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englishmix 
Posted: 06-Jul-2010, 10:52 AM
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Parents 'cheated' by probe into head teacher
John O'Groat Journal
By Gordon Calder
Published: 02 July, 2010


A CASTLETOWN parent yesterday claimed that an investigation into an incident at the local primary school, which involved young girls having their underwear checked, was "dragged out" until the head teacher was due to retire. The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, was unhappy with the length of time it took for an inquiry by the Highland Council to be concluded and felt the matter could have been resolved earlier.

She spoke out after it was confirmed by the local authority that Sheila Malcolm is leaving her post as head teacher after just over nine years. The parent stressed that the inquiry came to an end just recently although the incident which sparked it occurred in December.

"We feel we have been cheated as we have been given no proper answers and never actually found out what happened. We feel the matter was dragged out until June when Ms Malcolm was due to retire anyway," she told the John O'Groat Journal.

The woman revealed that local parents received a letter from the head teacher explaining that she was retiring from her post and thanking them for their support and positive response to her and the school over the years. Ms Malcolm stated that she had stayed on in her post two years after her retirement age.

But the parent, who has a child at the school, said there was no apology for the concern that was caused by the incident six months ago. However, despite her misgivings about the way the investigation was handled, she felt school could "move forward" now that the head teacher is retiring.

Beth McKnight, another local parent, also expressed dismay about the time the inquiry took. "I think this investigation was dragged out. Sheila Malcolm has been allowed to retire and not been made to leave. What message does that send out? If a male head teacher had done this he would have been out of the school until the inquiry concluded," she said....

The Highland Council's area education, culture and sport manager for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Graham Nichols, confirmed that the investigation is over and Ms Malcolm is to retire.

As previously reported, parents called for the inquiry after girls in primaries one to five had their underwear examined following what was described as "an extreme soiling" incident at a school toilet on December 21. Girls in primaries six and seven were not involved in the examination as they use a different toilet.

Parents were furious that the checks had been carried out and some threatened to take their children out of the school if Ms Malcolm was not sacked or suspended. They denied their actions constituted a witch hunt against the head teacher. They also expressed concern about the lack of communication between the school, the Highland Council and the parents, the length of time the inquiry was taking and the need to be informed about the decision.

But the local authority stressed that as disciplinary processes are strictly confidential, the parents would not be told the outcome although they would be advised when the process was concluded. A council official said the report would not be published just to satisfy a desire to know the outcome. "There are rules and regulations. It is an internal report and there are restrictions in employment law. An employee has a right to privacy, regardless of what people think," he added.
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englishmix 
Posted: 06-Jul-2010, 11:00 AM
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Councillors say no to wind farm
John O'Groat Journal
By Iain Grant
Published: 23 June, 2010


PLANS for what would be the biggest wind farm in Caithness suffered a blow yesterday when it was opposed by Highland councillors. The 30-turbine development earmarked for grazing land near Spittal was recommended for approval by officials.

Had the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross area planning committee given the thumbs-up, it would have been fast-tracked and almost certainly approved by Scottish ministers. But the opposition of the local authority means the £112 million venture tabled by Spittal Wind Farm Ltd will now go before a public local inquiry. Councillors backed Scottish Natural Heritage's objection that the turbines - between 100 and 110 metres to the top of their blades - would blight the open, expansive landscape.

At the meeting in Halkirk there was also a call for the Scottish Government to commission a study on just how many wind farms Caithness can accommodate. The 77.5 megawatt scheme attracted 1437 objectors and 1253 letters of support. Opponents claim the turbines would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape and adversely affect the day-to-day lives of nearby residents.

The proposal, they argue, would also be bad news for tourism and protected birdlife. Supporters highlight the scheme's contribution towards the Government's green energy drive and the economic spin-offs it will generate....

While the site is deemed unsuitable for wind farms in the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy, he said this document has been superseded by new planning guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

While the wind farm would be highly visible from many parts of Caithness, he did not consider it would be unacceptable. Nor did he think the presence of 17 or so houses within a kilometre of a turbine warranted rejection of the scheme.

Local councillor David Bremner said the council has to take heed of SNH's objection. He said: "For me, the most important aspect of this is the visual impact on a number of properties and the cumulative impact on them and the wider area." Mr Bremner supported SNH's view that the turbines would impact on the distinctiveness of the landscape. He said: "SNH is quite clear that this is a landscape which is of national importance and one which would be compromised by this development." Mr Bremner said that during the pre-meeting bus tour of the site, it was clear a number of single houses would be badly affected, as would residents of Spittal, who would be 1.2 kilometres from a turbine.

