20/06/2014 Reporting Scotland

Gamblers in Scotland's biggest city are betting more than ?200 million

Graduating with honours: Students give a standing ovation to the

firefighters who fought the blaze at Glasgow's School of art.

It was the graduation week the week of the fire, so we were extremely

sympathetic to the students, but to be here today and receive an honour

in metal is absolutely as standing. Also: He will be the first Briton to

defend the men's singles title at Wimbledon and 78 years. Be assessing

Andy Murraychances. And join me here live on the Isle of

May in the Firth of Forth, and discover what is being done to in

courage more of us to visit this extraordinary place this summer.

are betting more than ?200 million a year on gambling machines.

And an investigation's found more than half a million pounds a day is

being spent on so-called "fixed odds betting terminals" in Glasgow.

The council wants new powers to help tackle the problem.

Tonight the Scottish Government confirmed it is set to act

on concerns about the number of betting shops in some

Here's our local government correspondent Jamie McIvor.

They have been called supercharged fruit machines, the crack cocaine of

gambling. The pay-outs can be big, but so are the stakes, to ?100.

People with a gambling problem, to be able to spend ?100 every 20

seconds, you know, ?300 a minute, that becomes ludicrous to think that

someone would do that, but there are compulsive gamblers. People with a

gambling problem, who just have a control. Glasgow council has been

researching the impact of fixed odds machines. It reckons people in the

city may be losing ?31 million a year on them. The evidence here in

Glasgow is that people are actually gambling, on average, ?12 on the

press of a button every 35 seconds. You can see how people could get

into difficulties very quickly. One of the concerns of the council is

the number of betting shops in some areas, possibly making it worse for

people with a gambling problem. This is one of the busiest streets in the

centre of Glasgow, and within a few feet of each other here, there are

one, two, three, four High St betting shops, and the council wants

power from the Scottish Government to try to stop more clusters like

this from building up, either in the city centre or anywhere else. One

High St betting chain has reservations about some of

Glasgow's research, but insists it wants to tackle problem gambling of

any sort. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that machines

are any more less addictive than any other gambling product, and

Ladbrokes' view is that we prefer to focus on helping those customers who

present themselves to as is having a potential problem. We see our role

as helping customers to help themselves. Tonight, the Scottish

Government told the BBC it has listen to concerns a number of

betting shops and will respond to them in a new planning policy

shortly. There's renewed controversy tonight

over the costs of setting up The Scottish government has

advertised internally for staff to work on

the transition to independence. Critics say it's a rushed move

after the recent row. But Ministers insist

it's prudent planning. This from our political editor

Brian Taylor. Yesterday and for the past

fortnight, opposition leaders have demanded to know the cost of setting

up a new state. Is he going to give the answer key macro Alex Salmond

said he ready had, in the White Paper. There is no precise sum, and

ministers say that depends on how UK assets are carved up. It emerged

today that the Scottish Government has internally advertised to civil

service jobs, one dealing with the transition to independence, assuring

and collating information on financial aspects of constitutional

change. The second involves researching and locating asset

registers of public sector bodies, analysing bodies' financial

accounts, and drawing together information on assets and

liabilities. The adverts are clear. They are people to work out how much

it will cost from going to being part of the UK to being an

independent and separate country. At any point in the last seven years,

this SNP government whose stated aim is independence could and should

have done this work, and the people of Scotland should know how much

independence is going to cost them. Instead, we have panic measures out

today, which point to shambles at the heart of the Scottish

Government. Ministers say the jobs are about preparing for independence

after a yes vote, and claim their critics are simply trying to deflect

attention from exaggerated cost estimates by the Treasury. This is

prudent planning. In the event of a yes vote, we will need a transition

team. These are internal appointments to establish a small

team ready for the transition that will take place, so it is a

transition team, internal appointments, and I think Better

Together are getting overexcited and should possibly pay a bit more

attention to the comments of the permanent Secretary about the

Treasury's figures, rather than criticising anybody else. This

controversy may persist, but ministers resolutely deny they are

trying to keep any costs secret. Students who lost work

in the recent fire at Glasgow School Around a third of the 102 fine art

students lost their work in the fire which swept through the

Mackintosh building four weeks ago. But today they celebrated their

achievements, as well as honouring the firefighters who fought to save

the building and its contents. Our arts correspondent

Pauline McLean reports. For weeks on from the darkest day in

Glasgow School of Art's history, and a much more joyful gathering. Hannah

Blackwell. Among those graduating today, 102 fine art students who had

to abandon their studios and four years' work when the fire broke out.

