05/01/2016 Reporting Scotland

and on BBC One we now join the BBC's news teams where you are.

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: The flood waters are receding

but for many communities the misery continues.

There was frooding on Don today but better news for people on the dee

side. They've had their worst flooding since 19193 in Perth. Homes

have been evacuated after rivers burst their banks.

And the Dee moves closer to 16th century Abergeldie Castle.

We'll also be at the Rest and Be Thankful where they're

working to remove a 150-ton boulder threatening the A83.

Also on the programme: Police Scotland's new Chief Constable,

Phil Gormley, is sworn in but with plenty of challenges ahead.

SNP MP Phil Boswell faces a parliamentary standards

investigation over company directorships.

And, Erraid Davies, the Commonwealth Games swimming

sensation, on her bid to win a place in the Paralympic team.

It was the wettest December since records began -

that statistic will come as no surprise to people in parts

of Scotland still bearing the brunt of days of incessant rain.

Today, in Perth, highways became waterways, whilst in parts

of the north-east the floods receded but the misery

for homeowners and businesses continued.

Let's go first to Steven Duff in Ballater.

Jackie, it's still raining here tonight but conditions have eased,

giving some respite for those trying to get some order back to their

lives after the flooding. Some news tonight about concern for a man

Police Scotland believe may have been camping beside the River Dee at

the height of the flooding. Terrence Kilbride, 48 from Warrington. His

possessions, some of his possessions were found at the bridge of Dee on

Saturday and divers have been looking for him today. There's been

no sign of him. He was reported missing yesterday. So, as far the

weather today, the River Don caused some problems but for people on Dee

side there was some good news. Overnight this was the latest

community to be affected by flooding.

This morning, water was still threatening homes. Many residents

had already left. The water was so high, it's coming down and it's

under the floorboards, we are trying to get rid as much as we can. You

have the Fire Brigade to help you? Yeah. I have a sweep here to try to

pump it out and Government officials, I have spoke to them and

trying to save some properties getting totally wrecked. The rural

affairs Secretary visited this morning, speaking to those affected

by the flooding. Clearly still it's distressing for those affected who

have had huge damage to their homes and lost belongings or had to be

rescued which is traumatic. Now it's about the aftermath and people

clearing up and it's important everyone continues to work together

to help those most directly affected. You mentioned Environment

Agencies, you are cutting the budget by almost 7%, is that wise,

Minister? Well, the Environment Agency's role in Scotland is to give

warning and to understand the threat to communities from flooding and to

make sure people are given proper information, that's their role. That

will continue unaffected in terms of the budget situation. For

communities along the River Dee some good news for a change. One bridge

should be open again in two weeks. The village is currently

inaccessible from the east because of damage to the bridge. Part of the

A93 that was swept away by the floods should be replaced by a

temporary road within a week. At last, thankfully, an improving

situation there tonight? It is, Jackie. But rain is still forecast,

people are being vigilant. I am joined now by Vincent Doherty from

Aberdeenshire Council. It's been an awful week for people, particularly

here, but some good news, people will be rehoused, those that have

been staying in temporary accommodation? That's correct. Up at

the local rest centre, there were up to 96 people during the week.

They've been rehoused now. We are standing down that centre as of

tomorrow. All those people will be safely relocated. I have to say that

all the volunteers and the Aberdeenshire Council staff working

with partner agencies have done a remarkable job and it says a lot for

the spirit of Ballater. I don't think anyone is having a go at

people who have been helping on the ground. There has been some

annoyance maybe about the early stages and lack of co-ordination,

was Aberdeenshire Council caught out a bit? I think if you bear in mind

this is an unprecedented event. This is something that happens once every

100 years, it was a collection of unfortunate events naturally

occurred. I think the council did everything that we could. We have

had people on the ground. You must remember this is a holiday period

which made it more awkward. We have had staff out during those times

assisting locals with getting the place back to some semblance of

normality. I think they've been very successful at that as we see around

you now, there is stuff lying in the streets, these will be collected

this week. We have done everything we can as a council to make sure

that people return to normality as soon as they can. One problem that's

caught the attention, there is problem for individuals here, but ap

Abergeldie Castle, is work going to be done on that? A short time ago I

spoke to the engineers involved now, all I can say is that structural

engineers are working closely with the insurers and owner. Today

they've put in a base of rock that prevents further erosion. All that's

doing is buying them sometime to decide exactly what would be done

with the Castle and that's all the information I have at this moment.

Thank you very much. Jackie, it's going to take a while. We were

speaking to one resident at the weekend who had been told it could

be a year before they're back in their house. When this rain stops

and respite and people can start getting some order back to their

life. Let's hope so, thank you very much, Steven.

People in much of Perthshire have also spent the day dealing with more

rain and flooding from the Tay and its tributaries.

At one point, Perth Sheriff Court decamped to the nearby police

station after the cells were flooded.

