19/02/2014 Reporting Scotland

you. That is all from

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: A named person to monitor every child

in Scotland. As the parliament introduces what some call a "state

guardian", we ask whether it means more protection for children - or

unwanted interference in family life. I am surprised that they have

made a bill for that. Some parents are more than capable of looking

after their own children, other parents, possibly not.

Also on the programme: David Murdoch may have done it, he has. Going for

gold - Britain's men beat Sweden to reach the Winter Olympic curling

final. Who let the dogs out - and then

brought them back again? The mystery of the Dumfries dog thief.

And the best holiday islands in the world are right here in Scotland.

Good evening. It's the most wide-ranging bill affecting children

ever to be introduced in the Scottish Parliament. Members have

been debating it all day, and tonight, will vote it into law. So

what's in it? Well, all three and four year olds will be entitled to

600 hours a year of free nursery care, instead of 475. Young people

will be able to remain in foster care until they're 21. And from next

year, free school meals will be available to every child in Primary

One, Primary Two and Primary Three. But the most controversial aspect of

the new law is that the State will assign a named person to monitor

every single child in Scotland, from birth to adulthood. Critics say it

undermines the role of the family and could face legal challenges.

Here's our education correspondent, Jamie McIvor.

An adult in authority keeping an eye out for every toddler, every child

and even teenagers is old enough to vote in the independence referendum.

Named individuals or state guardians as some have dubbed them, mean added

protection for vulnerable children. A lot of interference, but some

people do need that, but a lot of people don't. Children at risk would

benefit from that. My child since birth has that the midwife and they

have moved on to the health visitor and the GP. What is being proposed?

The idea is someone in authority would be assigned to every child or

young person. The thinking is they could help in several ways. Spotting

a health problem or emotional difficulty. Offering practical

advice to families who want it, as well as acting as a guard against

neglect or abuse. One big children's charity is a big supporter. Any

child or young person can become vulnerable for a particular reason

at any time in their life, just the same as any parent can need support

at any time in their life. But the idea has been criticised by some

churches, lawyers and opposition politicians. I don't exist that sums

-- I don't accept that some children between zero and 18 need help. The

government believes criticism like this is misplaced. In the Highlands

it has been proven to work, it has reduced bureaucracy, it has meant

services are provided in a slicker way, it has meant other

professionals can target more vulnerable families because there

are times freed up. It is also being developed in response to what

parents have told us. The bill is expected to be passed by MSP is this

evening. Critics warned there could still be legal challenges.

Our political editor Brian Taylor is at the Parliament. Brian, the bill

is yet to be actually voted into law. How much of a formality will

that be? They are still discussing that very issue of the context of

the bill -- contents of the bill. Amendments of the Conservatives'

opposing named persons. There have been complaints from a number of MSP

's, not just in the opposition but across the parties. But the bill is

not accompanied by sufficient financial details about the costs,

the capital costs, investment costs, of meeting those new promises on

childcare. Ministers said they would look at that and come back to

Parliament. Despite all of that I think the bill will go through

tonight. The vote is expected at 8pm or perhaps later. They really are

taking their time to go through this bill.

And away from the Children's bill, Brian, we've had competing claims

today on the impact of independence. Bring us up to speed. We have.

Ministers from the UK and Scottish Government, Danny Alexander was

looking at a situation, he said, we're independence that happened but

the Scottish Government was not accepting its share of the UK debt.

He said those circumstances, the global financial markets would get

spooked, they would look at this Scotland -- as Scotland's

defaulting. This could push up borrowing costs and good mean an

average mortgage could be ?5,200 a year more expensive. John Swinney

said it was nonsense, there was no evidence of higher borrowing costs.

Smaller country -- smaller countries often had lower borrowing costs. The

Scottish Government would be willing to pay a share of that debt, but

only if there was a wider deal on issues of the Bank of England and

other currencies. If the UK insist upon being the continuing state and

having all the assets, it gets the liabilities as well. He said that

would mean the rest of the UK would pay far more to cover that debt.

Brian, many thanks. Scotland's male curlers are just one

match away from gold at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. David Murdoch's

all-Scottish Team GB have beaten Sweden in a dramatic semifinal, and

now play Canada for gold on Friday. But there was disappointment for the

girls, as Eve Muirhead's rink lost their semi final, and now play in

the bronze medal match tomorrow. From Russia, David McDaid reports.

