20/04/2017 Reporting Scotland

And that's it, now on BBC One we can join the

The general election campaign kicks off at Holyrood,

with heated exchanges at First Minister's Question Time.

Campaigners say unhealthy school dinners may be contributing

How cycling to work could almost halve your risk of heart

We meet the two footballing brothers on opposing sides in

And, from being busy with her classroom studies to taking

part in an offshore drama - we catch up with the schoolgirl

who's taken part in her first lifeboat rescue.

I was inspired by my older brother. He's been a crew member since I was

very young. It went really good. There have been furious

exchanges at Holyrood, The First Minister

dismissed Labour's Jeremy And the Tories came under

sustained attack over This from our Political

Editor, Brian Taylor. It is absolutely despicable,

disgusting and unacceptable... Outside Holyrood, political leaders

joined a protest against a law which once women to prove that they have

been raped if they want tax credit for a third trial. The First

Minister challenged her Conservative opponent. Do you support the rape

clause in principle, or do you, like me, think it is utterly boring?

Answer the question. -- it is utterly apparent. Is the First

Minister does not like the two child tax policy, she can change it. Shame

on Ruth Davidson and the Conservatives. She broaden the

attack, arguing that only the SNP could protect Scotland. The rape

attack, arguing that only the SNP clause has been introduced by a Tory

government at Westminster with a clause has been introduced by a Tory

tiny majority. If that's what a Tory government can do with a tiny

majority, let's just think of the damage a Tory government, an

unfettered, out Tory government can do with a bigger majority. Yesterday

in Westminster, Nicola Sturgeon indicated she might contemplate a

Progressive alliance with Labour if the numbers stacked up. Ruth

Davidson seized upon by. And we will say no to a second referendum so

that Scotland can get on with building better schools and public

services. What about the plans of the SNP? The First Minister's very

first intervention in this election has been to say that she would put

Jeremy Corbyn in number ten. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn has ruled out

a collision with the SNP, and Nicola Sturgeon steered clear of such talk

today, arguing that Labour had no transfers winning. You only have to

take one look of the polls to know that Jeremy Corbyn ain't going

anywhere near number ten Downing St on his own or with the help of

anywhere else. They said that they wanted the Tories to win UK power to

drive Scots towards independence. It wanted the Tories to win UK power to

suits the SNP for the Tories to stay in power, because the only thing the

SNP has ever cared about is independence. Willie Rennie wanted

early sight of the SNP manifesto. He suspected it wouldn't contain a firm

commitment of the European Union. We know what she and her government or

up to. She's trying to get Brexit supporters back onside, so she is

going soft on Europe. Nicola Sturgeon said her manifesto would

emerge in due course. For now... I support membership the European

Union. Brian Taylor, Reporting Scotland, Holyrood.

Our Political Editor Brian Taylor joins me from Holyrood.

That's the general election campaign well and truly started, Brian!

What about the issue of independence?

Will this election be, as some have suggested,

The issue was certainly raised repeatedly at questions, you know,

tactical and strategic exchanges. I think from Nicola Sturgeon's point

of view she does not want this to be or intend this to be, I have spoken

to several Government ministers here at Holyrood, and they don't expend

-- expect this to be a referendum on a referendum. They held at the last

election 56 out of the 59 Scottish seas. They see it as a possible trap

that if they fall even a fraction below that extremely high level than

perhaps their Conservative opponents would say, you are slipping back,

the demand for a referendum has eased, slacken, gone away. So why do

not think they want it to be about that. They want to be, as they put

it, standing up against a hard Brexit and Tory austerity. Does that

mean that Nicola Sturgeon has given up a referendum? The answer to that

would be no. As Brian said there,

the idea of a so-called progressive alliance between Labour,

the SNP, the Greens and Liberal Democrats has been

floated by those hoping for a united But Labour has ruled out any deals

with the SNP after the 8th of June. Our Political Correspondent,

Nick Eardley, reports. The next Prime Minister of the UK,

Jeremy Corbyn. It is an ambitious aim if you believe the polls. But

Jeremy Corbyn think this election is still up for grabs. But you might

put him in ten Downing St in seven weeks' time. Much of the media and

the establishment are saying, this election is a foregone conclusion.

