17/03/2014 Reporting Scotland

well. More details if you want to go on the website. That's

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland: The people who're smuggled here as

slaves. Last year, almost 100 adults and

children were brought into Scotland, and forced to work or sexually

exploited. I was actually locked in my room.

The only time I was loud -- allowed out was 30 minutes a day to prepare

myself something to eat. We'll hear from that victim in our

exclusive report, as the Scottish government plans new laws tackling

human trafficking. Also on the programme: Charles

Kennedy urges the campaign for a No vote in the referendum to be more

positive. The Silver City. Celebrations in

Aberdeen, as the League Cup heads to Pittodrie's trophy room.

And, as the Queen's Baton Relay travels around the Commonwealth, we

reveal its Scottish route, as it heads to Glasgow for the Games.

Good evening. Almost 100 adults and children were

smuggled into Scotland last year as slaves. Victims were usually coerced

into leaving their homes abroad for a better life, but then sexually

exploited, or forced to work for no pay. Now, the Scottish government is

introducing new laws to tackle so-called human trafficking. Our

political correspondent Lucy Adams spoke to a victim.

John was persecuted in Uganda for being gay. This is not his real

name, because he still fears for his life.

I barely escaped, only because she told me to run. Sometimes I wish I

had stayed and done without. I don't know.

He is one of hundreds of people trafficked into Scotland each year.

When he arrived, he was forced to stay in a flat for two weeks.

I was locked in my room. The only time I was allowed out was 30

minutes a day, to prepare myself something to eat.

John was then sold to a man for ?200. He escaped by jumping from the

man's car. I just ran. I did not know what to

do, or where I was going, I just ran.

This could be a flat anywhere in Scotland. But, in reality, it is a

safe house for the victims of modern slavery. An increasing problem in

Scotland, one victim identified every four days. Police figures

suggest the real problem is far higher. Here, staff do what they can

to help those who have been rescued. Traditionally, many victims simply

disappeared or were re-trafficked into the sex industry. According to

the United Nations, we have 21 million victims globally of Human

Trafficking Centre we could see that as awareness increases.

Today, the Justice Secretary came to see for himself what could be done.

He hopes the new bill will stop the girls who treat human beings as

commodities. This is probably the worst crime that can be perpetrated

against any individual. We have to stand up for what is right, to raise

awareness. The politician who first proposed these changes welcomes the

government backing. We need to make our communities and

unwelcome place for traffickers and I hope the Scottish government will

pass these laws to make that happen. For victims like John, a safe house

and hope are vital. Somewhere where you are not afraid someone is after

you. The former Liberal Democrat leader

Charles Kennedy is calling for No campaigners to be "more positive",

ahead of September's independence referendum. Mr Kennedy also called

for "a more coherent blueprint" for further devolution to be agreed

before the vote. Here's our political correspondent, Niall

O'Gallagher. All smiles, as Charles Kennedy

addresses students as Glasgow University rector. A week, before he

hangs up his gown, he hopes Better Together colleagues.

And negative approach will not resonate with voters. We should be

more positive. I do not think Scots will feel bullied. The national

instinct is more, who are they to come up here and tell us what to do?

Today, Labour warned that independence could mean inflated

bills for the Scots. It is important to set a positive

case about why Scotland is independent. Mr Kennedy said parties

need to agree a package of powers before Scots go to the polls. It

would be better if we had a coherent blueprint for people. Voting no

means yes to a distinct proposition. Scottish ministers agree opponents

need to lay out their plans. There is a notice -- added bonus to be

clear on what happens if people vote no. We hear vague talk about what

powers will be delivered to Scotland. But there is no guarantee.

Research of public opinion that supporters of the union and head of

those who backed independence. But, with just six months to go, these

remarks will be studied closely. Two teenagers who stole alcohol and

charity tins from Glasgow's Clutha pub have been jailed for six months.

16-year-old Jordan Parry and 18-year-old Darren Melrose broke

into the pub less than three weeks after a helicopter crashed into its

roof, killing ten people. A third teenager, 17-year-old Charmaine

Holmes was given an 18-month community payback order.