Taking issue with Mr Mooney, he claimed the existing wind farms at Causewaymire and Boulfruich "fit poorly" into their surroundings, especially when viewed from the north. Mr Bremner added that he has concerns about noise and shadow flicker from the turbines, both of which he said can be most appropriately addressed at an inquiry.

He said: "Spittal Hill is one of the highest points in Caithness. By the time you put turbines up there, it would be about the highest point, apart from Morven and Scaraben."


He said: "If you look at the schemes that are in the pipelines, Caithness is going to be covered in wind turbines. It's happening faster than we think. "I think it really is time the Scottish Government commissions a bit of work that will help assess the cumulative impact of wind farms in Caithness and just how many wind farms can be sustained in the county."...

As councillors arrived at the meeting at Halkirk's Ross Institute, they were met by placard-wielding objectors. After the meeting, Stuart Young, chairman of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum (CWIF), said: "We're obviously delighted with the outcome. It was particularly pleasing to see the change in stance of some of the councillors."

Tom Pottinger, director of Spittal Hill Windfarm Ltd, said he was disappointed by the outcome. "If this does not go ahead, it would deprive the local community of hundreds of thousands of pounds through community benefit and community ownership of turbines," he said. "Local businesses would also benefit by up to £20m through the construction and quarrying industries while our commitment to establish an archaeological centre at Spittal would help increase the number of tourists coming to the area."

Mr Pottinger, who farms at Westfield, regretted that the councillors failed to mention the benefits of the development in terms of carbon dioxide savings and the contribution towards energy security. He added: "We have got tremendous renewable energy potential here and we have got to look to realising it."
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englishmix 
Posted: 09-Jul-2010, 10:01 PM
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Doune rallies in Callum’s memory
Jul 9 2010 by Iain Howie
Stirling Observer Friday


THE family of a Doune teenager who died suddenly have raised thousands of pounds for charity in his memory.

Friends and relatives of Callum Ferrier (16), who died of cardiomyopathy in 2008, raised £249 through a stall at Doune Gala.

That followed a ceilidh which raised £2500. Rangers and Celtic donated strips and Gargunnock Songsters and Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band provided entertainment.

Callum's brothers Sean and Neil and friend Fraser Gallacher also ran the 10k at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, on June 20.

All the money raised will go to the Cardiomyopathy Association.

A family spokesperson thanked everyone who helped at the ceilidh and everyone who went along.

Anyone who wants to donate to the fund can go to www.justgiving.com/Callum-Ferrier.
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englishmix 
Posted: 09-Jul-2010, 10:09 PM
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Taxi owners targeted in renewed terror campaign
Jul 9 2010 by Denis Brown
Perthshire Advertiser Friday


A TERROR campaign targeting taxi owners that saw six cabs vandalised and some drivers receiving death threats last year has flared up again. Over one night, a taxi owned by one of about 16 members of cooperative Perth Taxis had all its tyres slashed and bodywork spray-painted while it was parked outside a new driver’s Craigie home.

Owner, Henry Anderson, Perth Taxis’ chairman, said it was the first time his vehicle had been targeted but that he had previously received a death threat. “I got a call last year from this man saying if I stayed in the taxi trade I’d get my brains blown out,” he told the PA. “Our financial director Graeme Gorrie got a similar anonymous call threatening his life only 10 minutes before, about a week after his car was vandalised.Basically, someone has a vendetta and it’s really sad that in a small provincial town that this kind of thing is happening in what’s a mediocre trade where none of us are making a fortune.”

Mr Gorrie said the incident may have been triggered by Mr Anderson recently receiving an additional taxi plate from Perth and Kinross Council (PKC). Since the trouble began in November 2008, six taxis parked overnight at Perth locations have been targeted – one vehicle twice – with tyres slashed and in most cases, paint stripper thrown on bodywork.

Collectively the damage bill for the five different owners is estimated at more than £20,000, not including income lost while vehicles are repaired or skyrocketing insurance premiums. Although police have interviewed suspects, no charges have been laid, and since senior officers issued a stern warning to the wider taxi community last November, there had been no more incidents until Monday.

