences.

Fans queued in Edinburgh today to meet the singing spaceman as he

signed his book, titled case an astronaut's gay to life.

We are all in this together, you know? Country boundaries change, and

the more you see of the world, the harder it is to keep the boundary

between us and them. I have been round the world 2500 times, and I

think it gives a global view. This time last year, Amanda Hadfield

was preparing to spend Christmas in space. -- Commander Chris Hadfield.

Used against oratory more conventional Christmas season this

year. Now back to that severe weather

that's been forecast - Christopher, what's the latest?

what's A stormy night ahead of us. This is

the reason why, he deep area of low pressure. Tightly packed as a virus

and a lot of rain in the forecast. Because of the wind, the Met office

has issued an amber warning for the West Coast, the Highlands and

Hebrides, as far south as the Isle of Arran. The rain sweeping its

green Northwoods, and away from the amber warning area, still windy gale

force winds from the south and south-east. It is the West Coast

were most concerned about. Concerns for coastal communities around the

Firth of Clyde with potential for some localised flooding. Further

north gusts at times in excess of 80 mph, strong enough to cause some

structural damage and maybe some power cuts as well. The good news is

it cools through quite quickly, showers in behind, and the winds

started he's doing. But a cold night and the cold start tomorrow

morning. Another warning, this time for snow showers in the Highlands

and Argyll, but elsewhere it is not too bad tomorrow. Through the

central belt, the south and east, largely dry and bright, but called.

Tomorrow it will be five or six degrees and best. Some sunshine,

though. Difficult conditions on the high road routes through the

Highlands, very difficult conditions all through the day. Through the

rest of the afternoon and into the evening this time tomorrow night,

showers more widespread, we could see some fleeting snow showers

across parts of the central belt and into Tayside. We don't expect too

much disruption from those. On Friday, showers to start the day,

into the afternoon it will be milder and the rain returns. More warnings,

we could see flooding because of the heavy rain working its way in

through the afternoon. More information online.

Now, a reminder of tonight's main news: the former lead singer of the

rock band the Lostprophets has been jailed for 35 years for a string of

sex offences against a very young children's. Ian Watkins was

described as a determined and committed paedophile.

The UK Treasury have claimed there is a financial hole in this cottage

government's lands outlined in the independence White Paper. They say

it would cost an extra ?1.6 billion per year to fund pledges such as

improved childcare. A number of Scots seeking work is

down by 7000, while the number of people in work is up, and there is a

record number of Scots women now working.

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 around the country, have a very good evening.