It's safe to assume there were a few sore heads among football fans in

Aberdeen this morning, after their team lifted the League Cup at the

weekend. It's the first major piece of silverware to make its way to

Pittodrie in almost 20 years, as Kevin Keane reports.

The moment Aberdeen fans have waited 19 years for. There are adults today

who were not born the last time this scene was played out. While any

self-respecting Aberdeen supporter is nursing a sore head today, there

was delight from the alternative Red Army sporting Aberdeen colours. Long

time coming, and really cool. It is great for the city.

Great-grandson, my son and grandson were all there. Do you think they

can do the double? I think they can.

I am delighted. I am very happy for them.

It was late last night, the Scottish League Cup finally arrived back in

the city, after a nail-biting finish. The goalkeeper saved the

first penalty. For Aberdeen, it was a turning point

for the game and the club. We now have an opportunity to say Aberdeen

can be a serious challenger in Scottish football again, that is

what I desperately want to see, and the fans want to see.

A subdued welcome in Aberdeen, the real celebrations will come when it

is paraded around the city next Sunday.

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

tonight's programme: How pure is the air that we breathe?

Scientists in Edinburgh are trying to find out just how much

atmospheric pollution is affecting our health.

In sport, we are in Aberdeen for the football side of things, as the

first silverware of the season arrives at Pittodrie.

And, what next for the Scotland rugby team, at the end of another

disappointing Six Nations campaign? All the sport is coming soon.

The Queen's Baton Relay will visit more than 400 communities, and pass

landmarks such as Loch Ness and Skara Brae in Orkney, as it tours

Scotland. Organisers have unveiled the list of places it will visit, on

the final stage of its journey, ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Our

Commonwealth Games reporter, Lisa Summers, has more

the baton is in the Caribbean, a symbolic invitation from the Queen

to the Commonwealth Games. It comes back to the UK in May, crossing into

Scotland, and Edinburgh on June 14. We will be having special events at

the Meadowbank Stadium, and the Royal Commonwealth pool which is

hosting the diving event. And a major concert that evening.

Already, children at local schools are taking place -- part. It is

exciting because in our country, and we get to see it. Really exciting. I

did go and see the Olympic torch. Hopefully I will see the Queen's

Baton Relay. The most exciting thing is it is in our home country. From

Edinburgh, the baton makes its way to Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk,

Aberdeen and Shetland. It heads back down to Stirling before heading to

the western isles, then Orkney, before making its way to Glasgow.

The Olympic torch captured the attention before, it is hoped the

baton will do the same. Lots of people will get to carry it in lots

of locations. It will attract lots of crowds. We will see a greater

enthusiasm here. The baton will cross spectacular scenery, Loch

Ness, it will visit an oil platform north of Shetland. At the end of

this month, 4000 people will find if they have been chosen to carry it

and be part of that journey. Well, here on Reporting Scotland,

we've been following the Queen's Baton Relay around the world, as it

makes its way to Glasgow. And, right now, it's in St Lucia. And Mark

Beaumont is there. You're the lucky man travelling around the

Commonwealth with the baton. How's that journey been going?

It has been a fascinating journey, we have been on the road for five

months, starting at Buckingham Palace. First, and to New Delhi in

India. Asia, the Pacific, the African continent. And across to the

Americas. St Lucia, destination number 47. Then, back to Europe. The

excitement of Scotland is what we have been hearing about. And, as the

build-up to the Games continues here, in Scotland, what's the

reaction been like around the world? The excitement on the ground is

visiting schools, meeting as many as possible. The highlights have been

meeting the athletes, filming their build-up. Athletes from Botswana,

Brunei, untold stories which I am sure we will hear more of in summer.

That is the fascinating site, seeing these athletes in action, their

reactions. And wonderful scenes of celebration.

Health chiefs have closed a ward at Raigmore hospital in Inverness

because of an outbreak of the potentially fatal superbug,

Clostridium difficile. NHS Highland says the situation is under control

but the ward will remain closed to new admissions and transfers while

specialist cleaning is carried out. Search teams looking for a walker

missing on the Isle of Harris since Saturday say they've found a body.

55-year-old Edward Jackson from Preston in Lancashire was on a

walking holiday in the area. Police say a formal identification

has still to be carried out but his next of kin have been informed.

