28/02/2014 Reporting Scotland

military activity in the area tonight. That is all from us,

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: the boss of British Airways says he's

not worried about the possibility of a Yes vote in the independence

referendum. A murder investigation is launched

after this woman's body is discovered in a flat in the north of

Glasgow. The notorious A9 - a new campaign to

urge drivers to think twice before overtaking.

And the spectacular northern lights put on one of their best shows for

decades. The Chief Executive of the company

that owns British Airways says he's not concerned about the prospect of

Scottish independence. Willie Walsh says a yes vote might even be

"marginally positive" for his business because the Scottish

Government wants to abolish air passenger duty. At present BA flies

to London from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It operates a total of

110 flights each day from Scottish airports. And it directly employs

1300 staff in Scotland. Here's our political correspondent Tim Reid. It

is one of the world's most successful airlines, flying the

British flag around the globe. It is the latest company to show its

corporate view on part of Britain going its own way.

We will continue to fly to Scotland. If anything, it might be positive

because I suspect the Scottish Government will abolish air

passenger duty and recognise the huge impact that tax has on the

economy. It would probably be a positive development. Do you have

any views on air passenger duty? I think it should be scrapped.

His views on air passenger duty are well-known.

It is gratifying to see somebody in charge of a huge business in the

world saying that independence presents real opportunities for

Scotland. You have to pay your passenger duty

on almost every flight although those in the Highlands and Islands

are exempt. For example, if you were to fly from Edinburgh to London, you

then click on the taxes and you can see you're being charged ?26 for the

Treasury. For long-haul flights it can be double that. The referendum

White Paper states that as an early priority for action following

independence, they would reduce this. They believe these taxes

discourage tourists. This view is being played down by the Treasury

today. It also questions how Scotland could afford to scrap this

tax. Many more businesses in Scotland are in fact concerned about

Alexander's lack of a plan on currency. That is why more

businesses are coming to the view that we are better together.

British Airways has given the Yes campaign something of a boost.

A murder investigation is under way following the discovery of a woman's

body in a flat in the Barmulloch area of Glasgow. 48-year-old Angela

Humphrey was found by her daughters after they became concerned because

she hadn't been in touch. Tributes for Angela, known as Angie Humphrey.

She lived alone in this flat in Barmulloch. This was where she was

found dead on Wednesday afternoon. She socialised in bars in the East

End of the city and was seen here in this street at 1am last Friday

afternoon -- 1pm last Friday afternoon. Angie's family were

concerned when they had not heard from her at the beginning of the

week. Her two daughters came here to her flat and found her body inside.

Police say she died a violent death. Police still guard the crime scene

and are trying to piece together were Angie was and what happened to

her. People out there may have seen something and may think it is

insignificant. If they have seen Angie over the weekend then please

come forward. We'll treat it in confidence.

This was Angie on her wedding day in 2010. She was 48 years old when she

was killed. A daughter, a mother, grandmother. Police have not yet

spoken to her partner but want to speak to him to get a better picture

of her lifestyle. She had only moved to this flat a few weeks ago to be

closer to her family. Now they need answers about what happened.

A new campaign is launched today urging drivers on the notorious A9

to think twice before overtaking. It's part of a renewed effort to

reduce accidents on the route, dubbed the most dangerous road in

Scotland. Craig Anderson reports. It can be a frustrating drive but here

is a sobering statistic. 40% of accidents on single carriageway

sections of this road are going to miss judged overtaking. Today, the

launch of an advertising campaign to warn drivers of the dangers.

You're sharing the same lane at the same time so you really need to be

more aware of the risks that exists beyond the vehicle in front. What

they cannot see, what they might reasonably expect, and be sure that

it is safe to do so. If you're not sure, do not risk it.

No one could argue against improving safety on this road, but the idea of

installing a network of speed cameras provoked a backlash, with

the Government and its safety advisers could not have dissipated.

The issues on the road are more enforcement, visibility along the

route, and driving in appropriate conditions. The only way we seek a

target that is to actually have police on the roads.

The first of a series of public exhibitions of the cameras didn't

place in Inverness today. Over three months last summer, 4000 drivers

were booked for road traffic offences on the A9. Almost all were

for speeding. There are a lot of views but we are using these

exhibitions to show that the average speed cameras have consistently

produced serious accidents. We want to see those benefits on this road.

Some critics may never be convinced of the benefits of the cameras, but

it cuts out the carnage on this road, it may be introduced.

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

tonight's programme: five years since home reports were brought in

-we look at whether those buying and selling think they've done the job.

In sport, a new world champion. Cyclist Katie Archibald takes gold

with Team GB. She's out to do it all again for Scotland at the

Commonwealth Games. And we meet a man of extraordinary

strength. Powerlifter Micky Yule is preparing to represent Scotland at

Glasgow 2014 after his life was changed forever in Afghanistan.

