23/04/2014 Reporting Scotland

three of her children are found dead at their home in South London.

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland: Plans to abolish corroboration in

Scots law are put on hold after the Justice Secretary bows to opposition

pressure. The baby ashes scandal - anger from

families as Edinburgh Council withholds a report into what

happened. Also in the programme: I think

everyone knows that I am very proud...

Andy Murray in tears again after he receives the Freedom of the City of

Stirling. And on St George's Day, we ask the

English what they think about Scotland's independence debate.

Controversial Scottish Government plans to abolish the need for

corroboration in criminal trials have been delayed. In a surprise

move, the Justice Secretary announced he was postponing the

legislation for a year to allow a review of its impact. Abolishing

corroboration has been criticised by political opponents and by many in

the justice system. Our political correspondent Glenn Campbell has

more. Evidence in criminal cases must

generally come from two or more sources. It is this a climate for

collaboration that is to be abolished. Two months ago, in a

debate, the Justice Secretary attacked Conservative and Liberal

Democrat and especially Labour critics for trying to block

abolition. It appears to be... Despite the fact they had a

commitment in their manifesto, despite the fact they have gone on

record... What a contrast with today's contribution from Mr

McAskill as he accepted a request from his opponents to put the

legislation on hold. Yellow that they came up with this

proposal. His decision to delay it pleasantly

surprised his opponents. This is a welcome position, change of

position. Labour say he should have given ground in February. We gave an

offer to work with him and he was abusive and he was insulting. The

decision to delay consideration of the criminal Justice Bill puts off

controversy until well after the independence referendum. But the

Scottish Government insists it remains firmly committed to

abolishing corroboration. I think the case has been made. It has been

testified to by countless thousands of victims who would be denied

access to justice. The retired judge is looking at what alternative

safeguards might replace corroboration. Abolishing this key

principle will only come back to Parliament once of this review has

completed next spring. Families affected by the Mortonhall

baby ashes scandal say they are furious Edinburgh Council has

withheld the report into what happened to their loved ones'

remains. Their lawyers say the delay in publishing Dame Elish Angiolini's

investigation into the cremation of babies at the council-run

institution amounts to a huge breach of trust. Hundreds of families were

told there'd be no ashes from their babies' cremations, but it later

emerged their ashes had been disposed of without their parents

knowledge. Morag Kinniburgh reports Andy Murray broke down in tears

today while accepting the freedom of his home city of Stirling.

Willie Reid's to-year-old daughter died years ago. The

Willie Reid's to-year-old daughter to anger and frustration. They

Willie Reid's to-year-old daughter told us it would be an independent

inquiry and we would be the first to know. They had nine days.

inquiry and we would be the first to reduction will be done to it before

it is given to parents. What are the lawyers doing right now? It

it is given to parents. What are the had told parents that there had been

no ashes from baby cremations. It's turned out there had been and ashes

were disposed of anonymously. The investigation was submitted to the

council at the start of last week, at parentss are waiting for answers.

this is a council who are responsible for having sent these

families to hell and back. The least you would expect is that they were

treated with the most basic human dignity of them informed. They have

had a report, they have not told anyone and the question is what is

their motive? Over 100 families are pursuing legal action. Most just

wants to know what happened to their babies remains and why. There is a

lot of anger and tears. Everybody is anxious. We know the report will be

hard-hitting and hard reading. As much as we want the report, we are

nervous. This evening, the council has defended the delay arguing it's

easy to read the report before publication. Parents and their

lawyers cannot understand why it would be another week before they

find out what went wrong. -- it will be. Andy Murray broke down in tears

today at a special meeting of the Council where he was given

Freedom of the City. He warned the pupils that he

emotional. The warmest of welcomes for its most

famous pupil. Andy Murray was there to receive the freedom of sterling

and was clearly moved. I think everyone knows that I am

very proud. Of where I come from... APPLAUSE.

Loved ones and close family were there, too, sharing the emotion. The

sport I have had from this area and Scotland has been amazing. -- the

support. They have always been right behind me. To get honours like this

is obviously very nice. From the choir, a serenade for a champion.

It was very emotional for him, but are very proud time for him, too.

For everyone, including myself. Then on to Wallace High sterling for a

special question and answer section. What would you say due 30 new old

self if you are standing here? Not to be too on myself. What did you

get for your mum for Mother's Day? I think I got a phone call. A teenage

Andy Murray used to train here, now he returns as the reigning Wimbledon

champion, a freeman of the city and the final part in an emotional day

is to get an honorary doctorates from the University here.

