16/04/2014 Reporting Scotland

Korean ferry capsized. That's all from the BBC

Tonight, on Reporting Scotland: The dispute at the Grangemouth

petrochemical plant was the biggest single factor in the slow the growth

in the economy here at the end of last year.

Also on the programme: Hearts' financial fortunes look to be on the

up as a Lithuanian bank agrees to sell its stake in the club.

We are in the Orkney islands as activists there campaign for more

control over their affairs regardless of the outcome of the

vote on independence. And Team Scotland unveiled: Michael

Jamieson and the rest of the team who will battle it out in the pool

for at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Pressure is the result of support.

Support is a positive thing. Good evening. The dispute at the

Grangemouth petrochemical plant had an impact on the whole of Scotland's

economy - bringing growth here well below the figure for the rest of the

UK at the end of last year. We've also seen mixed results on jobs in

Scotland, with more people out of work in the winter. Our business and

economy editor, Douglas Fraser is here with more.

Lots of numbers today. Let's start with that estimate from the Scottish

Government of total output from every part of the economy between

October and December last year. That was up only 0.2 per cent, while UK

growth was up by a much healthier 0.7 per cent. The service sector was

stronger, in transport, hotels and catering. But that shutdown of

Grangemouth petrochemical plant had its effect. Its owner, Ineos,

abruptly shut it down in an industrial dispute last October.

That was quickly resolved, but it took many weeks to fire it up again:

So chemicals output across the economy down 11 per cent. Also

today, the latest official estimate of Scots seeking work in the winter

months: Up 3,000, but with the number available for work on the

rise, it's possible also to have the number of Scots in work also up, by

16,000. That means the Scottish unemployment rate is at 6.5 per cent

- that's lower than the UK figure. So while the recovery seems under

way, there are also questions about the quality of those jobs being

created, as Andrew Anderson reports from Dundee.

This is the view of Dundee that currently greets visitors to the

city. The ?1 billion transformation of the waterfront. Demolition

workers and construction teams are hard at work. The investment, it is

hoped, will create thousands of new jobs.

We have been deliberate and trying to ensure that during the period of

the recession that we undertook as much infrastructure work as we

possibly could and to guarantee as much as possible for local

employment. The latest figures have been

released as trade Unionists meet. Here there is concern that the

cavalry is not stronger. -- that the recovery is not

stronger. There are lots of things to be

worried about. Back on the waterfront they are

getting on with the job. Dundee still has pockets of serious

deprivation. But those behind this project are convinced it will help

put the city on a firmer economic footing.

We also got the latest on pay this morning. Britain-wide, it's risen by

1.7 per cent in the past year. That's very slightly ahead of the

price inflation figure we got yesterday. It's significant that pay

is ahead of inflation, at last, but it comes after a big fall in

consumer spending power over recent years. Jackie.

The future of Hearts appears more secure after the Edinburgh club took

a major step towards exiting administration. Creditors of a

collapsed Lithuanian bank that owns Tynecastle Stadium and a 30% stake

in the club, have agreed to sell their shares. Our reporter Brian

McLauchlin has been following the story and is at Tynecastle. Brian,

good news after a turbulent year for the club.

It has been ten months of turmoil since Hearts entered

Administration. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Soon

Hearts could be exiting administration.

The supporters in full voice despite watching their beloved team being

relegated from the top flight in Scottish football. A much bigger

worry work events off the pitch. The collapse of former owner glad your

Romanovs business empire left the existence of Hearts in doubt. --

Vladimir Romanov's business empire. The stumbling block now was Ukio

Bank. They are credit cards asked for more time. They have now agreed

to sell. We have overcome the main one. We

are 90% of the way there. A supporters group will eventually

take over. In the interim this does this woman will take over.

We are looking forward to signing contracts with her very shortly.

On the streets supporters are breathing a sigh of relief. It is

like winning the lottery. They deserve to be saved. That is

excellent news. The club needs to stay alive and progress.

There are some technical issues to be completed before a deal can be

finalised, but it now looks certain that the supporters group and the

businesswoman will take over the club.

A 10-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital after he was knocked off

his bike in Aberdeenshire. The accident happened at lunchtime on a

country road at Longside near Peterhead. He was treated at the

scene before being flown to hospital in Aberdeen by air ambulance. He's

believed to have suffered head injuries but his condition isn't yet

known. His condition is now said to be CVS.

-- now said to be serious. As we consider whether or not to

vote for independence, a campaign for greater powers is gathering pace

in the Outer Hebrides and the Northern Isles. Campaigners say they

want to see more control at a local level - whatever the result of

September's referendum. James Cook reports from Kirkwall in Orkney.

