13/03/2014 Reporting Scotland

early 1990s. That's all from the BBC News at Six. It's goodbye from me.

On Tonight, on Reporting Scotland...

Their deaths could have been avoided. The conclusion of an

inquiry into the North Sea helicopter crash in which 16 men

died. Now their families have called for the aircraft's operators to be

prosecuted. The whole enquiry just points finger at Bond, the

negligence. We just did not follow procedures. For them to say that

they hope it brings some sort of closure, is ridiculous.

We will be asking why it took nearly five years for the inquiry to be

held. Also on the programme...

Expanding consumer spending is helping Scotland's economy to grow

faster than previously thought, according to latest economic

forecast. Ally McCoist and his Rangers team

celebrate winning League One, with eight games still to go to the end

of the season. And it is not just a modern

phenomenon - how royalty in the 16th and 17th centuries influenced the

world of fashion. Good evening. Nearly five years

after a helicopter crashed into the North Sea, killing all 16 men on

board, a fatal accident inquiry has concluded that their deaths could

have been avoided. On the first April, 2009, the Super Puma

helicopter, operated by Bond, crashed into the sea just off the

coast at Peterhead. Two years later, a technical report found that a

"catastrophic" gearbox failure caused the helicopter to come down.

Today, nearly five years after the crash, a fatal accident inquiry in

Aberdeen concluded that it could have been avoided. Now, the families

of those who died want a public inquiry into what went wrong.

Kevin is with us now. For five years, the families of the

16 men have been trying to answer one question -why did the daddy? --

Danny. This is the day they hoped would

bring closure. There are quite a lot of things which could have come out

which did not. You have got engineers and stuff, but that is not

meeting that, it is all in the manuscript. It has been an emotional

time for the 16 families left behind and today, that the motion was lead

beer. The determination that maintenance procedures are followed

and other members which could have contributed to the crash. It is

clearly did not do so. The Crown office could not find the breach of

health and safety and that is behind beyond comprehension. We need to

know that the men will get justice. That is what we need to fight for.

How virtually all in 2009 ended like this will probably never be fully

understood. While large chunks were recovered, other parts where left

lying on the sea bed and will no be lost for ever. In the report, the

Sheriff stressed out the deaths could have been avoided. The whole

enquiry points to a lack of procedures by Bond. For them to say

that the wallpaper brings closure to the families is a slap in the face

for us. There are no calls for a public enquiry, but not easy

criminal one. It has been clear that there is no criminal action which

has been taken place. Again today, in the agency services where on

stand-by at Aberdeen airport as a helicopter reportedly warning light

coming on on-board. It landed safely, but it was a reminder of the

risks of flying offshore. The families want the risks reduced

further and it would justice for the 16 families. Kevin joins us now. The

families are asking for a new public enquiry. That is right. Fisher for

that enquiry is continuing. One of the relatives speaking today was

reiterating that there SA transport select committee enquiry going on

looking at helicopter safety and they will wait for that report back

before any further decision is taken. You hear about that call for

a criminal investigation. That was 30 much ruled out by: Officers. The

sediment have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt what the cause of

the crash was. They say there are still is a reasonable doubt. But

there is anger is to why this took five years for this fatal accident

enquiry to be held. The families have asked for a public inquiry. Do

we know whether that will go ahead? Let us look now at fatal accident

inquiries. FAIs, as they are known, must be held when someone has died

at work or where the death could cause public concern. But the

Sheriff in Aberdeen raised concerns about the length of time the Super

Puma case had taken to come to court and that has been echoed by the

families and opposition politicians. Reevel Alderson now looks at how the

system is working. The authorities trying to piece together what

happened during the Lockerbie disaster. The flying Phantom crashed

on a foggy day in December 2007. It was six years before criminal

charges were brought. The stock line disaster in Glasgow in May 2004.

Nine workers were killed, but the enquiry, headed by a judge, did not

report until five years later. The disaster happened in the area of the

MPs constituency, and she is asking for changes to be made. This period

of time is too long. It has become an length of time and which the

grieving process is being forced to continue. These investigations are

lengthy and awkward and have to be done thoroughly. The thoroughness of

the enquiry determines what comes out of it so that the sort of

accidents do not happen again. We are acutely aware of the frustration

of the families and we are doing everything we possibly can to make

sure they are kept fully informed. The Scottish comment has pledged to

reform the system fatal accident inquiries of.