A look at other stories from the across the country.

A call for a public inquiry into offshore helicopter safety has been

rejected by the UK Transport Minister. Patrick McLoughlin says

he's satisfied with the Civil Aviation Authority's review.

The Aberdeen MP Frank Doran, who made the request, says he's deeply

disappointed. It follows the Fatal Accident Report into the north-sea

helicopter crash of 2009, when 16 men died.

A man's been charged in connection with a series of mysterious dog

thefts from outside supermarkets in Dumfries and Galloway. The animals

were taken from one supermarket only to turn up near a different store

some time later. A 51-year-old man's been charged and is expected to

appear in court at a later date. A buyer is being sought to save

Scotland's most southerly distillery. It is owned by a company

based in Northern Ireland which has gone into liquidation. The assets

are being disposed of by Ernst and Young who see they hope to sell it

as a going concern. Police are urging dog owners to keep

their pets under control after several incidents of attacks in Fife

on members of the public and on sheep. Officers have received

several complaints over the last few weeks.

The oldest post office in the world is up for sale. Sanquhar Post Office

has been in continuous use for 302 years and is the town's biggest

claim to fame. But it's feared it could close unless a buyer is found

soon, which would mean Stockholm Post Office assuming the title of

the world's oldest. What effect could air pollution be

having on your health? Scientists in Edinburgh are working on an

innovative project to measure just how much pollution we're all exposed

to on a daily basis. They're focussing on tiny particles from

diesel engines which are linked to heart disease. Our environment

correspondent, David Miller, reports.

Air pollution affects all of us but how much do we know about its impact

on our health? It can provoke pneumonia or asthma or lung

problems, but actually kills far more people from heart disease. That

is the leading cause of death associated or attributed to air

pollution. The main culprits are tiny particles from diesel engines.

The greater the exposure of the greater the risk. I'm about to take

part in an experiment to measure the threat to my health. This is an

American particle counter you can carry about without to much of a

burden. Pollution levels are recorded at Rosyth monitoring

stations. The Scottish government says it is determined to tackle the

problem. It is an issue we take seriously and we have developed

monitoring sites and we are using laws to develop strategy at a local

level. Unless we see change in transport policy we are not going to

see change to the pollution levels in our cities and we will be here

and another ten years. Over the last 48 hours, I have travelled by foot,

by bike, by bus, by car, by train and by taxi and now it is time to

get my results. You walk across Waverley Station

onto Princes Street and you can see the peak. My health was at greatest

risk while on Princes Street. That underlines the need for more

flexible monitoring so what is the way ahead? Using a combination of

personal monitors and monitors on buses and trams to get a much better

picture of the actual exposure. Understanding more about

overexposure air pollution is important but reducing emissions

from traffic and congested towns and cities will be vital and that will

require more of us to use public transport, walk or cycle.

And for tonight's sports news we're back in Aberdeen. Rhona.

