24/10/2013 Reporting Scotland

Monday. That is all from the BBC's News at

The battle to save 800 jobs at Grangemouth. All-day talks at the

plant, as Unite says it's optimistic after agreeing to the company's

survival plan "warts and all". This plant is too important to allow it

to be closed and we will be working as hard as we can to make sure it

stays open. The UK and Scottish governments have

been meeting both sides to try to find a solution. But people in local

communities remain concerned. Absolutely everybody in the town was

down yesterday. It was as though it was the deathknell and the fear of

Grangemouth becoming a ghost town. We also look at the tactics used in

the dispute and where it leaves the unions.

Also tonight, a man accused of murdering a delegate at a conference

in Glasgow denies he tried to cover up the crime.

And Scotland's cricketers hope they can outdo the footballers and

qualify for a world cup. After a day of intense negotiations

there is still no indication from owners Ineos about whether they'll

reverse their decision to close the petrochemical plant at Grangemouth.

Earlier today the Unite union agreed to accept the company's survival

plan warts and all. We'll gauge political reaction in a moment with

our correspondent, but first to Grangemouth and our business

correspondent. It has been another dramatic day at Grangemouth. This

time yesterday the petrochemical plant looked dead and buried with

800 members of staff facing the dole queue. Today, the leader of the

Unite union came here and offered management exactly what they have

been demanding throughout this long dispute. It may be just enough to

keep the place open. A last-ditch effort to save 800

jobs. Arriving for talks, the UK leader of the Unite union. Waiting

for him and said, the managers of Grangemouth. It was clear to both

only major concessions could break the deadlock. Within an hour he was

back outside to make clear that is exactly what he had offered. We will

accept the survival plan and except the process of consultation and

discussion. There is nothing unusual about survival plans and we are

quite experienced at sitting down and debating and discussing the

practicalities of certain elements of the survival plan and plans

change during those discussions, but we have indicated to the company

that we are prepared to do that. What is the union prepared to

concede? The survival plan meetings big cost-cutting measures, an

entered a final salary pensions, cuts to bonuses and a no strike

deal. Will this new offer persuade the owners to reopen Grangemouth?

There is a chance. The reality is the managers on site, if they

believe there is a substantive change, they will take that back to

the shareholders. There is growing pressure on both sides to reach a

deal. Cabinet ministers came from Holyrood and Westminster to arch

dialogue and the deal to save the plant. It is clear that we are

dealing with a very different situation following the statement

from Unite that they were prepared to accept the Ineos survival plan

without any preconditions. We are in a very different set of

circumstances given the announcement that has been made by Unite this

morning of their acceptance of the company's survival plan. That

creates a much better basis for further progress to be undertaken

and to be taken forward in resolving these issues. Is this enough to

deliver a breakthrough? The decision rests with this man, a billionaire

with a controlling stake in Ineos. Others have done what they can, now

it is up to him. There is no possibility of a

last-minute deal to resolve this dispute. Management insisted on the

union putting their offer in writing so there can be no confusion about

it in the future. No scope for disagreements. Ineos looks set to

announce tomorrow if they are prepared to return to talks or if

all of this is just too little, too late.

Meanwhile both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition

have urged both sides to reach a compromise that allows the plant to

stay open. Our Westminster correspondent joins me now. There

appears to be a clear political consensus on this issue? Yes, and

very interesting, fascinating to see two men who had at the forefront of

the battle to keep Scotland in order take it out of the United Kingdom

standing side-by-side and putting aside their political differences to

try to resolve the future of this plant in Grangemouth. Clearly it is

a hugely important site. Ministers believe it is too big to fail and

they have been doing their best to try to persuade the company, and the

feeling, certainly from both sides of the government, is that the

company can be persuaded. It is up to Jim Ratcliffe, but the hope for a

resolution has come from the very top. I welcome the fact that the

trade unions and the business are working together. To seek a

solution. This is an important business for Scotland and an

important industry for the United Kingdom. We want to see those jobs

saved, the business thrive, and I am hopeful an agreement can be reached.