They turned up colourful and confident. Very excited and we think

the boys will do well tonight and the girls will do well this

afternoon. But to do have hours later, that confidence was shaken.

Canada have won it. The women denied a shot at Olympic gold. Gutted, we

give it 110% out there today. We got a few bad breaks. I don't think the

curling gods were with us today. I don't want to leave without a medal

around my neck. For some, the disappointment was overwhelming. We

will support the boys, but then we will go out and get the bronze

medal. The boys were hoping to guarantee David Murdoch his elusive

gold medal. He has been to two Olympic Games already and come back

empty-handed both times. They fought back against Sweden. And under

pressure, they played the perfect winner once again. The British crowd

jumping up and down in the stands. Into the Olympic final, a silver

medal guaranteed. It is incredible, can describe the feeling really. We

have trained so hard for this and worked hard every day as a team,

made a lot of sacrifices. It has all paid off. Celebrations with silver

assured for the men. Can they make it gold on Friday?

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

tonight's programme: A shake-up in the jobs market. As unemployment

drops again, we see the projects helping young people back into work.

And in sport, find out which big event this weekend in France is

exciting Gordon Strachan. And Scots boxers will not be wearing kilts in

the ring at the Commonwealth Games, or protective headgear. I will tell

you why. The number of people out of work in

Scotland has fallen again. Unemployment fell by 3,000 between

October and December last year. Our economics correspondent Colletta

Smith is here, and can tell us more. We've had a double whammy of good

news for the economy today. Firstly, people spent more going shopping

last month after a disappointing run-up to Christmas. Like for like

sales rose by 2.5% in January, compared with the same month last

year. And the second news we had, as we mentioned earlier is about more

people finding work. For the final three months of last year the number

of unemployed people fell to 7.1% in Scotland. That's still slightly

lower than the figure of 7.2% for the UK as a whole. And the focus for

getting people back to work is on the group that's been hardest hit -

young people. The number of people in work in Scotland is rising.

Today's employment figures leave a sweet taste in the mouth. These

teenagers are being taught how to perfect their bar skills, they are

among those back at work. Gaining confidence is also a crucial part of

this Learning For Life programme. I was looking for jobs and struggling

a bit, but I got onto this course and I am happy with that. It is a

massive achievement to go through all of this. It is a massive

opportunity. Over the last year, job figures have been getting better and

better with Scotland outperforming the UK average. With a big year

ahead, those running hotels and bars are planning to take on more staff.

2014 for Scotland, is this not -- if this is not an opportunity for

growth and opportunity, the Commonwealth Games, a fantastic

opportunity. Young people need to make sure they have the right skills

to get jobs. This final bit of preparing people, young people, for

work is really important. Employers really need to get behind committing

to that experience. There is plenty to celebrate for those 3000 people

who cannot work at the end of last year. And those who are hopeful for

2014. And Colletta, they are not the only

ones celebrating are they? Both sides in the referendum debate are

claiming these figures are positive for them? Yes, indeed. It is

something for Alex Salmond to smile about, after a difficult week for

the Yes campaign. But the Better Together campaign are seeing

Scotland's economy can continue to grow in the UK structure. Both sides

saying this is good news but for different reasons. Thanks very much.

A 63-year old man has been arrested in connection with allegations of

historic sexual and physical abuse at Fort Augustus Abbey school. The

man - from the west of Scotland - is the fourth person to be arrested

during a police investigation into the former boarding school near Loch

Ness, which began last March. A report has been sent to the Crown

Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

A round-up of other stories from across Scotland this Wednesday: A

driver who caused the death of his teenage passenger in a high-speed

crash in Argyll has been jailed for nine years. 17-year-old Natasha

Clarke died on August 2012 after the driver lost control of his car at 70

mph. Last month the court heard for the 35-year-old reached speeds of

110 mph before the crash. Plans to install average speed

cameras on the Anine between Inverness and Perth have been

delayed until autumn due to technical problems. It has also

emerged the scale of the project has been reduced. The scheme is an

interim safety measure until the road is upgraded to dual carriageway

I2025. A former footballer who played in

two Scottish cup finals with Airdrie has been sentenced for theft while

working as a postman. Alan Lawrence admitted stealing postal packets and

their contents, worth ?500, from Airdrie Delivery Office. At the

town's Sheriff Court he was told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The fight to save a factory in North Lanarkshire, 27 years ago, has been

marked by the unveiling of a memorial next month. Workers

occupied the factory for 103 days in a bid to save their jobs. Organisers

at the ceremony as King former employees to attend. This is an

appeal for those workers to come along and have a reunion together,

let's launch the Memorial and have a good time together. That is what we

are asking for. T In The park will be held again

this year. Perth and Kinross Council have given permission for the event

for this year only, with measures in place to avoid possible damage to

the pipeline. There are 650,000 unpaid carers in

Scotland. With that number likely to rise, according to care campaigners.

