28/03/2014 Reporting Scotland

find debris. That's all from the BBC News at Six so it's goodbye

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland. Four months on from the Clutha disaster,

we hear from the people injured when the helicopter crashed into the

Glasgow pub and their memories of the friends they lost.

One moment, laughing and joking, then all of a sudden, nothing.

The survivors have been sharing memories.

Also on the programme, the Deputy Prime Minister tells the Lib Dems in

Scotland that the campaign to stay in the UK needs to capture

imaginations. A man goes on trial for the 1986

murder of Greenock teenager Elaine Doyle.

And why you'll need a head for heights if you want to take on

Scotland's latest tourist attraction.

Good evening. It's four months to the day since a police helicopter

crashed on to the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow, killing ten people.

Tomorrow a memorial service will be held at St Andrew Cathedral in the

city. One of those who died was Joe Cusker, who was in the pub with a

group of friends. They've been telling Aileen Clarke what they

remember about that night. On the last Friday of every month

these friends would meet up in the Clutha. In the bar just across the

street, they remember Friday November 29.

Their train was late, so I sat in the station and waited for them. We

were half an hour later to the pub. So the corner we usually stood in

was occupied, we ended up standing at the door at the opposite end of

the bar. If we had been in the other corner, we would have all locked

out. I turned away from Joe to turn to Callum, and it all just went

black. Big bang. Dust everywhere. Next thing we knew, we are trapped.

On our backs, I could not move my leg. I looked to my left, I just

could not say. It was as if a wooden wall had been erected whilst I was

standing. There was a board across me, that

was lifted, I was able to move back towards the door.

All we knew was that our friends were standing there one moment,

laughing and joking, then all of a sudden, nothing. Silence, compared

with before, but still the noises of people, moans and groans, distant

voices. There were eight of us. We want to account for all eight. I got

out, somebody said, a helicopter hit the pub. I thought, that will be

right. I thought it was a bomb. Could you take that in? The

sentence, a helicopter has hit the pub? I just could not understand it.

It was too surreal. And Joe Cuskin was a particular

friend? I knew him from school. We were very close. He would brighten

up any company. He drank gin and tonic, one bottle of tonic would

last and all night. Just a great guy. Losing him was... Awful.

Horrendous. Absolutely horrendous. And you are all carrying injuries? I

can't... He just can't use his left arm, basically. Are you going to

keep your Friday club going? Yes. For ourselves, and as a memorial to

Joe. The first night will be very emotional. We are determined to go

through with it. Whenever we meet, there will be a toast to Joe.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has compared the SNP's desire

for Scottish independence with UKIP's plan to take Britain out of

the European Union. Addressing his Scottish party conference in

Aberdeen, he said both parties want to break apart established

partnerships between nations. From Aberdeen, here's our Political

Correspondent, Glenn Campbell. The trouble with dinosaurs is that

they are extinct. The Liberal Democrats don't want their record in

government to do that for them. Willie Rennie's and so is what he

calls the sunshine strategy, being positive. -- answer. We must

emphasise what a great union we have. Create things. When Nick Clegg

addressed the conference, his message was, I agree with Willie. We

must set out the risks of leaving the union, and the opportunities of

staying. The prospect of staying must be thrilling. Fresh from his

debate with the UK Independence party leader he could not resist

trying parallels with the SNP. They represent the same impulse.

Sowing division and building walls. Between nations and communities. The

Liberal Democrats want Scotland in Britain and Britain in Europe. But

they know they are not the most popular party in Scottish politics.

Ministers have hinted that they would give Holyrood more power.

Blair Jenkins, the chief executive of the Yes campaign, said he

believed many Liberal Democrats in Scotland were now recognising the

benefits of independence. Lots of people within the Liberal

Democrats will be reappraising. Asking, are we on this wrong side in

this debate? Plenty want different values to that which is reflected by

the conservative coalition they are part of, I know there is deep

unhappiness with that amongst the ranks of the Liberal Democrats in

Scotland. He is appealing for a united front,

Nick Clegg on a more powers, is that likely?

