23/12/2011 Reporting Scotland

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: The family of a 21-year-old man

shot dead in Paisley appeal for help to find his killer. We will

never get over not only using Stephen, but losing him in such a

horrific and tragic way. And later in the programme: Things

are hotting up - Scotland's shoppers reach fever pitch as they

make their final push for Christmas. Should passengers on the Cairngorms

funicular be allowed to climb to the mountain's summit - we look at

the case for and against. And rugby comes to Princes Street,

as the Edinburgh team entertains budding players ahead of their

The mother of a man shot dead in Paisley on Wednesday night has

begged people to help find his killer. 21-year-old Stephen

Pollock's mother says no family should have to suffer the way hers

is this Christmas. Raymond Buchanan has the story.

Two days after her son were shot dead, Nancy Pollock appealed for

help in finding his killer. I can't believe that he has been so

brutally murdered, and won't be here for Christmas. This should be

such a happy time for every family. We had to break the news to his wee

sister, who is only six. She is absolutely heartbroken. She asked

me if she will not be her brother's girl anymore. Our lives will never

be the same again, and we will never get over not only using

Stephen, but losing him in such a horrific and tragic way. Stephen

Pollock died late on Wednesday evening. He was discovered inside a

friend's House. Police say the club one-year-old died as a result of

one gunshot, but they're not sure where the shooting happened. They

think he could not have travelled very far, so the incident may have

happened in the garden of this pity or inside the house itself. Either

way, nobody reported hearing a firearm. Gun crime is rare.

Detectives insist they do not know why he was shot. These attacks tend

to be targeted rather than random, so we are clearly looking to find

out about Stephen. Just now there is nothing to tell us why he

suffered this attack. Police still don't know where Stephen Pollock

was in the house before his death. He was last spotted in Paisley at

around 3:30pm on a Wednesday afternoon. No family should have to

put up with what we have suffered. If anyone has any information that

may help the police, please, I am begging you, please come forward.

It is hoped this mother's plea may help catch her son's killer.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the rape of a

woman and the serious sexual assault of a second, in Glasgow

earlier this week. A 20-year-old woman suffered a serious sexual

assault early on Wednesday, and shortly after a 22-year-old woman

was raped in the city's Broomielaw area. It is expected the arrested

man will appear in court on Monday. Today is expected to have proved

the busiest day of the year for shopping. Hundreds of thousands of

us have been out since early this morning to make the final Christmas

purchases. A lot of companies have already got sales on or are

offering big discounts - all after a difficult year for many of them.

Our business correspondent Jamie McIvor is in the heart of Glasgow's

shopping district for us. How's it looking tonight? Certainly pretty

busy at the moment. A slight gap, but believe you me, there have been

hundreds of people here in the past few minutes or so. Appearances can

be deceptive as far as the state of the economy is concerned. It has

been a pretty torrid year for a lot of major retailers, and as if to

bring that point home, there is news this evening that a bid

lingerie chain has it finds -- filed for administration. All this

is casting something of a shadow over what has been a pretty hectic

day for shoppers and shops right across Scotland. Every year it is

the same. For weeks, the shops have been ready. But many of us still

leave our Christmas shopping until the last minute. Just got paid to

date, no money before. The prices are down a little bit so your money

goes further. I got paid today. This shopping centre has been open

since 7am. They are expecting 90,000 today, and for many

retailers, this Christmas is more important than usual. It is

important every year, but more so this year. We have had a really bad

year, the market went down, a bit doom and gloom. But people are

quite buoyant, they seem to be buying a, a lot of carrier bags

around, Christmas is important because retailers needed to carry

them through the year. Don't confuse how busy shops are with how

much money some of them are making. Here at Trust -- six out of 10

shops had sales on today. Good news for last-minute bargain hunters but

not for those who bought early. Especially for computer games and

brings, they have got a few of them, a lot of the master -- half price.

Sales and discounts now cap a difficult year for many companies.

Habitat disappeared, and many other famous names are shutting many

stores. Some shops, though, have found a novel ways of attracting

attention. At least some of us have managed to avoid the last minute

rush. That is the last winter. Jim Pierce and from Shetland. Along

with a lot to people from rural areas, he went on a big shopping

trip to the city in good time. buy present in Inverness, not

because of the price, but because of the selection, the variety, most

shops had 75%, 50%, by one, get one free. You don't see many of that

around here. We all like a bargain, even the discounts may not be good

news for retailers. Busy as the shops are, this Christmas could

also set a record for buying presents online. I thought I would

move round to show you a look at this traditional German-style

market, which has proved very popular. It is a good way of buying

the sort of presence you may be cannot buy in the high-street shops.