This week, we have been looking at how carers cope and what challenges

they face. Tonight, our reporter looks at the personal cost of caring

for a family member. This is Nicola. She is meeting her

nine-year-old son. He has a complex learning difficulty which means he

requires constant supervision. So she can look after him, she has gone

from a well-paid job to on benefits. It is quite humiliating and

depressing. To be short of money all the time is depressing. There are

650,000 carers in Scotland, most of them are family members and they are

often the poor is people in the country. To replace them with paid

staff it could cost as much as ?10 billion a year. As well as being

trapped in poverty, unpaid carers are also likely to suffer from poor

physical and mental health. That is why the Scottish government are

launching a new carers Bill which is out for consultation now. They want

local authorities to provide better support. Local authorities need to

recognise the import the half. That is why legislation is important in

making it sure they are more focused on the sport they should provide to

carers. -- support. Campaigners say carers have waited far too long to

get proper rights. It is not that 650,000 carers will get a huge bonus

at the end of this legislation, but it is a step in the right direction.

Nicola wants to get off benefits and get back to work but that cannot

help until shoes seems a little more help. -- until she gets a little

more help. Dog owners in Dumfries and Galloway

are being warned to stay alert after four animals were stolen from

outside supermarkets only to be found near different supermarkets

some time later. One of the dogs turned up sixteen miles from where

it was taken, and the police admit they don't really know why. Willie

Johnston reports. I wonder what happened to him? This four-year-old

Jack Russell is a much loved family pet. He goes everywhere with his

master, including local supermarkets but not now since he became one of

the disappearing dogs of Dumfries. I went in to get some bread and just

came out and two girls were looking at me strangely and I noticed the

dog had gone. They said some man had walked away with him. People these

days could be doing anything to the dog. Even after you get him back you

wonder what they did to him. If only he could speak. The dog was found

outside the superstore and later in the same day. Two other dogs were

found outside another Tesco. Another dog was taken from Mr premarket and

then brought to Dumfries. -- from this supermarket. This Morrisons

supermarket seems to be the only common feature. Three of the dogs

were taken from here. In the fourth case, a dog stolen 60 miles away in

Annan was dumped here. For dogs at this stage and only two likely

leagues. It is either a prank were dogs were taken just for the fun of

it. Or they were taken and assessed for their value and is not valuable

where dumped somewhere else. Until police get to the bottom of this

crime, the idea -- the advice is not to leave your dog unattended when

you go shopping. Why would you leave a pet on the pavement which is more

valuable than your smartphone? Let's get the latest sport now from

David. Thank you very much. Good evening.

Gordon Strachan says he doesn't mind which teams Scotland are grouped

with when the draw is made for the Euro 2016 qualifiers at the weekend,

but he says the prospect excites him.. So does the progress of the

only new face in his squad for next month's friendly in Poland as

Kheredine Idessane reports. A car showroom was an unusual venue

further latest media call. Driving himself right into the Scotland

squad is Dundee United's 19-year-old Andrew Robertson. He deserves that.

He got his move from Queen's Park to Dundee United. He has been

consistent over six months which is fantastic. There is also a first cap

for the Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, fully recovered from a

chronic bowel condition. A former Rangers defender is also brought by

in as Gordon Strachan prepares for the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Are you

trying to make me nervous? Now, you do not strike me as the nervous

type. At the moment it is excitement. When we get to the draw

at the weekend, that is excitement as well. I look forward to that. At

the moment, I am enjoying my work. Scotland ended their failed World

Cup bid with a couple of wins giving them hope that there wait to enter

major tournament could have ended. Scotland's best amateur boxers will

fight without head guards for the first time in twenty years at the

national championships next month and it'll be the same at the

Commonwealth Games later in the year, strange as it seems it's all

in the interests of reducing the risk of head injuries. As our games

reporter Jane Lewis explains. The promotional video hints that a

big event and for these boxers, this year's Scottish Championships take

on added importance with the Commonwealth Games coming up.

