20/05/2014 Reporting Scotland

of a few showers. That's all from the BBC

Tonight - armed police on the streets of Scotland. Clashes in

Parliament over officers routinely carrying guns in our towns and

Also on Reporting Scotland: we're live as the Kirk discusses

A fishing boat with two people on board is missing off the

The new town experiments of the past are back, as works begins on the

first new town in almost half a century.

And an old war-hero touches down at Prestwick airport.

The Justice Secretary says he has no plans to review the

deployment of armed police after concerns were raised in Parliament

about officers routinely carrying guns on Scotland's streets. Kenny

MacAskill says 275 officers with firearms are "routinely available",

a position he said he will not review despite opposition MSPs

claiming the change should have been subject scrutiny. Our Political

Reassuring or alarming? That is the pivot around which this row moves.

The armed response vehicle has not changed but the way these armed

officers work was. Before the merger, most firearms officers were

deployed on a case-by-case basis. Now, armed officers are on

Scotland?s high streets. Hundreds of officers had been given blanket

permission to carry guns while on everyday duties. They do not meet

the allowance of a senior officer to fire them. This deserves scrutiny.

I think that 275 officers operating on a shift base, given that Scotland

is one third of the landmass of the United Kingdom, is probably a

proportionate response. Policing by consent, keeping people

safe. That is the model of Police Scotland. They say that armed

officers traditionally carry firearms but politicians want to

know why armed officers will be carrying their side arms on high

speeds and Scotland. Last year, firearms officers in Scotland

attended 1300 high-risk incidents. Bayard police officers and it is

only right that they should contribute to local policing in

addressing the greatest concerns of the community. They carry firearms

and there has been no negative reaction to it until this point.

Police said their aim is to be fast and efficient, not fast and furious

and to use these officers for general policing in between

high-risk incidents. But the question is how comfortable will you

be with armed officers on your High Street.

The former moderator of the Church of Scotland has called for

assurances that there will be a place for faith groups in an

independent Scotland. Lorna Hood was speaking as the General Assembly met

for a debate on independence.Our Referendum Correspondent Laura

Bicker has been watching the debate and joins us now.

Lorna Hood said car I recall that she was concerned that in the

document the SNP released, the White Paper, there are only a few lines

dedicated to faith groups. I heard from a spokesman of the First

Minister who says he has met with church leaders and faith ministers

and has reassured Lorna Hood that these groups will have a place in an

independent Scotland. But these fears reflect why this debate is

happening at the General Assembly. The Church of Scotland is trying to

prove they have a place when it comes to Scottish politics. When

politics and religion mix, the fallout can be fierce. Think of

Thatcher. You have had your cause under the

banner of a historic church... Her address in 1988 80 known as the

sermon on the Mount. You have witnessed the complex relationship

between church and state and I believe it has given the lie to

those among us who say that religion and politics have nothing in common.

The General Assembly is often seen as filling a democratic deficit in

Scotland, as speaking for the people. But as congregations fall,

its voice has diminished in recent years. It is still keen to play a

part in 2014. When my grandchildren ask me what I did in the referendum

I will say that I worked to make a real ethic of neighbourliness in

every street and home and our nation. I want to vote yes and leave

the Parliamentary union because they do not believe the UK is capable of

making the journey of reform it badly needs to make.

In this building, it was time to hear from the floor.

Well I have a different nationality? If I stay here after the referendum?

Small can be beautiful. We are a small nation. But small can be

beautiful because we care... Whatever the outcome, the Church of

Scotland and all of us here as Christians must strive to keep

energy, respect and togetherness, despite our political differences.

I would like assurance, although we have had some from politicians in

the form of words, but assurance of...

This was billed as a respectful dialogue, not a heated debate. The

Kirk is trying to listen and reflect the communities it represents and

promises to heal any division the referendum may cause. There was no

vote at the end of this discussion. The Church

vote at the end of this discussion. The of Scotland is remaining neutral

in this debate. But there was passion. It was robust discussion

and if the aim was to represent the debate happening in communities in

Scotland, then tonight that is what the Church of Scotland has done.