It was bittersweet for Alec, who won the top award for his year, despite

losing all his work in the fire. Pretty much everything, but

something good has come of it, so that is a huge positive, I think,

despite everything that has happened. We all graduated on the

day we were suppose to graduate, and everything has gone ahead, so that

is very pleasing. The new Barry Medel is named after the founder of

the school, the man who commissioned McIntosh to build on the first

place. This is to honour the bravest act for which Glasgow School of Art

will always be thankful. It was apt that a second medal was awarded to

those who helped save it. The flow of gratitude to us has taken us by

surprise. This is a culmination of all the accolades, to be invited to

the actual graduation day, and the week of the fire was the graduation

week, so we were extremely sympathetic. But to be here today

and receive an honorary medal is absolutely outstanding. Now,

thoughts turn to rebuilding both the students' work and the building

itself, and some high-profile names are already backing the appeal. I

was at Art School with Peter Capaldi, so that was easy! And we

knew Brad Pitt was a huge Macintosh fan, and a friend of a friend, so we

grovelled. We did not have to grovel very much, we phoned him up and he

said yes immediately. Graduation day is normally the end of studies at

any school, but for the class of 2014, this is just beginning. Many

fine art students will return in the next term to recreate the work they

lost in the fire, and almost all of them are expected to return for a

special degree show next spring. You're watching Reporting Scotland

from the BBC. Still to come

on tonight's programme: The Queen's Commonwealth Baton

relay continues its Odyssey. In sport, we talk to Andy Murray

as he prepares to defend And we're with

the Scotland rugby team ahead of RAF Lossiemouth in Moray has entered

a new era with the arrival of its While the transfer

of the fast jets means Leuchars in Fife is set to become an army

barracks, the move also means Lossiemouth will remain one of the

UK's biggest and busiest fast-jet Flying in formation, some 20 feet

apart, the pilots of number six Squadron made sure everyone knows

who is about to land. Luke is' loss is Lossiemouth's gain. To Squadron

is transferring from the base in Fife, and a third to be formed here

next year. Following the announcement that we were

restructuring the locations of various squadrons around the air

force, a decision was taken to bring in essence all of the aircraft from

RAF Leuchars up to Lossiemouth, and the six Squadron arrival's at

Lossiemouth marks the start of a transfer. The Typhoon is said to be

some to be finest fast jet in the world, combining ground and air to

air combat roles. Its arrival here in Moray was crucial to the area. In

September, we will take over quick reaction alert, with two aircraft

that are ready to go in ten minutes, available to intercept long-range

aviation from the former Soviet Union or potentially deal with

terrorist threats to civilian airliners. That is our primary role,

and we are ready to go within ten minutes, all around the year.

Leuchars will still go the way of RAF Kinloss, handed over to the Army

as a barracks but with far fewer personnel. Tens of millions of

pounds had been spent here preparing to the Typhoons, and the arrival of

these aircraft secures the future of the space for decades to come.

Young people have been putting their questions to the

With 16 and 17-year-olds set to vote for the first time in September's

independence referendum, ministers invited more than 100 young people

Our correspondent James Cook went along too.

This event is the Scottish Government's event, they call it

Cafe style, with tables set out in the hall. The idea is that there is

a government minister had each one. There is Nicola Sturgeon. They are

taking questions from members of the public. There are social media

reporters there as well, and the idea is, after 15 minutes, the young

people will move from one table to another. They call that world cafe

style, but really, it is more like speed dating. Everyone is now moving

from table to table. Let's go and have a word with some people and see

how they were getting on. Excuse me. You are moving on to your next

table, can I just ask you how you're getting an? It is really good. Some

great responses to the questions we have been asking. What questions are

getting an? It is really good. Some great responses to the questions we

have been asking. What questions have you been Askin? I am a trainee

teacher, so questions about education. RU finding this useful?

Yes, there is a lot of information. I am so happy that I am here. We're

proud to be part of this, the first 16 and 17-year-olds to vote. You are

about to sit and speak to another minister, who is waiting here. What

is your view so far? I believe we have the best of both worlds, and I

want to keep it that way. So you have a tough job on your hands now.

Equally from no and yes side, this is a chance to talk and discuss. The

ministers coming in and open to the young people is great, because we

are often neglected in society. Can I ask you if you're persuaded one of

the? I am a strong yes. Some young people here are even filming the

event. They have taken over the Scottish Government's YouTube

Channel four the day. This is the last big set piece event the

Scottish Government itself will hold. It is now up to the political

parties and the campaigns, and they will be very interested to know

whether the votes of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds make a difference

to the result. And now, a look at other stories

from the across the country. A golf clubhouse and cafe in Moray

has been destroyed by fire. More than 35 firefighters tackled

the overnight blaze at Covesea Links near Lossiemouth.

