09/06/2014 Reporting Scotland

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: 100 days to go until the independence

referendum. Both sides in the debate had been putting forward their

arguments, as the campaign hots up to try to persuade the voters. We

should definitely go for it. We have a lot to gain from staying together.

We will be assessing how both campaigns are doing, with the vote

approaching. Allegations that babies and adults

were cremated together at this Aberdeen crematorium.

After another sex attack on a woman in Glasgow, a midnight protest is

being held to highlight growing concerns.

And she was a champion in her own right, but can Andy Moray's new

coach inspire him to win more grand slam titles.

It's a sigificant date among a host of significant dates, but

today the sides in the independence debate used the 100-days marker to

There was an unexpected intervention from the former prime minister

Gordon Brown, who accused his fellow pro-union parties

We have a series of reports, incuding an analysis

of the most recent polling surveys, but first to our political

correspondent Glenn Campbell. Tell us about Gordon Brown's remarks.

In a briefing not here at Holyrood but when spinster, Gordon Brown

suggested that some of the Treasury plans to persuade Scots to vote

Unknowingly referendum had been patronising. -- at Westminster. He

said it could turn it into a versus Britain battle and that was a losing

ticket. He also said it would be a good idea if his successor as prime

minister, David Cameron, agreed to a head-to-head debate with First

Minister Alex Salmond. That delighted Mr Salmond. It will

probably go down less well in Downing Street. They have been

trying to subcontract the debating to the leader of the Better Together

campaign. The 100 independence supporters who

gathered to create this image know exactly how they are voting. They

want to persuade a majority of Scots to join them. Yes Scotland campaign

is know they have work to do if they are to win, but they say support is

growing. Today we are close to 800,000 people signing the Yesterday

declaration. That is fantastic. We believe we will get to the 1 million

target. In Edinburgh, female members of the Scottish Cabinet, seeking to

reassure women voters, who tend to be more sceptical about independence

than men. We will always have the security of being in control of our

resources. We will have the job -creating powers we need an economic

policy that puts Scotland first. At a rival event in Glasgow, better

together supporters from across Scotland claimed to represent a

viewpoint shared by the majority of Scots. I know that sometimes we are

not as loud as the people campaigning for independence. We are

just everyday Scottish people who believe that the best future for

Scotland is as part of the UK. APPLAUSE

The leader of their campaign insists that a no vote would not be a vote

for no change. It is clear that a No vote will bring more powers to

Scotland within the United Kingdom. Now all three of the Scottish party

is backing a No vote has put forward broadly similar proposals for more

powers. They hope that this will persuade most voters to politely

declined the possibility of making Scotland a fully independent

country. It is the puts of up to 4 million Scottish residents that will

settle this question and the rival campaigns now have just 100 days

left to help those who are still decided make up their minds. -- it

is the votes of up to 4 million Scottish residents.

Our political editor Brian Taylor has spent the day in Dundee.

Brian, both sides in the campaigns, then, making that big push for votes

Yes, down the decades Dundee Square has seen political battles, but

nothing as big as this one. We are talking about the future of

Scotland. I am joined by my two guests. Your key off is the really

industrialisation of cities like Dundee, but that was your offer in

the 2011 manifesto, wasn't it? Independence will mean having

control over our own vast resources that Scotland has, to be able to be

industrialised Scotland. Without the key levers of economic powers we can

do some things... This city has been transformed under the SNP, but we

need the economic levers of control to be able to transform Scotland.

You are arguing that there can be change brought about by a Labour

Government at the UK level. You say you can change the nation without

changing the nationality, but Scotland alone cannot in that

about? They can vote for way, Labour, but may end up with a Tory

Government when the votes elsewhere are counted? I did with one change

in our communities and by blending Labour powers at Scottish level, we

can do that. Alex Salmond has been saying for years, I cannot do

anything because I do not have the full powers. He has a lot of power

he's not using at the moment. Two years ago he promised 750 renewables

jobs in Dundee and he has not put his money where his mouth is. This

comment by Gordon Brown, he says there can be something as eight

patronising tone -- something of a patronising tone. It is hardly great

for the Better Together campaign. I Think Gordon Is An Excellent Leader.