Both sides bear responsibility but what is encouraging is that both the

unions and I hope the employers want to find a way forward. What is the

most important thing? To protect those jobs and a vital national

asset at Grangemouth. I take it thinking is still going on as to

what will happen if their place as to clause? Yes, and there has been

some talk about a buyer for the site being found. In terms of that

happening from the UK Government position, it means there's not going

on behind-the-scenes, despite the fact the Scottish Secretary said he

was looking to Vince Cable's Department to seek to try to find

that buyer. We were told by a UK Government official that would be

quite a challenge, in other words very difficult indeed. We have been

told by the Scottish Government over the last few days that it has been

speaking to potential buyers, but I think certainly all the effort from

both governments today has been to try to get any of -- Ineos to

reverse their decision. That might go to Jim Ratcliffe tonight. What

the UK Government has been keen to stress is that whether there is a

short or long-term prolonged difficulty at the refinery, whether

it does not open again, fuel supplies, motorists, airlines,

should not worry, there are contingency plans in place.

We will come back to Grangemouth later.

This morning the Unite union said that they would embrace the

company's proposals warts and all. They had previously accused Ineos of

economic vandalism and blackmail. So where now for Unite, in the light of

accusations that they have completely mishandled this dispute?

And what now for the union movement in general?

Trade unions have long been woven into Scottish industrial life. They

tend to get noticed when things go wrong and when workers take a stand.

There will be no hooliganism, no vandalism, now drinking. Disputes

have littered past decades. Unite took a stand and threatened a

strike. Now, having given into all the bosses' demands, this does not

look like their finest hour. The mac there's nothing humiliating about

representing workers. I know that privately they think they are going

to have to take a beating on this, and I think that is where they are.

They have not won the battle. They are struggling to keep the place

open. Union membership has plummeted in recent decades. It is much

stronger in the public sector with 56%, but most people work for

private employers would union membership is only 14%. Unions have

had to find new ways of working with bosses. Unions involved that owners

working together, it is not a one-sided benefit, everybody

benefits if the business thrives and survives. That is how it happens

elsewhere. In continental Europe horses have expectations of

cooperation. -- bosses. Higher productivity is as a result of the

partnership between unions and employers. Unite says it has been

fighting for its members' interest. It has learned some hard lessons.

You're watching Reporting Scotland from the BBC. Still to come: 800

jobs are at stake at the Grangemouth plant. We look at the impact of the

uncertainty on the local community. In sport: Why the next few months

will be crucial for the future of Scottish cricket. And news of a plan

that could mean only one of our rugby teams qualify for the European

Cup. More later. A man accused of murdering a

conference delegate with a fire extinguisher at the SECC last year

has denied covering up the attack. Clive Carter admits killing

Khanokporn Satjawat but denies murder.

It was in November last year that Khanokporn Satjawat was found dead

in the ladies toilets at the SECC and Glasgow. She had been bludgeoned

to death with a fire extinguisher. Five Carter is the man who admits

killing the conference delegate but says he cannot remember anything

after having an argument with her over whether she had a delegate

pass. The prosecution focused on what Clive Carter could and could

not remember. They looked at the forensic evidence surrounding the

fire extinguisher which was used to kill Khanokporn Satjawat. It had

been wiped or cleaned just after the attack. They advocate deputy then

asked Clive Carter, is that explanation that the perpetrator was

trying to destroy evidence? Yes, replied Clive Carter. If they were

destroying evidence, they knew what had happened? Yes, probably. Do you

not remember or are you choosing not to reveal the extent of what you

remember? No, I am just confused. Clive Carter also admitted that he

had assaulted his wife a few times in the past. Police had been called

to the family home because of the violent outburst but he had never

been charged. Clive Carter denies murder on the grounds of diminished

responsibility. The trial at the High Court in Glasgow continues

tomorrow. ScottishPower is putting up its

prices from the 6th of December. It has announced today that average

dual fuel prices will go up by 8.6%. Electricity prices are going up by

9% and gas by 8.5%. The company says it has made a loss this year in

retail supply, and has to pass on the rising costs of wholesale gas,

distribution and green and social schemes required by the government.

A challenge to Edinburgh's tolerance of the sex industry has failed. More

than half the city's saunas have had their licences renewed. The City

Council rejected tough conditions that Police Scotland wanted to

impose, which would have made it difficult for the saunas to offer

sexual services. Edinburgh's long tolerance of the sex industry has

been in doubt since Police Scotland began high-profile raids in June.