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

tonight's programme... As the debate over independence revived the town

hall meeting? In sport, we reflect on Rangers'

latest title win. Are they getting the credit they deserve?

And we will be hearing from the new boy in the Scotland rugby team.

Economists say there is "room for optimism" in Scotland's financial

recovery. The Fraser of Allander Institute has revised its

predictions for growth upwards. The economy has been growing slowly for

the past couple of years. But now there is a reason in growth

forecasts. We are spending more. They think the economy will grow by

2.3% this year, a jump of one half of 1%. It is good to see the economy

recovering, but their resolve is the art. The butt is that savings rates

have dropped because people are spending more but borrowing more.

This is because wages are not rising. There's a forecast of 50,000

extra jobs this year, but some of those will be self-employed, such as

Lisa. How has business been? It was a bit tough towards the end of the

year. So far this year, very good. Have you noticed more spending? Yes,

I think this year people are spending more. The extra jobs will

also include more part-time jobs. As we see more workers getting offered

short term contracts, we will see people may be migrating into

part-time work. Unemployment is back to pre-recession levels, but after

six years of tough times, maybe it is time to celebrate again.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis will be among the first to benefit

from a new centre for what is called 'stratified' medicine in Scotland.

The ?20 million research centre aims to find out which drugs work best

for which people. Liz is back on our feet, but she was

in trouble because the drugs she was given where keeping our of her

feet. It took two years out of my whole life. People are in prison

less than that. You sort of feel imprisoned in your own body. Like

Liz, thousands of people with rheumatoid arthritis can spend

months finding the job switch me what for them. There has been huge

advances in the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The trouble is

only a proportion of people will respond well to any given treatment.

We need to find the right medicine for the right patient at the right

time. This initiative is focused on doing that. Researchers will be

helped by Scotland's unique advantage of having a lot of data

about the lot of sick people. Going through the data means the task is

as much about maths as it is about biology. Have to do is find answers

to these questions, are you responding to the struggle or are

you not? Is it having a toxic effect on you or is it not? The more we

find out in advance, the more beneficial will be for everybody.

Those involved see Liz could be one of the last generation to note just

how rheumatoid arthritis agonising could be, because in the future,

patients will be treated so much more effectively.

A man from Perth has appeared in court in Edinburgh today, wanted by

Belgian police, who believe he is part of an international drug

smuggling gang. Raymond Urquhart, who was arrested at his home

yesterday in a joint operation between Scottish and Belgian police,

is alleged to be involved in the importation of cocaine into

Scotland. Belgian prosecutors allege that Raymond Urquhart, aged 51, is

part of an organised criminal gangs. They say they have evidence of

conversations of the movement of drugs and his transportation to

Scotland. The shipment was intercepted by the Netherlands

authorities. The international warrant also alleges that cocaine

and a revolver girlfriend at the home of Belgium associate of Raymond

Urquhart. Raymond Urquhart, who is a lorry driver, said he opposed his

extradition. The judge says, because of the high level of

drug-trafficking suggested, he was reminding him in custody until we

extradition hearing. A look at other stories from the

across the country... Police say the postmortem on a body found washed up

on the Solway last week was "inconclusive", but there was no

sign of foul play and they are treating the death of Ian Carruthers

as a tragic accident. Mr Carruthers had been missing from his home in

Annan for seven weeks. Fishermen in Shetland have condemned

an EU deal which was reached last night over mackerel fishing quotas.

Faroese boats will now get almost 13% of the allowable catch, reducing

the share for Scottish skippers. It rewards irresponsible behaviour by a

rogue country. It has taken a sustainable fishery, and instead of

waiting for the sanctions debate, it is simply rewarded their behaviour.

The local government organisation Cosla is fighting back against

claims that it has become ineffective. President David O'Neill

argues that Cosla has helped councils get a better financial deal

than other parts of the public sector. Seven councils have

threatened to leave because they say it is not doing enough for local

government. Up to 1000 people have been taking part in the trials for

the new tram system. I am outside Murrayfield is Stadium.

Shetlanders paid a visit to the Scottish Parliament to voice

concerns about council plans to shut schools in rural areas of the

islands. They presented Education Secretary Mike Russell with a model

boat, containing letters from pupils and parents.