How much damage do footballers' brains suffer when they head the

ball, and could there be a connection with conditions like

Alzheimer's? Doctors are now calling for more investigation into the long

term effects. Julie Peacock has been to meet one former Dundee United

footballer who's suffering from dementia.

Two Dundee United fans, this man is a living legend, best known for the

school against Anderlecht in 1979. His career saw him play against

United and Blackburn Rovers. It may ultimately have led to his dementia.

Was the heading of the bowls? The leather balls?

Doctors cannot say for certain what caused this condition but the

old-style footballs have been linked to a form of dementia caused by head

injuries. It has been found in boxers and more recently it has been

found by doctors in Scotland in rugby players. This week, doctors in

the US confirmed the first case in a 29-year-old footballer who had only

ever used one of the new lightweight footballs. Work has already been

done to protect rugby players from the effects of head injuries, but

doctors say that footballers need to know they are also at risk.

Football has not had the same attention as other sports. But any

sport where head injuries are featured really have to look now at

how they manage those. There's no cure for Frank, but his

wife wants to see more done to protect players. She wants more

money invested in research. I do not want people to have to go

through this dreadful disease and it is terminal. There was no hope of a

cure at the moment. She said that Frank loved football

and the fans loved him back. You chose to go into that career,

never thinking this would happen. Who would have ever thought that

knocks to the head like that in your job could lead to this?

As the housing market shows signs of revival, the Government is reviewing

a new system of valuing property it brought in just as house prices

collapsed. It's five years since Home Reports were introduced, and

there seems to be agreement that they've done a good job in difficult

conditions. One of the first thing she would

look at... Compiling a home report this survey

says the system is much better than the way the house market used to

operate. Surveyors would provide if they had

been asked to undertake a valuation report, a copy to another person.

They did not like that process and it was not one of their best days.

The introduction of the home report has addressed all of that.

Sellers pay for surveys. In the past, buyers need one for each house

that they were bidding for. If they were unsuccessful it aided cash for

improvements. Still unpacking a month after moving into her new

home. This woman says that home reports made house-hunting much

easier. She says that she and her partner would be happy to fork out

for the survey. You can see that the roof has just been looked at and

there is no internal damage, and that may be an incentive to come and

view the house and perhaps Putin and offers. It is a cost that should be

met. Ministers say they are largely

accepting the system. The English version did not include

a survey or in an evaluation. The Scottish home report is about giving

people information on the condition and state of repair of the property.

These are quite different reports. House sales are now beginning to

recover. Home reports are helping as every purchase now knows exactly

what they are getting for their money.

A look at some other stories from across Scotland this Friday evening.

And Aberdeen man has been jailed for posting a comment about burning down

a mosque. 46-year-old Derek then posted the comment about Edinburgh

Central Mosque because he believed the soldiers killers were being

protected by the authorities. At the Sheriff Court, the man was jailed

for 12 months. An oil worker has now been named. This man from shops in

North Lanarkshire fell from a platform. He was pulled from the sea

and flown to Shetland but could not be saved. Glasgow City Council is

poised to announce next week that it is quitting Koestler. -- COSLA. It

has been claimed that thousands of drivers find for speeding could have

their convictions overturned. The authorities insist their convictions

are enforceable. Some cases have been abandoned because legislation

affecting roads had not been updated.

I think it would depend on the effect it has had on people because

penalty points being imposed may have resulted in people losing their

licence. They may have lost their livelihood.

Thousands of free ferry tickets have been given away to encourage more

people to visit Scotland's Islands. The year of homecoming will see 8000

tickets becoming available through online ballots during March. The

scheme is a partnership between visit Scotland and Caledonian rain.

A new national curling centre is to be established in Stirling. The

announcement of the multi million pound facility comes as the

Paralympic squad prepare to head for Sochi - hoping to emulate last

week's medal success. Laura Maxwell reports.

The final training session for the wheelchair curling team. These

players have two play set with great timing and precision. They have got

a tough act to follow. Pressure is what you put on yourself. It is

about doing that in that environment. It will be the team

that is the most consistent over the whole competition. If we play to our

potential we hope to be going for a medal.

And here is inspiration if any were needed.

Just when you thought there could not be any more curling excitement

the Paralympian 's are taking to the rank -- to the rink. There is enough

ice there for everyone to come and dry curling and also have fun.

Curling has never enjoyed such a high profile. For now all eyes are

on the Paralympian 's. At the age of just 19, Scottish

cyclist, Katie Archibald has become world champion. She took gold in the

team pursuit at the World Track Cycling Championships in Colombia.

Archibald only began competitive cycling two years ago with hopes of

success with Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014. Here's our Games

reporter Lisa Summers. Katie Archibald in second place. A

brilliant final. There is nothing in it.

It was the sixth world title out of seven and a first for Katie

Archibald. It was very special. It took a bit

of getting used to. We are world champions now. She likes to make a

statement with her here colour. Cycling was not her first sport. It

was simply a means to get her to the swimming room. She joined the

British women's squad last year. In the summer she will ride for

Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. She has a world record and is now a

world champion. What can she do next?