It could also prove to be the Christmas of the internet. There

are predictions across the UK that nearly �200 million could be spent

in online shopping this Sunday alone, spending �200 million on

Christmas Day. But as for what the Christmas period it will really be

like for the economy, we will need to wait till January to find out.

Thank you. You're watching Reporting Scotland

from the BBC. Still to come on the programme.

Scottish military wives and girlfriends join the battle for a

Christmas Number One. In sport, the Hibs manager Pat

Fenlon says all he wants for Christmas is goals from their new

signing. We meet the Scottish winners from

the Sports Personality of the Year. And rugby hits the streets of the

Capital ahead of the big Edinburgh Glasgow Derby on Boxing Day. All

The First Minister is accusing Westminster of "playing games"

after the BBC learned that Holyrood could be handed the legal power to

run a Scottish independence referendum. The option is one of a

number of scenarios being considered, as the House of Lords

prepares to examine legislation giving the Scottish parliament more

powers. Here's our Westminster correspondent, David Porter.

Two parliaments in place and one referendum to come, and who should

call it, and when should the vote take place? Are these are key

questions surrounding Scotland's future. Conversations are being

held in Whitehall which could lead to Holyrood been given the legal

responsibility for conducting the ballot. Crucially, any such move

would almost certainly contain a deadline for holding the boat. --

vote. The aim would be to force MPs's hand on a referendum. Instead

of Labour and Tories clotting away in secret meetings, it would be

better to let the democratic parliament, elected by the people

of Scotland, get on with a referendum, on the timescale we

outlined to the people. Transferring responsibility for the

vote to Holyrood could be done within the existing code and

Richard -- devolution. But it brings risks. Foisting a referendum

on Scotland, by parties that are run arguing against it, doesn't

strike me as the best way of persuading people in Scotland that

devolution can be made to work and that Scotland doesn't need

independence. With p is due to begin detailed scrutiny in the New

Year of existing plans to give Holyrood more legal power, the

existing position of such a plan could be tested soon. Others insist

Westminster should keep control of any referendum. I think we need to

have the referendum as quickly as possible, to end the uncertainty,

so people know where our future lies. That is why I think an

amendment to the Scotland Bill which would require the UK

government to have around him on whether or not Scotland should run

but -- remained part of the UK should be brought forward as

quickly as possible. The idea to allow the parliament here to call a

referendum is aimed at forcing the MP's hand. Privately, many here

feel that the nationalists have been allowed to set the agenda on

this issue. They want the Unionist parties to fight harder.

Some of the other stories across Scotland this Friday.

A 19-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged

with throwing a wooden fence and a large stone from a flyover onto a

busy dual carriageway. It's alleged the objects struck a car on the A9

near Perth on Wednesday evening. Paul Booth made no plea at Perth

Sheriff Court. Rail passengers in the west of

Scotland could face disruption tomorrow. Signallers working at a

new control centre in Glasgow are going on strike for three days in a

dispute between the RMT union and Network Rail.

A forestry worker was killed after the harvester truck he was driving

hit an overhead power line on Skye. 65-year-old John MackInnon from

Crossal died at the scene. Yesterday, power was switched off

to allow rescue workers access - affecting every property in the

This Christmas and New Year, they'll be out in force in their

hundreds, patrolling the streets and maintaining law and order - all

for free. They're special constables, and there is still much

confusion about exactly who they are and what powers they have. Our

reporter Cameron Buttle joined a team of specials out on duty in

Galashiels. It is a few days before Christmas.