He Has Brought A Lot To This Debate. I Would Like To See Alistair Darling

Debating David Cameron Over This Question.

Isn't He Pointing Out A Good Point, That This Is A Decision For The

People Of Scotland To Take? I think there should be a debate and perhaps

now Alistair Darling will think again. But Jenny Marra makes her

case for us because what we need is a control over the energy policy to

have the job creation powers. There is no evidence that there is a

greater tax take in an independent Scotland to deliver these... Thank

you both very much indeed. That is the view of the political leaders

here in Dundee but it is the people who have the vote and the decision.

I have been to the streets of my native Dundee to find out what

people are saying. This has long been a city of

choices. You can arrive in Dunblane by the rail bridge or the road

bridge. In the city you can choose Dundee University or Abertay

University. Two bridges, two universities, one football team.

Only joking. There is another one of the road. Over the centuries, this

ancient city has known conflict and dilemma. Now its citizens, like all

across Scotland, face a big choice. That is why my old school there, the

High School Of Dundee traces its history back to 1239. It is said

that one of the earliest pupils was William Wallace, the great Father of

Scotland. Scottish independence still appeals to a fair number of

them Dhoni ends. It is a great chance for a change. I think we

should definitely go for it. We are able to take care of ourselves. The

future lies... I want to change it on behalf of my grandchildren.

Dundee is famous for its foodstuffs. At this baker's shop, based in union

Street... Political union has its advocates in Dundee. I feel that I

am British. I think we all have a lot to gain from staying together.

If there have been 300 years of peace between two nations, why can't

that piece continue? I would rather keep it the way it is. Before he was

Conservative Prime Minister, Winston Churchill was Dundee's Liberal MP

for 14 years. Here he is at the 1922 election am carried into the city

because of illness. His mood scarcely improved when he lost his

seat to this man, a prohibitionist. A small plaque was erected to the

great man, but not the statue. That was reserved for other heroes.

Dundee remained ambivalent. In the current contest, some are still

unsure which bound to follow. Nothing is swaying me towards either

side. I do not know enough about it yet. I need to do my own research.

It could be up to the last week or so before I make a decision. Now,

the Dundee, for Scotland, the long view is shortening. 100 days.

I'm joined now here by polling expert Professor John Curtice.

So, 100 days to go, and what's your assesment of

We have had 56 opinion polls since the referendum poll in question was

set in the three last year. Of those, only one has ever put the Yes

side ahead, a criticised commission by the SNP. The Yes side have

acknowledged they are behind. If you take the average of all the opinion

polls that were done in April and May, and take out the people who

don't -- who do not know or will not say, 57% is, no and 43% is Yes. But

Yes are in a better situation that they were before Christmas, when it

was 39%. But if Yes are going to win this referendum, they have to make

progress at a much faster rate than they have done so far.

How significant are the People who do not know at the moment?

It is often uncounted. Most opinion polls, though, are only finding

about 15% of people are saying they have no idea at all. Many of those

people, in fact, are probably not going to vote. But there is a lot of

body of people who say they have an idea of what they are going to do

but they are not quite decided yet, 15%. And then another 15% say, I

think I have made a decision but I admit I might change it. So there is

not simple it a group of people who have not decided and those who have

decided, we are all summer on a spectrum of indecision from the

absolute to no idea at all. -- we are on a spectrum of indecision. It

is the group in the middle, the people who have some idea but who

might be persuaded to change their minds, that is to the two camps have

got to appeal to. Not those who are wholly undecided, those who might

change. Is there one issue that can swing

it? Either camp has two persuaded people

that it is their side that will bring the economy improvements.

Well, there will be much more on the referendum, and where both

sides are in their campaigns, on Scotland 2014 tonight.