Scotland has a proud history of amateur boxing. The Championships

could see selection for some at Glasgow 2014. With that opportunity

comes a big difference for the boxers, they will fight without

wearing head guards. You do not need to worry without your head guard

being adjusted if you're not wearing it. Head guards were introduced in

1984 but the boxing Association has changed their views following two

separate studies. Evidence shows a lack of headgear reduced the risk of

concussion. Opponents not applying so much force is protected and

concerns over headgear blocking peripheral vision. I have always

said getting hit on headgear, you cannot shake it off. It happens. It

would be terrible to get a cut, but that is the risk you take. The

removal of head guards only applies to male boxers with these fighters

welcoming the change. Time to look at what else is

happening across Scottish port. They may have started the six Nations

with two defeats at Greg Laidlaw says captaining the side is not a

poisoned challenge. It is the ultimate honour and will give me

great pleasure. I want to take Scotland in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Ryan Grant has agreed a new three-year deal with Glasgow

Warriors. He has signed up until summer 2017.

Goals from Nick Ross and Arran Doran helped Inverness beat Stranraer at

the Scottish Cup meeting. The Highlanders faced Dundee United.

Disappointment for the Scots in the cross-country skiing at the Winter

Olympics. Andrew Musgrave failed to finish in the semifinal and Andrew

Young withdrew. More than the scores at the Winter Olympics and closer to

home 24 hours a day on BBC Scotland's website. That's all the

sport this evening. Back to you. Thank you very much.

We've always suspected our islands - like Harris here behind me - are

among the best in the world. And a new survey is proving it. An

international travel website rates the isles of Lewis and Harris top in

Europe, and fifth in a world poll for holiday destinations, alongside

places in Madagascar and the Caribbean. And there are honourable

mentions for Orkney and Mull too, as Craig Anderson reports.

At first glance the Outer Hebrides might not seem the exotic island

utopia and any dream of, but take another look. Aquamarine seas,

Silver Sands undramatic seclusion. Lewis and Harris ranked fifth in the

world for the quality and quantity of their attractions and

facilities, rubbing shoulders with the cream of the Caribbean and

Pacific. This art centre in Stornoway is popular with locals and

visitors. People come off the ferries and aeroplanes and want to

find out what Stornoway has two all for. We try our best. It is about

making sure people want to come back and recommend to other people that

they should come to the island. Orkney and Mull Isle of Man also

scored well in the ratings. The listings are compiled from reviews

from people who actually have visited the islands. And while the

climate in the Caribbean might be more tropical, the weather does not

seem to put travellers off. I was on holiday myself and Harris and lose.

We had sunshine, rain and snow all in one day. It did not make any

difference to the fantastic experience, reviews and the beaches

and the people we met who made us feel really welcome. I think it is a

combination of all these factors which puts us on the map. In recent

years the tourist industry across the whole of Scotland has done much

to raise its game and its international profile. From these

results, it was like that work is paying off. It looks good.

Let's get the latest weather forecast now - from Christopher.

Now, a reminder of tonight's main news... Thank you very much.

forecast now - from Christopher. Now, a reminder At the moment the

weather is fairly benign, but that is about to change as this low

pressure brings some rain and some strengthening winds in the next few

hours and overnight. Here is the map from seven o'clock. You can see dry

and clear skies across Inverness but then this rain spread thin. It will

reach all parts by the end of the night. The close and the rain will

ensure temperatures do not drop too fast. Tomorrow morning, it will be

wet and breezy as we head through the day. It should improve. Towards

the afternoon, the rain clears away from the East: And Aberdeenshire and

the Borders. Further west it will remain wet. Longer periods of rain

with one to being heavy. The winds will drive the lean right through to

Edinburgh. Dry up to worst parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire but chilly

compared to the morning which is warmer than the afternoon. Into the

Highlands and Hebrides, cloudy with showers and wet and windy with gales

from the south-east. Into the evening and overnight, the showers

Drive on in and it will be wintry over the hills and high ground. Low

pressure continues on Friday. Within the flow of that low pressure,

showers make their way across western parts of the country. On

Friday, the further east you are, the drier and brighter it will be.

Still windy, this time from the south-west. Wintry showers over

hills and high ground. For the weekend, showers and the West and

dryer in the East. Sunny overnight, turning wet and windy for all.

Saturday will be better than Sunday. Thank you.

That is Reporting Scotland. From everyone in the team, a very good

evening.