There was a town of disharmony and disquiet about the way the unionist

campaign is progressing. -- tone. They are saying that big names

should be doing more. This is about who makes the case.

Labour have not yet put their best people into making the case. I do

not need to convince this room, I need to convince 800,000 Labour

voters to get onside. It is not, with the greatest of respect, Danny

Orr myself who will do that, it is the figures that people relate to.

And further measures to mitigate the bedroom tax?

There was a tenant from Nick Clegg that there could be action on that.

-- a hint. I understand from Downing Street sources that there will be

action on this but the UK government is exasperated that it is being

depicted as a Liberal Democrat initiative. There will be a move to

find ways around the cap. Research by BBC News has revealed

one of the aims of the bedroom tax, to free up larger rented homes,

isn't working, Here's our Social Affairs correspondent, Reevel

Alderson. Tenants in council homes have had

their benefits cuts since last year if they are deemed to have an extra

bedroom. It is a Westminster government policy. Fiona shares a

house with her daughters and has her benefits cut, she now faces

eviction. The shelter is helping me a lot. They are taking the back to

the court, I have agreed to pay ?15 a week. We'll see what happens. I

would like another house, the only reason is the bedroom tax. Local

authorities say that 13,000 people were in rent arrears, they had not

fallen behind before the changes. In Edinburgh, 58% of tenants, in

Dundee, 53%. Ministers claimed that the policy would free up larger

houses for those who need them, but there simply are not enough smaller

homes in the rented sector. In Scotland alone we spend ?1.7 billion

a year on housing benefit. We need to turn that money into capital

investment in houses, bricks and mortar, homes for people. That will

actually reduce the benefit bill, faster than the bedroom tax.

Charities calculate that the cost in lost benefits is ?50 million. ?60

million has been allocated to Scottish councils by the Westminster

government in discretionary housing payments. The Scottish government

has added ?20 million. The shortfall is ?14 million. The BBC research

reveals some local authorities have not spent their allocation of

government cash. Mainly because tenants who are eligible, I'm not

claiming. -- are not. You're watching Reporting Scotland

from the BBC. Still to come on tonight's programme, the country's

latest tourist attraction opens this weekend but you'll need a head for

heights. In sport, Neil Lennon says building

for the next campaign begins in the summer as Celtic look for success in

the Champions League. The Glasgow Rocks are slam dunk up

for the cup. And it's the big Scottish derby in

speedway as Glasgow Tigers take on Edinburgh Monarchs.

A man has gone on trial for the murder of a Greenock teenager in

1986. 49-year-old John Docherty denies killing 16-year-old Elaine

Doyle as she made her way home from a disco. Catriona Renton reports

from the High Court in Edinburgh. On June one, 1980 six, 16-year-old

Elaine Doyle had an being out at a disco. She never returned home. Her

body was found in a lane. Nobody was brought to trial over the death. In

2011 at the case was reopened. Hers is the first cold case to come to

court. 49-year-old, John Docherty, is accused of assaulting Elaine,

forcing her to remove her clothing, strangling her, murdering her. He

denies all the charges. He has lodged special defences of an alibi

and incrimination. He has submitted a list of 41 names, saying one of

those people could be the killer. The wife of a blind man from Fife

who says her husband died after being abandoned on their doorstep by

a hospital taxi is demanding an investigation into his death. Wendy

Aitken from Rosyth believes 66-year-old Graeme Aitken was

clearly in distress when he was sent home from the Victoria hospital in

Kirkcaldy. He was rushed back by ambulance but died the next day.