Orkney looks, feels and sounds different. A slower pace of life. A

reluctance to talk politics. But scratch the surface and opinions are

strong. The Yes campaign are offering more

of a future and more positivity. I am an sure which way to go. I do

know that Edinburgh is closer to Orkney than London.

There is still support for the Union here but for some choosing between

Edinburgh and London is beside the point. The debate about the future

of Scotland is very different here in Orkney.

As one island has said, we are either ruled from a long way away,

or a longer way away. The islanders have come up with a

plan. Orkney has joined Shetland and the Outer Hebrides in a council of

the Isles pushing for local control of local issues such as fishing,

ferries. They need to be empowered to make

their own decisions. We like to fix things ourselves.

The plan is netting support. The Scottish Government and the Labour

Party are both enthusiastic. So too is their UK Government.

We do very well be a part of the UK. Centralisation from Edinburgh is

just as dangerous as it is from London.

That says that the voice of a man in opposition, but you are in

Government. This should be more power and influence coming direct to

the communities. It feels like a campaign on the

move. Whatever happens to Scotland in September, these islands are

hoping for a brighter future. Once he rival Sir Walter Scott, now

he is largely unknown. SR Crockett could be due for a renaissance.

In sport, We'll have more from Tynecastle as we talk live to the

Hearts manager. And experience and youth combine to

make up the Scotland swimming team for the Commonwealth Games in

Glasgow. .

Police are studying CCTV footage after a man was shot in both legs in

Coatbridge, in what's been described as a targeted attack. Last weekend

the Yes campaign pledged to bring more women into boardrooms and the

Scottish Cabinet. Now the other side is trying to appeal to women voters

with new pledges on fair pay, childcare and increased female

representation in public life. Our political correspondent Lucy Adams

reports. The battle for the female vote has

begun. The key ingredients children, child care and rights for women,

mixed in with a sprinkling of new pledges. The shadow Secretary of

State for Scotland said she is offering women are better

alternative. We want to make a real offer to

women. It is not just to tick a box. This is about understanding the

lives of women to make those lives better. The SNP say getting women

into work is key. You have got to be serious about

young people and women in particular. Women and young people

are crucial to the economy. We want to create a Scotland that is not

just feel, but there's more prosperous.

It is a good year to be a woman in Scotland. Both sides of the

referendum debate want your vote. Children and child care will be the

key. Scottish Labour are offering 25 hours of free childcare. But the Yes

campaign is pledging 30 hours of free childcare.

Yes Scotland has also promised 40% representation of women on boards.

Labour has pledged 50%. Better Together are now laying out

their stall. What will it take to swing the female voter? Anything to

do with childcare and education. It should be more broad. But are the

campaigns focusing on the right issues? Childcare is an important

issue for parents. But it is not clear that this is an issue that

they will see is crucial at the ballot box.

The race is on. Other stories from across the

country: Inspectors have found major weaknesses in childcare services

indent race and Galloway, leading to a warning that young and vulnerable

people may not be safe. It follows a care Inspectorate review. The

council has now appointed a new independent child protection

committee responsible for improving services.

An independent watchdog has thrown out claims that the Labour led

administration in Aberdeen broke rules by sending out pro-letter

together letters to residents along with council tax bills. -- pro

Better Together. The Edinburgh school where a pupil

was killed by a collapsed wall will reopen after Easter. The City

Council has wrote to parents ensuring them structural engineers

found no areas of concern. The gymnasium will remain closed for

ongoing police investigations. Poppy seeds had been planted in the

first of three fields in Aberdeen to commemorate the First World War.

There will be a range of commemorations between New Year and

the end of the year and it is important to strike the balance,

this is in no way a celebration, it is a commemoration.

In his day he rivalled Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson is a test

selling author -- bestselling, but the popularity of SR Crocket, may be

about to change bomb into a farming family in 1889 new Galloway. -- born

into. This number one fan gave us a guided

tour. Today a collection of novels is being republished, inspired by

Crocket's love of Galloway and its people.

When people can find these books easily again, they will really enjoy

them. This represents about half of his lifetimes work. And they were

extremely popular, spending years in the bestsellers list. The Raiders is

the best-known work. It shifted 100,000 copies on the day it was

published in 1894. He can do what you would call a gripping yarn. A

superb storyteller. He made historic novels about the covenanters. People

might not think they are about derring-do, but they are. Was he

deemed too parochial? Did he go out of fashion? Or was he just unlucky

to die on the eve of the outbreak of World War I? 100 years on, might

this revival of the books preface a rebirth in popularity? You have

brought Mr Crockett back home. Time for the sport now.

