25/04/2014 Reporting Scotland

firepower in military exercises. That is all from the BBC News at

six. Tonight on Reporting Scotland:

Celebrating the life of Margo MacDonald.

More than a thousand people - family and friends - gather in the capital

to honour the veteran politician with music and memories.

Also tonight: A U-turn from the Confederation of British Industry.

The CBI says it won't now register as a campaigner against Scottish

independence. Labour's Shadow Cabinet comes to

Glasgow. Ed Miliband says he's happy to fight the SNP in the battle for

left-of-centre votes. Tributes to the Rangers, Hearts and

Scotland legend Sandy Jardin, who's died of cancer. In comparison with

some of the other great players of the world, you understood this

homebred product was equal of anybody.

And the Scots in Rome - preparing to celebrate Pope John-Paul II becoming

a saint. Good evening. Margo MacDonald's

dying wish was for Scotland to remain united whatever the outcome

of September's independence referendum. The message was conveyed

by her husband, Jim Sillars, at a memorial service in Edinburgh.

Friends, familiar faces and politicians from across public life

lined up to pay tribute with speeches, music, and jokes. Our

political editor, Brian Taylor, was there too.

They cute, they converged. Family, friends. They heeded the request for

a colourful sendoff. Tears of laughter and joy are permitted. Alex

Neill seemed close to breaking his own role. The last 31 years, Margo

MacDonald has been the flower of Scotland. More importantly for me,

she has been my loyal and true friend. I will miss her terribly. So

will Scotland. APPLAUSE. Crowds filled the assembly hall where

Scotland's first parliament met. There was a motion. There was

laughter as well. Elaine Smith brought growth and a reminder. Weigh

we cannot underestimate the power of Margo MacDonald on the political

scene, especially on young women from a class and sex that was not

represented or heard. Then to Jim Sillars, her husband.

Mother had fretted in her final days, but the referendum might leave

corrosive division. She wanted a close of polling to close that down.

At one minute past ten, whatever the result, she wanted those divisions

to enter, and this nation to seek the unity of purpose.

If Margo could tip date without conceding one iota of printable but

do so without venom, so can we all. -- debate. If she can respect the

rights of the other side, so can we all. Prolonged applause from both

sides in the referendum. Finally, the Proclaimers.

Appreciation from lifelong Hearts for humans. --

Appreciation from lifelong Hearts fans. WOMAN SINGS TRADITIONAL SONG.

At the close, the ads from the start of the Scottish parliament. Margo

MacDonald's dying wish was to appeal to human -- united to prevail.

The CBI is to reverse its position as a registered campaigner opposed

to Scottish independence. The employers' organisation registered

last week with the Electoral Commission, allowing it to spend up

to ?150,000 in campaigning for a 'no' vote ahead of the referendum in

September. But several members then left. Why do you turn? It is quite

extraordinary. It began Wednesday of last week. The CBI registered with

the electro- commission as a nonparty participant on the no side

of the independence campaign. It had said it was already against

independence, but dismissed it to an official higher level. It put

several of its members in a difficult position, apart from

allowing it to spell ?150,000 on campaigning. Several companies that

wanted to be seen as a pupil pulled out. -- neutral. The BBC suspended

its membership of the CBI. In the past hour, we have had confirmation

that this was all a mistake. It did not get approved at the most senior

levels as it should've been. It was signed off by someone more junior

who should not have been qualified to do that. The CBI wants to

reverse, nano five! Nullify its registration. This is a deeply

embarrassing position for the director-general to explain as he

did a few minutes ago. It has been an extremely difficult with the

CBI. The CBI has had to learn the lessons of a mistake made. We have

regrouped as swiftly as record. We have taken legal -- legal advice so

we know what was said. We have identified a strategy for moving

forward, and we are that action forward. I say again, mistakes

happen in life. It may reverse that position, though its main critic

says it may not be allowed to withdraw from the position and has.

It has moved from shambles into farce. Even if it can withdraw from

the position, you will find it very hard to reverse the damage that has

been done to its reputation. Thank you.