Chief Inspector David Barclay confirmed he had “laid down the law” at a November taxi forum, saying livelihoods were being threatened and criminal conduct would not be tolerated. Mr Gorrie said his taxi was off the road for three weeks after it was the first to be targeted in 2008 while parked in North Muirton. “Not long after that I got a call, the police say from a phone box in Fintry [Dundee],” he said. “This voice said, ‘listen Mr Gorrie, you’ve had your warning, next time we’re coming after you’. It scared the living daylights out of me.”

About 12 months later, paint stripper was lobbed at his car again. “So my insurance is sky high, up from £900 to £2500, and now I keep the car in a lock-up,” he said.

Speculation among members of Perth Taxis, established in January, was that culprits were rogue drivers with a grudge about a taxi rank arrangement at Perth train station. But he stressed perpetrators did not belong to any Perth taxi company, with all companies condemning the vendetta’s apparent resurgence.
“We just want this straightened out, to get on with our lives – our wives are now worried about their welfare,” he said.

Insp Ian Martin said while he hoped Monday’s incident was a one-off, a full investigation was underway, with officers liaising with British Transport Police and PKC, which issued taxi licenses. “We have brought in suspects, crime scene material is being examined and people named by various parties are being questioned,” he said. “If there is a dispute, we have to get to the bottom of it. Our investigation can’t be based on street gossip and hearsay, we need hard evidence and facts for the courts.”
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englishmix 
Posted: 12-Jul-2010, 04:40 PM
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Piper wanted by National Theatre of Scotland for Black Watch role

Jul 9 2010
by Alison Anderson
Perthshire Advertiser Friday


THE National Theatre of Scotland has launched a nationwide search to find a piper for the critically-acclaimed production of Black Watch. Open auditions are being held in Glasgow next Friday (July 16) at the The National Piping Centre between 12.30pm and 7.30pm.

This is a unique opportunity for a Scottish bagpiper to join the cast of Black Watch and tour the UK and the USA. The successful candidate will be a Scottish male, aged between 18-30, physically fit, able to play the bagpipes to a high standard and be available from August 23 through to the middle of next year.

Candidates are asked to bring their bagpipes to the audition and be prepared to play The Black Bear. If successful they will progress to the next round and be asked to read a small section of script and sing a traditional folk song. The casting is being held by Anne Henderson, the casting director for the National Theatre of Scotland. All other roles have now been cast and this is an opportunity to play the part of Macca.

Black Watch is based on interviews conducted by Gregory Burke with former soldiers who served in Iraq. Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of the war on terror and what it means to make the journey home again. John Tiffany’s production makes powerful and inventive use of movement, music and song to create a visceral, complex and urgent piece of theatre.

The production has now played to over 113,000 people across three continents and has garnered 22 awards. Most recently the production won four Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Director, Best Theatre Choreography, Best Play and Best Sound Design and the company won its first US award with the New York Drama Circle naming Black Watch Best Foreign Play.

Potential piping candidates are asked to visit www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/jobs
before attending for more information about the job.


If unable to attend the casting day, candidates can email a CV and photograph to [email protected], with Role of Macca in the subject line.
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englishmix 
Posted: 17-Jul-2010, 10:27 AM
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Hundreds of Scots hit as holiday firm collapses
Evening Times
17 Jul 2010


Thousands of holidaymakers were hastily trying to rearrange their travel plans today after a tour operator collapsed. Around 16,000 tourists were abroad when Greece and Turkey specialist Goldtrail went into administration yesterday, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed. An estimated 2,000 UK customers, including hundreds of Scots, were due to travel with the budget holiday company this weekend as the summer holiday season gets under way.

Authorities sought to reassure holidaymakers that they could claim back money lost on bookings while alternative flights and accommodation were also available. The CAA said it was making arrangements to fly customers home at the end of their holiday under its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing) scheme. But no outbound Goldtrail flights were running from UK airports and people planning to set off on holiday were advised to check first, it added.

In a statement issued on its website last night, the aviation regulator said: “The CAA has taken steps to protect customers booked with Goldtrail Travel Limited after the company ceased trading this evening.

We were pretty calm at the time but obviously a bit gutted. It was just really a shame for families. Goldtrail customer Mark Mclay “Goldtrail Travel Ltd, trading as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar, held ATOL licence 4684 and was based in New Malden, Surrey. It operated flights and holiday packages from many UK airports to Turkey and Greece. It sold mainly through travel agents. The CAA, under its ATOL scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays.”