Then people have been charged with offences including brothel keeping

-- seven. The City Council maintained it was not going to

change its unique position on licence in prison -- licensing

premises. Councillors rejected tough new proposals which would have

banned items of a sexual nature from these premises. Seven saunas have

had their licences renewed but a further six were rejected and they

face closure. The capital's saunas receive 130,000 free condom is from

the NHS each year. This health charity says the system offers

protection for women. What you see in Glasgow which has not

historically had this kind of pragmatic system in place is that

the police actively hunt down working flat and drive women onto

the streets and as a result there are vastly more women working on the

streets, and that is not how sex workers preferred. Woolly Scotland

insists that they wanted to challenge criminality -- Police

Scotland. There have always been inspections. There have always been

raids. We will continue to identify criminality and when we do we will

ensure it is dealt with. The action has highlighted lapses in the

inspection regime which have now been tightened up. I am a great

believer in the inspection system if it works. I think that would make

the whole business tolerable again. That does not mean that everyone has

to approve. It means we have to understand that we have to learn to

live with it. The sun is facing closure may appeal the decision but

the capital's more relaxed attitude has withstood its most significant

challenge in the past 30 years. Voting is taking place today in the

Dunfermline by-election. The seat has been vacant since Bill Walker

stepped down as an MSP. The polls opened at seven o'clock this morning

and will continue until ten o'clock tonight. There are seven candidates,

details are on our website. We will bring you the result live from the

count in an extended Newsnight squash -- Scotland election special.

Other stories from across Scotland this Thursday.

Aberdeen council leaders are considering plans for a tram system

in the city. They want to investigate linking the harbour with

communities at Torry and Cove, and the airport with Dyce.

Opposition leaders have described the idea is pie in the sky. They

warned soaring course and huge disruption.

At least 600 jobs will be created by a new Scottish company in North

Lanarkshire. Ascensos will run a contact centre in Motherwell on the

site of the former Lloyds Banking Group premises.

This is one of four major checkpoints which are part of

operation overlord, a cross-border initiatives involving Scottish

police officers. Along with officers from the big licensing authority,

the targeting the main routes and focusing on national organised

criminal gangs. The UK's new Fisheries Minister has

been in Peterhead. George Eustice was accompanied by Scottish

Secretary Alistair Carmichael. The visit was organised by the Scottish

Fishermen's Federation. Top of their list of concerns - the long-running

row over mackerel with Iceland and the Faroe Islands. There has been a

big increase in the stalk and there is an opportunity to increase the

quarters for everyone. If we cannot get an agreement against that

backdrop, we never will. There is a real opportunity here. Formula one

champion Sir Jackie Stewart received a doctorate from Edinburgh

University. He won the Grand Prix 27 times and the world championship

three times, making him one of the most successful racing drivers of

all time. There are more stories from your

region and all the latest news on our website.

Let us get the sport now. Positive news on the World Cup?

There is a long way to go yet. Our footballers have missed out on the

World Cup, but the nation's cricketers could qualify for two in

the next few months. The head coach describes it as a crucial period for

the sport in this country. Between now and January, he will take his

charges to the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand as they seek to play

on cricket's biggest stages. Practice makes perfect, now would be

a good time to get things right. In the next three months Scottish

cricketers could qualify for two major tournament, next year's world

Twenty20 and the 2014 World Cup. If we qualify for these big events, it

will enable us to go up that next step and challenge yourself further.

It will be an enjoyable and challenging couple of months ahead

of us. First up a trip to the United Arab Emirates where they play Burn

you do first in a group which also includes Afghanistan, Netherlands

and Kenya. Portugal have played in world cups already. Playing in any

World Cup is a massive honour. You play against the best players on TV.

Who knows where it will lead you? It could lead to the World Cup in two

years. Scotland will lead to New Zealand in January, determined to

book one of the two remaining places.

Scottish rugby will not lose out financially if a proposal from one

of the country's two professional teams to automatically qualify for

the European cup is adopted. At the moment Glasgow and Edinburgh both

qualify. The new proposals have been made by the body running the

competition in an attempt to stop English, French and Welsh clubs from

creating a rival tournament. I think everybody is aware that we have got

something very special in a European club competition and everyone wants

to keep that, so fingers crossed there are few months to go before we

devise the best solution. Now look at what else is happening

across Scottish bored. Allan McGregor will miss Scotland's

challenge matches against the US and Norway next month. The goalkeeper

will be out of action for six weeks because of a thigh injury.

St Johnstone striker Stevie May has signed a contract extension. The

Scotland Under 21 internationalist's new deal runs till the summer of

2015. Edinburgh Rugby coach Alan Solomons

says gaining respect is his team's priority this season. They're bottom

of the Pro12 league going into tomorrow's match against Treviso. I

do not worry too much less point about the tables. If we continue to

improve and perform well, the results will come.