As we have heard, Heart of Midlothian has taken a significant

step to securing their future. I am joined by a very happy man

indeed, the manager, Gary Locke. What went through your mind when you

heard the news? Huge relief. I spoke to Brian this

morning, he told me there was still a little bit to go. But it is a

bonus for myself and every supporter. How tough have ten months

of turmoil been? It has been a difficult season obviously, with

everything that to us last summer, it was not pleasant to CB be losing

their jobs. -- to see people. But over the last couple of months you

can see the improvement in the team. But the weakest battle was always

surviving. -- biggest. It has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I am

so pleased for everybody at the football club, especially the

supporters. Their effort has been remarkable and looks like it will

pay off. You have been relegated, but you can look on with great hope?

We are still here. If you ask the supporters, it does not matter what

league we play in, as long as Heart of Midlothian are alive and kicking.

We still have a little bit to go, we should not get carried away, but a

full house on Saturday would be great, and opportunity for myself

and the players to thank the supporters for all their backing

during a couple of difficult years. Ross County will visit on Saturday,

I think it would be quite exciting. Michael Jamieson is only aiming for

one medal in the pool, and that is called. He has been named in the

aquatic team for the summer games. -- gold. Meet the latest selections

for team Scotland. They hope to make a splash after being selected. The

team is a 40 strong, the largest ever sent by Scotland to a

Commonwealth Games. 38 swimming, two diving. And the expectation will be

great for some, especially those who have had success at a home Olympics.

The support is obviously positive and has to be looked at like that. I

am keeping on top of it and looking forward to delivering the result

everybody wants. Along with experience, the team both bright

stars. -- boasts. It is one of the biggest stages I will ever perform

on. I want to get faster and faster and get a medal.

Amongst the divers, this 16-year-old can be to a family member for

advice. Sir Peter Heasley won three gold medals in three games during

the 1950s. I don't really get advice from my grandfather, just little

words of encouragement, and he is always there if I want. The team

will hope to add to the medals Scotland have won in the pool so far

and the Commonwealth Games. Here's what else is happening across

Scottish sport. Elena Baltacha's Battle against liver cancer will be

aided by a rally this summer involving Tim Henman and Andy

Murray, fundraising in June. Graeme Dott has failed to qualify for the

world Snooker Championships. But Alan McManus will be there after

beating the former champion, Mark Williams. Scottish football's annual

awards will be handed out soon. A contender for championship player of

the year believes that title chasing Dundee can hang on to top spot. It

will go to the last day. Hamilton are on our tails. But it is in our

hands. Win three games, become champions. Rob Harley has given

Glasgow Warriors's a boost by agreeing to year -- to a two year

contract. People across the country are taking

to the water during the Easter holidays. Amongst them, for the

first time, a group of visually impaired sailors, piloting their way

around the Clyde coast. 32 sailors navigating their way around the

coast. It was a very pleasant. So what? Nothing particularly unusual

about that, at this time of year. But this group are visually

impaired. It is a real hands-on experience, as I'm about to find

out. I think I'm going the right way!

They do have some help on board to ensure they do not go astray. This

compass helps the visually impaired sailors go in the correct direction.

If the pitch changes, time to change course. Ensuring they do not collide

with other vessels, or, equally as important, the land. It is

facilitating people so that they are empowered to do tasks, with some

tuition and guidance. On such a small vessel, no hiding place. Blind

or not, all hands are needed on deck. I did a lot of sailing with my

husband. Over time, my sight deteriorated. I am now almost

totally blind. When I heard about this trip, I jumped at the

opportunity. We can sit here, we know it is set up nicely, and if you

can feel that, you don't need to see it. Due to the relatively calm

waters and temperature, these sailors believe the Clyde estuary is

the ideal place to learn their craft. But you cannot always

guarantee such fine weather! No, you can do. Let's see what it

has in store. Some unsettled weather coming our

way. But the Easter weekend is looking fine. This band of rain

across the north-west will continue to move south during the course of

the evening. It will become confined to the south but behind it when they

will strengthen. -- winds. Not a cold night. Five Celsius for most.

Tomorrow starts with a breeze. Blustery showers, quite heavy at

times, squally in nature. But they will move south and it will be an

improving day for most of us. Still showers affecting Shetland and

Orkney. Quite windy, a strong north-westerly, feeling colder than

the mainland. One or two showers in the north coast, quite a lot of

sunshine coming through, right through the Southern Highlands to

the Dundee area. Just a few scattered showers, but it will

improve, temperatures reaching 13 in the East. The legacy of cloud will

clear the way and in the evening some lovely sunny spells and losing

strong winds. High pressure coming our way for the Easter weekend, very

pleasant conditions indeed. Friday, a cold start initially, then

sunshine first light, string that way for much of the day. -- staying.

Saturday, potentially 17 degrees, some rain pushing into the outer

Hebrides later in the day. I will be back with the headlines at

8pm and the late bulletin after the ten o'clock news. Enjoy the rest of

your evening. Goodbye.