The majority of flights home from Turkey will operate as normal, the CAA said. However, holidaymakers in Greece were warned to expect changes to flights and are advised to check with representatives at local airports. The CAA said there were no more outbound Goldtrail flights and advised customers due to fly with the failed operator to check with their travel agent before leaving for the airport.

Goldtrail was a medium-sized independent tour operator with around 150,000 customers in total, according to Abta spokesman Sean Tipton. Those abroad should be able to continue their holidays as normal, he said, because the CAA will rearrange flights as well as hotels booked in a Goldtrail package under the Atol bonding scheme. “If you are due to travel it’s a different matter,” he said. “Anything you have booked through Goldtrail is cancelled. Money paid will be subject to a claim through the CAA.

“If people’s summer holiday has been cancelled they would need to rebook their arrangements. ut there is still some availability in Greece and Turkey. f people booked through an Abta travel agent they will probably be looking into that already.”

Holidaymakers bound for Turkey were stranded at Glasgow Airport after the collapse of Goldtrail.

FOR MORE ON THIS SEE:
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/editor-...apses-1.1041900
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englishmix 
Posted: 17-Jul-2010, 10:30 AM
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Rod Stewart offers troops tickets
Evening Times - Edinburgh
17 Jul 2010 - 3:20 pm



Rod Stewart is offering free tickets to UK troops for his summer tour to members of the Armed Forces and their families, it has been announced.

Soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families will have the chance to see the legendary hitmaker belting out chart toppers like Maggie May, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy and Tonight's the Night at the Sheffield Arena on July 20 and at the Glasgow SECC on July 26.

Tickets For Troops was set up last year to provide top tickets to sporting, musical and entertainment events to troops and their families. Patrons of charity include the Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron, Dame Vera Lynn, Andrew Flintoff, Gavin Hastings and Joss Stone.

Mrs Cameron said: "Tickets For Troops has been a massive success in terms of recognising the work and courage of our troops but it has also rewarded those families whose support and love is crucial in the frontline. I am delighted and privileged to support such an excellent cause."

Members of the Armed Forces and veterans medically discharged since 2001 should register for top tickets at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk
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englishmix 
Posted: 19-Jul-2010, 06:37 PM
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Objection to Tyndrum gold mine plans
Stirling Observer
Jul 16 2010 by Gregor White


ENVIRONMENTAL objections have been lodged against plans for gold and silver mining at Tyndrum. Australian company Scotgold Resources has submitted a revised planning application for an underground mine to extract gold and silver, as well as a bridge and other infrastructure.

But environmental body the John Muir Trust has formally objected to the plan because of its possible impact on the surrounding landscape. The trust says the mine would be in high-quality wild land and would would detract from the feelings of wildness and remoteness in the area. It also objects to the impact on a landscape that lies within both the national park and the Ben Lui special area of conservation.

JMT policy officer Steven Turnbull said: “If Scotgold were to go back and demonstrate there will be no long-term deleterious effects on sensitive landscapes, recreational access to wild land or on existing tourist-based economies the trust may withdraw its objection to the planning proposal as it currently stands. However, we do not believe that sufficient information has been given by Scotgold to show how negative impacts will be avoided, nor has any compelling socio-economic reason been presented as to why this would be necessary.”

Planners say the Scotgold proposals are a major development which would be a significant departure from the development plan. Although the scheme is being recommended for approval, it must be determined by the whole national park board and not just its planning committee. A hearing and site visit are planned for August 17-18.

The site is around four kilometres south-west of Tyndrum and has been mined in the past. Investigation work on the extent and grade of gold-bearing ore are already evident on site, along with a gated access track from Cononish Farm, a mine tunnel entrance and other features, although portable office cabins have been removed.

Park officials say Scotgold wants to extract around 620,000 tonnes of ore from a quartz vein running through Beinn Chuirn which contains both gold and silver. If given the go-ahead mine construction would take about a year, they said, with Scotgold expecting the mine to be operational for eight years. “The restoration period would be a further year and this means the total period of works would be 10 years,” they said.