Steven Godden reports Some of the other The day after her husband's

funeral, Wendy Aitken's sadness is mixed with anger about the way he

died. Left blind by a stroke, he was taken to hospital complaining of

chest pains a four night ago. She was at home waiting for news when

just after four in the morning she heard a knock at the door. I looked

out the window and saw a hospital taxi disappearing into the

distance. Somme husband standing on the doorstep in his night close

saying, help me, help me. I never felt so bad in my life. And Andrew

and stick is ticking back to the hospital and the next day Wendy got

a phone call to see that Graham had died. The cause of death was

probably seizure related pending investigation. I do not know why he

died but the way he was treated contributed greatly. I felt very

angry and disgusted and quite distressed about it. Something

should be done. NHS Fife say they cannot comment on the treatment of

individuals and insist their aim is always to ensure that patients are

discharged safely and relatives are kept informed. The local MSP has

written to the health minister about these concerns me she wants answers

and actions. I do want this to happen to anyone else. It is a

terrible thing to go to -- go through, the image of your husband

standing on the doorstep like that, that is my last image of him.

A look at other stories from the across the country... ?170 million

is to be spent improving rail links from Inverness to Aberdeen. It'll

include platform extensions at Elgin and Insh, the relocation of Forres

station and preparatory work to allow for new stations at Inverness

airport and Kintore. It will be a rolling programme of improvements

through the next five years and a further five years after that. We

just have to see what will happen until 2019.

The number of dead birds of prey found poisoned in one area of the

Highlands has risen to thirteen. Nine red kites and four buzzards

have now been found in Ross-shire. Police are investigating the

killings as a wildlife crime. The RAF's "Dambuster" squadron,

which has been based at Lossiemouth in Moray, has been disbanded, as its

Tornado aircraft are withdrawn from service. 617 Squadron is moving to

Norfolk. Police and health officials have

objected to an Aberdeen nightclub installing a hot tub and bucking

bronco. The owners of the Korova Bar have applied to Aberdeen City

Council for permission. Police raised concerns over safety, while

NHS Grampian said they would not be suitable in a place where alcohol is

consumed. A 103-year-old woman - who has

volunteered since 1939 - has been awarded a British Empire medal in

recognition of her service to others. Margaret Miller was

presented with the medal by Glasgow's Lord Provost in front of

friends and family. I don't think I ever thought I was doing anything

out of the ordinary. I seem to be get aided to do certain things. That

is all I can do. Let's get the sport now.

Good evening. Neil Lennon says building for next

season begins in the summer as Celtic look for success in the

Champions League. And while the destination of the Scottish

Premiership title is known, plenty of other issues this season remain.

Jonathan Sutherland reports. For Celtic a couple of days to enjoy but

time to go back to the serious business of training.

Congratulations. Thank you. It's marvellous. When the moment comes,

it is always great. Now reflecting and enjoying the moment. Have you

had a chance to sit down and discuss next season? Not yet. The

premiership title might be wrapped up but the bottom half is very

uncertain. The team which finishes second bottom will fight to preserve

its status. St Mirren are currently second bottom and travel to

Inverness tomorrow. We have a good group of players, as well as any

other team outside of Celtic. We are looking for positive results. Score

a point, that opens the door for Hearts to be relegated this week end

if heads when there is a derby. The top prize is won by the booby prizes

are up for grabs. The new look Glasgow Tigers take on

their oldest rivals, Edinburgh Monarchs tonight and again on

Sunday. It's expected to be the most closely contested derby in years.

Phil Goodlad went along to savour the speed, sights and sounds.

It is very noisy. Zero to 60 in two NASA seconds and no brakes, Speedway

is not for the faint-hearted. Adrenaline starts punting. I think

it is fantastic. Glasgow and Edinburgh compete in the UK meek,

continuing Scottish beach reconditioned. There are four riders

in a race, they do for laps of the circuits. I've hundreds cc

motorcycles without breaks. It is about training, if am honest. -- 500

cc. The unmistakable sound and smell of Speedway is back this weekend.

The Glasgow Rocks' player coach Sterling Davis says the chance of

success in the British Basketball Trophy final is their 'saving grace'

this season. Scotland's only professional team play Worcester

Wolves in the showpiece on Sunday in front of a 6,500 sell-out crowd.