I will ask Alistair Darling tonight why he thinks that No Thanks is a

better phrase than Yes Scotland. And we have got a special report on

happiness. So if you need cheering up, June into Scotland 2014.

You're watching Reporting Scotland from the BBC.

Still to come on tonight's programme:

Reclaiming the city - women prepare for a midnight march in protest

Andy Moray says he does not care what other people think, he's happy

with his new coach. And the Glasgow Warriors.

An investigation has begun into allegations that babies and adults

were cremated together at Aberdeen's Hazelhead Crematorium. It comes amid

scrutiny of crematoria across Scotland and the issue of baby

ashes. Aberdeen Council chief executive Angela Scott said the

findings of an earlier independent audit would now have to be

I have advised the commission of this development.

Kevin Keane is at the crematorium for us tonight. What are parents

This is potentially the biggest development of the scandal. You may

remember that it was discovered in Edinburgh that the bee 's ashes had

been scattered in the grounds without the knowledge of the

parents. That's shown the spotlight on crematorium is around Scotland.

Aberdeen has remained the main focus because it was discovered that

parents of babies is of a certain age were not being offered any

ashes. They said that the burners on the building operator at such a high

temperature that there are no ashes left to offer the parents. There was

an independent enquiry launched which backed up that case and the

authority maintained throughout. They also said that this was being

investigated but was never in doubt, and this has been followed by a

variety of parents who are taking legal action against the City

Council. The families we represent are just broken. They are absolutely

devastated. It is the worst situation that could have come out.

There will be countless families who are impacted by this. This covers

away the area and I can only assume this is a widespread situation. This

leaves many questions unanswered. There is no statement as to what

timescale this covers. A new drug for people with Hepatitis

C will be available on the NHS. The manufacturers say it cures around

90% of cases, but at a cost of least ?36,000 per patient. A panel of

experts said that was justified by the drug's effectiveness. The

Hepatitis C Trust welcomed the decision as a ?step in the right

direction? for the complete Midnight matches taking place in the

south side of Glasgow tonight in protest at the number of sex attacks

in the city. They will demonstrate their concerns over their worries

over this situation. In the early hours of May, a woman was raped in

Tory glen. Nine years later, a young woman was raped in Govanhill. They

have released two images of the many wish to trace. Yesterday, at 130 in

the morning, another young woman raped in the city centre. Using

social media, these residents of Govanhill have organised the march

to show their disgust at this race and the claim. People are getting

scared to leave their homes. Something needs to be done. We need

to show the authorities that they need to do more on the streets of

Glasgow. We felt we needed to do something. The response has been

overwhelming, not surprisingly. See rates in the city in the past month

and the police are also looking at three other sexual assaults. Not the

sort of news the city once in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.

What I would say is that there is no evidence that there's a link between

these investigations. We have a number of highly trained officers

dedicated to these investigations. We will dedicate that until we find

those people responsible and bring them to justice. Police have

increased patrols in the areas where these attacks have happened. But the

women said the police presence is not as visible as would like to see.

A large section of masonry has fallen from a

A large section of masonry has fallen from tenement in Woodlands

Road in Glasgow. It is understood no one was injured. The Fire Service

have checked the building. A look at other stories

from across the country... A murder inquiry is underway

after the death of a 68-year-old man He was injured when he was involved

in an altercation with another man at the Montgomerie Arms

and died later in hospital. Police say the suspect left

the pub on foot and have appealed A man who drowned in the River Nairn

at the weekend has been named locally as Alexander Fraser. Police

were called late on Saturday evening and found two men in the water, with

one trying to help the other. Police divers recovered a body on Sunday.