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

tonight's programme: The Scottish record label that launched the

careers of a host of indie bands - from its HQ in a bedroom in Glasgow.

And in sport - the nominations are... Gordon Strachan runs the rule

over the candidates for manager of the year.

And proud as punch. Scotland's Commonwealth Games boxing team is

announced. But one space is still available. Find out why.

It's unlikely St George, the patron saint of England, ever visited the

country or fought a dragon. But it's an absolute certainty that his

national day has never been used by politicians on both sides of the

border to campaign about Scottish independence - until today. Let's

hear first from David Cameron, who gave a special online message in

which he described England's role in the United Kingdom as one of its

greatest achievements. In five months, the people of Scotland will

go to the polls and they will decide whether they want to remain a part

of this global success story. Let's prove that we can be proud of our

individual nations and committed to our union of Nations, because no

matter how great we are alone, we will always be Better Together.

Later tonight, the First Minister will give a speech in Carlisle, also

celebrating England's national day. He explained why he's gone south of

the border to make the case for independence.

We have to find a lever and a mechanism that will draw business

and economic activity and make it more evenly spread. If we have a

strong research and Scotland -- Scottish economy, it will spill into

England. I will beat concentrating on transport initiatives. -- be

concentrated. Our political correspondent Lucy

Adams is with us now. Lucy, this is a bit unusual using St George's Day

to talk about Scotland. Yes, I think this is about the

referendum debate heating up south of the border. The fact is that the

campaigns seem to believe that the run-up to the referendum is going to

be more about winning hearts and less about slaying dragons. This

morning, David Cameron talks about the great family of nations and

Scotland and England's role within it. He said that since George's day

has been overlooked in the past and he wants to focus on the ancestry

and the exports from England, including Newcastle Brown ale,

Downton Abbey and Cornish pasties. He says that ultimately, the UK is

Better Together. And what else can we expect to hear

from Alex Salmond tonight? We know you will be speaking in Carlisle and

giving his own Saint George Day message. You will be talking about

reaching out to his pals in the North of England. Asha McKee will.

He is talking about improving infrastructure.

He will be talking about what the North of England has two game in the

event of independence. -- has two gain. This is about what they will

have to gain. He will say this is less a Saint George Day battle and

more competitive love bombing. The celebrations south of the border

aren't all about St George, as today also marks the 450th anniversary of

William Shakespeare's birth. So we sent our referendum correspondent

Laura Bicker to Stratford-upon Avon - the home of the bard - to find out

whether scrutiny of the Scottish play has been joined by the Scottish

question. A call to celebrate the birth of the

Bard. It is over 400 years since... Is this a dagger I see before me?

And his Scottish play for James the first. The focus here is on drama,

but the constitutional debate is largely passing them by. Although

they do understand some things. I think the politicians have upset

Scotland. I think it is difficult what to do. Can you see why they may

want independence? Well you have to pave your tablets, you get free

prescriptions, you already have a better deal. We are quite detached

from it and think it would affect us, but of course that is

from it and think it would affect Alex Smith believes the level of

English engagement Alex Smith believes the level of

referendum depends on which part of the country they live and how much

of a campaign they the country they live and how much

listening to. Too often, it seems the country they live and how much

have descended into whether Scott -- Scotland will

have descended into whether Scott -- if it is England's gift. I think

have descended into whether Scott -- campaign have missed an opportunity.

have descended into whether Scott -- Of course, people here will have no

part to play when it comes to the vote in September, some may watch

from the wings, others will want a front row seats. As for the Scottish

play? Yes, it is yours. But we do it here, if that is OK? The flag that

has marked years of record is taken down to mark England's National Day.

There are now five months until the finale in Scotland, until we know

when this could or could not be the shape of things to come.

School pupils are just days away from the biggest shake up in the

exams system for a, generation as Standard Grades are replaced by new

qualifications. The Scottish Government has promised that there's

no chance of a repeat of the exams crisis of 2000 where result. But the

changes are controversial and some parents and teachers remain anxious.

Our education correspondent Jamie McIvor reports.

Encouraging words for students as they prepare for their exams. A

reassurance for their parents. The new exams will be marked on time

reassurance for their parents. The the results will be out on time,

guaranteed. We're not talking about a new system. We are talking about

new content. The agency is there. It is very highly regarded. What then

is so different? is very highly regarded. What then

The actual courses are just one year long, and there have been

The actual courses are just one year what is taught in some subjects.