The cause is being investigated. Police have found no evidence of

criminal activity after photographs were published of an auxiliary nurse

wearing what was described NHS Grampian sacked James Turner

after the image appeared Officers say the clothing was not

the personal property of a patient Royal Highland Show organisers are

standing by their recommendation that visitors

avoid taking the tram there. The nearest stop to the Ingliston

venue is a 15-minute walk and people travelling from Edinburgh are being

asked to take the bus instead. Up to 60,000 visitors a day

are expected over the weekend. Sir Jackie Stewart will provide

expert advice to a motorsport safety review after the

deaths of three rally spectators. They died at the Jim Clark Borders

rally last month. The review will focus

on spectator safety at all types Final rehearsals are taking place

in Orkney for the opening of this year's

St Magnus International Festival. The event includes performances

from the BBC Singers and People in Ayrshire have been out

in the sunshine, as the Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth

Games headed up the coast. Our reporter Graham

Stewart joined them. Is the sun rose, Ailsa Craig formed

the backdrop to this pat on's journey through Xavier airship.

Burns' birthplace in Alloway Sochi is from the crowd at its arrival,

and even those not so able to line the streets got their glimpse of the

bat and during the first hospital visit on the British Isles. At the

age of 101, resident Jane Hill remembers where it all began, with

the first Empire Games in 1930. It became more important, much more. It

wasn't really anything much of then, you know? This woman from Troon was

told she would never run again after she was diagnosed with a

degenerative eye condition. This is my guide runner with me. We have

done ultramarathon is, double marathons and regular marathons. It

is great. Actress Katrina Brian was a huge attraction for schoolchildren

here, and one of the other celebrity bat and errors was a former Scotland

boss. It River Calder, particularly as football, which is my sport, is

not traditionally a Commonwealth Games sport. To be remembered in

such a manner is a real privilege. As you can see, a huge crowd is

gathering for tonight's finale. The bat on moves tomorrow to

neighbouring East Ayrshire, and on Sunday, two South Lanarkshire.

Let's turn our attention to other sports. Here's David.

Andy Murray says he just doesn't know how he'll cope with

the pressures of defending his Wimbledon title.

Murray is the first British man in over three quarters

of a century to start the championships as singles champion.

He's been speaking to our tennis reporter Kheredine

Back at the scene of his greatest triumph, a warm Wimbledon welcome

awaits. It was a bit of a nailbiter at the practice courts, what would

the draw throw up? It plotted this potential par-4 Andy Murray. He will

open on Centre Court on Monday against David Coffin, before

possibly facing two Spaniards. Medel Monday could see a rematch with his

Davis Cup conqueror, before a tricky run to the final which could involve

matches against David Ferrer air and the world's top two, Novak Djokovic

and Rafael Nadal. This is where it all begins at one o'clock on Monday

afternoon. Of course, it is over three quarters of a century since a

British man last walked onto Centre Court of the defending Wimbledon

champion, so how does Andy Murray feel about the prospect? I would

expect to feel pride, but also pressure, and some nerves as well. I

am looking forward to it. It is something I have never experienced

before. I don't know how I will handle the situation. No one does,

but it will be interesting for me to see how I deal with it on Monday. It

will be music to many years if Andy Murray can produce his best again

here, and expect Henman Hill to be much busier on Monday lunchtime.

Scotland's rugby team play the third test of their summer tour tonight.

They're in Cordoba to play Argentina.

Head coach Vern Cotter will field an almost totally changed team

And as Alasdair Lamont reports, a win might help us get over

This stadium in Cordoba, Argentina, may at first glimpse seem

unremarkable. But the mole observant amongst you might just feel a shiver

down your spine. It was here in 1978 that Scotland's World Cup dream was

extinguished, as first we lost to Peru, then stumbled to a draw

against Iran. The Scottish pain is long forgotten by the people of

Cordoba, a city where in some respects it feels like 1978 never

ended. Here, the World Cup is again on everybody's minds, but for

tonight at least, it is rugby that takes centre stage. A different

Scotland team is in town, different from 1978, but also different from

the last two tests. Fern Cotter is looking to examine all have his

options. The primary objective is to give players an opportunity, so we

looked at some of those things we tried to put in place that didn't

work, and we are going to try it this week with another group of

guys. One man with more of a reason than most to be positive is Grant

Gilchrist. At just 23, he has been given the captain. There are a lot

of guys that have been performing well at club level, and are now

getting a chance to show that on the international stage. It is an

exciting team, and one that can get a result, I believe. Previous

Scottish teams have come to Cordoba with confidence as well. Perhaps

this time round, that confidence will not be misplaced.

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

Rangers are speaking to former player Kristian Nelis get about

taking a payroll as chief football operations opposite. He was

previously sporting director at Bayern Munich.