But of course they do not want us to win. Because when we win, it is the

people, not the powerful, who wins. Many think it is unlikely that will

happen. Especially without the help of other parties. He says no to a

coalition. But what about an informal arrangement? If we were to

become the largest single party but not have a majority, we would then

set out our policies. It would then be for the SNP, policy by policy, to

decide whether they thought they should vote with us or not, that is

the honest way of doing politics. For now, it's hypothetical. Many

think it is likely to happen. But the Conservatives say it is a

danger. There is a very clear choice between strong and stable government

with strong leadership under Theresa May and the Conservatives, or a

coalition of chaos with Jeremy Corbyn propped up by the Scottish

National Party and the Liberal Democrats. The SNP says it would be

interested in alliances, if that could keep the Conservatives out of

Government. But they think it is unlikely. There is no prospect of

Labour coming back into power on the back of this election. Of course, in

the unlikely event that there were to be ways we could oust the Tories

from office and support our progressive alliance, we could do

that. It is not just the Nationalists that have been rooted

as potential members. The Greens say they are disappointed that Labour is

ruling out a formal deal. I'm deeply disappointed, and people up and down

the country are disappointed because it is yet more of the same kind of

politics that puts their own political self interest above the

interests of the country. Labour have ruled out a deal so early in

this campaign because they think that rumours of one seriously

damaged them last time around. But that is exactly why the

Conservatives will talk up the prospects. Opinion polls suggest it

is extremely unlikely. But at the end of the day it is all down to

you, the voters. Jeremy Corbyn think this race is far from over.

Too many sweet puddings and not enough fresh vegetables -

that's verdict of health campaigners on some of our school dinners.

Obesity Action Scotland says improvements to school meals

could play an important part in reducing childhood obesity.

The Government is reviewing the guidance it gives to local

authorities on what should be in the meals we give to pupils.

Here's our Education Correspondent, Jamie McIvor.

For some youngsters, their school dinner is the most important meal of

the day. At this school, fresh fruit and vegetables are always an option.

It's important that you always healthy and you get your five a day.

It's not OK to have pizza and chips every day because it's bad for your

help. Is it OK to eat sweets some of the time? It is only for treats, not

everyday. There are Government guidelines to try to make sure that

the meals on offer are healthy and varied. Councils are responsible for

the local service. Scottish Government have strict legislation

that we followed to the letter. Chips only appear on the menu once a

week. What is most important is making sure that the other options

that are available are healthy and enticing for the young people point

many schools and councils would highlight what they see as good

practice. But although there are national guidelines, is their

national consistency? The quality of school meals that are offered across

Scotland varies dramatically. Local authorities tended to offer puddings

more often than soup, and they regularly serve processed food and

red meat. We feel that needs to change. They also want schools to

cut down on processed foods, and the change. They also want schools to

vegetables, soups and salads should take priority over puddings. The

Government is currently reviewing the guidance. What I would say to

parents is that the standards that we have in place or enforced that

Jude, they are of the highest quality, they guarantee that young

people are getting high-quality, high nutritional value food in their

schools, but we are constantly considering and assessing those

regulations to make sure that the high standards that we to set are

able to be delivered in practice and we set up inspections to make sure

that is the case. Back in this dining hall, healthy choices seem to

be popular choices. Councils can be held to account for the quality of

school meals, and the council elections are just a fortnight away.

The campaigners say candidates elections are just a fortnight away.

across the country should commit to improvements.

The former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has gone on trial accused

of a fraudulent acquisition of the club.

The 46-year-old faces two charges relating to the purchase

Our Business Correspondent David Henderson is at

Well, Sally, the case got underway here today. No evidence was led, but

a jury was selected for this case. It's made up of eight men and seven

women. Craig Whyte faces two charges relating to the way the club changed

hands some six years ago. He is charged with fraud and with a breach

of the companies act. The first charge, the fraud charge, alleges

that Craig Whyte pretended to the then owner of Rangers, Sir David

that Craig Whyte pretended to the Murray, that he had sufficient funds

to take a controlling stake in the Ibrox club. And the Crown claims

that in fact Mr Whyte did not have sufficient money, but funded the

deal through a loan taken out against future season ticket sales

for Rangers. The second charge under the companies act centres on the ?18

million payment between Mr Whyte's company and Rangers to clear a bank

debt. Mr Whyte has pleaded not guilty to both these charges. David,

there has been a lot of publicity in this case, hasn't there? What did

the judge have to say about that? Well, that's right. The judge, Lady

Stacey, asked the jury to consider matters before evidence was to be

heard. She said, do you know Craig Whyte? Were you a Rangers

shareholder or a season-ticket holder at the time of the deal? Is

there any good reason, she said, why you can't be impartial in this case?