The Celtic manager Neil Lennon says Fergus McCann will go down as one of

the great figures in the club's history. The league leaders are

honouring him at Celtic Park tomorrow to mark the 20th

anniversary of McCann's takeover which saved the club from going out

of business. It was a very critical time in the

future of the club. He stabilised the club and to get forward and

built a magnificent stadium stop we appreciate that. We are thankful for

that. He has left the fantastic legacy.

Now, a look at what else is happening across Scottish sport.

It was a noisy and confrontational -- a noisy and confrontational way

end. Andy Murray is through to the

semifinals of the Acapulco open. He will also take part in a new event

at the end of the regular season. He led the winning Ryder Cup team.

Tonight there is more lonely for a golfer Bernard Gallacher IC will

achieve -- as he well receive a lifetime Lord. -- a lifetime award.

You do not expect things like this. There is a controversial new league

structure as the shanty season begins tomorrow. Newtonmore

dominated last season. -- as the shinty season begins tomorrow.

Motivation is never an issue. And there are more sports stories on

the website. Now for a story of extraordinary

strength - in more ways than one. Powerlifter Micky Yule is preparing

to represent Scotland at Glasgow 2014 just a few short years after

his life was changed forever in service in Afghanistan.

It was another normal day in Afghanistan for me. I was trying to

locate improvised explosive devices and get rid of them. I was blown up

instantaneously, losing my left leg and damaging my right leg. I used to

do body power lifting. I had done a few national competitions. Once I

got injured and lost my legs I did not see a way of getting back in to

doing powerlifting. I was enthusiastic when I found I could do

the bench press. I am confident that I can achieve

everything I have planned in Glasgow. I am going there to try and

get a medal. I have to keep training hard. It would be like closing the

door on that day in August. And to find out more about Micky

Yule see Sport14. That's on Sunday at 6.20pm on BBC Two Scotland.

There's also a look back at one of the great nostalgic moments from

Scottish athletics at the Commonwealth Games in 1970.

If you were outside last night you may have been lucky enough to catch

one of the best displays in years of the Northern Lights. They're caused

by charged atomic particles from The Sun colliding with the earth's

atmosphere. Kevin Keane has been looking at some of the pictures

you've taken. You do not need to be an astronomer

to appreciate this display of the skies magnificence. Last night many

thousands of people stepped into the cold night air to marvel at the

moving lights. It created unique backdrop is. The morning after

photographers everywhere still cannot quite believe what they

captured. It is a rare occurrence. To see it so clear year made it even

more special. It was a special moment.

Across Scotland from East Lothian to the north Coast the Aurora Borealis

impressed its watchers. Even in Shetland where the displays are most

common stargazers were stunned. I saw an awesome display. I could see

whites from the horizon to above my head. They were dancing all over the

place. An amazing display of the Northern light.

The sky was clear last night. Experts say enjoy it while you can

because it is not likely to be this dramatic gain for many years. At the

moment The Sun is very active. There are lots of storms sending plasma

out into space. This will soon ease off and erupt again in 2035. Regular

watchers say this was one of the most stunning light shows in recent

times. You told us yesterday to look out

for them. Not so likely tonight. Tomorrow will

herald the start of the meteorological spring and there is

the hint that into next week we might see springlike weather.

Tonight we will seek showers become confined to the far West. Elsewhere

it becomes dry. One clear spells. -- long clear spells. Temperatures

around freezing. Tomorrow starts on a cold and frosty start. Taking a

closer look tomorrow afternoon, some showers tomorrow afternoon across

parts of the South and into the central belt. They will continue

into the Western Isles. The best of the weather will be reserved for

more Eastern areas into the Northeast. A south-westerly breeze.

If you are going hill walking to moral for them or Northwestern

ranges you can expect to see heavy snow showers and risk south-westerly

winds. Temperatures of minus four Celsius on the summit. A moderate to

fresh south-westerly winds. If you are going skiing tomorrow you can

expect risk south-westerly winds across the Rangers. -- across the

mountains. Close the killing from the West. -- cloud thickening from

the West. Into Sunday morning we expect things

to stage I for a time although this next weather front will move in

through the course of the day. Strengthening winds elsewhere.

Now, a reminder of tonight's main news.

The chief executive of the company that owns British Airways says he's

not concerned about the prospect of Scottish independence. Willie Walsh

says a Yes vote might be positive for his business, because the

Scottish Government wants to abolish air passenger duty.

Tension is mounting in Ukraine as the ousted President has resurfaced

in Russia and is vowing to fight against what he cold a coup. The

interim Ukrainian Government has accused Russia of an armed invasion

and occupation as gunmen carrying Russian naval flags have begun

patrolling airports in the region of Crimea.

And that's Reporting Scotland. I'll be back with the headlines at eight

and the