A plan to build a new 1,500-home sustainable community in the

Cairngorms National Park has taken a step forward. Elgin-based

Springfield Properties has received planning permission in principle

from the Cairngorms National Park Authority for the An Camas Mor

development near Aviemore. Up The independence referendum has heralded

what some are calling a grassroots revival - the return of the public

meeting. Hundreds of people are packing into

town halls to listen to campaigners, in a level of engagement that some

believe hasn't been seen in British politics for decades. Our referendum

correspondent Laura Bicker has been along to one of them. On a wet night

in Glenrothes, the voters keep coming, eager to know more about

their future. This is one of hundreds of public meetings across

Scotland, a return to old-style politics. We as a nation will vote

for who we want. After the opening speeches, the questions keep coming.

My heart says yes, but my head says no. Which government will pay my

pension? Will we build our own Armed Forces if we become independent?

What other benefits to Scotland's in retaining EU membership? Many in

this audience are already voting yes, for then this meeting is about

rallying to the cause. Others are nervous about their vote, keen to

study other options. Some did not always get the answers they wanted

to hear. It would be good if the yes and no campaign could be on the same

platform when it came to town and get a proper debate. He gets so much

subjective stuff in the media that I thought I had to go and find out for

myself to make a decision. I do guarantee plan to go to an no

campaign meeting just EU with the artist say. There is a fair balance

between all the parts of the United Kingdom... This is one backbench

figure making a return to the front line. He has grasped the level of

political engagement in this debate, Better Together already host some

public meetings and Gordon Brown says he will act to that. I would go

round the country in the next few months. Right up to the referendum,

I will speak to people about the importance of a Scottish Parliament

and strong powers within a strong United Kingdom. Some believe this

level of political activity will other legacy long after the

referendum, but will have an impact on the vote? The parties have

largely forgotten about these campaigns. They are being revived

here. Even with these large public meetings, it is still a tiny

proportion of the electric # electorate which are turning out to

the meetings. This is just a snapshot of one town Hall in one

place in the country. They are using these meetings in tandem with mass

media as they try to reach out to the voters.

Here's David now with the sport. Good evening. A former top

goal-scorer for Rangers says the club must re-build for the future

stressing the importance of the next transfer window. Kris Boyd - who now

plays for Kilmarnock - was speaking after after Rangers strolled to the

League One title with eight matches to spare. Rhona McLeod reports. A

night to remember the Rangers and their fans. At 3- nil when and where

importantly a measure of their success for the season. Ally

McCoist's side have won 26 games, drawn two and lost none. They

wrapped up the title with eight games left to play. 41,000 fans were

delighted as Lee McCulloch got the party started on their night of

promotion. He scored another with a penalty kick in the 21st minute.

Then the hat-trick completed, four minutes before half-time. The Ibrox

club started at the bottom of Scottish league football after

administration and their liquidation in 2012. They will play in the

championship next season, promotion from that means a return to the

Scottish top-flight. It has been a steady progress and you just hope,

this next transform and -- transfer window will be big, they need to

build again. It gives them a chance to bring young and fresh players

then to give them a chance and play first-team football in front of a

passionate crowd. Will building for the future be possible while so

many? You mean over the finances of Rangers? There is uncertainty in the

boardroom over finances, until that is sorted out, the team cannot

build. Ally McCoist does not know if his budget will come down for next

year. They cannot do anything until that is sorted out. The former Ibrox

director Dave King arrives this week to meet investors and shareholders.

He will meet groups of fans to try get support for change.

There will be a new face in the Scotland rugby team for the final

Six Nations match of the season. Edinburgh winger Dougie Fife - who

we can see checking in at Edinburgh airport with his team mates en route

to Cardiff today - will start against Wales on Saturday. I found

out this morning, we had a team meeting at Murrayfield and then

straight out to the pitch. It has not sunk in yet. I think he shows

great resolve, great energy. It is the right time, and the right place

to go when you have those qualities. Now, a look at what else is

happening across Scottish sport. St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright's

accusing Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara of making disrespectful

remarks about his team. They were sent to the stand during Saints

league win last night. Stevie May with the only goal.

Inverness came through their last game before Sunday's league cup

final against Aberdeen unscathed. No injuries to report, no goals either,

0-0 nil at home to Hibs in their league match.