The place to be tonight. Good evening. The first piece of Scottish

football silverware of the season has been claimed by Aberdeen. It

took 120 minutes and seven penalties, but eventually the Dons

enjoyed that sweet taste of success as they beat Inverness Caley Thistle

in yesterday's League Cup Final. And in the Aberdeen boardroom is our

reporter Eilidh Barbour. The trophy has not quite made it to

the Cabinet at the tawdry just yet, it is on a two of community groups

such as the interest in silverware at this club after being starved for

almost 20 years. It is a way to the club do not want to endure again and

the manager says the time is right to cement themselves as the dominant

force once again. Enjoying the taste of victory and a

brief glimpse back at the glory days of the club's history, lifting

trophies was almost second nature. A long road up to this moment and the

chairman has felt every bomb. There is nobody more disappointed than me

that it has taken this long to deliver a trophy, but the way we

played yesterday was a watershed. We want to see Aberdeen as being

competing at the top end on a consistent basis. With joy in

football there's also me. Aberdeen gained an advantage they never let

go of. Cue the celebrations but what next

for the club to ensure more moments like this? As a club, we have got

some very substantial challenges in the years ahead but I think we are

starting to see a clear way of moving forward. We can drive forward

with far greater momentum what a team on the pitch that is the

levelling week in and week out bringing the fans back supporting

the club. -- delivering. It has been quiet in Aberdeen today as people

shake off the indulgences from last night but there could be more to

come with the Scottish cup semifinal to look forward to next month, and

given the scenes in Glasgow yesterday, they are hungry for

more. The Scotland rugby players say they

let down the country and head coach Scott Johnson in his final match in

charge. The Scots ended a disappointing Six Nations campaign

with a record 51 points to three defeat away to Wales. It was their

fourth defeat from five matches. Now one former internationalist says a

new head coach must spark Scottish rugby into life. Here's Phil

Goodlad. It was back to training today but

focus may have been a problem. Apart from a couple of halves out of ten,

we did not seem to get any progress at all. Saturday was a dark day for

Scottish rugby, a record defeat. Following a Rush of blood to the

head. That is a red card offence. After that, Wales run riot.

Not the way Scott Johnson or his players wanted his time as coach to

end. In terms of the way we have been playing, it is a good group of

players and we are disappointed. Johnson becomes Scotland's new

director of rugby. A winning start is key. June International is, we

played ball-mac games and if we get the #ColourWhite wins that will give

us a boost. With the new director of rugby starting, 2014 is a massive

year for Scottish rugby. After the Six Nations championship, it has not

started very well. Now, sticking with rugby and a whole

lot more, let's have a look at what else is happening across Scottish

sport. Glasgow and Edinburgh rugby could be

challenged by a third Scottish pro team if the Chief Executive of

Aberdeen Asset Management has his way.

Martin Gilbert says he'd love to sponsor a team based in Aberdeen and

that "everyone North of Dundee" would support them.

Albion Rovers are trying to make history tonight by reaching the

Scottish Cup semi final for the first time in 83 years. But standing

in their way is Rangers - kick-off for their Cup replay is at 7.45.

And the build-up to Albion Rovers vs Rangers has already started on Radio

Scotland - a Cup special Sportsound is on 810 medium wave, plus live

text commentary on the Sport Scotland website.

After her Olympic disappointment, Elise Christie was second in the

500m at the world short track championships in Montreal. She just

missed out on a medal in the 1000m, taking fourth place.

And there are more sports stories, plus all the latest news, 24 hours a

day on BBC Sport Scotland's website. That's it for tonight.

We know where the trophy ends? I am reliably informed that is among

community groups in Weather now. Aberdeen and will show up soon.

A very good evening to you. We have been on the receiving end of some

damp conditions coming in from the Atlantic. That will change later on.

As far as tonight is concerned, lots of dry weather across the South and

East with bits and pieces of rain across the West, but that will

become more persistent and spreading across much of western Scotland by

morning. It will stay dry in the east and it will be mild and breezy.

Tomorrow morning starts on the rather cloudy note with outbreaks of

rain in the West. That rain will be persistent and heady but it moves

through to the East with many eastern parts predominately dry. It

is an improving picture. It will be fairly cloudy towards the Hebrides

and the south-west. The wind will be strong to break up the clouds.

Spells of sunshine coming through towards Fife and Angus but always

the risk of some drizzle and I think we will see some brightness coming

through. Mild everywhere and of course breezy with a fresh wind.

Orkney and Shetland will continue to see you lean. Towards the evening it

will be dry for a tiny man then we start to see outbreaks of rain

gathering force across western Scotland. If I can draw your

attention to the pressure chart, we can see this weather front

introducing rain but as it clears away, we see the introduction of

much called earlier across Scotland for Thursday. -- colder air.

Starting work across many parts on Wednesday. For the South,

predominantly dry with sunshine and is being windy and mild.

You had to go and spoil it! Now, a reminder of tonight's main

news. New laws are to be brought in to

tackle human trafficking in Scotland. Almost 100 adults and

children were smuggled in last year to be used as slaves.

America and the European rain have announced sanctions against senior

Russian officials who've backed Ukraine's break-away Crimean region.

Today Crimea's parliament has declared its independence and

decided to join Russia. And that's Reporting Scotland. I'll

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

ten o'clock news. Until then, from everyone on the team, have a very

good evening.