A fishing boat with two people on board has failed to return to an

Aberdeenshire harbour - and a major search is under way. The 16ft

creel-boat had been expected back at Gourdon - and our reporter joins us

As you say, the small boat was due back at about 10am and did not

arrive. At midday, the Coast Guard had a report of it being overdue.

That sparked a search, an RAF helicopter has been making its way

up the coastline and there have been life boat patrols and a large

contingent of small fishing boats from the local harbour. There has

been no contact with the men and no sight of their boat. The search was

extended to eight miles out to sea by the coast guard. Small boats

cannot go out that far to see. A review will be made of the search

this evening. I have to say that throughout the afternoon there have

been a lot of worried relatives and friends here.

East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Cumbernauld, Livingston,

Irvine...coming soon, Shawfair. Construction has begun on Scotland's

first new town in almost half a century. Julie Peacock has been

It may just be a muddy field, but in a couple of years this will be

Scotland?s newest time. This is the train station and there will be

shops and schools as well as 4000 new homes. Shop here is the biggest

project since the new towns of the 1960s. But will people come?

The area is attractive, with the new Waverley line there are only three

stops to the Waverley Station in Edinburgh. We know there is a demand

for housing, particularly family housing. Fuel-efficient,

attractively designed housing which is affordable for many.

Have a century ago, new towns were seen as the answer to the post-war

housing shortage. They promised modern, urban living. But it did not

always turn out that way, with criticisms that they are soulless

and lack communities. But there are still plenty of fans of new towns in

Livingston. It has been excellent to have shops on our doorstep.

Facilities for children are excellent. I love it here. You know

everyone. There isn't really a heart as in

older times, but people live together and they are good schools

here. This is a town that will not be

built in one day. Developers say it could take 15 years before Shawfair

is completely finished. The construction of the first homes gets

under way in the next couple of months. The newest residents will

get their teeth early in the New Year.

A new tax system for an independent Scotland could cost many hundreds of

millions of pounds to set up. That's according to a report by ICAS, the

professional body for Scotland's chartered accountants. the Scottish

Government says a new tax system would be more efficient and would

save money over time. Our business correspondent David Henderson is

Jackie, right now Scotland shares a tax system with other parts of the

UK - but if Scotland vote for independence in September's

referendum - all that would change over time. the Scottish Government

plans a new tax authority called Revenue Scotland. Now change on that

scale inevitably comes with a price tag. How much? Well Scotland's

chartered accountants have given an estimate. They stress they're not

taking sides in the debate - but they say look to New Zealand - a

country with about the same population as Scotland. There,

recent changes to the tax system cost ?750 million pounds. But the

accountants say the price tag here could be even higher because

Scotland would inherit complex challenges - and the scale of change

It needs legislation, it needs a website, you need to be able to do

online filing. You need compliance checks. People to ensure people pay

taxes on time. There is a lot to a tax system. It is linked to welfare.

