05/02/2016 Reporting Scotland

So it's goodbye from me and on BBC One we now join the BBC's

Raising income tax in Scotland - new independent analysis suggests it

could reduce the impact of spending cuts.

Two people are injured, after a motorbike stunt goes wrong

during an extreme sports show in Glasgow.

If you come off a motorbike on a three foot ramp, there is not much

chance of balancing. With four people, you are guaranteed to come

off the side. We're live at Murrayfield on the eve

of the Calcutta Cup. The aim for Scotland tomorrow is to

kick on against England. We meet the junior club footballer,

who walks dogs for a living and is hoping for cup glory

against Premiership opposition. And the veteran rockers who've

finally topped the charts 40 years after they released

their only album. Raising income tax in Scotland

could reduce the impact of spending cuts

and would weigh most That's according to

an independent report. Both Labour and the Lib Dems have

called for a tax rise in April, when new powers are

handed to Holyrood. But the SNP says that raising taxes

now would cause pain to many Hospitals, schools, rubbish bin

collections and road repairs, all funded from Holyrood. Together they

cost billions of pounds each year. Budget cuts mean they are now facing

a squeeze. So, should the Scottish Parliament use its powers to raising

contacts as a way to fill the spending gap? Labour and the Lib

Dems say yes, it should, to protect public services. But would that be

fair? This proposal is progressive in the sense that it leads higher

income tax households to pay more tax and the majority of low in

contact households are not affected at all. That is largely because they

do not earn enough to pay tax in the first place. There shall be a

Scottish parliament. I like that. It is more than 15 years since power

was devolved to Scotland. We have had five first ministers and none of

them have chosen to raising contacts. For now, Nicola Sturgeon

is not convinced, but her main challenger is not. John Swinney is

proposing hundreds of millions of pounds of cuts on schools and vital

public services. We have a choice with the powers of our Parliament to

choose a different course from Tory austerity. Faced with that choice, I

would sooner use the powers of the parliament and pass was -- than to

pass austerity to the next generation. The support from the

Federation of Small Businesses, to the Scottish trade in Congress, they

say we should not put up taxes because wage earners in Scotland

have had below inflation wage rises for a number of years and this is

not the time to hit them in their pocket. In the next few years,

Holyrood is set to gain more powers, to vary income tax bands and tax

rates. So, will some be asked to pay more? Today's report warns that if

in future years tax hikes are to make a big pact on public spending,

then Scotland cannot rely on the higher rate taxpayers alone. There

aren't enough of them. So basic rate taxpayers would have to pay more.

Two people have been injured after a motorbike stunt at the SSE

It happened as the bike with four people on board tried to get

Initially it was thought that two members of the audience had been

involved but later it turned out they were members of the stunt crew.

This is a multi passenger motorbike backflip, performed by members of a

circus team. Last night, they attempted the same stunt in

Glasgow's SSE Hydro arena, but it went wrong. Members of the crew

rushed to help, as the host explained what happened. Did you

have fun last night? Was it good? Two of the spectators were Stephen

and his son, Nixon, who captured the incident on video. Right to the top.

If you are going to come off a motorbike on a three foot ramp

yourself, there's not much chance of balancing and on. With four people,

you are guaranteed to go off the side. The passengers were initially

thought to be spectators but it is understood they were part of the

act. Two were taken to hospital, one with bruising and the other a broken

jaw, but expected to make a full recovery. In a statement, the circus

said it considered health and safety its top priority and has expert

medical staff on site in the event of an emergency. Meanwhile, the show

goes on. Next stop, London and the weekend.

How this Arbroath boy who wanted to play football

for Scotland is having to settle for playing

Who'll have the upper hand in Edinburgh's big

And can Scotland's rugby players silence these England fans?

We look ahead to tomorrow's Six Nations match.