This is perhaps what some parents are afraid of. The examination

authority moved from chaos to the Malaysian...

Thousands got the wrong results. But the exams agency said that won't

happen. The markers are very ready and very

prepare. We have done a lot of training with them and it will be a

good summer. For some, the administration is not the concern,

it is how ready youngsters are to sit them and stresses and

bureaucracy for teachers. We need to look forward, but to look back at

what happened. I've had members report that it has been their worst

time ever. The exams are probably going to be dissected in a way they

haven't been before. Ultimately, it'll be impossible to see how

compared youngsters are until the results are out. But everyone has a

promise now that the results themselves will not go wrong.

A look at other stories from the across the country.

Edward Snowden, the intelligence whistle-blower on the run from the

American Government, has been installed as rector of Glasgow

University. The former US National Security Agency worker fled last May

after revealing classified details of extensive internet and phone

surveillance. He has temporary asylum in Russia, from where he was

able to address students. Unfortunately, it turns out I am

barred from the United Kingdom on the grounds that my presence is

considered detrimental to the public good. I figure shows that the

students of this university have a different point of view. -- I think

this shows. Footballers past and present have

joined family and friends to pay their respects to the former Dundee

United player Frank Kopel. The defender died last week at the age

of 65 - he'd been suffering from dementia. A church service to

celebrate his life was held in Kirriemiur. Frank Kopel made more

than 400 appearances for United over ten years.

The independent police watchdog says officers were justified in their use

of a taser in an incident in Dumfries in which a 55-year-old man

who was threatening suicide received an eye injury. It happened at the

end of an all-night siege of a house in the Lochside area in February. It

said the man's behaviour warranted using the device.

An Aberdeen pensioner has thanked the driver who saved his life when

he suffered a heart attack on board his bus. Shane Mitchell performed

CPR when 72-year-old Allan McLean collapsed in February. His speedy

response saved his life and prevented brain damage.

Let's round up the sports news. Who do you think should be Scottish

football's manager of the season? Well the four names on the players'

union short list were announced today. Gordon Strachan is the best

person to decide. Neil Lennon, Stuart McCall, Derek

McInnis and Tommy Wright all in the running for a manager of the year

and the Scotland manager full of praise. Neil Lennon has won the

league. It is not easy to keep a team going, keep their concentration

and application correct when it looks like it is easy but it is not.

Stuart McCall, he has lost good players and replace them. Without

spending any money. Phenomenal. Third in the league with chants of

seconds. Derek McInnis, I think, with his coaching staff and

players, they have Aberdeen alive again. In the morning, the place was

full of Aberdeen fans. Tommy Wright, he had a great start to the season.

Everybody sat up when they beat Rosenberg. Today was all about

celebrating the success of managers currently operating in Scotland and

less about the demise of the Scottish manager down south, David

Moyes at Manchester United. David will be delighted that I have got

nothing to say about it, because you don't want to get patronised as a

manager. You don't want to speak about something you don't know much

about. It will be relief for David to somebody to be quiet and shut

their mouth. to somebody to be quiet and shut

The Hearts player Jamie Hamill has been issued with a notice of

complaint for excessive misconduct by the Scottish FA. It's after

Hamill barged into the Ross County manager Derek Adams during the match

at Tynecastle on Saturday, knocking him to the ground. The hearing will

be on Thursday the 8th of May. Scotland's boxing team has been

selected for the Commonwealth Games although there is one spot still up

for grabs and it will be determined in dramatic fashion. Like Matt these

boxers have a lot to live up to. Scotland have won a boxing medal at

every Tom wealth games. Confidence is not in short supply here. In the

car also it is less than two miles from the SECC. It is life changing.

I am buzzing. I will train so far dance I will make sure that nobody

is beating me. As the boxing line-up was announced, they were not quite

all present and correct. One place is still up for grabs. Lewis spent

in beat Conor Law in the recent Scottish Championships at

welterweight. At the time, they thought he had done enough to make

Team Scotland. This is my Glasgow 2014 spot sealed. Scotland's bottom

authority is a points system to help select their team. They say the

fearless way to separate these two is with a box of. I was upset

because I thought after I won the Scottish I would be at the

Commonwealth Games. But looking at everything Boxing Scotland have

said, I understand the reasons for the box off and I have prepared like

I do for every other fight. The one of fake is this Saturday. Only then

will this team be complete. of fake is this Saturday. Only then

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

Here's Andy Murray again - this time because we asked him how his search

for a new coach because we asked him how his search

he has seven or eight candidates in mind - and still hopes to make an

appointment by the end of May. It is hard because there is a lot of

things that go into it, contracts and finances and stuff like that. I

don't know exactly whether it will be done before then or not.