Plans for gold mining in the area were first given the go ahead by the former Stirling District Council to Fynegold in 1994, only for the plans to stall when bullion prices dropped. Scotgold took over Fynegold in 2007.
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englishmix 
Posted: 19-Jul-2010, 06:44 PM
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Students hit by funding cutbacks

Stirling Observer
Jul 16 2010 by Iain Howie


STUDENTS at Forth Valley College could be hit by government cutbacks.

MSP Richard Simpson claims the college could struggle to meet demand for bursaries next year. And he says that some Scottish colleges are being forced to replace bursary payments with educational maintenance allowance (EMA) payments of £30 a week, while others have been dipping into other funds to help out.

He believes matters have been made worse after a recent announcement that the Scottish Government will only guarantee EMA awards until December. He says colleges are looking to reduce the amount of money offered in bursaries by 10 per cent and he accused education secretary Michael Russell of “standing by, just letting it happen”.

He said: “The fact that a greater number of students from the lowest-income families are to receive EMAs, which are only guaranteed until December, risks having a real impact on the ability of students in the most need to complete their studies. To see colleges plugging the support budget with other funds and some unable to afford materials for students without entering into hardship funds is very concerning indeed. The ultimate responsibility for this falls with the cabinet secretary and his SNP government and I would urge Michael Russell to take this matter in hand.”

Forth Valley College principal Linda McKay said: “Supporting our learners is at the heart of everything we do and bursary funding is a vital aspect to provide learners with the level of support they need throughout their period of study. In order to ensure this we have put measures in place to allow us to help as many students as possible, with the funding we have been granted. Our student support team is in contact with all of our learners over their individual circumstances.”
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englishmix 
Posted: 28-Jul-2010, 05:01 PM
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Church records on show at Lecropt
Jul 23 2010 by Iain Howie
Stirling Observer


CHURCH records, including details of a witch trial from the late 16th Century, are to go on show at Lecropt Kirk this weekend. Rev Alison Britchfield said: “Lecropt Kirk has been part of the life of Bridge of Allan for centuries, and this is a wonderful opportunity for people to see some of our unique archival material.”

Stirling Council’s assistant archivist Jane Petrie said: “The exhibition will show everything from scandals and witchcraft allegations held before the kirk session to accounts, communion rolls and ordinations. These records show the crucial part the church has played in the community over the years. Stirling Council archives holds records from Lecropt Kirk from 1727 to 1974 and having the chance to explore such a rich treasure chest of local information to create the exhibition has been a real delight.”

The church is just off the A9 between Bridge of Allan and Keir roundabout. The exhibition will be open tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday from 2-5pm and refreshments will be available from 2.30-4.30pm.

The exhibition was created by Stirling Council archives, Lecropt Kirk and the National Archives of Scotland to mark the 450th anniversary of the Scottish Reformation.

For more information call 01786 450745 or email [email protected]
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englishmix 
Posted: 28-Jul-2010, 05:06 PM
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Tullibody man's message in a bottle is found 60 years later
Stirling Observer
Jul 23 2010


SIXTY years ago Tullibody man Gabriel Gilvear threw a bottle containing a message into the Lake of Menteith while on a fishing trip with his brother. The message said Gabriel would give the finder a reward and included his name and address. Now he has made good his promise – with the money being donated to charity.

Two weeks ago Lake of Menteith Fisheries manager Quint Glen found the sealed bottle six feet down in Gateside Bay while snorkelling. The bottle came from the former James Duncan lemonade factory in Drip Road, Stirling. It had a note in it from Gabriel Gilvear, asking the finder to call at 28 North Road Wood, Tullibody, for a reward.

Following an appeal in the Observer two weeks ago, Quint received a letter from Gabriel which included a £50 cheque. Quint explained: “He said that it must have been while accompanying his brother on a fishing trip around 60 years ago that the bottle was put in the lake.”

He hopes to meet Gabriel face to face soon, saying: “It would be nice to give him back his bottle and his note.”

The fisheries manager will donate the £50 to the Kavule Parents School for the Deaf in Uganda.
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Posted: 29-Jul-2010, 09:34 AM
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Ship lost for more than 150 years is recovered
AP News
Wed Jul 28, 9:24 pm ET


TORONTO – Canadian archeologists have found a ship abandoned more than 150 years ago in the quest for the fabled Northwest Passage and which was lost in the search for the doomed expedition of Sir John Franklin, the head of the team said Wednesday.