Chris Cusiter's been recalled by Glasgow Warriors for their top of

the table Pro12 match against Munster. He's missed their last two

games. It has been frustrating not to play in the last couple of weeks

in their Heineken cup will stop at the given every opportunity to lead

the given every opportunity to be beside out tomorrow night. Let's

hope began other home when. -- home victory. And Sir Chris Hoy's in

Edinburgh promoting sports role sport in maintaining good mental

health. And there are more sports stories - plus all the latest news,

24 hours a day on BBC Sport Scotland's website. I think to

underestimate the impact of physical activity on mental well-being, it is

a huge part of that sense of wellness. More sports stories and

all the latest news on our website. That's all I have for you now.

Let us return to our main story and the continuing crisis at

Grangemouth. We will return to David Henderson. A tense night of waiting

and uncertainty ahead for people there? You are absolutely right. The

sun has just set on Grangemouth, but everyone living around here will be

fervently hoping that tomorrow Grangemouth will rise again and

there is a bright future to secure for those plants. This place has

been in operation since the 1920s. It is a mainstay of the local

economy, employing many people around here. It is hugely

productive, it turns out something like 9 million litres of fuel every

day. The petrochemical plant produces 2 million tonnes of

chemicals and plastics every year. As my colleague has been finding

out, people living around here are a few about its future. Falkirk's

streets bashing the headlines that I thought they would never see.

Thousands of jobs at risk here and in lending communities. In shops,

bars and cafes the chat has been of little else. Totally, I think they

were looking for a resolution. If there had been a resolution it would

not have got to this stage whether plants closed down. We are in shock.

-- were their plant. The council met to deal with potential massive job

losses. Some remember the good times. It was not just this side

Grangemouth, it actually is Grangemouth, it is inconceivable

that it has gone from that which is part of your wall family life, your

social life, to being an empty wastelands. There are jobs in the

area. But this recruitment firm says salaries on the outside will come as

a shock to Grangemouth workers. This company hires HGV drivers. It may

mean taking a pay cut off half in terms of what they have been used to

earnings. There will be a need for a retraining and there will be a

definite change in terms of what they will earn. These are unsettling

times for this town and the neighbouring region. Everyone here

hopes for some certainty in the days to come.

It has been a lovely day, but I think there is a but coming!

I am afraid so. Lovely sunshine today. Good evening. It was

beautiful across many parts of the country. This satellite pictures

shows a ridge of high pressure, but this is being pushed away by this

area of low pressure coming in from the south, bringing rain and winds.

A dry and chilly start to the late, especially in the far north. During

the night, the cloud and rain rules and from the west and south-west.

Milder than it will be in the next few hours overnight. That being

comes with a warning, that is yellow some be aware, there are likely to

be issues with local flooding, especially end of decent gallery.

The rain continues to spread its way across the country throughout the

morning, pushing through quite quickly, it will be measurable. By

the afternoon, some right is here in beer. Marine hangs on in the West

Coast -- the rain hangs on in the West Coast and on the north-west

coast. Orkney and Shetland see a lot of rain. The rain clears away in the

evening and more rain works its way in from the west, but that also

clears through quite quickly. A brief lull and then more rain from

this rain out in the Atlantique. A bright start on Saturday. Then this

rain sweeps its way across the country from the West. This clears

the way, but it continues to remain unsettled, thanks to low pressure

and a series of grunts working their way in to bring blustery and show

conditions. A number of showers for the weekend, especially in the West,

drier and brighter in the least. Tomorrow morning will be Jack --

weight and blustery. A reminder of tonight's main news:

after a day of negotiations there is still no indication from owners

INEOS about whether they will reverse their decision to close the

petrochemical plant at Grangemouth. Earlier today the Unite union agreed

to accept the company's survival plan, warts and all. All 800

employees were told they would lose their jobs on Wednesday.

Police in Portugal have reopened the investigation into the disappearance

of Madeleine McCann six years ago. Their decision comes nearly two

weeks after British police said they were following new lines of enquiry.

A Bulgarian couple have come forward claiming to be the appearance of

Maria, the blonde girl found living with the Roma family in Greece.

Police are carrying out DNA tests. That's Reporting Scotland. I will be

back with a headlines at 8pm and the late bulletin just after the ten

o'clock news. Goodbye.