Now the city wants to develop its position

It is a world-famous view and they have come from the other side of the

world to capture it. The number of Chinese visitors in Scotland is

still small but it is a lucrative market, and most want to come to the

capital. Scotland received 33,500 Chinese visitors in 2015. Edinburgh

capital. Scotland received 33,500 received 29,000, so 83% of the

market will come to Edinburgh. The value of that, ?62 million. It is

things like the Royals, our history and architecture that bring Chinese

visitors. Top attractions, like the Royal yacht Britannia, now provide

audio tours in Mandarin and Cantonese. Like the building. These

cities are required. The Chinese community were queueing up for the

New Year today. This will be the year of the monkey. Despite the

Chinese economy faltering, overseas travel is booming. Last year for the

first time more Chinese people decided to spend holidays travelling

overseas man holidaying at home. There are concerns that Edinburgh

might not be ready enough for China. A tourism action group has been set

up. How about a couple of A tourism action group has been set

of the big things is the language. For the products, have some Chinese

labels. Also on the tourist guide, if they have easy

labels. Also on the tourist guide, tour guides and translations. With

the breakfast or some food, it could beat it used to our flavour. That

would be better. Businesses are taking this on board. In the

historic old town, they are investing in Chinese speaking

guides. In the old town, everything is very old and it has this weight

of history which is nice for them, I think. The lion is considered an

auspicious animal, which brings good luck. Perhaps that can be translated

into the pitch to make this a must see destination.

A look at other stories from across the country...

A motorist who was caught behind the wheel more than seven times over

the drink-drive limit has been banned for five years

at Falkirk Sheriff Court and ordered to carry out 250 hours

48-year-old Gary Barkhouse from Bo'ness had drunk a bottle

and a half of vodka in an afternoon and when arrested didn't know

Managers from British Telecom were in Skye today as a public

meeting was held over broadband speeds on the island.

Some businesses say the connections are so slow, they've gone back

to using post instead of the internet.

There's growing pressure in the Argyll islands to break away

Some islanders say the existing authority is too large,

stretching from Helensburgh on the Clyde coast to islands

They complain that the council doesn't adequately reflect island

RSPB Scotland has bought a 40 acre site with a grant from the Heritage

Lottery Fund. The charity has been managing the site for nearly eight

years. Experts believe they may have caught

a pure-bred Scottish wildcat It's thought there may be

as few as 35 of them left, making them one of the world's

most endangered animals. The images are now being scrutinised

for confirmation that The largest exhibition

of the Queen's clothes and accessories ever shown

in Scotland will open at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

for her 90th birthday. The display, being held

in Edinburgh from 21 April, has been selected to cover

the Queen's life and reign. Feats of daring and adventure

in some of the world's most challenging landscapes will be

showcased this weekend at the annual The event aims to give an insight

into mountain terrains and culture and offers film makers the chance

to show their work It was the biggest project ever

undertaken at the National Theatre Three plays about three Stewart

kings, performed back-to-back by a Now the James Plays are back and off

on tour around the world. Our arts correspondent

Pauline McLean reports. Three Stuart kings and three

different stories, all told across three plays. They put this heavy

metal crown on me and I was king. Originally performed as part of the

Edinburgh International Festival, this was the biggest project the

National Theatre of Scotland had ever undertaken, and one of their

most successful. I did not know whether we would get them up again

because they are such huge productions that it takes a lot of

resource, a lot of people and you need a lot of interest to get them

on the road again. And they are difficult to take on tour, a big

beast. We will be warriors, ruling the country like roaring lions. Ten

of the original cast have returned, with ten new actors. You

disappointed me, James. But for all of the cast, it is a rare

opportunity to be involved in what has been described as the theatrical

equivalent of a TV box set, three plays in one day. We can never go

back to the 1990s. It became event theatre. Particularly when you hit a

festival, like last time. 32,000 people saw it in 21 days, which is

incredible. I have not played to that many people for a very long

time, unless it was on camera. We have got used to watching box sets

on television. 45 minutes, a quick cup of tea and come back. You get

that with these plays. James is back, three of them, and off to see

the world. They will tour across Scotland, England, New Zealand and

Australia before the year is out. It's one of the biggest nights

in American sport and this weekend the people of Arbroath will be

taking a special interest Graham Gano, one of the rising stars

of American football, is a kicker for the Carolina

Panthers and he spent his early This is where they usually watch

their football in Arbroath, the stadium that is home to the League 2

club. This is the slightly bigger stadium they will have their eyes on

on Sunday night when Denver Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers in the

super file. The man holding the Arbroath top is the reason why.