This was the centre of Perth this morning.

A street four foot under water. After days of rain, the drains

simply could cope no longer. Firefighters joined council teams to

protect property and people. Ten homes were evacuated, mainly

basement flats. Other residents choose to remain. Perth hadn't seen

this kind of flooding since 1993. This is all caused by coming up

through drains because the water can't get away. It's unusual. We can

get away with some things, but water, I am afraid, it's the King of

the country. Pumps were quickly put to work, firing the water away,

turning this parkland into a reservoir. North of Perth, rain

water was thundering down the rivers. This is the River Isla north

of Perth, difficult to see where the river bank once was, it's a massive

ex-pans of water, more like a loch than a river and with all the mud

stirred up by the force of the water it's running chocolate brown. A

number of homes in Perthshire have been flooded out. Those who work

this now flooded land trying to get on with it. In Perth tonight, most

of the water has now gone. They're hoping that's the last of it.

The main route in and out of Argyll, the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful,

It means a long diversion route for drivers.

A 150-ton boulder is threatening to roll down the hillside

on to the road and engineers are looking to blow it up.

Five days ago here at the A83, the Rest and Be Thankful, there was a

large landslide just on the hill, you may be able to see the hillside

behind me, lots of rocks and debris came on to the road. The road was

shut for a very short time. But what happened when engineers went up to

see what damage had been done they found a 150-ton boulder hanging

precariously from the hillside. All day engineers have been working to

try and drill down into that boulder, hopefully to put it into

tiny pieces and then tomorrow they'll do a controlled explosion

and hopefully that will be it. It's not easy work. There is only one way

up and that's on foot. That's the first challenge. The second

challenge is obviously the weather, the wind. It's very cold up here

just now. So, this is the reason that we can only work in daylight

hours. At night, it's not safe to work up there. The main problems

they've faced today have been bad weather, a very Rocky unstable

hillside, and drill willing are to resume in the morning and hopefully

that controlled explosion will happen around about 10.00am. After

that, hopefully, again weather dependent, the A83 will once again

be open. Sglp

Still to come on tonight's programme:

Westminster standards watchdog opens an investigation into the conduct of

the SNP MP Phil Boswell. Dundee United leg des end fears the

worst for his former side. And the smile that captured a nations heart.

Will it be repeated in Rio? Scotland's new top cop has been

formally sworn in during a ceremony at the Scottish Police College

at Tulliallan in Fife. Phil Gormley will be paid around

?212,000 a year as Chief Constable of Police Scotland and says

the role is the pinnacle Here's our home affairs

correspondent Reevel Alderson. Every police officer in Scotland

must swear the oath of constable, even the new top cop. Repeat after

me... I do Solemnly... Phil Gormley starts work today after a 30-year

career in England and he knows the new job will be tough. I recognise

the scale of the challenge and importance of the role which I have

been appointed. I approach it with excitement and a certain

been appointed. I approach it with humility, I will need the help

been appointed. I approach it with beyond and I am determined together

we can deliver a police service people of Scotland can be proud of.

It's unlikely Phil Gormley will be doing much of this. These

probationary officers are learning how to arrest a suspect. How is it

going? Very well. Still plenty joined? OK. But the newest recruit

has a number of problems awaiting his attention. The Chief Constable's

already had a meeting with the chairman of the Scottish Police

Authority to plan his way forward. The budget is at the top of the

agenda. Police Scotland's likely to overspend by ?25 million this

financial year. Staff morale is low with a recent

survey showing high levels of dissatisfaction among both officers

and civilian workers. And a series of controversies, stop

and search, armed officers, and the M9 tragedy have sapped public

confidence. I would say is that I don't think everything is broken so

let's not leave this conversation with a sense this is an organisation

in chaos. It is not. with a sense this is an organisation

really significant challenges. You have described some of them, there

are others we can discuss. Actually, what we need to do is work with

communities and individuals to develop locally relevant services,

improve the quality of people's lives and that's my commitment. He

has given himself 100 days to familiarise himself with the force

before he can plan how to take it forward. It is a very big job. Phil

Gormley says it's the pinnacle of his policing career. He says he

approaches it with excitement and humility. He is on a contract for

three years. He has challenges and those challenges he will have to

meet beginning today. Six men have appeared in court

in connection with the alleged and former chief executive

Charles Green attended a preliminary hearing at the High Court

in Edinburgh after prosecutors The former club secretary

Gary Withey, and David Grier, David Whitehouse and Paul Clark

who worked for administrators Duff The men face a total of 15

charges that include fraud, conspiracy and involvement

in serious organised crime. The deadline to double the numbers

of nurses specialising in motor neurone disease has been missed

by health officials. The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon,

personally promised the expansion in response

to a campaign by the MND patient Gordon Aikman, whose story featured

in a BBC documentary The Government says health boards

were given funding last June The MND nurses are the key personnel

for people with motor neurone disease. They're the ones that can

co-ordinate other services and know the disease. They're the ones that

know how the progression of the disease will take place and can put

in place services in advance of when they're needed.