The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, says he's happy to fight toe-to-toe with

the SNP in the battle for left-of-centre votes. In Glasgow for

a meeting of his Shadow Cabinet, he said a UK Labour government rather

than independence was the best route to what he called "social justice"

here. The First Minister, Alex Salmond, says it's time for Scotland

to take the future into its own hands. Here's our political

correspondent, Glenn Campbell. The campaign for a no vote here, the

Shadow challenge -- Chancellor Ed Balls. What do you think about this

referendum? I don't know. I haven't decided yet. Undecided on

independence, traditionally Labour. It is voters like this woman but

both sides in the referendum campaign considered key to the

outcome on September the 18th. Voted yes to reclaim the Labour Party. Won

APPLAUSE. The SNP made a pitch for Labour yes votes at their recent

conference. Today, Ed Miliband came to Glasgow's Commonwealth Games

arena to make labour's case for Scotland to stay in the UK. The

reality is that if Scotland left the United Kingdom, if we have been

competing against each other, it will be a race to the bottom in

terms of wages and tax rates. I'm happy to go toe to toe with the

SNP. I believe our proposals are far better. After a meeting, Mr Miliband

promised to curb the use of zero hours contracts if he wins power. It

is rivals in the Scottish Government that say they also want to take on

employers who hire staff without guaranteeing work. When we take the

future of our country into our own hands, that is in the Scottish ideas

and Scottish consensus on issues like the living wage and zero our

contracts can be brought forward. We need the power to improve things in

our own country and take on future into our own hands. Ed Miliband is

stepping up labour's referendum campaign effort amid some criticism

within the ranks of the edited together campaign that the party has

not been pulled in its wake. He denies that. The alliance that this

debate has shown with the Tories and Lib Dems has really worried a lot of

ours. In regards to the referendum debate, they are sleepwalking. More

questions from Labour supporters in Motherwell tonight. Mr Miliband says

he's confident but not complacent that Scotland will stick with the

UK. The world of Scottish football has

today been remembering one of its greatest figures. Sandy Jardine died

last night, at the age of 65 from cancer. He played for Rangers,

Hearts, and Scotland, and is perhaps best remembered for winning the

European Cup Winners' Cup with Rangers in 1972. Our sport

presenter, David Currie, is at Ibrox for us now. David, what's been

happening there today? Yes, Sally, people have been coming here most of

the day to pay their own personal tributes to Sandy Jardine, a man who

the Rangers manager Ally McCoist called a true club legend.

Remembering one of the greats, , some reflecting in silence, others

sharing memories. Sandy Jardine! Sandy Jardine played many games for

Rangers, winning three of the Sandy Jardine played many games for

champagne of the club's gritters win. He played up the front, he

played at the back. He scored on all the opposition. He played in two

world cups. He was a world-class player. Jardine also played and was

manager at Hearts, becoming Scotland player of the year in 1986. He was

in his late 30s. Another remarkable achievement in a remarkable career.

He played at the highest level in the world cups. When you saw him in

comparison at that level with some of the other great players in the

world, you understood that this homebred product was equal of

anybody. His peers remain to him as a player and a gentleman. We are

from different sides of the divide in Glasgow. He was a great man, a

tough opponent, eight footballer. You'd rather have him with

tough opponent, eight footballer. against you. His wife was a great

life, and he has left a lot of good memories behind. He was just Mr

perfect. Playing days behind him, he had a number of behind-the-scenes

role find him at Ibrox and became a figurehead while the club was in

administration will stop cube leaves behind his wife and two children. --

he leaves behind his wife and two children. There will be a minute's

silence before the Rangers match against Stranraer here at Ibrox

tomorrow in memory of Sandy Jardine. I'll be back later in the programme

with the rest of the day's sports news, including news of Rangers

financial situation. See you then. Thank you very much.

The criminal justice system is failing to protect cyclists and

pedestrians, according to campaigners for a change in the law.