Two goals from Defender Bilel Moshni keeps Rangers unbeaten record in

League One intact. The champions beating Ayr United 2-1 at Ibrox last

Scotland international stand-off Ruraidh Jackson is joining English

Premiership side London Wasps. His contract with Glasgow Warriors is up

at the end of the season. 122 athletes have now been selected

to represent Scotland at Glasgow 2014. As well as the boxers, the

wrestlers and para bowlers were announced today. I feel absolutely

elated. Without any shadow of a doubt, it is fantastic news.

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

day on BBC Sport Scotland's website. That is all for now.

Thank you. It was the ultimate bedroom record label - set up by two

friends, with the paperwork kept in a sock drawer. But Postcard Records

went on to launch the careers of Orange Juice and Aztec Camera. Not

to mention, a generation of Scottish indie bands. Thirty-five years on, a

book has been published about the era. Our arts correspondent Pauline

McLean took a tour with its author. This is the home of probably the

most important record label in the world. Postcard Records. This is 185

West Princes Street. From these humble beginnings grew a

now legendary Scottish record label. Teenager Alan Horne kept the

paperwork in his sock drawer and ran Postcard Records from his own flat.

His co-creative Edwyn Collins and his band Orange Juice were probably

the best-known signings. One of their very first gigs was at Glasgow

School of Art where, according to this author, they inspired a whole

generation of musicians. Without Postcard Records, you would not have

had the whole 80s indie movement and bands like Primal Scream, Franz

Ferdinand, you mentioned, pretty much the whole Scottish pop scene

that happened in the '80s and '90s. They changed the perception of

Glasgow and Scottish music, not just within the city and Scotland but

internationally, the whole world. A lot has changed in the 35 years

since but this little label remains an important part of Scotland's

musical history. Slightly David and Goliath. It takes a lot of courage

to make a record in Glasgow and put the copies in the back of an Austin

Maxi and drive down to London and force the BBC to play it on air,

which is what they did. So it was a real sort of gung-ho, kind of

Jacobite spirit, attitude to it. Before the weather, news of a

special programme looking back on the life of the Independent MSP

Margo MacDonald who died earlier this month.

special programme looking back on the life of the You can see it

tomorrow night on BBC One Scotland at 10.35. Time for the weather and

Chris is at the map tonight. Good evening. It was a mixed bag of

whether today. In the sunshine in the Moray coast, eating degrees, but

in eastern parts with the low cloud, a measurable it. Fairly cloudy with

some rain, this is the current satellite picture and as we head

through towards tonight it's stays cloudy and indeed our with that rain

starting to pep up. It will be wet night for many central part of the

country but most of us will be in bed so we will not see it. Pretty

mild with that cloud and rain around, temperature is no lower than

a roundabout eight or nine Celsius and once again across the East

Coast, low cloud, mist and murk developing. Despite the day tomorrow

for eastern and northern parts of the country, cloudy and out at

improving, elsewhere dry but the rain continues to journey north and

north eastwards as we had through the day up towards the Northern

Isles, which means that afternoon is a case of sunshine and showers,

probably the best afternoon of the week. There will be showers around

but fairly isolated, if you catch one day will be slow-moving and

potentially fairly sharp. Still chilly down the east coast with the

low cloud but in the West and the best of the sunshine, temperatures

up to 16 or 17 degrees. Always the risk of one or two sharp showers. Or

me and Shetland are cloudy and down through the afternoon. Into the

evening and overnight, we hold onto those sunny skies, a pleasant end

today. Some late evening sunshine. On the east coast, the low cloud,

mist and murk really starting to form a drift inland. For the end of

the week, on Friday, eastern parts of the country are cloudy and damp

at times, further west is drier but cloudier than it will be tomorrow

and temperatures taking a knock as well. For the weekend,

disappointing. Low pressure from the in control of our weather, it means

unsettled conditions, cloudy at times, bands of showers and rain.

Edwin Fischer rose, at times there will be the odd break to spell to

enjoy. Hopefully. The brother of the Duchess of

Cornwall has died in New York in hospital following a fall. And that

is Reporting Scotland. Good night.