Westminster's standards watchdog has opened an investigation

into the conduct of the SNP MP, Phil Boswell.

It came after allegations that he breached parliamentary rules

by failing to register financial interests.

Our reporter, Andrew Black, joins me now.

Phil Boswell was one of the new intake of SNP machines elected in

last year's UK election -- SNP MP. Today it was confirmed the

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is looking into allegations made by

a Liberal Democrat candidate that he flouted the rules relating to the

registration of financial interests as he is required to do as an MP.

There is absolutely no suggestion at the moment that he has done anything

wrong but this has come at a time when two SNP MPs remain suspended

from the party as part of an investigation into separate

allegations of wrongdoing which they both deny. That hasn't happened in

Phil Boswell's case. The SNP released a short statement tonight

in which they said he had sought advice from the Commons register of

interests and the statement added, as the rules set out by the

commissioner for the standards make clear, the inquiry does not imply

there has been a breach of the rules. Thank you very much.

In exactly four months' time, we'll be voting to elect the people

who will represent us in the Scottish Parliament.

But politicians started their campaigning today.

Here's our political editor Brian Taylor.

New year, hugs all round. But election year, embrace popular

policies. Instead of defaulting left, Labour's fist big offer is

extra help for first time house buyers. Labour values says their

leader. We. Want to give young families about hope in Scotland.

Save for their first home, do what their parents expected as a right. I

think that's good Labour thing to do. She will give a bonus for those

saving for a house deposit. Labour would add ?3,000 over three years

Doubling the current benefit. Labour expects to aid 17,000 house

purchasers each year at an annual cost of ?103 million. SNP leaders

say they are already helping first-time buyers through shared

equity and reduced tax on lower cost properties. Up next, the

Conservatives with education reform plans, including new powers for head

teachers. If you involve and empower schools themselves, the teachers,

the education providers with the tools, money, resource and freedom

to make the choices their children need. We have seen in other

countries attainment goes up. We think that can happen in Scotland

too. The First Minister forecast she would secure majority support for

independence over the next few years. For now she pledged action on

education, economy the, NHS and child kash. These plans will mark a

new phase in Scotland's journey. They will see us take the next steps

towards fulfilling our great national potential. The Lib Dem

leader said targets for bringing two-year-olds into nursery education

had been missed. How can we believe their promises on a massive

expansion of nursery education if they can't even deliver the Tim mid

and pathetic commitment that they have already given on two-year-olds?

The First Minister said up dated figures were more promising. The

Greens said local tax reform must bring in more cash to protect

services. A tax cutting agenda would make that pressure on public

services worse. Very Happy New Year. Very Happy New Year. They mean, it

you know. The Hogmanay best wishes are swiftly evaporating.

A look at other stories from across the country.

Bereaved parents are calling for undertakers to be regulated

and licensed nationally following the baby ashes scandal.

Giving evidence to Holyrood's Health Committee, they called for funeral

directors to be inspected and held to account for their actions.

The Burials and Cremation Bill follows decades of babies' ashes

being disposed of without their parents knowledge.

250 families were affected in Edinburgh, Aberdeen,

The airline Loganair is defending its reliability record

and says it's to increase investment in services following a rise

in profits and a dip in public confidence.

Community leaders in the Western Isles have called

for a change in the way the islands are served by air.

It's also being suggested that the establishment

of a state-run air service might be the best route to take.

I understand that why that suggestion came forwarded it

reflects the frustration and anger of people living on the islands the

failure of the company to provide services at the appropriate times.

Border Biscuits is expanding with a new production line

The company produces more than 24 types of biscuit.

The firm says the expansion forms part of its plans to grow its market

An exhibition of Turner watercolours has gone on display

at the National Gallery in Edinburgh.

The pictures, which are only ever shown in January,

range from dramatic European landscapes to Scottish scenes.

The state of preservation is superb. It's remarkable these waters colours

are much as they would have been in Turner's own lifetime.

One Dundee United legend has told BBC Scotland that he doesn't know

anyone who believes his former club can avoid relegation this season.

However, the fears of Maurice Malpas are not echoed

Mixu Paatelainen says if his players toughen up mentally then they can

Wrapped up against the elements, training today far from fun for the

Dundee United players. The conditions probably the least of

their worries though. Of greater concern - their position in the

Premiership table. This club legend admits he's also a worried man. I'd

like to meet somebody who doesn't think they will get relegated now. A

better man will say they will get relegated. People like myself are

staunch Dundee United we are really hoping now as opposed to anything

else. It's a big, big ask, but I'm nervous comeback if it does happen.