The claims are based on figures suggesting that only a small number

of collisions involving a motorist and a cyclist are referred to

prosecutors. Police say they'll always report an incident for

prosecution if there's enough evidence. Here's our transport

correspondent, David Miller. Scotland Street can be a hostile

place the cyclists. Constant vigilance is needed to avoid

collision. Figures vigilance is needed to avoid

safety campaigners say relatively few collisions involving cyclists

are referred to prosecutors. That has led to calls for a change in

all. Are lagging behind. We do not have some form of system of

liability. Cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable road users and users

-- need as much protection as they can get, both from criminal law and

civil law. Air taxi has come around this road and broadsided me. The

campaigners want Scotland to adopt a system of presumed liability in

civil cases. Motorists would be liable for injury or damages unless

they could prove otherwise. Presumed liability will focus drivers' minds

that there are other road users, not just cars. Being a motorist myself,

you have to be aware that cyclists are vulnerable. The authorities are

not convinced. Transport Scotland seven this does not seem to be

robust evidence to suggest the liability will improve safety. I can

see how will work in Holland and France where there are

see how will work in Holland and cycling facilities, but in Scotland

see how will work in Holland and I don't there are readiness for

presumed liability. I don't there are readiness for

firmly on the political agenda. The transport minister has said he will

be taking part in tomorrow's pedal on Parliament protest ride.

Now let's take a look at other stories from around the country.

With less than three months to go until the start of the Commonwealth

Games, Glasgow 2014 has lost its Deputy Chief Executive. American Ty

Speer is to take up a new role overseas. He leaves having delivered

94% of the tickets sold, and with around 100 million pounds secured in

sponsorship deals. Glasgow 2014 says they will not be looking for a

successor. Police say enquiries are ongoing

after a fire damaged 21 cars at a car park servicing Edinburgh

Airport. The blaze broke out at the Queen Anne Drive car park at the

Lochend Industrial Estate in Newbridge early this morning.

The RAF has released images of two Russian aircraft picked up close to

UK airspace earlier this week. Typhoon fighters from RAF Leuchars

were scrambled to intercept the aircraft north of Shetland on

Wednesday. They've been identified as Russian TU-95 Bears on a routine

training exercise. as Russian TU-95 Bears on a routine

time, the growing fleet car show will be open to the

time, the growing fleet car show Saturday. The event aims to promote

low emission vehicles. The organisers say they are simply

responding to demand and growing interest right across Scotland in

green vehicles. Scotland's northernmost and newest

Search and Rescue helicopter has been named after one of its

predecessors. Oscar Charlie will be based in Shetland and replaces its

namesake which earned a place in the heart of the island community and

saved lives in the Piper Alpha and Braer oil tanker disasters. Oscar

Charlie has been part of the local community for the last 30 years, and

we thought with the new technology and with the UK search and rescue

contracts that it would be appropriate to have Oscar Charlie

back. Time for more sport, and it's back

to Ibrox stadium in Glasgow, and David Currie.

Rangers hope to raise up to ?30 million in the next three years. A

business review just published also accuses previous boards of

squandering tens of millions in a year and a half. Rangers say the

financial situation means staff redundancies are necessary. Our

senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont is here to tell us more. The

review paints a bleak picture. Bit does. It has been a gloomy day at

Rangers altogether. Not least for those that we will lose their jobs.

The board has been scathing of financial practices that have gone

on here up until the end of last year. Today's review States that ?70

million was spent or misspent. Several players were brought in that

could not be afforded at the time. Contracts were offered on overly

generous terms. There were expensive purchases and a lack of financial

accountability. The Chief Executive has said today we have currently

less than ?3.5 million had any bank in December 2013. It has reiterated

the need for strong ticket sales. But also the ability to buy tickets

with debit and credit cards. They have said that strong ticket sales

are necessary for this club to keep going.