Kenny Crawford reports. It has been twists and turns rather than

straight and narrow for the Glasgow Rocks this season. Lifting a trophy

they have never won with be a bonus. One fact stands in good stead. The

Glasgow Rocks have home advantage on Sunday. At the start of the season

it was decided the final would be played here at the impressive

Emirates Arena. That's where they beat the Cheshire team in the

semifinal. Worcester Wolves will be at tougher challenge but their top

scorer is happy to be an underdog. We shot the UK. We shocked the

world. Unlike the chance. The squad includes three Scots, one of them

had had smaller. You do not play basketball with your shoes off. The

man calling the shots is desperate for his team to deliver. This would

be my saving grace, the opportunity we have to be in the final, I prefer

my team before every game. That is just my guidance, giving me the

strength to keep going. A few of these will help as well.

And just before I go, we have TV and radio coverage of Glasgow Warriors

against Ospreys tonight. The biggest game of the year so far for Warriors

says their Head Coach Gregor Townsend. That's on Radio Scotland

810 medium wave and BBC Alba. Sally. Thank you very much.

Scotland's latest tourist attraction opens this weekend but you'll need a

head for heights. The Via Ferrata at Kinlochleven in Lochaber allows

novice rock climbers to scale a sheer 90 metre cliff next to a

raging waterfall. Sound like a good day out or something that would

terrify the living daylights out of you? Well, we sent our own

thrill-seeker, Craig Anderson, to judge for himself.

The waterfall close to Glen Coe is one of the highest waterfalls in the

country and is now the venue for the first Via Ferrata in Scotland is,

climbing experience for people like me with climbing experience. It

originates from the Italian Dolomites. It means I way. Metal

stakes are pushed into the rocks and allows people to access the

beautiful views by climbing up a Via Ferrata. We are all prepared, we had

better go. If you do it 300 times, you will get used to it. Safety

briefing over and time to begin the claim. You use the steam stables

like a ladder. Your clipped onto a safety wire. No danger! -- steel

staples. Before I came here was not sure this would be my idea of fun,

but this is turning out to be pretty good fun. It is quite accessible and

you have just completed the claim, it is not that difficult. We hope

anyone can come and enjoy the scenery and the activity itself.

What a hero. Now for the weather. Thank you. It is an east-west split

for this weekend. The best of the weather in the West. A lot of cloud

tonight. Some outbreaks of rain across southern, central and eastern

Scotland. The driest weather found across the North West, some clear

spells leading to a touch of frost across the north-west Highlands.

Temperatures around three up to five Celsius. There will be a brisk

easterly wind across southern Scotland. A cloudy note starts the

day tomorrow with outbreaks of rain. As a God through the day, the

strain will die out and there will be a lot of dry weather around with

the best of the sunshine in the West. -- as we go through the day.

Highs of 14 Celsius in the sunshine, feeling pleasant. A lot of

sunshine around the Western Isles and the north-west Highlands and

into Inverness and the Moray coast as well. For more eastern areas,

cloudy conditions continue with light and patchy rain. Feeling

chilly with that easterly breeze. If you are going hill walking or

climbing, a lot of drive right weather for the western regions. On

the tops, there will be a significant wind chill with fresh to

strong easterly winds. For the East, a lot of cloudy weather around with

patchy light rain and a fresh to strong southeasterly winds. If you

think of going skiing, there will be little fresh snow. Brisk easterly

winds and also the best of the sunshine in the West. Looking ahead

to Saturday, it stays largely cloudy in the East, Mr conditions with

patchy rain. Drier in the West with some clear spells. -- misty

conditions. A lot of cloud around in the East and there will continue to

be misty conditions. Best of the sunshine in the West with highs of

17 Celsius. The clocks go forward one hour tomorrow night. Thank you

very much. Now, a reminder of tonight's main

news... It's four months to the day since a police helicopter crashed on

to the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow, killing ten people.

Tomorrow a memorial service will be held at St Andrews Cathedral in the

city. The search for the missing Malaysian

airlines plane has taken another twist. Now unidentified objects in

the southern Indian ocean - which could be debris from flight MH370 -

have been spotted by plane. Until now, debris had only been seen from

satellites. That's Reporting Scotland. A new series of Landward

starts over on BBC Two. Goodbye.