Gary minor's new assistant manager. He was the boss of hearts last

season. Meanwhile, kill minor current talks with former striker

David goodwill it. This goal helped Scotland's women beat Ireland 2-0.

They topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of Sweden

after eight matches. The Sinn tea cup final is on

Saturday, with Glenurquhart seeking to avenge their defeat last season.

A lot of the boys work together, plumbers and electricians, all in

the same job, so there will be some bragging rights to whoever comes out

on top. The first event on the new tracker Hampton has taken place. It

was the Scottish schools' Championships, and Hamdan will host

the athletics during the Commonwealth Games. Read about Andy

Murray's Wimbledon hopes and more on the website.

That is all from me for now. A few miles off the coast between

East Lothian and Fife lies the Isle of May - one of the best places

in Scotland to watch seabirds. This is the live view from the

mainland on a spectacular evening. Our environment correspondent

David Miller is on the isle for us. David, more people will be headed

onto the island, with That is the plan, certainly, Sally,

and what a spectacular place, as you say, to spend a summer day. Let me

talk you through the view. From here, I can see right the way across

to North Berwick and the Pentland Hill is, further up the Firth of

Forth. To my left, the southern coastline of five, stretching all

the way down there to the beautiful East Neuk. This place, as you say,

famous for its sea bird colonies and of five, stretching all the way down

there to the beautiful East Neuk. This place, as you say, famous for

its sea bird colonies and other wildlife. That is all the more

remarkable when you consider just how close we are to big cities like

Edinburgh and Dundee. So near, and yet so far. The Isle of May and its

spectacular sea bird colonies are easy to reach from our big cities,

but it feels like a world apart. From the charismatic and colourful

puffins to be noisy and aggressive arctic terms, this little island has

a lot to offer, including a brand-new visitors' centre to

provide shelter when the weather is less than kind. Scotland is such a

lucky place to have really outstanding showcases for nature, if

you like, on the doorstep of some of its major conurbations, and this is

one of the best. What you find when you get here is an extraordinary

place with 200,000 breeding sea birds. So what you have here are

really happy, aggressive turns? They are defending their nests against

us, thinking we are predators. At the height of the breeding season,

it is the Arctic turns that make the biggest impression, an occupational

hazard for scientists. This is an outdoor, natural laboratory, so we

are spending a lot of our time looking at the birds, recording

their behaviour, recording how many birds are breeding, how many are

surviving. Food shortages and the changing climate have been

identified as the two biggest threats to Scotland's sea birds, and

their future may be uncertain, but their appeal endures. There are

other attractions here, of course, like Stephenson's lighthouse and the

wartime defences, so the Isle of May, well worth thinking about with

the summer holidays on the way. Actor you. Thank you much. Glad you

survived with your hair in tact! And now, the weather. What a week it has

been for most of us. Still a lot of fine weather on the cards. This has

been the picture for most of this week, with high-pressure anchored

out to the west. To the far north, fairly weak weather fronts bringing

something cloudier and damper to the northern and Western Isles. This

also includes Aberdeenshire. Elsewhere, dry with clear spells.

Not a cold night, ten or 11 Celsius in towns and cities. Seven or eight

in central highland glands. In central highland glands. Into

tomorrow, more of the same. Still the emperors is and dry, bright

weather, with good spells of sunshine across most of the country.

Cloudy for Orkney, the Northern Isles, the northern islands in the

north-east. The best of sunshine to the south, and if we look around

four o'clock, a lovely afternoon for Dumfries Galloway, the Borders,

through the central belt, into Argyll and the central highlands.

Temperatures into the high teens. Here, cloudier once again. If you

spots of rain for Orkney, the north-west coast and Lewis. Shetland

Shetland gets away with a decent day. Decent sunshine, but a bit on

the cool side. And in the hills tomorrow, a cloudier prospect across

more northern regions. The best of the sunshine across the Galloway

hills on the border hills, but mild temperatures, six to eight Celsius

across the summits. For the Queen's Baton relay tomorrow, it is East

Ayrshire's turn, and it looks fine, blue skies, some sunshine, Tunbridge

is eventually up to 17 Celsius in the afternoon. For the rest of the

afternoon, not much changes tomorrow. Mainly dry, some evening

sunshine on offer. Still if you spots of rain in the far north. Into

Sunday, the high stars to pull away, allowing this fronts to push on from

the North West. Some more in the way of showery rain put the Highlands,

the north-east of the mainland, with central and southern Scotland mainly

dry, but a bit cloudier. That is the forecast.

I'll be back with the headlines at 8 and the late bulletin just

Until then, from everyone on the team - right across the