Panthers' kicker, Graham Gano. He lived near the town in his early

years. Now, along with the rest of his team, he is getting ready for

one of the biggest nights of his sporting life. 6000 miles away, back

home in Scotland, family will be watching. I am excited for my family

over there, and my mum in Florida, my sister, uncles, cousins and my

niece. It is nice to have family back home cheering for me. Arbroath

might have been his home for a few early years but his success in

American football has not gone unnoticed and there is a buzz in the

town. There will be some bleary eyes on Monday morning because they will

be cheering him on. What an inspiration for youngsters in the

town and the rest of Angus as well. More support from Coldplay, the

Super Bowl's half-time entertainment. Our bass player is

Scottish so we feel a certain affinity with the Scots. I think we

will go Panthers. Scottish football has sent its own good luck messages.

My dream was to play for the Scottish National Party, playing

football. It has changed a bit. If the Carolina Panthers win on Sunday

night, he says he will come back to Arbroath, where he grew up all those

years ago. He wants to take tea with the Provost. There might not be a

ticker tape parade, but he is assured of a warm welcome.

Let's get all the sport now from David.

On the eve of the Six Nations Championship one former Scotland

captain has told us he's expecting a "great performance"

from the national team against England tomorrow.

Gavin Hastings believes the Scots won't be overawed -

something he thinks may have happened in recent meetings.

Let's find out more from our reporter Phil Goodlad

Good evening to the national stadium. The calm before the storm.

For Scotland, the task is to rid themselves of some unwanted records

of late. Only once in the last 16 years had Scotland managed an

opening day victory in the championship. When it comes to

tomorrow's opponents, Scotland haven't beaten England here at

Murrayfield in eight long years. This marks a busy time for the

capital, especially when the old enemy is in town. It feels like

Scotland are on the rise, but they have had a few false dawns in the

time. Do you think Scotland will win? I do. Sorry Englishmen. There

is growing optimism surrounding the Scotland side and the belief that

better times lie ahead. Greats of the past agree. We have a talented

group of players. But they have got to go out and do it because they

only get one shot of this opening match against England at

Murrayfield. The last couple of times we have played England appear,

we have failed to turn up. I don't expect that to happen. I just expect

Scotland can go out and produce a great performance. Beware the

English backlash. After the World Cup, changes have been made. I have

watched countless episodes of The Games. I have had to do a bit of

catch-up work because of the fact they have not played in a game since

the World Cup. The players understand the responsibility on

Saturday. 12 months ago, Scotland lead at half-time before crumbling

to Twickenham defeat. Tomorrow, records are there to be broken and

songs to be sung. The job for Scotland is clear-cut. Win and those

songs for silence. I mentioned records earlier. The BBC is

streaming this much alive, 200 miles into space so major Tim Peake can

watch the Calcutta Cup clash. He sent a message to the players today

that said, made the best team win, come on England! Lets hope he is a

disappointed man up in space tomorrow. I wonder if they can see

your scarf from space. Continuing the big weekend

of sport in the capital, Hearts host Hibs in a Scottish

Cup derby on Sunday. The home side's head coach

thinks their Premeirship status The Hibs manager, while entertaining

thoughts of a treble, insists getting the club back

to the premiership is his priority. The Scottish cup has pitched hearts

and Hibs together on many occasions, giving supporters moments they will

never forget. In 2012, Hibs offered this winning response, months after

a cup final thumping. This season the competition has restored the

Edinburgh derby to the footballing calendar. Second in the championship

visiting third in the Premiership. I the Hearts head coach could be

significant. Last season in the championship, you play one tough

game and then three or four way you coast through it. But in the top

flight, you need to be bang on it every week. It may give us an

advantage, but it is a derby game every week. It may give us an

both play at the top of their potential, it will be a great game.

Hearts' new striker takes experience into the game. He is

Hearts' new striker takes experience other new recruit. The transfer

window has also strengthened Hibs. other new recruit. The transfer

Promotion is top of the wish list but they are the only club that can

secure the trouble. I didn't say we would win it, but while we are in

it, we will do our best to keep progressing. Sunday is another

chance to progress in the Scottish cup. We know it is going

chance to progress in the Scottish really difficult. Both Hearts and

Hibs have other priorities this season, but those will offer little

consolation to which ever set of supporters see the dreams of cup

glory extinguished by the biggest rivals.

Let's stay with the Scottish Cup because

for the first time a junior club has made it to the last 16 of the Cup.