It is believed the 19-year-old died after going for a swim following a

beach party. It is just so unexpected. It is not

something we are used to as the community. We live round the water

all the time. It is just a tragedy. There are fresh proposals for

secondary education in Shetland. More than 600 people marched through

Lerwick on Saturday in support of rural education. The Islands Council

is now to consult on pupils staying at the Junior Highs until the end of

secondary three and on a proposal to Children from a Glasgow primary

school helped Commonwealth Games organisers announce the route the

Queen's Baton will take through the host city before the opening

ceremony. The baton will visit every community in Glasgow and several of

its landmarks. It will go all around the city and

every night, Frears stops, there will be a party. They will be a

massive party in Glasgow next month. Andy Murray's new coach Amelie

Mauresmo arrives in London tomorrow to start working with her new

charge. It's an appointment that's got the whole of tennis, and indeed

many other sports talking. Murray says he likes her calmness, and

hopes she'll provide direction and structure. Kheredine Idessane

reports from Team Murray at the Back on the green, green grass of

home. As usual team keeping a watchful eye, but the next

generation on hand courtside to 11. One adviser to practice as his new

coach does not arrive until tomorrow. The appointment of the

Frenchwoman has been the talk of the locker room. It is interesting to

see how that will work for Andy. He has chosen this person. That is the

right way. From other players point of view, I do not really care what

they think. It is time to whether it works well for me. So what do we

know about Amelie Mauresmo? She has won two major championships. She is

France's answer to Judy Murray and is now the captain of the Federation

cup team. I just want to be able to help him. That is about it. The rest

is the story for you to write, I guess. His first match in the

championship, fittingly, as against a Frenchman.

It was another impressive try from Stuart Hogg for the Scotland rugby

team against the USA and now he says he is staying at Glasgow to fight

for his place. Hogg had looked on his way out at the Warriors, but

having repaid the new Scotland coach Vern Cotter's faith in him, the

fullback is ready to show Gregor Townsend at Glasgow what he has been

Scotland's first match under the new coach may have been a redemption of

sorts for Stuart Hogg. Sent off in a humiliating defeat by Wales, he came

into this tour with something to prove. I have had the coaching staff

there to help me along the way. I will continue to work hard and

hopefully take my chances. That is all I can ask for. Are you going to

be a Glasgow player next season? Definitely. Reasons for him to smile

and same for another comeback man. There was an acknowledgement that

things can still improve. We are always looking at basics. We are

looking at a strong defence and building on that. We need to be

strong in the scrummage and aptly notes. We need to keep the idea of

keeping the ball, making chances and putting the opposition under

pressure. The team will now have another few days to get to grips

with the team before their match in Toronto against Canada.

It has been a wet old day for many of us. Is there better news to come?

Today did not quite go according to plan. It swept across the country

well ahead of schedule. Through this evening, it will

continue to sweep across the country, resting in Orkney and

Shetland. Otherwise, we could better become dry overnight with clear

spells. Mailed overnight temperatures. Tomorrow, we start

predominantly dry, although it will be cloudy. Although the rain will

hang around Shetland well into the afternoon, showers will become to

push on from the south-west during the course of the late morning. Ivy

mid-afternoon, they could be scattered, but we will all enjoy

very different weather, with the best of the sunshine in the Borders.

We could see some heavy downpours in the western part of the Central Belt

and in Aberdeenshire and the north-west Highlands. When you do

get the sunshine, we could see temperatures getting up to 21

Celsius. Into the rest of the afternoon, the showers will continue

to push through during the course of the late afternoon and evening. In

two midweek, a high pressure builds and we start to see a more settled

picture, with a better day to come on Wednesday, mainly dry and bright

with some nice spells of sunshine. The odd shower to come, but not as

many as today and they will not be as heavy. Into Thursday, that I

starts to shuffle away and this low-pressure tries to push. It will

bring rain to north-west Highlands. I like the look of Wednesday. Just

time for the remainder of the main news. Rival campaigns and

independence debate have been marking 100 days to go until the

referendum. Both campaigns are they saying they will give a big push for

votes as polling day draws nearer. An investigation has begun into

claims that children and adults were cremated together at the crematorium

in Aberdeen. And that is reporting Scotland. We are back with the

headline is reporting Scotland. We are back with the headlines o'clock

news tonight. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

..and in a flurry of feathers, they were gone.