It is highly complex. The chartered accountants say we

don't know the operating costs of a new tax system - and that we should

know. The Scottish government's White Paper on independence says the

running costs would be a small proportion of Scotland's Budget. But

the accountants ask - does that means a few hundred million pounds a

year - or a few billion pounds. They say it's not clear. Well the

Scottish government's told us this misses the point - because a new tax

system could be far better and cheaper to run than the one we've

got right now. The people of Scotland are already

contributing towards the tax system of the United Kingdom. We have the

infrastructure in Scotland today. We would adapt and transformed that tax

infrastructure and the opportunity we have as the Government of the

small and independent country is to deliver a more efficient and

effective taxation system compared to the very compensated system that

exists the UK. The UK government's also piled into

the debate today. They've told us this report shows there would be

hidden charges from setting up a tax and benefits system, if Scotland

voted to leave the UK. And it says Scotland's already part of a strong

and stable tax and benefits system within the UK, and there's no need

to change this. Workers onboard the Piper Bravo oil

platform in the North Sea have undergone medical tests after an

"unknown substance" was found on board. Operators, Talisman Sinoptic

Energy UK, say they operate a zero tolerance approach to illegal

substances and say Police Scotland Two people were treated in hospital

after breathing in smoke during a major fire in a block of flats in

the Parkhead area of Glasgow. Part of the structure collapsed. Up to

forty firefighters tackled the blaze Three people are still being treated

for serious injuries following an accident on the M74 in Lanarkshire

yesterday. Six cars and two lorries were involved in the collision at

the Raith Interchange. Aberdeen councillors have approved a

multi-million pound plan to repair tower blocks in the Seaton area of

the city. They'd been warned that hundreds of flats would no longer be

fit for use if water leaks were It's claimed one of Aberdeenshire's

most prominent landmarks should be given greater protection from

development. A group dedicated to preserving the Bennachie hill range

will consider the calls following a series of wind farm applications in

the area. It's a striking piece of engineering

but it's not won too many plaudits Resurfacing of the Kessock Bridge

in Inverness has meant major However, hold-ups no more,

Jackie O'Brien? Well, as you'll see, traffic is

moving slowly again tonight. But this has been a major headache for

Highland travellers. We are being told it could've been worse had some

any people not opted for alternative transport jawing the resurfacing.

The Kessock Bridge, part of the Highlands Main archery, is a crucial

link for the thousands who use it everyday. But since February, a

major resurfacing project has forced the closure of a lane on each

carriageway. The end is insight, as traffic restrictions started to be

lifted today on one of the biggest bridge maintenance projects ever

undertaken in Scotland. We have completely resurfaced both

carriageways. Whilst we have been doing that, we've taken the

opportunity to replace all the safety barriers with new, stronger

barriers. We work, in its second year, has created serious disruption

during peak travelling times with motorists subject to delays of over

45 minutes in some cases. Really horrendous, really bad, like. 45

minutes, it could be more sometimes. It had to be done although it is

annoying. Motorists and employers are being praised for their patience

and for reducing delays by car sharing and for Altrincham work

patterns to avoid worst affected times. We've seen big increases in

people using trains, car sharing, cycling and using buses. That has

been a real success. The bridge will open fully tomorrow

morning. The good news is that no major repairs are expected here for

another 30 years. So they say!

The BBC says its coverage of the Commonwealth Games will be

It will bring audiences all the action on TV, radio,

Here's our Commonwealth Games reporter, Lisa Summers.

BBC says it is going to base itself here on the banks of the Clyde. It

is going to be bringing in a flatpack temporary studio which will

overlook one of the key venues for the games. And it says its coverage

will be the most comprehensive ever for a Commonwealth Games. 300 hours

alone on TV, huge number of hours on radio Five Live, BBC Scotland will

be covering it intensely. And there is massive coverage over all the

interactive services. There will be massive interest and huge take-up.

Just like the Olympics, the games will be presented by Gary Lineker,

Hazel Irvine and Clare Balding. They will be joined by Olympic medallists

such as Sir Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington. Coverage starts at 6am

and goes on till 10pm. You can use your phone or tablet to get updates

24 hours a day. There is even an app so you can get alerts on any

medallist on any country. Well, the new Scotland rugby head

coach may not have even been in the country to make his first squad

announcement, but one of his six new call-ups says the New Zealander Vern

Cotter has an excellent reputation which goes before him

in the rugby world. The squad selected will contest

their four-match summer tour. Vern Cotter is the man chosen to

lead Scotland into a new era and the praise has started before he has

even taken charge. He gets under way with a gruelling summer tour

spanning the -- three continents, spanning America, Canada and South

Africa. He has also made an impression on the players. It will

be really good to get some coaching, I hear he is a very good

coach from some of the players I know. They cannot speak any highly

of him. He's one of six uncapped players selected in a list of 43 who

have been included in the squad Alex Allan, Kevin Bryson Finn Russell,

and Grayson heart have also been called up. The head coach says he

has been included a mix of battle hardened and promising new talent to

see how players step up to the challenge. As a part form -- it is a

platform for youngsters like these to show off their wares. With the

World Cup next year, I can show them what I can do. It is a great

opportunity. Among the other changes, the excursion has been

split into two with different squads covering North America and the

Southern Hemisphere. Although nine players will be involved in the tyre

schedule. A mix of the old and the new for Scotland to kick off next

month looking to improve on a dismal Six Nations campaign.