Most of us are thinking about putting up our feet, relaxing a bit,

having a few drinks. But some people are going to be finishing

work and then putting on a uniform and coming out and patrolling the

streets. People like Alistair Cameron, microbiologist by day,

special constable by night, for more than 15 years. There are

hundreds of specials across Scotland on duty, all doing it for

free. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what a special

constable does. Often you have explained people, yes, I can arrest

people, I have the same powers as a regular paid officer. After some

basic training, they can work in nearly every area of modern

policing. People think we don't do anything, we are just there to sit

about and be an extra number, but we definitely are not. I know

myself if an incident happened, that the cop I am working with is

going to be there to back me up, and they know that if anything

happens, I will be there to back Specials are not part of the daily

roster. They are treated as an additional resource, and a welcome

one, according to regular offices. They are seen to fill a seat for a

uniform of that is definitely not the case. Regular colleagues are

genuinely happy to see them. They are extra officers. The are

expected to get stuck in? Were do not wrap them in cotton wool. They

are expected to pull the weight just like any other of the Sun and

they do that. He in the summer, this man offered to patrol the

streets down south during the riots. This year he has volunteered to

work in the busy period just before Christmas. If you fancy sampling

the view from the summit of Cairngorm, strict conservation

measures mean that you have to walk up the entire mountain and you

can't hitch a ride on the funicular. But a consultation exercise

considering the pros and cons of opening up the summit to railway

users has just ended and change could be afoot. It's a contentious

issue. This is as close as some people

could get to the great outdoors because they are forbidden to set

foot on the mountain. The rules have been relaxed to pilot small-

scale walking tours up his path. During the first trial period, over

9,000 people access to summit of Cairngorm. Over 1,000 of them took

the train, leading to a 13% increase in numbers reaching the

top. A public consultation on the walks has just finished and it is

thought the arrangement could become permanent. The parts are

within an area of conservation under our habitat sunbirds that a

very important as part of our natural heritage. Some of them are

very rare. During the trial it was shown that with people walking on

the mountain it did not affect the number of them so we are confident

we can make it work. Environmentalists warned it is a

backward step that will threaten the conservation of the plateau

which is protected by European law. It feels this is the thin end of

the wedge, opening up the system and not really taking into account

the fact that they operate in a beautiful and fragile environment.

One just doesn't feel they respect that. What is to stop people

wandering away from the path? What is to stop them going be on the

summit? Those in charge believe there is no danger in opening up

the mountain to all funicular users. We would see the return of large

numbers of people going in to see the site. They could be quite a lot

of damage and disturbance as a result so we could not really do

both, have an open system here and protect European sides. Personally

I would not welcome it. I final decision is not expected for a

number of months of whatever the outcome, it is likely to be cuts

commercial. -- controversial. Rhona's here now with the sport.

Scotland's two professional rugby teams know that victory in this

year's 1872 Cup could be the key to league success. The Boxing Day

clash is between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but league points are also

up for grabs. That means there'll be no peace or goodwill on the

pitch this Christmas. Here's our rugby reporter, Jim Mason.

Edinburgh Castle looks down on a Princes Street full of Christmas

shoppers. Sales, bargains and rugby. Rugby players were out on force

publicising the vested double header. The game is on Boxing Day

but the teams will not be looking for presents. It is for the leaders

were led League points up for grabs. We need league points. It is big

all round. They are too big gains in terms of rivalry and the game's

-- the League. It is very important. The fixture dates back to 1872, the

first venue is now this car-park in the West End of Glasgow. It is

really important to us. It is a derby game. It is important to the

fans but it is massive to us to go out there and do a job. Last year

was Glasgow took the honours. Like all derbies, it can be a tasty

encounter. There is always a lot of edge around them, the first you

contact a huge. There are guys with different strengths and weaknesses

that you might try to exploit. There is high in tents in the game

and the contact is usually pretty physical. Today was a gentle

introduction to rugby. The Hibs manager, Pat Fenlon says

he hopes that new striker Owen Doyle will be able to score the

goals that could ease the club away from the relegation zone. The 23-

year-old has agreed an 18 month deal after leaving the Irish side

Sligo Rovers. The Hibs boss says he has been tracking the players

progress throughout his career. was a kid I and in the should

callboy system. He is a good player. He can play in a few positions. He

has ended up be an out-and-out striker. Christmas has come early

for the athletes and coaches of the Red Star Club in Glasgow. Last

night, the clubs founding members Janice Eaglesham and Ian Mirfin

were named winners of the Unsung Hero award at the BBC Sports

Personality of the Year ceremony. The husband and wife have worked

with hundreds of athletes with a disability over the years, and

here's how they got the news. The unsung hero a ward for 2011

goes to Janice Eaglesham and Ian Mirfin. 21 years ago, husband-and-

wife team at the Jannis the also Man Ian Mirfin founded the Red Star

Club for disabled athletes in Glasgow. Since 1990 they have

trained, helped and coach over 150 competitors, including medal-

winners and a record holders in but the Paralympics and the Special

Olympics. We are a bit shocked and stunned so please appreciate this.