In the event, none of the jurors had to be excused, and the first witness

is expected to begin giving here tomorrow in a trial which could

last, Sally, up to 12 weeks. David, thank you. David Henderson at

Glasgow Crown Court. The Scottish Government has asked

the Chief Inspector of Constabulary to speed up his investigation

of transparency within It follows concerns,

voiced at a Holyrood committee, that senior SPA figures were acting

as if they were running the Kremlin. The watchdog responsible for holding

the police to account itself on the end of some tough questions. This is

not the Kremlin you're running. The Scottish police authority taken

not the Kremlin you're running. The task over what the committee chair

described as a culture of secrecy. Today's exchanges at Holyrood stem

from a review of governors carried out by the SBA chairman at the

request of the Justice Secretary. Among the more controversial

elements of the new framework, a decision to hold committee meetings

in private. But what really exercised MSPs was the fact that

many of those discussions about the new framework were also held behind

closed doors. Something has opened this governance, as basic as

governors, being decided, all behind closed doors in a way that is going

to be nodded through by the obviously compliant nonexecutive

members of the SBA, without saying a Dickie bird about it, and we're all

supposed to accept that as a good example about open, transparent

governance?! The document is probably about this thick and they

had to distil it down to get it into a proper document. They had to have

these discussions among the members. Shaking her head in the public

gallery, a former board member who describes herself as collateral

damage. Forced out, she claims, for publicly raising concerns about

transparency. I do understand the need to try to keep a control on

things. But I think it's the wrong answer. I think the only way ever,

in any public body, to live is in an open and transparent and accountable

way. Have you thought about drawing position at all? No, I haven't. I

think we're on a journey. Is it perfect? Their is not perfect. But I

think in the last 12 months or so there have been significance that

is. What another SPA review of governors was planned for June, MSPs

is. What another SPA review of were. But tonight the inspection

timetables has been accelerated, agreeing to the Justice Secretary's

request to provide a report within one month.

Cycling to work could cut your risk of cancer and heart

That's the conclusion of a five-year research project by experts

Cycling to work is something many people across Scotland do each

morning. Former rugby star John people across Scotland do each

Beattie is a recent convert, and now does it pretty much every day. I

started off doing three miles each way. And now at ten miles each way,

and it's not difficult. I'm not some kind of road cycling demon. I'm just

getting on a bicycle and going a few miles to work. But many of us don't

commute to work by bike. Maybe we put off by sharing the with cars all

the time it takes to get to the office. But could the latest

research on the issue change minds? Glasgow University research is

logged into the habits of 250,000 commuters across the UK over a

five-year period, and said there was a link between regular cycling and a

45% reduction in getting cancer. It suggests the activity could cut the

risk of heart disease by 46%. In fact, the study said regular cycling

could cut the risk of death by any cause from 41%. This organisation

collects old bicycles to be done up and sold an affordably. It has also

carried out a successful project with local companies to get more

people to bike to work. You are just used your daily routine of getting

the car and going. But once you get people to make that first step, it

is easier to keep going, because it is a very fun thing and they are

saving money and it is faster get is a very fun thing and they are

around town. But one of the researchers from the Glasgow

University said he says boosting cycling will need new

infrastructure. If you look at places like Amsterdam and

Copenhagen, the majority of places like Amsterdam and

cycle. They don't do that because they are being virtuous, they do it

because it is the easiest way to get around town because the

infrastructure is there, they have cycle lane separate from the

traffic, places you can safely lock your bike. I have been the kind of

person who has cycled to work on the past. But on the basis of this

latest study, it's about time to give it a go. Andrew Black,

Reporting Scotland, Glasgow. When Hibs and Aberdeen meet

on Saturday in the Scottish Cup semifinal at Hampden,

brothers Graeme and Andrew Shinnie will face up, hoping

for very different outcomes. The midfielders have never

played against each other in a competitive match,

so how do they feel about doing it Our Senior Football Reporter Chris

McLaughlin has been finding out. On Saturday this place will be

packed to capacity, thousands of Aberdeen fans over there and

thousands of Hibs fans over there. But right here, right in the middle

of Hampden will be a set of parents absolutely torn. I think we will

have to get the kit man to stitch a half Aberdeen, half Hibs top. For

our parents is a great occasion. One of us will be missing out on the

final, on the other hand they will be delighted to have one in the

final. Graeme lifted the cup two years ago, this was him securing the

semifinal spot this time around. I think they are both good players.

Graeme tells me he's so much better than his brother but I've watched a

lot of Hibs lately and I know Andrew was a very good footballer himself.

Who can forget last year and Hibs ending their long wait for the

trophy. Just days after securing promotion, this time the pressure is

off. We know we have a real acid test on Saturday, but they are the

cup holders, they will want to hold onto the trophy as best they can.