I hope it does happen. It's a big, big ask now. They have themselves at

the bottom of a big hole. It's difficult to get out. What a

difference a year makes for Dundee United. Exactly a year ago they were

fourth in the top-flight, just five points off the lead. A year on, they

have just 10 points to their name, 11 points adrift. We want to have

tougher mentality, more determined mentality out on the pitch. Maybe

one or two players, when we take the lead, they go - thank youfully we

are in the lead now. Instead of saying - we are in the lead now,

come on, we need to press even harder.

COMMENTATOR: Brilliant goal. Dundee United have the breakthrough. We

want to have a positive, determined aggressive reaction from scoring

that goal and go for the second goal and kill the game. We don't have

that goal and go for the second goal that. The boss believes his side can

get themselves out of trouble but, to do that, they will need to stop

doing this. As Glasgow City set their sights

on a tenth Premier League title, they've signed Scotland's

most capped player. Scotland's number one

goalkeeper, Gemma Fay, Fay has 188 caps for Scotland

and City say they are signing a player with a wealth of experience

who's also a great leader. Few people can forget the beaming

smile of Erraid Davies during the Commonwealth Games,

the teenage swimmer from Shetland is also hoping to light up

the Paralympics in Rio this summer. The 14-year-old won a Bronze medal

in the Para 100 metre Breaststroke She's continuing to break records

and is eyeing Brazil. Stunning. Look at that smile!

Beautiful. It was a smile that won the heart of the nation.

Erraid girl was the youngest Scottish competitor. I think she has

a bronze. Brilliant. The 13-year-old from the Shetland Islands. Just

really happy. I really wanted to get it. 16 months on, she's still

training hard back home in Shetland and continuing to break records.

She's been down to a few of the British para camps down in Plymouth.

And has broken the 200 meter para record twice since the Commonwealth

Games. At the moment we are working really hard to see if she can get

Games. At the moment we are working qualifying time in April for Rio.

Six days a week she practices here at her local swimming pool. With

just three lanes, it's a third of the size of a 50 meter Olympic pool.

I'm training 14-hours a week at the moment. Working hard and hoping to

make it to Rio. If she makes the team for the Olympics in Rio next

summer she will be just 15. Life without swimming for Erraid would be

unknown. Can't imagine it not being part of her life. I can see it being

part of her life for a long time to come. Given her performance in 2014

many believe she's in with a good chance of winning a medal. That

smile, that would win a medal itself? She's a lovely young lady.

Thank you very much. Now, here's Shelley Jofrey

with details of Scotland 2015. Tonight, we are look ahead to what

promises to be a busy year in politics. And, after the wettest

December since records began, we're asking if Scotland was well enough

prepared for the deluge. Join me over on BBC Two at 10.30pm.

Weather now, and it's over to Christopher.

Chris, the rain still causing problems in many parts of Scotland

You've got some figures about just how wet it has been?

I have. Thank you very much. Good evening to you. This chart shows the

amount of rain we saw last month. The white area is normal rainfall.

The colours over and above that, the darker blues indicating double the

normal rain we would expect for the month of December making it

Scotland's wettest December on record. Those records date back to

1910. For many today a cloudy and wet

picture. This is from one of our weather watchers in Perthshire. That

will continue this evening and over night. Here is the chart, we have a

yellow be aware warning across the north-east and the Borders. Further

west it will be dry, a windy night across eastern parts of the country

coming in from the east or south-east. Temperatures three or

four Celsius. Cooler in the countryside. Tomorrow actually all

told a better day than today. Still, that wet weather across the

north-east. Falling as snow across the hills and ground. The rain will

be persistent and falling on saturated ground. Potentially

further issues. The tomorrow afternoon cloudy, six or seven

Celsius, a breezy day, strong, potentially gale force at times.

Showery rain to Borders. The that yellow warning in force.

Into this time tomorrow night the wet weather in the north-east will

pep up again ahead of this area of rain edging in from the Atlantic. It

will sweep in over night Wednesday into Thursday. Connected with this

area of low pressure. You can see there other cold air mass on it is

way. Not only turning wet and windy on Thursday, but a cooler as well.

It's the rain that is causing us most concern. Early warning in force

across parts of the north-east of the country. To start Thursday, wet

and windy conditions. That rain slowly working it is way northwards

through the course of the day. Wintry at times, snow perhaps even

down to lower levels. One to watch. Hopefully, turning brighter with

some sunshine. That's the forecast. Thank you Christopher.

Now, a reminder of tonight's main news.

David Cameron will allow ministers to campaign for either side

in the referendum once a deal is reached on the UK's relationship

A number of Cabinet ministers are thought to favour an out vote.

Our next main bulletin is just after the Ten O'Clock News.

Until then, from everyone on the team, have a good evening.

You had Zoe, then you had a little boy.

A toast - to happy families! Happy family!