Last year St Mirren were looking forward to a league cup final which

they won. This year they could face a relegation play off - but not if

their manager can help it. We have a contract until July. I will

beginning at everything, like I have done over my three and a half years

here, I will continue to do that and hopefully it will take us to where

we want it to be. Andy Murray says he just wasn't good

enough to beat Milos Raonic of Canada in the Indian Wells tennis

tournament. Murray losing to the Canadian by two sets to one.

Team GB's curlers - who're all Scots - will play Russia in the

semi-finals at the winter paralympics. They're through despite

losing to China in their last round robin game.

800 - yes 800 synchronised skaters - are taking part in the Trophy Ecosse

international tournament in Dumfries. Don't worry they're not

all on the ice at the same time. The last three years has been an

international skating accredited event. It is the only synchronised

Skating competition in Britain to achieve that status so it is great

for Dumfries. And there's more on Rangers title win and all the days

other stories on the BBC sport website. That's all for the moment.

Back to you, Sally. The royal family have always been

closely associated with fashion - of sorts. But an exhibition opening in

Edinburgh tomorrow explores how royals of old actually dictated it -

some of them even passing laws to say what you could and couldn't

wear. Our arts correspondent Pauline McLean reports.

The Royal family have always been followers of fashion, but this

exhibition examines how they set the trends themselves. This is Charles

II's fashion moments. This is the invention of a 3-piece suit for men.

No men often we are always caught and coat and trousers, the 3-piece

suit. The more extravagant costume, the more important the person. Some

of the costumes actually cost more than the paintings. This call cost

around in modern terms, as -- whereas commissioning van Dyck to

paint a picture cost ?100. Some monarchs need laws to promote what

you we're to wield power. Those sorts of regulations are not saying

no, there are more unwritten rules about clothing. You can fish

boundaries and you will not get thrown into jail for it or find as

you wear in the 16th century. -- you can push boundaries. Modern

designers believe fashion has come full circle. Especially with how

things were actually started by the monarch and copied by the court and

copied by the merchants and the middle classes. It filters down,

that trickle-down effect that people talk about even today with fashion.

It is fascinating that was happening 400 years ago as well. Back in

fashion and back in the spotlight, the exhibition opens tomorrow and

runs until July. Look at this perfect specimen of fashion! How's

the weather? What a difference a day makes.

Pretty cloudy for most of the country.

What a difference a day makes. Pretty cloudy for most of the We

still have high pressure but this weather front in the North is

playing as cloud and damp conditions. Overnight it will be

cloudy but mild and damp in places. You can see most of the rain went

into the north of the Central Belt, heaviest across the Highlands and

Islands. Reasonably dry and cloudy elsewhere with extensive mist and

fog. It will be mild tonight. Because of the fog, especially in

the south-west, we have a Met Office yellow beer we have a Met Office

yellow bear we're warning in force. Bear that in mind if you are

commuting tomorrow. -- be all we're warning. Similar conditions for the

Northern Isles tomorrow morning. Towards the afternoon we will see

outbreaks of light rain and drizzle. Nothing too heavy, more a

nuisance than anything. Further east temperatures reach 12 degrees. It

will be a windy day tomorrow, Gill forced possibly around exposed

coasts. We can seize you deal forces in Shetland causing destruction to

ferry services. -- we could see deal forces in Shetland. A bit of an

east-west split on Saturday, brighter in the East, cloudy and

damp in the West. High pressure not far away on Sunday, but four hours

you can see the isobars coming down from the north-west. We will

continue to have a breeze, cloudy in the West, damp at times. Mild for

the time of year. For before some tomorrow. That's the forecast.

Let's see how the weather is shaping up now, with Christopher. Helicopter

crashed into the North Sea, killing all 16 men on board, a fatal

accident inquiry has concluded that their deaths could have been

avoided. The Super Puma came down just off the coast at Peterhead in

April 2009. The families of those who died want a public inquiry into

what went wrong A former News of the World journalist has told the Old

Bailey Princess Diana gave him a confidential royal phone book in

1992. Clive Goodman, the paper's Royal

Editor who was jailed for phone hacking, told the jury that Diana

was in "a bitter situation with the Prince of Wales at the time". And

gave him a royal phonebook in 1992. And that's Reporting Scotland. I'll

be back with the headlines at eight - and the late bulletin just after