Linlithgow Rose are away to the team who are fourth in the Premiership -

The West Lothian based club have already knocked League Two Forfar

And I've been out and about with the man who scored the winner

You are probably wondering who let the dogs out? It is Kevin Kelbie. He

walks them professionally. Hello. Nice to meet you. This is the Park

here. You play for Linlithgow Rose, but this is your day job? Of course,

this is my job and I have done this for a little while and it has taken

off. It is great for the dogs and great for me. Here is Kevin

Kelbie... This could be the goal that puts Linlithgow Rose into the

last 16 of the Scottish cup. His goal earning them an away tie

against Ross County. You are the big underdogs in this match! Of course,

everybody knows that. None of the players are going up to win, we are

underdogs. Ross County with underdogs Celtic at the weekend in

the League Cup. If they are at this stage of the cup as well, we will

wait and see what happens. No pressure on us at all. I have been

desperate to do this... Go for it. Fetch! Only one winner. Same as

Saturday. No comment. No comment. You can follow all of the weekend's

sport on the BBC. You do know Phil's grandmother knitted that scarf you

are so rude about. Always thought your musical talent

had been sadly overlooked? A Christian heavy rock band,

who released just one album in the '70s, have been

topping the rare vinyl charts, and that's

led to a record deal. Aileen Clarke has

been to meet them. Forget the godfather of Soul, these

are the grandfathers of Christian rock. Meet White Light. A lack of

amplifier and drum kit didn't stop them giving an impromptu gig at the

parish church today. The only LP has been picked up by a Spanish record

company and remastered and rereleased. In its heyday, the band

made the Scottish finals of a Melody maker competition. But the recently

retired Kirk minister and lead guitarist, admits this was a slow

burner. We were astonished to discover an original LP changed

hands for $159 and there was an interest all over the place at these

figures. It became a collector's item. There are people on the

Internet that trade these things and our band appears at the top of the

rarity list, so that got the attention of the record company and

various record dealers. Improvising with the biscuit tin today was quite

the style jig. The very first drum I played was a quality Street tin with

my mother's wooden knitting needles. I can still hear the rattling of the

quality Street tin with a spring in tied it, imitating a snare drum.

With an average age of 64 and three quarters and only played one big

since the 1970s, surely there are plans for a comeback concert? No

particular plans to get on the stage and play again, but you never know.

So you are very much open to offers? Never say never. Hamdan sounds good.

Maybe the Armadillo, it is warmer in there. The parable of this story

seems to be it is worth rooting around in the attic and you can rock

into your retirement. Much of Scotland has been under a

blanket of cloud and rain today. This evening, the rain continues to

pull away into the North Sea. Behind it, a lot of dry weather under

clearing skies across eastern areas. There will be a risk of ice on

untreated roads and services. Further west there will be showers

feeding in overnight, turning wintry over the hills. Breezy conditions

across western coastal areas from the south. Temperatures in the towns

and cities holding up two to four Celsius tonight. As we head into

tomorrow, the risk of ice continues. The best and the brightest weather

is across the far north and the Northern Isles. But it turns

progressively cloudier and there will be outbreaks of rain. Given we

have a southerly airflow tomorrow afternoon, the most persistent of

the rain will be across the far south of Scotland. Drier interludes

towards Glasgow and Edinburgh. More in the way of rain across Perthshire

and Angus and in parts of Aberdeenshire. A few showers across

the North, very limited in terms of brightness and a chilly feel and

exposure to these risk winds. If you're going hill walking and

climbing tomorrow, across the more southern ranges it is a mixture of

rain, sleet and snow. Rising to 2000 feet in the day. Strong winds

leading to white out conditions and temporary blizzard conditions and

severe wind-chill. The best of any drier interludes will be across the

moor Northwestern ranges. On the inshore waters in south-west it is a

force for 247 with moderate to rough seas and moderate to good

visibility. And furthermore eastern areas, a force of five 247 with

moderate to good visibility. If you are heading to Murrayfield to see

the rugby, largely dry conditions, albeit cloudy. Temperatures of

around six Celsius and breezy from the south-east. Tomorrow evening, we

held on to cloudy skies with further outbreaks of rain and breezy

conditions. Into Sunday, showers or longer spells of rain with snow on

the hills. The best of the drier, brighter weather will be found in

the north-east. Chilly again and strong winds in central Scotland.

I'll be back with the headlines at 8.00pm and the late bulletin just

Until then, have a very good evening.