The Hamilton Accies manager Alex Neil says the synthetic surface

at New Douglas Park gives his team the advantage going into the first

leg of the Premiership play off against Hibs tomorrow night.

Accies, who finished second in the Championship, host Hibs,

who finished second bottom in the top flight.

Now a look at what else is happening across Scottish sport

including news of another massive sporting event coming to Scotland.

Hopefully we can take advantage of that and see what we can do. The

players know all about it. We have been training all week. We have been

moving great. They've been looking after us very well. We've done our

preparation and it is down to the games now. A look at what else is

happening across Scottish sport, including news of another massive

sporting event. The prestigious BBC Sports

Personality of the Year is coming to Scotland for the first time. An

audience of 12,000 will be in Glasgow including last year's

winner, Andy Murray, who might change his usual training programme

to be there. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it this year. I might make a

few changes to my training, maybe go to Australia a little bit earlier

this year. So that I can come back for it this time. Olympics over

medallist Michael Jamieson has had a massive vote of confidence from

Rebecca Adlington. She is certain he will wind gold in Gaza. Yes. I am

sure I am not putting pressure on him, I'm sure he will think, I'm

glad she's rooting for me. He has got great mental strength,

unbelievable. Laura Marling will compete in the diamond event in July

in Glasgow. She says the experience will be invaluable in her

preparations for Glasgow 2014. It's going to be amazing, just to compete

in front of the Scottish crowd. I'm really excited. Somebody has already

recognised me, and said well done so it's nice to have encouragement.

More sports stories plus all the latest news on the BBC Scotland

website. That is it for tonight. She's over 70 years old, saw action

in World War II, and is well on her way to completing a 3,000 mile

journey from New York to France. Whiskey Seven,

a military transport plane, touched down en-route at Prestwick

Airport in Ayrshire this afternoon. And our reporter Suzanne Allan

was there to meet her. 13 tonnes of metal gracefully glides

into land. This plane has no bathroom, no fixed seats and no

in-flight movie. The crew have been flying six hours in a plane that is

0 degrees inside. For them, it is magical. It is an absolute honour.

We've gone back 70 years in time, we have recreated what the generation

before us did by flying fists aeroplane across the Atlantic. -- by

flying these aeroplanes across the Atlantic. Strong enough to carry a

bulldozer, she mostly ferried cargo and troops, dropping them into the

heart of the action. This plane still has so many original features,

it is like stepping back in time. The shell is about an eighth of an

inch thick, so it is very thin. It's not much in the way of creature

comforts. This warhorse is off to France. It'll re-enact its role on

the D-day landings in June. The weather now.

The warmest day of the year for some. Thank you. If you had the

sunshine, it was hot. If you had the cloud, it was cold. The cloud broke

25 degrees. Elsewhere, quite cool, especially across the East. On the

raider, a fuchsia hours working their way up. -- on the radar.

Perhaps some rumbles of thunder, but going into the central belt,

becoming confined to the far north-west. Some although cloud up

towards Shetland, but not a cold night. The rain in the north-west is

with us for most of the day and it will be quite windy. Elsewhere, it

is not looking too bad. It's reasonably dry with sunshine raking

through. It will be warmer for many tomorrow than it was today.

Certainly in the east of the country with temperatures up to the

mid-teens. So, heading through the afternoon, some light showers, but

the main event for any rain is in the north and west. It is quite

windy with a strong northerly. Dry in Orkney, with low cloud continuing

here, and it will be cool. Into the evening, holding on the cloudy and

damp conditions. Heading through Thursday, the next area of low

pressure works its way up from the south. It is a messy story, but here

is what is going to happen. It is wet in the south-east through the

Borders, and elsewhere, largely dry, fairly cloudy. It is going to be

cooler, which continues on Friday. There will be a call northerly. A

drastic reduction in temperature by next weekend.

It looks pretty horrible behind me now. I hope it looks better where

you are. Good night.