It is an award for everyone. Scottish Disabilities sport as

Scottish athletics do so much good work together. Thank you very much

for all of your efforts. I am really proud of them and I have

known them for 10 years and they embody everything that is true and

passionate about volunteered coaching. They go beyond the call

of duty. There are hundreds who are equally deserving and sport would

not happen in this country without the volunteers. I would not be

where I was without them. Thank you and thank you for being my coaches.

Well done to all at Red Star. And a Merry Christmas from all of us on

the sports desk. The battle for the Christmas Number

One is reaching its final stages, with the song Wherever You Are sung

by the Military Wives choir, firmly in the running. The wives and

girlfriends of servicemen in Afghanistan were brought together

for a TV series, and among them a couple of Scots. Catriona Renton

reports. The unsung heroes of war find their

voice. This was the proud moment when the choir sang for the Queen

at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

The lead singer is from Perth. Her husband is in the Royal Electrical

and Mechanical Engineers. Kirsty is also in the choir. It was brought

together in a television series that follows a military wide scope

while their husbands are away. Her husband was serving in Afghanistan

at the time. I do not sing. But a few of my friends were going so we

decided why not, let us go along and meet new friends of and it just

escalated from there. The composer wrote this song and one of his

pieces was also performed at the Royal Wedding. We heard that the

roles have backed it so we are really pleased about that. It has

been an unbelievable year. Last year I could not have hoped for

this. It has been absolutely unbelievable. Now the ladies of the

bookies favourites for the Christmas number one. Never!

Christmas number one. It it is just... Words cannot describe the

feeling. It still seems a bit so real, going into shops and saying

it and knowing my voices on that it and knowing my voices on that

single.. As we go into the seething there

are the lot of dry weather around. Later on there will be some rain

pushing him. The showers are fading away at with dry and clear

conditions and a touch of frost. Towards the early hours rain is

pushing him towards the Highlands and down towards Strathclyde.

Across the North East and eastern parts of the country it could get

down to freezing or just under. On Christmas Eve it will be a wet and

windy day. They could be gale-force gusts from the south-west. Heavy

rain is pushing further east. On the east coast they are drier and

brighter conditions, particularly in the north-east corner. In the

afternoon there are milder conditions and today. It will be

pretty soggy if you are getting last-minute Christmas shopping,

particularly in central and western parts of the country. Towards the

east coast is drier. If you are out and about hill-walking or climbing,

it will be wet and windy. It will be mild across the summits. One or

two areas will be drier. That could be the northern Cairngorms. There

will be drizzle and light rain but also strong winds. In to Christmas

Eve and all is calm for a while. The showers well, the rain will

ease. It will be back for a vengeance on Christmas Day. The

wind will stay strong. On Christmas Day strong to gale force winds. We

have the yellow force -- the yellow warning in force. It will be cloudy

with drizzle and light rain. It will be a mild Christmas Day across

the whole of Scotland. Probably the highest temperature will be 14

Celsius. It will not be the all- time record but you will not

remember that. On Boxing Day, the rain and gales are never ending.

The weather front will push in and bring heavy rain. If it starts a

dry in -- if you start to dry you'll get the rain later and vice

versa. It will stay windy from the south-west.

Now, just before 7 o'clock, a summary of tonight's top stories:

Airlines, train companies and retailers are to be banned from

charging excessive credit or debit card fees. Some companies are

charging up to �8 for a transaction that costs as little as 20p to

process. Nancy Pollock, the mother of a

murdered Paisley man, has appealed for help in finding her son's

killer. Stephen Pollock was shot dead on Wednesday evening at the

town's Weaver Terrace. More than 40 people have been

killed in what are believed to have been two suicide bombings in the

Syrian capital, Damascus. State television said it suspected Al-

Qaeda. Opposition activists accused the government of staging the

blasts to influence an Arab League observer team monitoring the

treatment of pro-democracy protestors.

Today's expected to be the busiest day of the year for shopping.

Hundreds of thousands of us have been out since early this morning

to finish off our Christmas shopping.

We'll have news summaries all through the Festive period. But

this is the last full edition of Reporting Scotland for 2011. So as