Marc-Andre Bernier, Parks Canada's head of underwater archaeology, said the HMS Investigator, abandoned in the ice in 1853, was found in shallow water in Mercy Bay along the northern coast of Banks Island in Canada's western Arctic. "The ship is standing upright in very good condition. It's standing in about 11 meters (36 feet) of water," he said. "This is definitely of the utmost importance. This is the ship that sailed the last leg of the Northwest Passage."

The Investigator was one of many American and British ships sent out to search for the HMS Erebus and the Terror, vessels commanded by Franklin in his ill-fated search for the Northwest Passage in 1845. Environment Minister Jim Prentice said the British government has been notified that one of their naval shipwrecks has been discovered, as well as the bodies of three sailors.

Captained by Robert McClure, the Investigator sailed in 1850. That year, McClure sailed the Investigator into the strait that now bears his name and realized that he was in the final leg of the Northwest Passage, the sea route across North America.

But before he could sail into the Beaufort Sea, the ship was blocked by pack ice and forced to winter-over in Prince of Wales Strait along the east coast of Banks Island. The following summer, McClure tried again to sail to the end of the Passage, but was again blocked by ice. He steered the ship and crew into a large bay on the island's north coast he called the Bay of Mercy. There they were to remain until 1853, when they were rescued by the crew of the HMS Resolute. The Investigator was abandoned.

"This is actually a human history," said Bernier. "Not only a history of the Passage, but the history of a crew of 60 men who had to overwinter three times in the Arctic not knowing if they were going to survive."

Read the rest at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100729/ap_on_...klin_ship_found
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Posted: 12-Aug-2010, 08:28 PM
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Scottish ambulance phone fault prevented 999 calls

BBC News Scotland

12 August 2010


The Scottish Ambulance Service was left unable to receive 999 calls for several hours because of a problem with its telephone lines, the BBC has learned.

The incident, on 21 July, meant no emergency calls were received by the service's three Scottish call centres for some hours. Callers were diverted to Belfast and the north of England. Ambulance bosses and BT insisted all calls were answered and patients were unaffected by the problem. BT provides the systems used by the Scottish Ambulance Service to answer 999 calls at its centres in Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Incident review

But, on the date in question, a technical fault in the switch at Glasgow had a knock-on effect on calls to the centres. The problem first affected the Inverness call centre at 0100 BST, hitting Edinburgh at 0942 BST and resulted in Glasgow only able to receive a limited number of calls from 0956 BST. Following action, all three centres were fully operational again by 1530 BST.

A BT spokesman, said: "A buddy system is in place in the event of any such failure and the contingency plan kicked in immediately, with calls answered by operators at the Northern Ireland and north west ambulance service as required.

For more, see the article at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-10955903
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Posted: 12-Aug-2010, 08:38 PM
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Doubts cast over survey of Trident fishing boat wreck
BBC News Scotland
12 August 2010


Seven crew died when the Peterhead trawler Trident sank off Caithness in 1974. The survey on the Trident, which went down off Caithness, was carried out in the summer of 2006 by Subsea 7.

A panel of experts has criticised the underwater survey. Subsea 7 declined to comment. A sheriff's findings after the inquiry are expected later this year. A re-opened inquiry began in Aberdeen last year. Part of the evidence included a survey of the wreck carried out in June 2006.

They said Subsea 7 personnel on board the survey vessel the Fennica appeared to be "unprepared and ill-equipped" to remove nets and ropes from the wreck. Significant time was lost, they said, and there was also a lack of joined-up thinking within Subsea 7 management, and that reporting of operational information to the JPE was evidently a low priority. They said the management structure was weak and lacking proper hierarchy and the absence of appropriately experienced management on board was "surprising to say the least".

Finally they said functionality of equipment "frequently fell short of all promises and predictions". BBC Scotland approached Subsea 7 for comment, but they said they had no plans to make any statement at this time.

Jeannie Ritchie, who represents many of the Trident widows, said she feared the survey meant the JPE report had used incorrect measurements to calculate the vessel's stability.

The Office of the Advocate General, which was in charge of the re-opened inquiry, has made no formal statement, but it is understood it believes the quality of the survey was considered fully by the inquiry and is not thought to have had any material effect on it.

The inquiry itself ended last month and the findings are expected to be issued before the end of the year.
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Posted: 24-Aug-2010, 04:40 PM
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Pope's hi-tech Celtic altar
24 August 2010 By Stephen McGinty

IT IS the altar from which Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the largest mass in Scotland for a quarter of a century. The design of the marble chair, lectern and altar to be used in the forthcoming papal visit to Bellahouston Park were unveiled yesterday.