Is the plan to remedy the situation? The code release more shares to

current shareholders if they cannot sell enough season tickets. Beyond

that, we are looking at another share issue for the bulk of the ?30

million they want to raise. How much they can realistically bring in,

having gone through that process, is up for debate. There are also

bringing in a new chief operating officer to oversee a new scouting

network. Also, the ambitious aim to bring the Premiership title back

here by the end of 2017. Now, a look at what else is

happening across Scottish sport. Glasgow and Edinburgh play tomorrow

in the Pro league at Scotstoun. It's also the 1872 Cup decider. Edinburgh

boosted by the return of captain Greg Laidlaw.

We are playing against a team that is doing well in the league and is

competing for a semifinal. We understand the challenge that lies

ahead. An important match tonight in the

Premiership in the race to avoid the play-off place. Partick Thistle take

on St Mirren. The Saints play-off place. Partick Thistle take

last time at Firhill. Live coverage on BBC Alba and on Radio Scotland.

Australia born Fiona Themann has swapped life down under to play

netball for Scotland. She made her debut against Trinidad and Tobago,

and it's all in tribute to her late father from Inverness.

My dad was the number one fan back home. A big Scottish accent.

And there's more about Fiona and Scottish netball in general on Sport

Fourteen on Sunday night at 6pm on BBC Two.

And stay up to date with all the latest sports stories at the BBC

Sport Scotland website. That is all the sport from Ibrox.

On Sunday, Pope John Paul II will be made a saint. The Pole led the

Catholic Church for 27 years until his death in 2005. He became the

first Pope ever to visit Scotland in 1982 when hundreds of thousands

attended a Mass at Glasgow's Bellahouston Park. Many will gather

again this weekend to celebrate his sainthood, as Laura Maxwell reports.

Preparations are well under way in Rome ahead of the canonisation of

Pope John Paul II. 3 million people are expected to gather here, among

them these students from Glasgow. The school is named after Pope John

Paul II. All of the pupils are very aware and to mark the event we have

brought over 60 students to be present at the Mass for the

Kalamazoo Asian of our patron. It. Us a lot of different things and we

have a better understanding of why we are here. It has made us realise

how much of a privilege it is to be here.

In June 1982, they their thousands.

A phenomenal turnout here in Glasgow. Full stack John Paul II

became the first Pope to visit Scotland. It is estimated that one

in three Catholics attended the lowest in Glasgow. His visit

strengthened their ties to Rome. The church is: Does attempt to rebuild

those ties, following the sexual misconduct of Cardinal Keith

O'Brien. He was appointed by Pope John Paul II. Some critics said he

failed to address the wider issue during his papacy. For those who met

him, the Pope touched their lives. When we stand in front of the

Bishop, and he anoints you with the oil, my eyes were fixed on his eyes.

That is something I still remember. It was a special moment.

And another special moment will be shared out thousands here in

Scotland and Sunday.

Now let's get the weather. picture. The rain is making its way

up from England. It will be heavy at times overnight. It continues

northwards. This is what will happen after 8pm. The rain will work its

way northwards. A breezy night. The rain will be quite heavy. Not a cold

night. Around nine Celsius. To start the weekend, tomorrow morning will

be wet initially and windy. The rain will be heavy for a time in Aberdeen

and Inverness. Some dry weather behind that. Then wet again. The

rain loses its intensity as we move through the day. At 4pm tomorrow,

some sunshine in the South. Cloudy and cool along the East Coast.

Cloudy through parts of Perthshire and Tayside. In the North West, some

sunshine. But cloudy and damp for Orkney. Shetland should stay dry.

Periods of cloudy and damp weather to come. Winds from the East or

South East. 50 mph winds. Through parts of the Perthshire and Angus

hills, the same. Towards the east, a southeasterly wind. There will be

mist as well. Some late sunshine in the afternoon. But fairly cloudy and

damp. On Sunday, low pressure continues to stay with us. But the

easterly continues, so we have cloudy and cold conditions. Drier in

the West. The winds will be lighter. Next week, we'll be better,

thankfully. We lose the mist on the east coastal. Try and break for most

parts of the country. -- dry and bright.

And that's Reporting Scotland. Have a very good evening.