And so back to the brothers. I think it will be a good scrap, I'm going

to back myself. Andrew is a bigger boy than me, but I'd like to fancy

me. Probably me. I was the younger ones I used to get away with more

than what Andrew did. I'm going to go for myself. Me.

than what Andrew did. word to Hibs striker, Jason

Cummings. He's not interested in arm wrestling, when a wrestler came to

the club he decided to take diving to a whole new level.

Andy Murray says he's disappointed to be out

of the Monte Carlo Masters after throwing away a strong lead,

but feels he's moving in the right direction

The world number one was beaten in the third round.

Kheredine Idessane reports on another early exit

In magnificent Monte Carlo, could Andy Murray live up to his

surroundings? The early signs were promising indeed. His opponent was a

Spanish clay court specialist, and took the first set. Although the

Spaniard hit back immediately to force the deciding third. It was

textbook Andy Murray as he raced to the lead, but despite shots like

this the winning script was ripped up as 4-0 became 4-4. Being 4-0 up

in the third, I haven't lost many matches like that in my career so

I'm disappointed but my elbow felt pretty good, I served much better

today than I did yesterday and that will only get better so hopefully I

will keep going in the right direction. His year as world number

one started with defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Doha final but the

grand slam ended early in the fourth round. It emerged Andy Murray was

suffering from shingles, which made his win in Dubai all the more

repressive. -- impressive. After one month out, he survived one round in

Monte Carlo. A disappointing year so far but his status as world number

one isn't yet under threat. Could Monaco's lost the Portugal's gain?

The special Toblerone to show we cannot stop thinking of you because

for us you are more than number one, you are a real superstar and we love

you... What's more likely is Andy Murray playing an extra clay court

tournament next week either in Barcelona or Budapest.

A schoolgirl has taken part in her first lifeboat rescue,

after getting the call-out when she was in class.

Eighteen year old Danielle Marr joined other crew members to help

a vessel that had broken down off the Fife coast yesterday.

Lifeboats on a rescue mission. 25 foot vessel suffered mechanical

failure. A short time earlier Danielle Marr was in class, busy

with her studies. Alerted by a pager message, Danielle was on her way to

her first rescue. I thought, this is the first time, I wasn't really sure

what to expect when I got down there. Danielle made it here on foot

in a matter of minutes ready to play her part in the rescue. She has been

a lifeboat volunteer for several months. She has carried her pager

since January. When it goes and off, the waterproofs replace the blazer.

I have been inspired by my brother, following in his footsteps. What

went through your mind as you headed out? I was pretty unsure because

I've never been on a shout before but it went really good. The RNLI

depends on volunteers like Danielle. It is essential. Without the

Youngblood, we would stagnate, we would get to the point where we

don't have people fit all young enough to do the job, and hats off

to the school for their support and allowing her to do it. One rescue

under her belt, Danielle is waiting for the next time you call goes out

but not during the exam she is sitting in a few weeks' time.

Let's get the latest on the weather outlook.

It is turning quite cold. Some lovely spells of sunshine around.

The best of the sunshine in the east, which topped 19 degrees.

Further west with the cloud it was cool but if you had blue skies in

Aberdeen it was a very pleasant day indeed. Tonight pretty cloudy across

the board, outbreaks of rain across the north and west extending

southwards, but the good part of the central lowlands and the south dry,

and on the mild side. Cold across Shetland, windy too from the

north-west. Tomorrow a cloudy morning, this rain edging southwards

through because of the day but the further south and east you are any

wet weather light and patchy and it should brighten up as we head

through the afternoon. In mid-afternoon still available cloud

in the south. Temperatures ten and much cooler, further north it should

be brightening up by this point. Forget the 19 degrees we had today.

With it a few showers coming on the strong winds, some of those showers

could be a touch wintry across Shetland. Overnight some late spells

of sunshine, and relatively calm as we had through towards Saturday.

High pressure nearby. Still that north westerly flow but largely dry

and fairly cloudy. Some morning brightness around, but showers

across the far north and north-east. Wintry across the hills and

temperatures reaching to Celsius but again wintry for Shetland. On Sunday

an area of low pressure moving across the country, and a spell of

wet and windy weather focused across northern areas. As it clears as we

had through to next week, we open the floodgates for really cold

arctic air. April showers of rain, sleet and snow. That's the forecast

for now. I will be back with the late bulletin just after ten o'clock

news. From everyone on the team and right across the country, goodbye.