In the Reid Carrara workshop in Glasgow, stonemason Neil Reid is working around the clock to complete the massive marble furniture, which has been designed by Glasgow artist Niamh Quail with the assistance of 21st century design technology.

The design of the altar, from which the Pope will say mass in front of an estimated 100,000 people, was rendered into a 3D computer model and presented to the Vatican in July for final approval.

The construction is being carried out by Mr Reid, who served his apprenticeship with Tom MacMillan, the stonemason who built the altar used by Pope John Paul II during the papal visit to Scotland in 1982.

Yesterday, Mr Reid said it was a "real privilege" to build the altar, which will be see by millions of people around the world. "I'm pernickety," he said. "Everything has to be just right, but I'm like that whether I'm doing a piece for a parish priest, Mrs Smith from around the corner or the Pope. It's a big job, but we're working around the clock and it will be ready in time. I can picture the altar in my head, but I can't wait to get it finished and see it being used by the Pope at Bellahouston."

The mass will take place on 16 September, the first day of the Pope's four-day state visit to Britain.

The altar, chair and lectern were designed by Ms Quail, 32, who said: "From the time I was given the brief, I only had about six weeks to design the altar, the Pope's chair and the lectern to show to the people at the Vatican. I couldn't have done it without the people at Strathclyde University's 'rapid prototyping unit'."

The team at Strathclyde University turned her designs into 3D images and allowed them to drop the Pope "in situ" behind the altar. The idea behind the design was to make the altar as uncluttered as possible as the Pope will be joined by as many as 170 people.

She said: "I was told to design a chair and that was about it. I wanted to keep it simple but also to have a Scottish and religious aspect to it as well.

The design is Celtic, incorporating a cross, within each of the four arms are three interwoven leaves representing the Holy Trinity, with the entire design having no beginning nor end."

Ms Quail added: "Normally, I would have one-dimensional sketches, but with the CAD (computer aided design], we were able to make 3D models of the chair, altar and lectern together.

"It was great to see them like that and we were even able to put a model of the Pope in there, too.

When the Vatican saw the models and all the work that had gone into it, they were really confident in what we were doing."

Yesterday, Father Andrew McKenzie, director of liturgy for the Papal Mass, thanked everybody who contributed to the design aADVERTISEMENTnd production of the items. He said: "Creating the Papal altar, lectern and chair has been a very enjoyable process, greatly helped by the generosity and technical abilities of all those involved.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to the creative, technical and production stages of the project.

"I am certain that, together, we will be able to create a fitting environment in which the Pope can celebrate mass in Glasgow."

DO'S AND DON'TS

CANDLES, musical instruments and alcohol are on a list of banned items for pilgrims attending the papal mass at Bellahouston Park next month.

The list is on the official papal visit website, which encourages worshippers to bring sunblock, flags and folding chairs for the events in Glasgow, London and Birmingham, but says alcohol, gazebos and lit candles should be left at home because they "could pose a threat".

While it did not mention the vuvuzela, so popular among fans at this summer's South African football World Cup, the noisy monotone trumpet could be considered out of bounds under the category of banned instruments and whistles.

Bulky hampers are also prohibited - the website advises that hampers and cool boxes "should not exceed 20in x 13in x 8in". People are welcome to "bring a pilgrim picnic", though they should consider bringing non-perishable foods or "make arrangements to share picnics".

Up to 100,000 are expected to attend the mass on 16 September.

The design idea behind the entire altar was to keep it as clean and simple as possible to allow as many people as possible a clear view of the Pope.

The altar, lecturn and chair are made of carrara marble. The total weight of marble used is four tonnes.

The central design is Celtic, incorporating a cross, within each of the four arms are three interwoven leaves representing the Holy Trinity, with the entire design, like the concept of God, having no beginning or end.

The papal chair is two and a half metres tall at its highest point and also has the Celtic cross design at the top of the back piece, which is made of Scottish oak.


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Glory is the Reward of Valour ~ Robertson Motto

For Faith, For Service to Humanity ~ Knights Hospitaller Motto

Am fear is tiuighe clairgeann se ‘s lugha eanchainn.
He who has the thickest skull has the smallest brain.
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